“Austria, set your hope fully on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at His coming!”
“Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at His coming.” (1 Peter 1:13,NIV)
》 Country Profile
Continent | Europe
Population | 8.91 million
Area | 83,871㎢, A landlocked country in Central Europe, dominated by the Alps in the south and west.
Capital City | Vienna (1.96 million)
People Groups | Total 46 Groups, Austrian 80.8%, German 2.6%, Bosnian 1.9%, Turkish 1.8%, Serbian 1.6%, Romani 1.3%, others 10%
Unreached People Groups | 8 (4% of the population)
Official Language(s) | German
Total Languages | 42
Bible Translations | Completed 34, New Testament 4, Partial 1
Religion | Christianity 67.7% (Protestant 3%, Catholic 50%), Non-religious 27.3%, Muslim 4.3%, Evangelical 0.6%(50,000 people)
》 About Austria
Austria was under the rule of the ancient Roman Empire, during which Christianity spread rapidly. In the 9th century, the Habsburg family rose to power and played an important role in Europe until the 16th century. In the 19th century, Austria formed the Austro-Hungarian Empire, but after its defeat in World War I, it transitioned into a democratic republic. In 1938, Austria was annexed by Nazi Germany, and after World War II, it was occupied by the Allied forces. In 1955, it declared permanent neutrality and regained its independence. In 1995, Austria joined the European Union and adopted the euro. The president serves a symbolic six-year term, while the prime minister handles day-to-day governance. The current president is Alexander Van der Bellen, who has been in office since 2017, and the prime minister is Karl Nehammer.
Austria is one of the wealthiest countries in the world, with a well-developed market economy supported by a skilled labor force and a high standard of living. It has a large service sector, a stable industrial base, and a small but highly advanced agricultural industry. Its culture and education system are similar to those of Germany, and it has a strong social welfare system. The capital city, Vienna, has been ranked the most livable city in the world for several consecutive years. Austria also boasts a long and rich tradition in music, art, and culture. Austria’s GDP per capita is approximately $51,900.
》 Scripture Focus
| 1 Peter 1:3–9, 13(NIV) 3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, 5 who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 13 Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. |
》 Prayer Points
1. Christianity in Austria is declining, and more people are becoming non-religious. The country is rich and has good welfare, but alcohol and drug addiction are spreading, even among teens. Catholicism, followed by half the population, is losing followers due to church tax and scandals. Lutheran and Reformed churches also struggle with formal and shallow faith. Evangelicals make up only about 0.6%, but churches are slowly growing through unity. Let us pray that the church wakes up and shares the gospel as life, not just tradition. May Austria be renewed and hope for the grace to come when Jesus returns.
2. Foreign mission groups like OM, WorldVenture, CEF, and International Teams are working in Austria. Most evangelical churches were started through these groups. Let us pray that missionaries and churches work together more to spread the gospel and raise disciples. May more workers rise up to share Jesus and grow God’s kingdom. There are many gospel resources in English and German through radio and online. Let us pray that the Bible and Christian books reach many people in the country.
3. Around 250,000 students in Austria are open to the gospel, and we are thankful that fruit is growing. Groups like OSM, CCCI, Navigators, and CEF are working on campuses, and youth are gathering to pray through APC. Over the past 10 years, many refugees and immigrants have entered Austria—now there are 1.72 million refugees and 1.2 million immigrants. Let us pray that churches and missions will love these people and share the living hope of Jesus’ resurrection. May every generation, immigrant, and refugee in Austria be protected by God through faith and receive His salvation.
》 Urgent prayer requests around the world need your prayer!
