Moldova is a Fortochka

“Moldova is a fortochka,” Alexey* told me in Russian. I listened intently as he shared how God had been at work in and through his country in some amazing ways over the past few years.

The word “fortochka” is best translated as “little window” in English, but understanding the context is important. This “little window” is a common feature in many Eastern European dwellings. It’s a small ventilation window, usually in the upper corner of a larger window, that can open to let in a small amount of air. This is useful, especially in the winter months when one wants to freshen a room but not cool it too much. 

As Alexey and his wife described the opportunities they had seen over the past few years, the metaphor made more sense. Moldova is a small country but is like a little window of opportunity for ministry during these troubled times in the region.

My visit to Moldova earlier this year was short, but the Lord blessed it to be very meaningful and productive. I was making the trip intentionally as part of a pastoral sabbatical granted to me by my church, Faith Baptist Fellowship, in Sioux Falls. Having spent time on the mission field in Russia years ago, the people groups of the former Soviet Union have always been dear to my heart. When I was granted a few weeks of sabbatical this year, I looked for where the Lord might open a door to visit. After making some connections on the ground, he opened the door for me to visit Moldova in August.

Moldova is indeed small in comparison to its neighbors, Romania and Ukraine. About the size of the state of Maryland, its current population is just over 2.4 million and shrinking. In the last 20 years, a quarter of Moldovans have taken advantage of a law that allows them to receive a Romanian passport and, by default, citizenship in the European Union. It has also struggled economically. For many years, it held the title of the poorest country in Europe until Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. Now, it ranks second. As a result, many Moldovans have sought greener pastures abroad. It is estimated that over one million Moldovans live outside of Moldova now.

It's also a country that must navigate difficult cultural challenges. Although much of the population identifies as Moldovan and speaks Romanian as their first language, a significant percentage of the country identifies as Russian, leading at times to tensions between those who are pro-Russian and pro-Western.

With these and many other challenges the country faces, one wouldn’t be faulted for asking, “How is Moldova a window of opportunity?” It’s here that we’re reminded that God often works through humble and unassuming circumstances to accomplish his purposes. In fact, 1 Corinthians 1:27b tells us, “God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong.” How, then, is God at work in and through this “little window?” Here are four ways I was able to witness this firsthand.

God is Using Moldovan Churches to Reach Moldova

Despite the challenges they face, the evangelical churches in Moldova are continuing to thrive, raise up leaders, and reach their communities for Christ. They are crossing cultural and linguistic lines and displaying the power of the gospel to reconcile people to God and one another in Christ. Although a lot of work and opportunities for ongoing missions and partnerships remain, many vibrant, healthy churches exist and are passionate about seeing the gospel spread throughout their country.

God is Using Moldovan Churches to Reach Ukraine

During my trip, I also made a short visit to Ukraine. As we crossed the border, my driver said to me, “When the war began, this border crossing was flooded with refugees fleeing the bombing. It was freezing and snowing. Most of them had nothing.” 

A conservative estimate of Ukrainian refugees who have fled to Moldova is around 100,000. In a country of 2.4 million, the refugee population has a significant impact on resources. But during this challenging time, churches in Moldova have stepped up, caring for these displaced people, meeting their physical needs, showing them the love of Christ, and sharing with them the hope of eternal life in him.

God is Using Moldovan Churches to Reach Central Asia

Most of the countries in Central Asia are closed or highly restricted when it comes to mission work. For U.S. and E.U. citizens, a visa is required and can be difficult to obtain. But because of their shared histories as former Soviet republics, citizens of these countries and Moldovans can travel to and from Central Asia with relative ease. The Moldovan church has taken advantage of this opportunity by helping train Central Asian pastors and church workers to equip Christians in these countries.

God is Using Moldovan Churches to Reach Russia

Though the door has been largely closed to Western Christians seeking to continue gospel ministry in Russia, a “little window” remains open for now. Moldovans in most cases can freely travel to Russia, and many Russian-speaking Moldovan congregations continue to support various ministries and churches there. Despite the war, Moldovan churches continue to be burdened for the people of Russia and desire to see the gospel spread there.

Conclusion

For us, it’s easy to turn on the news and become discouraged as the war in Ukraine drags on. The rhetoric between Russia and the West is especially disheartening at times for those of us who spent years building friendships there and deeply love and care for fellow believers in the country. But we can take great comfort in the knowledge that God is still at work. As John 3:8 says, “The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” In this time of great upheaval, the winds of God’s Spirit continue to blow, and he’s opened a “little window” called Moldova to let in some fresh air.

*This name has been changed for security purposes.