The country of Moldova, surrounded by Romania and Ukraine, was a former republic of the USSR and is one of Europe's poorest countries. The country is governed by a democratic constitution that guarantees religious freedom and, generally speaking, this seems to have been respected. However, the law contains restrictions that have limited the freedom of some groups. Registration is required by law and has not always been easily available to smaller religious organizations.

The compulsory registration has also been used for personal gain in some instances. In September 2003, two Methodist congregations were repeatedly refused registration, in part for refusing to pay a bribe to authorities. Other religious organizations admitted to paying bribes to the commissioner of religion and received their registrations. Those who refuse registration on principle, such as the International Council of Churches of Evangelical Christians/Baptists, have faced raids, including closing two street libraries in early 2003 and confiscation of the books.

In 2002, changes were made to the criminal code, causing concerns for Christians who remember the tactics used in the former USSR. Article 186 of the Criminal Code, adopted in April 2002, restricts religious practices that can be classified as harmful to one's health or which "instigate citizens to refuse to participate in public life or the fulfillment of citizens' obligations." Those found guilty can face a fine or up to 5 years in prison. The classification of some religious practices as harmful to health was used in the former Soviet Union as an excuse for religious oppression.

• Pray for protection and freedom to worship those Christians who have had difficulties registering with the government or who oppose registration, remembering the abuses they have faced in the past.
• Pray that the church would be able to help provide for the practical needs of the people in this impoverished country.  
• Pray that new laws will not cause restrictions on freedom for the people of Moldova.