Kosovo
Kosovo has been ravaged by war and ethnic hostility for the past five centuries. The province is known by some as the Serbian Jerusalem because of its religious and historical significance to the Serbian Orthodox Church. Historically, Kosovo became a turning point in the history of Serbia in 1389, when the Ottoman empire invaded the country and suppressed those of Christian heritage, while converting as many as possible to Islam. This conflict has been a point of hostility ever since.
Ethnic cleansing erupted, not for the first time, during WWII, when the area became annexed by Albania under Axis control. Serbs, Romas, Jews, and Turks were brutalized and driven from their homes. Tens of thousands of Serbs left the country, solidifying Albanian majority in the country. After WWII, Kosovo became part of Yugoslavia and returned to Serb control. The tables were turned and the Albanians were victimized.
Kosovar Albanians began calling for autonomy in the early 1990s, and a civil war broke out between Yugoslavia and the KLA (Kosovo Liberation Army) whom many considered little more than terrorists, but were considered heroes to the oppressed Albanians. The battle quickly turned into yet another ethnic cleansing campaign. No one in the country was safe from violence. Civilians were targeted as often as the military. The people lived in a constant state of fear for their lives and the lives of their families.
Despite NATO involvement, the area remains unstable. Fighting is still a common occurrence. Life is dangerous for the Serb minority still remaining in the province. Unemployment among Serb and Roma minorities is 90%, and practicing Orthodox Serbs and the ancient structures where they meet are particular targets of violence. Few Serbs leave the confines of their closed communities unless it is under armed protection. The missionaries in Kosovo have their work cut out for them to spread the love of Christ through this country so torn by hatred, and they are working to do just that. Missionaries in this area are working through one heart at a time to bring lasting peace to this volatile country. The hope in Christ is slowly spreading among the people that are so desperate for this peace that passes understanding.
If you would like to be a part of bringing this hope to the peoples of Kosovo, please contact us at hope4cee@pobox.com.