Challenges for Prayer

1 Dreams of instant wealth from capitalism have proved elusive and hollow

2 The Catholic Church was long the custodian of Polish culture and nationalism in the face of Russian imperialism and Soviet Communism

a) The Catholic Church's popularity drops with every flex of its political muscles

b) Pray that Poland's religious leaders may know a life of holiness and a close walk with God

c) The most important pilgrimage destination for Polish Catholics is the Black Madonna in Cyestochowa

3 Evangelical Christians have long been a very small minority, but much has developed in recent years

a) Evangelism and church planting have increased

b) Evangelical unity has been limited

c) The multiplication of foreign sects and religions has brought confusion

4 Bible training for church leaders, a much needed ministry, is developing fast

Geography

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Area 312,683 sq.km. Central European plain with Baltic coastline.

Population (2000) 38,765,085 +0.08%AGR

Capital Warsaw 2,350,000.

Peoples

Slavic 99.1%; Other 0.9%.

Literacy 99%. Official language Polish. All languages 10. Languages with Scriptures 4Bi 1NT 3por 2w.i.p.

Economy

Before 1940 Poland's economy was agricultural. Unemployment 15%. HDI 0.802; 44^th/174. Public debt 24% of GNP. Income/person $3,590 (11.4% of USA).

Politics

Poland became a nation in the 11^th Century and united with Lithuania in 1569.

Religion

All religions have equal rights before the law, but the Roman Catholic Church exercises its traditional pride of place in Polish society.

Churches in Poland

Missionaries from Poland

117 in 11 agencies to 7 countries

Missionaries to Poland

151 in 42 agencies from 14 countries

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