Ethnic Germans have a long history dating back to tribes who fought against the Roman Empire 2000 years ago. Their ancestors included the Saxons, the Franks, the Goths, and the Alemannis among others. Germanic tribes settled in what was the western half of the Roman Empire after it began to dissolve in the 400s. Over time, the Franks became the dominant tribe, and Frankish King Charlemagne established the Holy Roman Empire in 800. What is now Austria was part of the Holy Roman Empire. The Holy Roman Empire collapsed in the 1800s. This made way for the multiethnic Kingdom of Prussia, which incorporated ethnic Germans into the German Empire in 1871. A large number of Germans lived in Austria-Hungary. During this time, Germans emigrated to many places in the world, especially Brazil, the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. A small number live in Estonia.
The number of Germans in Estonia was high during WWII, but most left after the Soviet Union claimed that formerly Nazi-held country.
Some Germans have a cultural affinity for Estonia. The hard feelings from over 80 years ago are largely gone. They usually come for business opportunities, though they could earn more in Germany. They prefer the slower pace of life. Though there are language differences, the pronunciations are similar.
Germans enjoy soccer and skiing; you will often see ethnic Germans winning in international events. They enjoy beer, and every year, the Octoberfest is a grand event in any country with a significant German-speaking population.
Germans have a strong work ethic, but they also value free time for hobbies and vacations. Quality time is also family time for most.
On a personal basis, they do not like small talk, so there is often dead time in conversations. This is true on a social level and in the workplace. They value punctuality and following rules, even those that others find trivial.
Germany was the hotbed of the Protestant Reformation, and there is a high percentage of ethnic German Protestants today. They also have a high percentage of Roman Catholics. About a third regard themselves as non-religious.
Germans in Estonia are emotionally self-sufficient, and they often see no need for God. There is every kind of gospel material in the German language, but they don’t see their need for it.
Pray for spiritual hunger among Germans in Estonia that will drive them to embrace Christ with all their hearts.
Pray that soon Germans in Estonia will be discipling others.
Pray for the Lord to show himself powerful and loving to the Germans.
Scripture Prayers for the German in Estonia.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Germans
https://news.err.ee/1609517443/deportation-of-germans-from-estonia-who-where-from-and-on-what-grounds
https://studyinestonia.ee/blog/germans-estonia-whats-it
| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
