Pray for the Muslims in Zurich, Switzerland

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The city of Zurich is home to 368,000 people, of whom almost 30 per cent (about 110,000) are foreigners. There are districts of the city, however, with up to 50 per cent foreigners. In recent years, many Muslims have emigrated to Switzerland; most of them are from Turkey, though Bosnians, Albanians, Kurds and Arabs have come too. Nationwide, Muslims number more than 250,000. In some areas of Zurich, less than 10 per cent of the school-age children are native Swiss and about 50 per cent are of Muslim origin.

Switzerland Open to aid programmes

Muslims in Zurich try to retain their cultural values. Frequently, the girls are kept at home. Many of the boys get bored and frustrated, causing them to get into conflict with the police. Often, the parents cannot help their children with school homework because of language difficulties. Eventually, many lose control of their young people.

Many young people, however, are open to aid programmes. They need help with the German language, with the authorities and in searching for employment. They also seek help in coming to terms with the catastrophes and wars which many of them have experienced in their home countries. They suffer from homesickness and generally feel alien and homeless. It is not easy to reach those newly arrived in the refugee centres. They don’t speak German, and often their stay is transient. Some are not allowed to stay permanently. Even so, even small outreaches do plant seeds which will later bear fruit.

While the native Swiss population is decreasing because of a low birth rate, the number of Muslims is increasing because of large families. This has led to fear and resistance among many Swiss; it does not even occur to many Christians in Switzerland that it might be their job to proclaim the gospel to Muslims in their country.

Switzerland’s Opening doors

Prayer for the sick has opened a number of doors for the gospel. In addition, several families have also discovered Christ through the help of a counselling organisation. In such matters, the entire family is always more important than individuals, because these Muslims do not live or think individually. What the father decides normally becomes accepted by the whole family.

There are several attempts under way to set up children’s activities, youth groups and youth church services in the Muslim areas of the city. Things are happening: more workers are needed. Real changes take place especially where whole families are cared for. Only rarely do parents become Christians through their children, but it is more probable that children come to the faith through their parents.

Pray for the Muslims in Switzerland:

* Pray for more individuals and churches in Switzerland to see open doors before them while ministering to Muslims. Crossing cultural barriers is not easy, but with God’s grace it is possible.

* Most Muslims in Zurich need practical help. Pray for the love of God to be exhibited to the sick, to the homeless and to seeking people.

* Pray for God to open the hearts of Muslims in Zurich, so that they realise who He really is.