History
The country known today as Luxembourg was first ruled by Count Conrad, who
began the house of Luxembourg in the 14th century. Spain and Austria alternately
controlled Luxembourg until 1815, when, after the Napoleonic Wars, it became
a grand duchy and was placed under the rule of King William I of The Netherlands.
Luxembourg was part of Belgium for several years, then fell under the control
of Prussia. After being overrun by German armies in both World Wars, it
later became a sovereign nation and an original member of the United Nations,
strengthening its position in international affairs. Luxembourg has also
joined the European Union and adopted the euro as its official currency.
Church
History
The Pentecostal message first came to Luxembourg in the 1970s through a
German pastor from Trier, Germany. He established a coffeehouse ministry
in Luxembourg City, the capital. With the help of volunteers, he established
a church of about 50 believers. However, that work in Luxembourg gradually
declined until David and Phyllis Porter, the first Assemblies of God missionaries
to Luxembourg, arrived. They joined with British Assemblies of God missionaries
John and Anne Leese in opening La Rencontre (The Encounter), a Christian
coffeehouse in the capital.
The
Movement Today
Nearly 97 percent of Luxembourg’s population claim to be Roman Catholic.
A small number of Protestants and Jews make up the rest of the population.
Regular church services, coffeehouse ministries, Teen Challenge, crusades,
weekly evangelism efforts and modern media ministries comprise the work
of Pentecostal believers in Luxembourg today. Much of the Pentecostal church
in Luxembourg is made up of expatriates living in the country. There are
few nationals among the Pentecostals because the general population is largely
suspicious of non-Catholic believers. Much work needs to be done as the
people are economically wealthy but spiritually destitute.
The Assemblies of God in Luxembourg report the following statistics: two
national ministers and two churches with 198 members and adherents.
Additional
Facts About Luxembourg
Capital:
Luxembourg City
Area:
998 square miles
Population:
454,157
Government: Constitutional monarchy
Languages: Luxembourgian, German, French, and English
Ethnic Groups: Celtic descendants (with French and German
blend), Portuguese, Italian and other European expatriates
Agriculture:
Grains, potatoes and wine grapes
Industry: Steel, chemicals, food processing, tires, banking, engineering
and metal products |
