Latvian in Belgium

People Name:	Latvian
Country:	Belgium
10/40 Window:	No
Population:	1,300
World Population:	1,463,500
Primary Language:	Latvian, Standard
Primary Religion:	Christianity
Christian Adherents:	55.00 %
Evangelicals:	10.00 %
Scripture:	Complete Bible
Ministry Resources:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Baltic
Affinity Bloc:	Eurasian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

Latvians (also called Letts) have their own language and culture that sets them apart from their neighbors, the Estonians, Lithuanians and Russians. Their ancestors lived in modern Latvia 3,000 years ago. Their language, Latvian, has been a separate language since the 800s. It is part of the Baltic-Finnic sub-branch of the Uralic language family. Genetically, they are similar to the neighboring Lithuanians.

Latvian history is defined by being controlled by Germans from the West and Russians from the East. They had their independence after WWI but lost it when the USSR engulfed and forced them to become one of the Soviet Socialist Republics. They regained their independence in 1991 when the USSR dissolved.

The Latvian diaspora has representatives in 21 countries, mostly former Soviet states and countries in Western Europe and North America. Many left Latvia in the early 1900s; more left after WWII and the Soviet occupation. Some of these refugees settled in Belgium, usually in Brussels.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Latvians in Belgium are usually in their 30s-40s, well-educated and working as civil servants or experts in a given field. Most speak the local languages and are well versed in a couple of cultures. They established the European Latvian Association (ELA) as a meeting place for the small Latvian community and to preserve their language and culture.

Latvians have their own cuisine, including pork stew with carrots and potatoes. They also have their own forms of song and dance. Latvian folk costumes feature a Latvian belt and a wide sash with a woven geometric pattern.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Buddhist Wat, or temple, is the center of Lao village life. Village leadership is usually divided; the chief has authority in secular matters, while the Buddhist monk has authority in religious issues. Traditionally, young men enter village monasteries for about three months to study Buddhism. Lao Buddhists believe that right thinking, ritual sacrifices, and self-denial will enable the soul to reach nirvana (a state of eternal bliss) at death. Buddhists also believe that existence is a continuing cycle of death and rebirth, a process known as reincarnation.PRGRPHCommonly, the Lao combine Buddhism with faith in non-living objects called Satsana Phi. They seek help through various supernatural beings and objects. They are especially interested in the actions of territorial spirits. They live in fear of these gods and constantly strive to appease them with religious chants, rituals and sacrifices. Buddhism allows for these beliefs. Yet it shows that Buddhism has no power to protect people from wicked spirits.

What Are Their Needs?

Their greatest need is to place their faith in Jesus Christ, alone.

The Lao people are poor. They need to improve their economy. This often means improving their work habits.

Prayer Points

Pray for Latvians to draw closer to the Lord, seek his face, and obey his ways.
Pray for a Christ-centered revival in all Latvian church traditions.
Pray that soon, Latvian disciples will make more disciples wherever they live.