Sweden is one of the largest Western European countries. Though extremes in weather may often come to mind when thinking of Sweden and its Nordic neighbors, what happens to the light during its four distinct seasons is the true Swedish climate extreme. Around summer solstice, the sun does not set for a month or two up north toward the Arctic Circle and further south the few hours of darkness would more accurately be referred to as twilight. Of course, the opposite is true for the winter months. Though the snow helps with reflection and the beautiful aurora borealis occasionally decorates the winter sky, electric light is typically the only relief for the darkness.

     The people of Sweden generally want for nothing materially with a government system which ensures needs are provided for. But, social systems cannot provide eternal life and great loneliness and emptiness are evident in the way people live. It is a secularized society, with too many having lost their roots and connection to Christianity. Instead, it is more natural to try to find something spiritual in the area of the occult rather than church. Sadly, like many western European countries, Swedish women have a high abortion rate, with 2005 reports indicating every fourth pregnancy ended in abortion.

     Against this dark social landscape, TWR’s partner, Norea Radio Sweden, shines the light of the gospel through Project Hannah ministries in their own country and by partnering with TWR to reach women outside of Sweden, such as through Project Hannah in the Ukraine.

Read more about Project Hannah in Sweden: an informative Q&A with Maggan Johansson Coordinator of Project Hannah and a challenging feature about Maggan's heart to reach immigrants with the gospel.