The Alsatian people are the Swiss German-speaking people of the French region of Alsace, located between the Vosges Mountains and the German border. When asked, "Who are you?" Alsatians normally will quickly reply "Alsatian!" Alsatian people see themselves neither French nor German, but as a perpetual bridge between these two wonderful civilizations, French and German. After five changes of ownership between France and Germany in 75 years, people now originally from the region known as Alsace have a distinct social identity so that they readily claim to be Alsatian.
They have a long history of people migrating from Alsace. Hence, there are many people with an Alsatian ancestral background residing in North America. For the most part, the vast majority of these people no longer speak nor seek to adhere a distinct Alsatian identity.
Nevertheless, those who are described in the above paragraph reside in New York. In fact, one organization, the
L'Union Alsacienne (UnAl), exists "upholding the Alsatian heritage, and to promoting Alsace" and "plays an important role in the lives of newly-arrived Alsatian immigrants, providing them with a feeling of community, a contact with others from their beloved province."
An overwhelming majority of Alsatians would either claim Roman Catholicism or non-religion as their preference. However, in all reality, Alsatians basically live a secular lifestyle caring very little about religious matters.
Prayer Points
Pray that God will awaken the hearts of Alsatians in North America to things spiritual.
Ask God to send evangelical Christians to become friends with Alsatians and through word and deed reveal an alternative lifestyle that is filled with a living relationship with Jesus Christ.
Entreat the Lord Jesus to help Alsatians understand and receive the message of hope through Jesus Christ.
Learning Resources
Learn more about "Learning Paths" Online Courses for embracing, encountering and engaging diaspora people. Work at your own pace. Begin anytime and complete the course according to your schedule. Interactive, Hands-On Application.
Learn more about "Reaching the Nations" This book delineates five disciplines Christians should develop in order to effectively reach the nations. More specifically, it will guide Christians to develop an engagement strategy in their locale.