I read the list from Forbes and noticed that there were a lot of Russian’s on it. So I copied the list into excel and found that most (36) of the top 100 billionaires came from the United States (not surprising) but that 12 of 100 (2nd most) came from Russia.
Russia is not a poor country. Russia is incredibly wealthy in terms of natural resources, similar to Canada. But there is one glaring difference. In Canada, wealth is spread throughout the country (only 1 Canadian is in the richest 100). In Russia there are 12. Even taking into account population figures, 34 million in Canada to 140 million in Russia, about 4 Russians for 1 Canadian – the figure is startling. It is not a “fair” ballgame for Russians. Where did those Russian’s make their money – always in natural resources, either metals or fossil fuels.
What does it matter? What can I do? Pray. Pray that wealthy, important figures would meet Jesus. It has happened before that when unsavoury greedy people meet Jesus it transforms how they live and give (insert your favourite followers of Jesus, like Matthew the evangelist or Zacchaeus the wee little man). Pray that Russia would understand the gospel, brand new life without earning, without penance. Pray that peoples basic needs would be met, simple but adequate housing and warmth, hygiene (you take for granted your toilet, I know it because I do too), opportunities for work and pleasure. Not only lifestyle needs but inner needs too, mutually loving and beneficial relationships and joy-filled homes of peace. And if you’re like me, pray now because you’ll forget to later.
*One more side note, Ukraine also has 1 of the top 100 wealthiest men. The list below by country.
36 United States
12 Russia
7 Germany
4 Brazil
4 France
4 Hong Kong
4 India
4 Mexico
3 Chile
3 Sweden
2 Colombia
2 Italy
2 Malaysia
2 Saudi Arabia
1 Australia
1 Canada
1 China
1 Cyprus
1 Ireland
1 Japan
1 Nigeria
1 Spain
1 Switzerland
1 Ukraine
1 United Kingdom
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