Albania

Partner with Local Missionaries in Albania

Located in the 10/40 Window

Located in southeastern Europe, Albania sits between Greece, Montenegro, Kosovo, and the Adriatic Sea and Ionian Sea. Slightly smaller than the state of Maryland, Albania became the only country to classify itself as an atheist nation in its constitution in 1967. During his rule, communist dictator Enver Hoja sought to erase all religion from his country; revered places of worship for both Catholics and Muslims were destroyed. Hoja also ordered parents to change the names of any of their children who had biblical names such as Matthew, Peter, or Paul. The parents were issued a list of government-approved names. Many religious leaders were imprisoned, tortured, and executed.

It was not until 1991, after the People’s Socialist Republic was dissolved and the Republic of Albania was officially founded, that religious freedom returned to this nation. During 50 years of dictatorship, two generations were raised without any religious background. Today, many people identify themselves by their parents’ or grandparents’ religion in name only.

When communism collapsed in 1991, Albanians were reduced to poverty. According to the CIA World Factbook, “Successive governments have tried to deal with high unemployment, widespread corruption, dilapidated infrastructure, powerful organized crime networks, and combative political opponents.” Albania is considered to be Europe’s poorest and least developed country.

Today, 55% of Albanians identify themselves as Muslims. According to Joshua Project, “The Muslims, along with the Catholics of northern Albania and the Orthodox of southern Albania, are pressing for restrictive legislation to keep out other religions, such as Protestantism, that are considered non-Albanian.”

Despite these challenges, indigenous missionaries have found openness to the gospel among children and youth. One ministry opened a vocational training center where young people are learning marketable skills and has also developed programs for the disabled and marginalized as well as for struggling farm families in this mostly agrarian culture. Another ministry holds evangelistic sports camps and children’s outreaches as an avenue to share the gospel. They also train Bible college students to ensure the next generation of leaders are equipped to serve.

Sources: Joshua Project, CIA World Factbook

2.8 million

Population

0.6%

Evangelical Population:

People Groups:

Unreached People Groups:

How to Pray for Albania

Pray that God would bring revival to this country, which has been so oppressed and mishandled throughout its history.
Pray that God would lead indigenous missionaries to those with open hearts to hear and accept the gospel, and that He would provide the funding needed for their work.
Pray for the small minority of believers in Albania, that they would grow in their faith and spiritual maturity to become effective witnesses for Christ.

More stories from Albania

Encourage Believers to be Bold in Albania

A local ministry organized a meeting for men in which they invited three believers to share their faith and encourage those in attendance to come to church. “There is a great need for Godly men in our churches,” the ministry leader said. “Their background in Islam prevents them from coming to church. They feel ashamed.” Donations support missionaries in their outreach efforts. Pray that believers will be unashamed of the gospel.

Help Transform Lives for Jesus in Albania

Many years ago, a ministry leader and his wife met the mother of a teenager who attended their church. The leader’s wife regularly shared her faith with the woman and invited her to church, but she never gave her life to the Lord, nor did she visit church. Recently, another missionary met the woman by chance and shared the gospel with her. She gave her life to Christ and came to church that Sunday. “We were amazed,” the ministry leader said. “Her life has changed, and she regularly attends worship services.” Donations of $25 or $50 support missionaries as they persevere for the sake of the gospel.

Provide Opportunities for Fellowship in Albania

Local missionaries organized an event they called Wedding Week in which they invited married couples to come together for a time of fellowship. During the event, the participants not only played games, ate together, and worshipped, but they also heard a message on relationships and how to serve God together as a couple. "It was a blessed time with the couples, and we had a lot of fun," the ministry leader said. Your donations of $25 or $50 assist with such discipleship and evangelism events.

Support Fellowship Opportunities

Recognizing the importance of discipleship to both men and women, a native ministry has worked hard to organize groups and events specifically targeting the spiritual needs of local believers. Ministry workers led a men’s study called “Every Man is a Fighter” that helped train Christian men how to serve in different ministries; a widow’s ministry enabled 22 local widows to fellowship together and learn how to be involved in the church; and approximately 50 women attended a recent event called “The Role of Women in the Church.” Donations of $25 or $50 help support such needs in the country. Pray for believers to be encouraged and strengthened in their faith.

Celebrate the Birth of Christ in Albania

Pray for Christians around the world as they celebrate the birth of Christ. As part of their outreach in the community, a local ministry organized several Christmas events to engage with their neighbors and share the gospel. Missionaries distributed sacks of flour to the most vulnerable, they gifted disabled children and orphans with Christmas gifts, and they hosted local officials during an annual, traditional event. “It was a blessing for them during Christmas because they can understand that God provides for any basic needs for us and He is the bread of life,” the ministry leader said. Your donations support this important gospel outreach.

Help Minister to the Poor in Albania

Pray that hearts will be open to the salvation that Christ offers. On learning of the challenges suffered by a poor family in their community, a team of missionaries from a local ministry came together to build a new house for them. “It was a big blessing for this family who couldn’t afford to build a new shelter on their own,” the ministry leader said. “They saw the hand of God and are deeply grateful to God for this blessing. Praise the Lord!” Your donations support local ministries as they serve others in their communities.