Albania
Albania is sometimes known as the Switzerland of the Balkans, a nickname it received because of its natural beauty. Though one of the poorest countries in Europe, it is rich in natural resources and God-given beauty. The communist regime that governed the country for many years led to poverty, suppression of religious freedom and social chaos. 1992 finally brought the overthrow of communism and the entry into a new era of emerging democracy. Throughout the early 1990s Albania was easily considered the poorest country in Europe, but continued to make slow economic and political progress until a virtual economic collapse in 1997 took them almost back to square one. Agriculture is essential in the lives of Albania’s people, but frequent drought and a lack of modern farming equipment keep many of its people in poverty.
Albania was once known as the first atheist state in the world when strict communist leadership repressed all religions, turned churches into cinemas and theaters, and tried to ban God from the hearts and minds of the people. Now, over a decade later, it is the only European country to have a Muslim majority, with Sunni Muslims making up 70% of the population. As God's claims extend to people from every tongue and tribe and nation and people, so they extend even to this small corner of the world.
There is a great need for the freedom that only Christ can bring. As poverty, an atheistic history and the dominance of Islam work to hinder the movement of the Gospel, God longs to see the lost sheep of his pasture brought safely under the care of the Good Shepherd. God’s wish for this country is to preach good news to the poor, bind up the brokenhearted, proclaim freedom for the captives, and release the prisoners from darkness (Isaiah 61:1). Please join us in praying that the Gospel will be proclaimed and churches multiplied throughout Albania.
If you are interested in adopting the Albanian people group or being involved in reaching them with the Gospel, contact us at hope4cee@pobox.com.