Belgium Factbook
Belgium has been a
spiritually dark land for centuries. The
people show little interest
in spiritual things, and the dominant Roman Catholic Church is losing its
grip. Despite these circumstances,
opportunities for ministry exist, and more missionaries have come
to Belgium
to preach the gospel.
Belgium is located in
Western Europe along the North Sea. It borders on The Netherlands, Germany, Luxembourg,
and France. Approximately 10 million people live in Belgium. The two primary ethnic groups are the Flemish
(over
50% of the population) and the Walloons (over 30%). The Flemish are culturally
Germanic, and the Walloons are culturally French. This difference of cultures creates an
underlying tension in the country.
The economy of Belgium is well developed and
relatively wealthy although recent
downturns in the overall European economy has affected the country. Brussels
is a major trading center and the headquarters of the European Union. Belgium has been ruled by a
constitutional monarchy for nearly 200 years.
The land was invaded and occupied during both World Wars I and II. The government provides freedom of religion.
Belgium is culturally
Roman Catholic. Four centuries ago, the
land was blessed with
reformed churches. However, hundreds of
these churches were burned during the Spanish Inquisition. Belgium has never recovered
spiritually.
The Roman Catholic Church is slowly
waning in both attendance and influence. Although most are baptized Catholic, few have
any real association with the church.
Most of those who leave the church are denying all
religion. The total number of
Protestants has remained largely unchanged for many years. Only 1% of the people are classified as
evangelical,
but their numbers have been slowly increasing.
Belgium presents many
opportunities to preach the gospel. The
number of evangelical
missionaries has grown steadily in recent years. Pray for the missionaries as
they work in this difficult field. The
people are very hardened against the gospel, and the cost of
living in Belgium
is quite high.
There is a severe shortage of native
Belgians pastors. Pray that more men would be called to the ministry. Pray for the believers and their churches
that
they may remain steadfast in their faith and continue reaching out to
the
people. Pray that the Lord might begin
to move among the Belgium
people
and draw large numbers to Himself.
Copyright 2006 by Brad Garrison
Return