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GENERAL
GEOGRAPHY
GOVERNMENT
HISTORY IN BRIEF: Situated in a strategic corner of Europe, vulnerable to the geopolitical ambitions of their larger neighbors, Estonians have seen statehood as their only guarantee of survival as a people. Dominated since the 13th century by Danes, Germans, Poles, Swedes and Russians, Estonia was established as a modern nation-state on February 24,1918. However, under the secret protocols of the 1939 Nazi-Soviet Pact, Estonia was invaded and occupied by the Soviet Union on June 17,1940. A reign of terror ensued: thousands of Estonians were arrested and killed, while tens of thousands were deported. The entire Estonian political and social infrastructure was destroyed and replaced with Soviet institutions. On November 16, 1988, the Supreme Soviet of the Estonian SSR adopted a declaration of national sovereignty under which Estonian laws were to have precedence over the all-Union ones. This sent a signal of rebellion throughout the structures of the Soviet empire, bringing about the beginning of its eventual collapse. When it first convened on March 30, 1990, the Estonian Supreme Soviet decided to begin to restore the independence of Estonia. On September 6, 1991, the Soviet Union recognized the independence of all three Baltic States. There followed a virtual avalanche of nations recognizing or reinstating diplomatic ties with Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. In September, these three former members of the League of Nations became members of the United Nations. SPIRITUAL CLIMATE: The spiritual climate of Estonia is poised for one of the greatest moves of the Spirit of God that this nation has ever experienced. It has been said that Estonia is the doorway to Eastern Europe and that this nation would influence many for the gospel. Many of the nations denominational churches and "free churches" are praying together to seek the Lord's face for direction in Estonia. 2 Chronicles 7:14 says that, "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." During the last days of Soviet rule there was a tremendous move of the Spirit, which led to the liberation of Estonia. However, with Estonia's new-found freedom from communism, business and finance has been the focus of every area of Estonian life. The attention of the people has turned from seeking God's face to seeking the pleasures of this world; the hearts of many have grown cold to the message of freedom only found in Jesus Christ. Yes, Estonia is ready and ripe for great harvest, and great revival, but we must never forget to pray for this nation and for it's leaders to turn their hearts toward God. PUBLIC AND NATIONAL HOLIDAYS
LINKS ABOUT ESTONIA |
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| This page last updated on 02/29/08 @ 4:10PM. |