Window on the World is a kid’s prayer resource for the nations. Recently revised (2018), it’s an up-to-date resource for gaining a basic understand of the religions of the world, as well as a guide to understanding who and where the unreached people of the world are.
This book is an excellent additional resource for the God is Ruler section of the Passport experience as it highlights unreached/little reached people, or places with strategic gospel impact. Eight countries in Europe are addressed in this book – two in Western Europe and six in Eastern Europe. Use as many or as few as your schedule allows.
{Note: Countries or people groups are listed in alphabetical order; for locations of these countries, see World Map on pp. 6-7}
OBJECTIVE: To raise awareness of unreached or little reached nations of the world and lead students to pray for the salvation and needs of these nations.
How to use this guide: Before class, read the information covering one country. Determine and make note of the information you would like to emphasize. After introducing and discussing the chosen nation or people group, end with prayer either using the Prayer Points in the book or go to the provided Prayercast link if desired.
In addition, you may choose to use individual student maps or a classroom map to identify, mark and track these unreached nations.
WESTERN EUROPEAN COUNTRIES:
ICELAND, Land of Fire and Ice – named for it’s many active volcanoes, huge glaciers, and ice fields
- Notable: Because Iceland is so close to the Arctic Circle – summer brings full days of sun and winter bring full days of darkness and night
- Prayer Points: Page 67; Iceland has a 1000 year history of Christianity, however, pray for deepening, vibrant roots of the gospel to take hold. www.prayercast.com/iceland.html
SPAIN, Poised for Influence
- Notable: Migrants, including Muslims, Catholics, and other types of Christians have traveled to Spain from Latin America, Eastern Europe and Northern Africa, bringing their diverse cultures and religions with them.
- Prayer Points: See page 149. Also, www.prayercast.com/spain.html
EASTERN EUROPEAN COUNTRIES:
ALBANIA, Land of the Eagle – so named because 2/3 of the country is mountainous and hard to travel by land
- Notable: Mother Teresa, an Albanian Roman Catholic nun and missionary, became known world-wide for her ministry work in India
- Prayer Points: Found on page 11 or go to www.prayercast.com/albania.html
BULGARIA, Life-Giving Water – Located on the coast of the Black Sea, but thirsty for the Living Water
- Notable: Although this country has a long history with Christianity, it has seen an upsurge in people coming to the Living Water since coming out from under the clutches of communism
- Prayer Points: Found on page 29 or go to www.prayercast.com/bulgaria.html
GREECE, Land of the Nations
- Notable: “Moving Out, Moving In” section – It’s interesting to note that the population of Greece is in a huge transition. Greek citizens are moving out of the country due to economic difficulties. In contrast, due to its location and accessibility, Greece has seen a massive of influx of refugees from Eastern Europe, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and especially from Syria and Afghanistan. It has become a strategic nation with deep need.
- Prayer Points: So important! – Page 55; or go to www.prayercast.com/greece.html
RUSSIA, The Largest Country in the World
- Notable: Russia boasts over 1000 years of Christianity in the form of the Russian Orthodox Church, yet generations of dictatorial leadership restricted the church, making it illegal to attend under the Communist regime. Although today Russia claims a democratic government, the people hold little power, and the government still strongly influences the freedom of the church.
- Prayer Points: Page 135 or www.prayercast.com/russia.html
TURKEY, One Country, Two Continents
- Notable: Istanbul, Turkey’s largest city, is the only city in the world in two different continents! As a result, Turkey is considered a bridge nation, a land between two worlds, connecting Europe to Asia and the Middle East. Because of its strategic location, at one point, Turkey had more refugees than any other nation in the world.
- Prayer Points: “To be Turk, is to be Muslim.” See page 169 for prayer points. Or visit: www.prayercast.com/turkey.html
UKRAINE, The Breadbasket of Europe
- Notable: Although it is known as the breadbasket of Europe because of its rich farmland, Ukraine is one of the poorest countries in Europe. Ukraine also enjoys religious freedom. Might the Lord use this country to share the Bread of Life with surrounding countries that do not enjoy the same spiritual freedom?
- Prayer Points: Page 171; www.prayercast.com/Ukraine.html