Moldova (MNN) — In February of 2011, the World Health Organization dubbed Moldova the world's leading nation in per-person alcohol consumption.
Reports show that the average Moldovan consumes 18.22 liters of alcohol annually–three times more than the average of 6.1 liters.
Other former Soviet nations on the list of heavy alcohol consumption included Russia, Ukraine, Estonia and Belarus.
In Moldova, there is a special provision in the government budget for treatment of alcohol. But that government provision is not enough, and churches are stepping forward to help alcohol abusers as well.
Slavic Gospel Association reports that its affiliated evangelical churches are deeply grieved at the level of alcohol abuse in their communities. SGA's Eric Mock recently painted a picture for the MNN audience of just how devastating this abuse can be for families–especially children in Ukraine. And it is certainly no better in Moldova.
In response to the crisis, many SGA churches have begun Bible-based drug and alcohol rehabilitation ministries, which SGA partners help support when possible. These programs not only provide care for overcoming the addiction, but they provide the life-changing Truth of the Gospel message as well.
As these programs continue to reach the countless alcohol abusers in Moldova, pray that many would find true freedom in Christ. Only 3.7% of the eastern European nation is evangelical Christian, according to the Joshua Project. Pray that this ministry might reach the hearts of many of the 97% who have yet to truly grasp the Gospel.
To give to or learn more about SGA, visit sga.org.
