Alsatian in France
Photo Source:
Laetitia Anstett
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| People Name: | Alsatian |
| Country: | France |
| 10/40 Window: | No |
| Population: | 1,609,000 |
| World Population: | 1,609,000 |
| Primary Language: | German, Swiss |
| Primary Religion: | Christianity |
| Christian Adherents: | 65.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 0.60 % |
| Scripture: | New Testament |
| Online Audio NT: | No |
| Jesus Film: | No |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | Germanic |
| Affinity Bloc: | Eurasian Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
The Alsatians are an ethnic group who live near the French border with Germany and Switzerland. It has been disputed between France and Germany for 300 years. After Germany defeated France in the Franco-Prussian War in 1871, Alsatia became part of Germany. It was permanently returned to France at the end of WWII.
Alsatian culture blends aspects of the German and French cultures. Their language, Alsatian, is Germanic, and it is being taught in some schools in Alsatia. Not every Alsatian speaks it. After WWII the Alsatians spoke French, but today they are more likely to speak German Swiss.
What Are Their Lives Like?
Alsatian cuisine is very heavy with the use of potatoes, cheese and cream. They have a regional dish called choucroute, a form of sauerkraut. They eat lots of pork, but some Alsatians are vegetarians. For dessert they have almond cookies, cinnamon stars and vanilla cookies with jam at the center.
What Are Their Beliefs?
Alsatians can be Roman Catholic, but they are much likely to be Protestant. Church to them is a place to get married or buried, but it has little effect on their worldview. Most view the world through secular lenses.
What Are Their Needs?
The Alsatians need to find their way to the cross and the empty grave. Jesus needs to be in the center of their churches and their spiritual lives.
Prayer Points
Pray for a Holy Spirit sent revival that will draw hundreds of Alsatians to the Lord of lords.
Pray for Alsatians who love Christ to disciple others in his ways.
Pray that the Alsatian New Testament will be available and well-read throughout this region.
Pray for the Old Testament to be translated into Alsatian.