Every week, Greater Europe Mission (GEMISSION) lifts a country in prayer. This week, we join in prayer for Latvia, with thick forests, cool beaches and a history of being bullied. Political power and cultural influence have changed hands time after time. Now fear of Russia and refugees are on Latvian minds. Prime minister Laimdota Straujuma resigned last December before her term had ended, and multiple candidates turned down the position. Last month a new leader was chosen - Maris Kucinskis. He represents the same party as the former prime minister (centre-right), but is taking a harder stance against immigration and the few hundred refugees Latvia has been charged to take by the EU. There is brokenness in Latvia. 92% of children living in orphanages have living parents, whose domestic problems cause them to give their children to institutions. Many girls graduating from orphanages become victims of human trafficking. Latvia has the world’s fourth highest suicide rate.

The Ukraine humanitarian crisis is accompanied by an increase in persecuting evangelical Christians. Hundreds of Protestant pastors have suffered abduction, torture, arson, property confiscation, death threats, physical violence, expatriation, and even murder at the hands of the pro-Russian separatists. ‘I am Alexey and I have two daughters, Evelina and Milena. We have fled from Gorlovka not because of lack of good life. We had a complete family, a job, a house. Our girls were gladsome and cheerful. My wife Anna and I tried to make their childhood unforgettable and joyful. Till now I cannot believe that when I used to come home from my job, I was welcome with the prepared meal on a table by a loving arm and a joyful noise. But today everything is lost [because of the war]. I fathom that I’m not the only one like this, but one’s own grief is closer.’ See also

Christian persecution around the world has been increasing, and Bible translators in particular are facing a fierce onslaught of spiritual warfare. One report of Bible translators facing particular persecution comes from Wycliffe Associates. ‘We are getting new reports of oppression literally every week,’ stated Bruce Smith, CEO of the organisation. ‘Spiritual warfare has become the “new normal” for many national Bible translators.’ Forms of resistance to Bible translation include suddenly falling ill, being arrested and jailed, tortured, or even murdered. One translator even died in her sleep on her first day of translation work. Last year, Wycliffe launched a project aimed at translating the Bible into 314 languages in 76 countries. The founder of World Help, commenting on the increase in Christian persecution, said, ‘At no other time in history have Christians been as persecuted as they are now’. For intercession ideas go to

7,000 people have been killed in Yemen's war, and three million have fled. 14 million are hungry, with half of those on the brink of famine. Yemenis are at risk of catastrophic hunger. Food stocks are due to run out in April under punishing import restrictions. Food imports are half the amount needed to feed the war-torn country's population. ‘Yemen is being slowly starved to death,’ said Oxfam GB. First there were restrictions on imports of much-needed food, then the cranes and warehouses in the ports were bombed, then the roads and bridges. This bombing strategy is systematic. Yemen's economy, institutions, and the ability of parties involved in the war to feed people are ‘all on the brink of collapse’. Oxfam said, ‘As one of the principal backers of this brutal war, Britain needs to end its arms sales and military support to the Saudis and help put Yemen on the road to peace.’ See