Pray for Belgium

From pralines to truffles, thousands of shops in Belgium produce billions of chocolates per year. Hundreds of castles and great gothic structures reflect the nation’s medieval history. Although small, the Kingdom of Belgium holds significant influence on the world stage. Its capital city, Brussels, is the headquarters of the European Union’s executive branch and the European Council. Belgium also serves Europe as one of its most industrialized nations, specializing in metal manufacturing, construction, and food production. Nestled between France and the Netherlands, Belgians are divided along linguistic and political lines — Dutch-speaking Flemings in the North and French-speaking Walloons in the South. Since gaining independence from the Netherlands in 1830, Belgium has seen its share of violence, being occupied by Germany during both world wars.

Belgium’s economy suffered greatly during the global financial crises of the 2000s and 2020s. Due to the aging population, a large amount of government funds are used for social welfare programs, putting pressure on financial resources. Over the last three decades, growing waves of refugees and immigrants, especially from Afghanistan, the Palestinian territories, Eritrea, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Turkey, and Syria, have sought new beginnings in Belgium. Tensions between Belgian citizens and foreign immigrants increased in 2016 when the Islamic State coordinated bombings at a Brussels airport and a metro station. The North and South are also divided over political beliefs and each has their own political party, making it difficult to form a federal government that pleases both. Walloons have higher unemployment rates than Flemings due to the decline of coal and steel industries.

Roughly half of the population is Catholic, but only a small percentage are practicing. Overall, the majority of Belgians are cultural Christians who do not allow religion to impact their lives. Yet, international churches are growing in appeal for both nationals and immigrants, and evangelical faith has never been stronger. Many of the nation’s church movements have been led by African immigrant communities as well as people of other minority groups. These communities have been influential in growing Pentecostal and evangelical churches. If God stirs spiritual revival in the hearts of Belgians, a strategic city like Brussels could impact the world by their example of Jesus Christ’s love and grace!