Albanian, general in Bosnia-Herzegovina

Albanian, general
Photo Source:  George Kourounis - Unsplash 
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People Name: Albanian, general
Country: Bosnia-Herzegovina
10/40 Window: No
Population: 2,500
World Population: 629,500
Primary Language: Albanian, Tosk
Primary Religion: Christianity
Christian Adherents: 40.00 %
Evangelicals: 0.10 %
Scripture: Complete Bible
Ministry Resources: Yes
Jesus Film: Yes
Audio Recordings: Yes
People Cluster: Albanian
Affinity Bloc: Eurasian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

For nearly five centuries, the land we now know as Albania was part of the Turkish Ottoman Empire. In 1912 Albania became an independent country.

The forty years following WWII were particularly difficult for Albania as it was under the control of the communist dictator Enver Hoxha. He proclaimed Albania as the world's first atheistic state and severely persecuted both Muslims and Christians.

Finally, in 1992, the communist party was defeated in the elections, and democratic forces took over the government. In the past 30 years, the Albanian economy has steadily grown and Albania is no longer the poorest nation in Europe.

About half of the world's Albanians live in Albania. Others live in Kosovo, Greece, Germany, the USA, Turkey, the UK, Austria and Bosnia-Herzegovina.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Many Albanians in European countries like Bosnia-Herzegovina are common laborers. Many have made it as professional athletes, actors, artists and translators.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Albanians are unusual in that they are roughly half Muslim and half Christian. The gospel has made inroads into their hearts since the fall of communism in Albania in the early 1990s. The communist influence left many of them secularized.

What Are Their Needs?

The harvest among Albanians is incomplete in Albania as well as other European countries, Bosnia-Herzegovina included. They need more laborers to share the gospel and disciple new Christian believers.

Prayer Points

Ask the Lord to send Holy Spirit anointed disciple-makers to Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Pray that Albanian Muslims will tune into gospel radio broadcasts.
Pray for Albanians to read and heed the New Testament.
Pray for a Christ-centered revival in Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic Albanian churches.
Pray that all the Albanian people all over the world would have the opportunity to hear the good news.
Pray that Christians and churches in nations where the Albanians live will reach out and build redemptive relationships with them.

Text Source:   Joshua Project