Finland

Mission work
ECM is active in Lapland, the northernmost region of Finland. At the moment, we are involved in children's and youth work, Bible translation work and literacy projects, as well as work among the elderly and immigrants. There is a special focus on the indigenous Saami people and of the nine Saami languages, Inari-Saami. This language experiences a revival at the moment and therefore deserves special attention. In the summer of 2021 a sample print was published of the four Gospels in Inari-Saami, and work is being done to produce school materials. Alongside this, there is attention for personal contacts, in which the gospel is made practical.

ECM also works in Turku. Recognizing future generations may not find God in the established church, ECM is focusing on disciple-making movements there. These are intended to inspire believers to share Jesus within their social spheres and consistently live the Kingdom ethic.

ECM longs for
In some European countries secularization is nothing new. In Finland the 'exodus' from the church started much later, around twenty years ago. However, it went very fast since then. Most Finns aren't religious anymore, but they are still spiritual. New age is extremely popular, especially in the north. ECM recognizes this spiritual longing and wants to present the Gospel as the answer for people. Many Finns look for meaning and are open for all kinds of answers, let's use that opportunity!