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Make a difference in Kosovo |
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The work of ECM in Kosovo (Albanian name Kosova) is centred in the town of
The region, though largely peaceful, is still recovering from the war of 1999 which saw over 10,000 civilians killed, a million ethnic Albanians fled as refugees to surrounding countries, and extensive damage to property throughout the region. Kosovo’s status has been in doubt since the conflict but with independence being declared on 17th February 2008 the people look forward to peace and growth. It is likely that NATO and EU troops will remain for some time. Over 90% of the population claim to be ethnically Albanian whilst the others would be mainly Serbian.
Area 10,887km2 . Ethnic Mix: Currency: Euro
Geography:
Population 2.2 million (2005 est.)
Capital: Prishtina
Population:600,000 Language: Albanian
Albanian 92%, Serb & Montenegrin 5.3%, Others 2.7%
http://visitkosova.org/english
Spiritual Climate Religion: Roman Catholic 4% Bible Schools National Organization:
The Kosovar Albanian population is almost entirely Muslim, at least nominally, with only a handful of evangelical groups around the country. After the war groups multiplied rapidly, so that by 2000 the number of evangelical groups had risen to an estimated 45.
Muslim 70%
Orthodox 15%
Others 11%
None
Association of International Missions (AIM)
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ECM in Kosovo |
Ministry Prior to 1999 The crisis of 1999 ended as suddenly as it began when the Serbian forces withdrew and the refugees returned home to Kosova (the Albanian name). Many returned home to find everything destroyed. Initially ECM was involved, like many other organizations, in reconstruction projects and in counseling children and widows traumatized by the terrors they had witnessed.
Prior to 1999 few people had heard of the Yugoslav
ECM has had a long association with Kosovo. From 1968, ECM had been broadcasting Albanian programs to Kosovo as well as to
ECM continues to work with children and widows through the church now established in the city of
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Life in Kosovo
Prishtina, the capital, is a city of over 600,000 people, considerably more than before the war of 1999. Peja, where ECM focuses its work is a city of about 125,000 people. Although there is now a growing sense of normality and political stability, there is still some unease about the future and there is still a significant UN troop presence. The opportunities for sharing the gospel of Christ are great with open doors into the lives of many people. The evangelical church along with the other major religions have been granted legal status enabling us to operate largely unhindered.
Bringing the Gospel
ECM made its presence felt in Kosovo just weeks after the end of hostilities and assisted in the reconstruction of homes and helping the people in various places including the capital Prishtina and the city of
The work is very demanding often far outstripping our ability to respond but the small fellowship in Peja is making a very significant impact upon the community. Christ has radically changed the lives of a number of recent converts and the difference is seen in their attitudes and their relationships. Their living faith is in marked contrast to their prior experience at the hands of so-called Christians and its attractiveness is likely to bring about an expansion of this small group of believers.
Every year we have a number of teams of people, young and older, from
We ask your prayers that God would draw people in Kosovo to the living faith in the Lord Jesus that the growing church is displaying. In all of this work it is important to recognize that Albanians have no church traditions and they do not know how to go about “being a church”, so this is an exciting and challenging period.
Potential Threats
There is growing opposition from Muslim groups often stimulated by external forces, although so far the threat is small. There is also pressure from within the close knit families for people to conform to their traditional religious practices. In communist times the population retained an attachment to Islam, which fundamentalist groups are now endeavoring to revive. Mosques are being rebuilt often with money from outside the country. Understandably, there is also a reaction against Christianity because of the perceived activities of the Orthodox community before and during the war. Muslim activities are beginning to influence the culture and generate some hostility to evangelical Christianity, as well as to western ideas. Others too, “undesirables”, threaten safety and Christian ways of doing things as they seek to exploit the situation for personal gain and perhaps retribution for previous acts of violence. Constant vigilance by believers is therefore essential but today is a day of opportunity.
Ministry Opportunities
Long term
Opportunities exist to work in the area of Peja where the Christian Centre is located. We are looking for:
- People with leadership skills to share the burden of this demanding church ministry. Ideally a couple who can each take responsibility in the various aspects of the work.
- Career missionaries able to contribute in Bible teaching, discipling and evangelism. There are opportunities for working amongst men, women, young and elderly.
- Those able to offer skills in various aspects of community work – business enterprise, social concern (particularly with women and children), English teaching and children’s activities.
Short term
Opportunities are an ongoing feature of ministry in Kosovo:
- Each year we have several teams in Peja. Normally they come as a team organised by a church or organisation. They come for a variety of purposes – evangelism, English camps, building projects, community projects – and its not just the young! Older people are respected and evangelistic teams of experienced Christians can do a great deal.
- Individuals with particular skills can also be accommodated, normally for periods of 6 months, 1 year or 2 years.
- Ministry opportunities - experienced Pastors and teachers who are able to contribute a few weeks at a time can be a great help and encouragement to the ministry team.
Apprenticeship Scheme - an Apprenticeship scheme lasting 1 or 2 years is a possibility for Kosova. Bible College students who have completed their course can experience missionary life at first hand whilst following a learning programme of language, cultural adaptation, skills acquisition (church planting, evangelism, English teaching, community work etc) all under the supervision of experienced missionaries
Contact
Anyone interested should contact the nearest ECM National Office or ECM International. Please also send your name, interest and country of origin to ecm.int@ecmi.org Be sure to include Kosovo in the subject line.
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In recent years the number of missionary candidates has dwindled whilst the level of work continues to be very demanding.
- Pray for perseverance of those continuing with the work often with a heavy workloads.
- Pray for the raising up of new labourers (long and short term) who will meet the challenge of Mission in Kosovo.
- Pray for the preparation of Kosovan or Albanian nationals to meet the challenge of leadership in the growing church.
- Pray for evangelistic outreach to all age groups and strata of society
- Pray for the challenge of bringing the church to maturity and independence
- Pray for the country - peace, stability, development and tolerance toward believers.
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