Luxembourger in Luxembourg

Introduction / History

Luxembourg is a small, landlocked country in Western Europe between France, Germany and Belgium. The smallest US state, Rhode Island, is 50% larger than Luxembourg. Half of Luxembourg's population are native Luxembourgers. Portuguese make up about one fifth of the population. French, Belgians, Germans and immigrants from the former country of Yugoslavia are also part of the people who make Luxembourg their home.
In the 17th century Luxembourg was four times its present size. The three partitions of Luxembourg left the nation at its current small size. At various times in its recent history Luxembourg was controlled by France or the Hapsburg Holy Roman Empire. One third of the buildings in Luxembourg were destroyed in WWII.
Luxembourg is the only Grand Duchy left in the world with a Grand Duke as the head of state. Political power lies with the unicameral legislature and the prime minister and his or her cabinet.
Since Luxembourg is a hub for banking, telecommunications and international cargo transportation, Luxembourgers often work in these industries in other European countries. Luxembourgers have migrated to Spain, France, Germany and Belgium frequently as business managers.
The national language of Luxembourg is Luxembourgish, a dialect of German. French and German are also official administrative languages. Educated Luxembourgers are often able to speak in four or more languages including English.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Luxembourgers enjoy the highest per capita earnings in the world according to the International Money Fund in 2022. The country has a highly developed market economy. Banking, finance, chemicals, telecommunications, steel production, and tourism are the major contributors to the economy. A number of large multinational corporations have their European headquarters in Luxembourg due to it relatively low taxes. The European Union has one of its four headquarters in Luxembourg.
Luxembourgers tend to have families of one to three children. Young people tend to marry in their mid to late twenties. Parents encourage their children to obtain college educations and graduate degrees.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The large majority of Luxembourgers are Roman Catholic by tradition. Young people often do not know what they believe, and many doubt the existence of God. Eastern religions and New Age beliefs are popular among Luxembourgers. Luxembourgers are often baptized as infants, married and buried in the Catholic Church. Few young people and only some older people attend weekly Roman Catholic mass. Evangelicals make up only a tiny percentage of the Luxembourg population.

What Are Their Needs?

Most Luxembourgers seek their fulfillment in material possessions, pleasure, sports, family, and entertainment. As Christian values erode, the suicide rate, drug use, and negative social pressures increase. Luxembourgers need to see Christ's love lived out by his loving, Spirit-filled disciples. They must see what it means to be a genuine disciple of Christ.

Prayer Points

Pray that Luxembourgish interest in spiritual things will be driven by a desire for truth.
Pray the Christians living in Luxembourg will be able to share Jesus with grace and love.
Pray for a spiritual hunger for the Luxembourgers and for them to read their Bibles.
Pray that Luxembourgers will hear the gospel and respond positively to Christ's call to follow him.
Pray for a spiritual revival among the Roman Catholic priests serving in Luxembourg.

Text Source:   Joshua Project