Lithuanian in United Kingdom
Photo Source:
Milda Pupsyte
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| People Name: | Lithuanian |
| Country: | United Kingdom |
| 10/40 Window: | No |
| Population: | 167,000 |
| World Population: | 2,756,100 |
| Primary Language: | Lithuanian |
| Primary Religion: | Christianity |
| Christian Adherents: | 85.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 1.10 % |
| Scripture: | Complete Bible |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | Baltic |
| Affinity Bloc: | Eurasian Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
The ancestors of the Lithuanians came from Asia between 5,000 and 10,000 years ago. Lithuania was united with Poland between the 1600s-1700s. In the late 1700s Russia took over this small country. Germany occupied Lithuania during both WWI and WWII. Russia made it part of the USSR after the war, and it remained a "Soviet Socialist Republic" until the USSR dissolved in 1991.
They have their own language by the same name, Lithuanian. It is neither Germanic nor Slavic.
Though the bulk of the Lithuanian population is in Lithuania, some live in other countries. There is a large Lithuanian diaspora in the UK, especially in London and Peterborough. A small number of Lithuanians were in the UK as early as the 1880s, but most came to the UK after Lithuania joined the European Union in 2004.
What Are Their Lives Like?
Lithuanians came to Great Britain with hopes of making a good living. It has been rough for many of them. Some were victims of human trafficking; these unfortunate ones had to work 17 hour days. Others have managed to get a good education followed by a high paying job.
Lithuanians have many dishes with sour cream. One of their favorites is saltibarsciai, a cold soup with sour cream and buttermilk as its base. Saltibarsciai includes sliced cucumber, green onions and hard boiled eggs. They also like mildly spiced roasted meats.
In their spare time, Lithuanians enjoy basketball. At least one Lithuanian is an Olympic athlete. Lithuanians in the UK have their own cultural centers, schools, folk music groups and even basketball teams.
What Are Their Beliefs?
They are mainly cultural Roman Catholics. Many are secular, partly because of their communist past.
What Are Their Needs?
Like people everywhere, the Lithuanians need to put Jesus Christ central in their lives so they can enjoy his perfect guidance and mercy.
Prayer Points
Pray that God will show the best ways to evangelize the Lithuanians.
Pray that when Lithuanians face troubles, they will turn to Jesus Christ for answers.
Pray for spiritual hunger and a desire for truth among the Lithuanians in the UK.
Pray for Lithuanian disciples to make more disciples, especially among family leaders.