“The Netherlands, hold firmly to the confidence you had at first to the very end!”
We have come to share in CHRIST, if indeed we hold our original conviction firmly to the very end.(Hebrews 3:14,NIV)
》 Country Profile
Continent | Europe
Population | 17.4 million
Area | 41,543㎢, Located in northwestern Europe, centered around the Rhine Delta.
Capital City | Amsterdam (1.16 million people)
People Groups | Total 103 groups, Dutch 76.9%, Europeans 6.4%, Turkish 2.4%, Moroccans 2.3%, Indonesians 2.1%, Germans 2.1%, Surinamese 2%, Polish 1%, others 4.8%
Unreached People Groups | 24 (9.3% of the population)
Official Language(s) | Dutch
Total Languages | 84
Bible Translations | Completed 66, New Testament 12, Partial 5
Religion | Christianity 46.7% (Protestant 16%, Catholic 27%), Non-religious 42.6%, Muslim 7.8%, Hindu 1.7% Evangelical 4%(730,000 people)
》 About The Netherlands
The name “Netherlands” means “low lands.” About one-sixth of the country is below sea level. That land was reclaimed and put to use. In 1579, the Dutch Union declared independence from Spain. In the 17th century, the country became a strong naval and trading power. It had colonies and settlements around the world. After 20 years under French rule, the Kingdom of the Netherlands was founded in 1815. In 1830, Belgium broke away and formed its own kingdom. The Netherlands stayed neutral during World War I. But in World War II, it was invaded by Germany. After the war, it gave up neutrality. It joined Western alliances to gain strength. In 1946, it formed the Benelux Union with Belgium and Luxembourg. This was an early step toward European integration. The Netherlands was a founding member of NATO and the EEC, now the EU. It adopted the euro in 1999. Today, it is a constitutional monarchy. King Willem-Alexander is the current monarch.
The Netherlands has the 6th largest economy in the EU. It has a strong trade surplus and low unemployment. Labor relations are stable. It has great transport infrastructure. The country is a logistics hub in Europe. Main industries include food processing, chemicals, oil refining, and electric machinery. The government supports advanced industries like trade, finance, logistics, floriculture, dairy, electronics, and pharmaceuticals. As of 2017, the Netherlands handled the 10th most cargo in the world. It plays a key role in European logistics. Only 2% of the workforce is in agriculture. But the sector is highly mechanized. The country is the second-largest exporter of farm and animal products. It uses advanced technology in floriculture, dairy, and livestock to produce high-value goods.
The Netherlands’ GDP per capita is approximately $68,128.
》 Scripture Focus
| Hebrews 3:6–14(NIV) 6 But CHRIST is faithful as the Son over GOD’s house. And we are his house, if indeed we hold firmly to our confidence and the hope in which we glory. 7 So, as the HOLY SPIRIT says: “Today, if you hear his voice, 8 do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion, during the time of testing in the wilderness, 9 where your ancestors tested and tried me, though for forty years they saw what I did. 10 That is why I was angry with that generation; I said, ‘Their hearts are always going astray, and they have not known my ways.’ 11 So I declared on oath in my anger, ‘They shall never enter my rest.’” 12 See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living GOD. 13 But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. 14 We have come to share in CHRIST, if indeed we hold our original conviction firmly to the very end. |
》 Prayer Points
1. The Netherlands was Catholic under Spanish rule in the Middle Ages. During the Reformation, Protestants like the Huguenots came and started the Dutch Reformed Church, which led global missions. Today, Christianity has declined—only about 47% are Christian and 43% have no religion. Less than 16% go to church regularly, and many church buildings are closed or used for other purposes. Let us pray that the Dutch church will return to the gospel, repent, and seek God’s mercy.
2. In 1976, the Netherlands legalized certain drugs, and in 2000, it also legalized prostitution. Amsterdam became known for drugs and pleasure, attracting many tourists. Alcohol and drug-related problems often occur. The government tried to reduce crime with these laws, but now faces serious problems as repercussions to these laws. Let us pray that the Netherlands will recognize its sin and turn back to God.
3. There are about 730,000 evangelicals in the Netherlands (about 4% of the population). Independent, charismatic, and Pentecostal churches are growing. Let us pray for continued discipleship, Bible study, prayer, and gospel sharing. Over 500 pastors are part of the evangelical movement, helping with missions, church planting, and unity. Let us pray that they will stay united in God’s vision and remain faithful to the end.
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