It is so cool to me going to random places that I’ve never heard of, and it immediately feeling like home. When I was told that our team had the opportunity to go to a different country than the rest of our squad I was super excited. I began to think of the possibilities: Greece, Italy, Macedonia; Kosovo? I had never heard of it. Kosovo is one of the newest countries in Europe. It declared its independence from Serbia in February, 2008; so recent that it isn’t even on some maps. Most of the people of Serbia are a part of the Serbian Orthodox Church, and most of the Albanian people of Kosovo are Muslim. We all know there has always been tension between Islam and Christianity. In the Kosovo war in 1999, The Albanian population in Kosovo wanted to separate from the control of Serbia. The president of the Serbian republic didn’t like the idea of Albanian Muslims having control of a sacred part of Serbia, so a war broke out. Many horrible things happened during this war. Many Serbs would burn houses and farms and draw a cross to symbolize who had done it. After the war ended, many scars were left on the people of Kosovo.
Most of us understand how difficult it is for a Muslim to convert to Christianity. He/she has to go against everything that they have been taught. But for the people of Kosovo it is even more difficult. There was so much pain caused during the war, and many people still have a deep hatred for the Serbs. Most of the people here view becoming a Christian as becoming like a Serb. As you can imagine, this makes things a little difficult.
Our Ministry this month is focused on kids and teenagers. The missionaries here have been here for over 7 years and the only have a handful of believers. The amazing thing is how strong these believers are. A 19 year old who became a Christian a littler over 3 years ago can probably lead a church in America. These guys have to give up so much in order to follow Christ. They have to endure hardships from their family and neighbors, and most people view them as traitors! But this is how it is supposed to be right? God calls us to leave our families like Abraham in Genesis 12. He advises us to be aware of the cost of following Him (Luke 14:25-30). He tells us to go against what society is telling you and instead, listen to Him (Romans 12:2). He warns us of the trials that will come and even encourages us to rejoice in them (Romans 5:1-5). Jesus never told us it would be easy, but it will be more than worth it.
Please pray for our team and the missionaries here, that God would use us to break through and reach these people. And please be in continued prayer for these young men and women who have given up all, to receive more than they could ever imagine.
Emily and I having coffee with the guys in Kosovo.
