Georgia
The small Republic of Georgia has a historical precedent of fighting one battle after another against oppression. Political oppression has come in many forms over the years; the most recent was under the Soviet Union. Years of communist control have left the country with a tumult of economic and political instability, a multitude of social problems, and discrimination that is both ethnic and religious. The recovery process from these societal ills has been gradual.
During their years under communist rule, religion was taken over entirely by the Orthodox Church as a part of the Russification attempt. The Georgian Orthodox Church became a communist controlled church with sole rights of religious practice in Georgia. Throughout this time, many Christians were imprisoned or martyred. Since the overthrow of the communist government, the new government of Georgia has claimed religious freedom for the people. Unfortunately, what is done in principle is not always followed through in practice.
The Orthodox Church and even local authorities on occasion have now become the perpetrator of religious oppression. After their years of uncontested dominance in the country, the Orthodox Church still maintains considerable power. They continue to work to restrict the growth of religious minorities in the country, including Baptists. Baptists have become the victims of brutal attacks, church and Bible burnings, and many threats of violence.
It is not easy to stand for what you believe in Georgia, but miraculously many Christians are. Many Baptist churches and missionaries, despite heavy persecution, maintain their ministries. They continue in obedience to the call God has placed on them in spite of the oppression they experience. They continue to minister to the population of Georgia physically and spiritually, proving that since Christ has set them free, they are free indeed.
If you would like to help spread this freedom found only in Jesus Christ among the Georgian people by adopting this people group, contact us at hope4cee@pobox.com.