German in Belarus

Introduction / History

Ethnic Germans have a long history dating back to tribes who fought against the Roman Empire 2000 years ago. Among others their ancestors included the Saxons, the Franks, the Goths, and the Alemanni. 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. In all, Germans live in 78 countries. Most of them are in Europe, including a small number in Belarus.

German merchants first settled in Belarus in the 1000s to trade with the local people. Others settled there under the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth. Most were moved out during the world wars, but other Germans came to Belarus after she gained her independence in 1991.

What Are Their Lives Like?

On a personal basis, Germans in Belarus generally 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.

Germans have a strong work ethic, but they also value free time for hobbies and vacations. Quality time is also family time for most. Germans enjoy soccer and skiing; you will often see their teams winning in international events. Every year the Octoberfest is a grand event filled with German foods and beer.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Germany was the hotbed of the Protestant Reformation in the 1500s, and there is a high percentage of German Protestants today. They also have a high percentage of Roman Catholics. About a third regard themselves as non-religious.

What Are Their Needs?

Germans in Belarus 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.

Prayer Points

Pray for spiritual hunger among Germans in Belarus.
Pray for God to use Germans all over the world to draw people to the light of the Scriptures.
Pray that soon Germans in Belarus will be discipling others.
Pray for the Lord to show himself powerful and loving to the Germans.

Text Source:   Joshua Project