Aug 16: Liechtenstein, Luxembourg
Liechtenstein
Principality of Liechtenstein
Europe
See Prayer Information
Geography
Area: 160 sq kmMountainous enclave on the Rhine between Switzerland and Austria. One of two doubly landlocked countries.
Population: 36,190 Annual Growth: 0.84%
Capital: Vaduz
Urbanites: 14.2%
HDI Rank: 19 of 182 (UN Human Development Reports 2009)
Peoples
Peoples: 8 (13% unreached) All peoplesUnreached Peoples Prayer Card
Official language: German, but the common tongue is Alemmanic, a divergent dialect of Standard German Languages: 4 All languages
Religion
Largest Religion: Christian| Religion | Pop % | Ann Gr | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Christians | 28,648 | 79.16 | 0.1 |
| Evangelicals | 186 | 0.5 | 1.3 |
Challenge for Prayer
Liechtenstein has changed from a feudal backwater in the 1930s to a sophisticated and affluent modern state. The last remaining vestige of the Holy Roman Empire; the prince’s family has always been Catholic and the vast majority of native citizens are likewise, albeit most only nominally. Expatriates represent several Christian confessions, but non-religion and Islam are growing rapidly. Few in this country have ever been confronted with the necessity of a personal faith in Christ. Pray that, as the immigrant population increases, encounters with the gospel might likewise multiply.For an additional Challenge for Prayer see Operation World book, CD-ROM, or DVD-ROM.
More Information
The Operation World book, CD-ROM, and DVD-ROM provide far more information and fuel for prayer for the people of Liechtenstein.
Luxembourg
Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
Europe
See Prayer Information
Geography
Area: 2,586 sq kmThe smallest of the Benelux, or Low Countries.
Population: 491,772 Annual Growth: 1.17%
Capital: Luxemburg
Urbanites: 82.2%
HDI Rank: 11 of 182 (UN Human Development Reports 2009)
Peoples
Peoples: 19 (5% unreached) All peoplesUnreached Peoples Prayer Card
Official language: French, used in official communication. German dominates education and the newspapers. Lëtzebuergesch (of Franco-Mosellan origin) is the national language; English learning is compulsory in schools Languages: 6 All languages
Religion
Largest Religion: Christian| Religion | Pop % | Ann Gr | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Christians | 401,433 | 81.63 | 0.4 |
| Evangelicals | 2,554 | 0.5 | 4.6 |
Challenge for Prayer
Evangelicals are a small minority, and a high proportion of them are foreigners (although almost all congregations have at least some indigenes). In the 23 evangelical churches, worship is conducted in nine different languages, and only a minority have full-time pastors. There is still a great need for more Bible teaching, more Christ-centered churches and more workers to labour in these churches. Evangelicals face several other challenges:a) A negative bias on the part of government and society, with the stigma of “cults”. This bias makes state recognition, public perception and the renting of buildings difficult for evangelicals.
b) Unity has been a major challenge. While there are still obstacles to seeing real spiritual unity (as opposed to the papery ecumenical variety), genuine progress is being made as the different churches begin to trust one another and to pray and worship together on occasion – great Kingdom potential exists as a result. Pray that old hurts will be overcome and restored relationships achieved.
c) Outreach is limited. Door-to-door and street evangelism is frowned upon by society and the government; gentle and creative methods are much more likely to be effective. Believers are slowly learning how to reach out and are beginning to gain more experience and interest.
For an additional 4 Challenges for Prayer see Operation World book, CD-ROM, or DVD-ROM.
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