Moldova

One of the greatest blessings through the years of my efforts as a teacher is to befriend students from all over the world. One of our students at Abilene Christian University is Ana Pruteanu. She is from the Republic of Moldova. Her major is Nutrition. She is a very bright and astute individual. She is a distinct blessing to our university community.

From the United State Department of State, I have tried to learn a little bit about Moldova. Let me share a few details with you.

The Republic of Moldova is surrounded by Ukraine on the north and east, and by Romania on the west, just northwest of the Black Sea. It consists of approximately 13,000 square miles, a little larger than the state of Maryland in the USA. The capital is Chisinau. The terrain is rolling steppe, gradual slope south toward the Black Sea. The climate is moderate in the winter and warm in the summer.

Moldova became a Republic by declaration of Independence from the Soviet Union on 27 August 1991. It adopted its constitution on 28 July 1994. This is indeed a very recent "country." It has a President [Vladimir Voronin], a Prime Minister [Zinaida Greceanii], and a governmental Cabinet. It has a legislative unicameral Parliament, and a judicial Supreme Court. Moldova is divided into 32 counties or raions, 4 municipalities, and one autonomous territorial unit.

The population of Moldova is 4.1 million people, and is growing at the rate of approximately -0.3%. Its ethnic groups are Moldovan (83.7%), Ukrainian (6.6%), Russian (1.7%), Gagauz (4.5%), Bulgarian (1.7%), Romanian (1.4%), and 0.4% others. The main religions are Christian Orthodox (93.3%), Baptist (1%), Adventist, Roman Catholic, Jewish--all very small. The languages are Romanian (officially known as Moldovan), Russian, Ukrainian, and Gagauz. The education in this country is very high: 96%. The work force is 1.3 million people: Agriculture--35%; Industry--12%; and other--47%. The life expectancy of people in this country is 68.4 years.

For centuries, this country has suffered from all kinds of wars, more recently World War II. Due to the ongoing unrest in this country, there are constant problems in the government in various parts of the area. The region of Transnistria, which lies along the Ukrainian border, finds it very difficult to get along with other portions of the country.

Moldova suffers from economic difficulties of all kinds. The people are valiantly striving to regain their resources and work. But in 2007, the country experienced a severe drought which caused hundreds of millions of dollars in agriculture sectors losses and prompted concerns about food availability.

Most of us know little or nothing about Moldova. But, as Christians, we should love and be concerned about the welfare of all people. Will join me in praying for Ana and the people of Moldova? Maybe one or more of you may plan to go to this country and try to help those in need.

Let me get your ideas.

John Willis