The only remaining Grand Duchy in the world is fascinating! Luxembourg is a tradition-honoring nation, smaller than Rhode Island. At one time, Luxembourg carried a predominantly Catholic identity. While a majority of Luxembourgers once identified as Catholic, over the last 10 years the number of those who self-identify as that have dropped dramatically from 96% to 41%. For most of these, their claim is in reality a thin veneer of religiosity—a unique form of Catholicism marked by a cult of Mary. A significant part of the nation’s history is its long-standing resistance to the Reformation; for centuries, the State vowed it would never cross its borders. There was deep animosity toward protestantism, which was considered a threat to the national identity. Today, however, the State perceives a different kind of threat - with all religion seen as conflicting with the country's rapidly developing secular identity. Over the last decade, secularism has permeated society, catalyzing a swift shift toward liberal morality and a marked rise in agnosticism (52% now identify as “nonreligious”). Luxembourgers are often resistant to surrendering to the true King, Jesus. Only 0.26% of Luxembourgish people identify as evangelical; and, among the handful of churches scattered across the nation, only one has a service in the native language. These churches reach non-indigenous people and expats, or cater to language groups (Portuguese or Italians), but markedly lack Luxembourgers. In spite of these challenges, God is at work! There is a burgeoning interest in spiritual matters, notably among the next generation. Some pastors are recognizing the need to partner in reaching the local population and are gathering for monthly prayer meetings and planning to establish ministry in the native language. AGWM has one new couple called to Luxembourg who arrived in February (the first AGWM workers in 15 years after visa denials closed the doors for previous workers).

We pray that God would encourage, unify, and embolden believers in this nation. We also pray that our new AGWM workers experience grace and favor as they pioneer in this season ready for harvest, and for God to call others to serve on their team and to plant churches in cities without any

Gospel access. Spend a few moments walking the streets of the capital city, and you’ll quickly discover its global nature—where in the capital 69.48% of residents are foreigners. While Luxembourgers are educated in Luxembourgish, French, German, and English, their heart language is often eclipsed in day- to-day life. Approximately 98% speak French, 80% speak English, and 78% speak German, whereas only 77% speak Luxembourgish. When asked about their culture, Luxembourgers often describe it in terms of what they are not — “not Belgian… not French… not German…” —rather than defining their own distinct identity. With few widely recognized national characteristics beyond speaking Luxembourgish, collecting Péckvillchen (ceramic whistles shaped like a bird), and enjoying Judd mat Gaardebounen (a national pork and bean dish), it is no wonder an underlying concern persists that their cultural identity may fade. Luxembourg’s national motto is: “Mir wëlle bleiwe wat mir sinn,” or “We want to stay what we are.” For centuries, that ideal seemed attainable, but low birth rates and a vital need for workers have opened the Grand Duchy to a significant influx of immigrants. Today, nearly half of the country’s roughly 670,000 residents are of foreign origin. The population continues to grow by approximately 10,000 people each year, with the majority of this increase driven by international migration.