Macedonia
The country of Macedonia is replete with rich and varied cultures stemming from a rich and varied history. Though the actual geographical borders and cultural history is the subject of much debate between Macedonians and Greeks, it is certain that a place called Macedonia existed during biblical times, was the birthplace of Alexander the Great, and was one of the motherlands of the Gospel.
Present day Macedonia is the home of many different cultures and beliefs. Historical links with Paul, as well as missionaries Cyril and Metodius testify to Christianity being brought to Macedonia early on. The people of Macedonia received their first translation of the Bible in the 9th century. In the 14th century they were invaded by the Turks and Islam spread. In more recent history, they became part of Serbia and Orthodox Christianity became the official religion. The result is that 700,000 Albanians, Turks and Romany (Gypsies) follow Islam, while the majority of ethnic Macedonians nominally adhere to the offical state church: Orthodoxy. Christianity as it was expressed in the Bible has all but been forgotten. There are a few Baptist churches, and missionaries in Macedonia are praying for revival. Despite the presence of these faithful ones, many Macedonians don't believe in God at all and put their faith in superstitions and astrology.
There is not only religious diversity, but ethnic diversity as well. Macedonians make up only 64% of the population, while Albanians (25%), Turks (4%), Roma (3%), and Serbs (2%) maintain a significant presence in the country. Each ethnicity maintains much of its own cultural identity, and the capital city of Skopje is home to the largest population of Roma (Gypsies) in the world. Although Macedonians have managed to maintain peace throughout most of its history, ethnic hostilities eventually began to break out after the collapse of Yugoslavia. The Albanian minority began fighting for more rights in the country, a fight that nearly escalated into a full-blown civil war. While war was officially avoided, hostilities can still flare up. The tensions are exacerbated by the fact that the Balkan Conflict left Macedonia independent but poor—in fact, it is the poorest country of former Yugoslavia.
However, the greatest need for Macedonia isn't more money, it is for the people to follow Christ. Missionaries there are saturating this country with prayer and asking God to open doors for the Gospel. There are some pockets of Baptist believers in a community outside Skopje and in another large city, Bitola. Much fruit has been seen among the Gypsies. These believers face persecution from the government and often isolation from their families, but they are standing firm.With the many divisions and barriers among the people, movement of the Gospel is a slow and difficult process, but the Gospel continues to spread, one heart at a time.
To help spread hope heart-to-heart among the peoples of Macedonia, you can partner with us. To find out how, write to hope4cee@pobox.com.