also today: Netherlands Antilles

Challenges for Prayer

1 The Netherlands has two major claims to fame:

a) A glorious history as a Christian nation – its fight for religious freedom, ministry to refugees and Jews, and a record of extensive involvement in missions to other lands

b) A decadent present as a secular society

2 The historic Protestant Churches have suffered calamitous losses – from 60% of the population in 1900 to 21% in 2000

a) New life to replace traditions

b) A re-commitment to the Scriptures

c) Restoration of a prophetic message that is relevant to young people today

d) Concern for the salvation of souls in a climate where dialogue and compromise are prized more than evangelism

e) A new generation of leaders with spiritual passion for God's glory and Kingdom extension

3 The Roman Catholic Church is likewise declining in members (41% of the population in 1980, 33% in 2000)

4 There are signs of hope in the gloom!

a) There is growth in the number and vitality of many independent, charismatic and Pentecostal congregations

b) The Evangelisch Werkverband is a growing evangelical wing in SOW

c) The significant impact of the Evangelical Alliance and Evangelische Omroep in drawing together a wide spectrum of Evangelicals for fellowship, encouragement and action

5 Young people's ministry has become harder through indifference and an interest in non-Christian religious experiences

a) Parents to see the need to witness to their children, and bring them to faith in Christ

b) Schools to provide adequate Christian education

c) Churches to gain the interest of young people by addressing their felt needs

d) Street evangelism, coffee bars, camps and outreach to drug addicts

e) University students who live in a high-pressure ideological battle zone where it is hard to stand for Jesus

f) A challenge to missions and outreach that will give young people a cause for which to live and die

6 Dutch missions, long eclipsed, are gaining new workers and increased interest

7 The less-reached need prayer as do those who will cross social and cultural barriers to bless them with the Gospel of Christ

a) Nearly half the population has been alienated from exposure to the gospel

b) The highly secularized cities

c) Migrant ethnic minorities are increasing in numbers and by 2015 will comprise 17-18% of the population and speak over 140 languages

d) Muslims will soon be one-tenth of the population, but come from many cultures

e) The Chinese, many of whom are Buddhist

f) The Hindus – mainly Suriname Asians and Sri Lankan Tamil (Christar)

8 Christian media ministries:

a) The Netherlands Bible Society has an extensive ministry

b) Christian TV and radio

also today: Netherlands Antilles

Geography

click to enlarge

Area 41,785 sq.km. Northwestern Europe occupying the Rhine delta; over 30% is below sea level.

Population (2000) 15,785,699 +0.42%AGR

Capital Amsterdam (administrative capital) 2,050,000; The Hague (seat of government) 450,000.

Peoples

Indigenous 90.1%; Ex-colonial 3.1%; Other 6.8%.

Literacy 99%. Official languages Dutch (Nederlands), Frisian. English is in wide use. All languages 16.

Economy

Strong industrial, agricultural and trading economy. HDI 0.921; 8^th/174. Public debt 54% of GNP. Income/person $25,940 (82% of USA).

Politics

Protestant-led revolt against Spain established Dutch independence in 1568 and dynamized the country to become one of the world's great commercial nations.

Religion

There is freedom of religion – but also freedom for almost any lifestyle! Anti-discrimination legislation increasingly threatens Christian liberties and absolutes in the name of 'tolerance'.

Churches in Netherlands

Missionaries from Netherlands

est. 1,530 in 90 agencies of which 1,000+ serve in 120 countries.

Missionaries to Netherlands

296 in 62 agencies from 27 countries

click for legend

Internet Links