History
Once called the Roman province of Helvetia, it was renamed Switzerland later
and quickly established a reputation for being a peace-loving country. In
the early 1500s, the Swiss people agreed to never again become involved
in foreign conflicts. Switzerland has strictly observed this policy ever
since. As a result, the Swiss people have enjoyed a history of peace and
quiet. Nearly half the country is covered by the Alps and Jura mountains.
Most Swiss citizens live on a plateau in a valley between the two mountain
ranges. The people are industrious and known for their good craftsmanship
and secure banking practices. The Government consists of a Federal Council
of six elected officials that runs the government, and a president who serves
in a largely ceremonial role as head of state. The president is elected
for a one-year term only.
Church
History
Switzerland has total religious freedom. Nearly half the population is Roman
Catholic while the other half is Protestant. The Pentecostal movement in
Switzerland gained momentum prior to 1900 with the Holiness Movement, but
many believers see the Welsh Revival as the true origin of Swiss Pentecostalism.
German and French-speaking evangelists ministered early in the 20th century,
and Smith Wigglesworth also had an effective ministry among the Swiss in
the 1920s. Several other Pentecostal movements were formed throughout the
20th century: The “Eglise Evangelique de Reveil,” the “Swiss
Pentecostal Mission,” “Freie Christengemeinden,” and “Gemeinde
fur Urchristentum.”
The
Movement Today
Switzerland was the site of two triennial meetings known as Pentecostal
World Conferences, where Pentecostals from around the world gather to pray
and worship in spiritual unity. The Pentecostal Churches of Switzerland
places great emphasis on foreign missions. They report the following statistics
about the fellowship there: 120 Churches and outstations, 11,500 members
and adherents, 100 ministers, and one Bible school educating 25 students.
Additional
Facts About Switzerland
Capital:
Bern
Area:
15,940 square miles
Population:
7,445,000
Government: Federal Republic
Languages: German, French, Italian, Rumantsch
Currency: Franc
Agriculture:
Dairy products, fruits, potatoes, sugar beets and wheat
Industry: Chemicals, drugs, electrical equipment, machine tools, watches, precision
instruments, textiles and wine |
