During the month of July, I have been living and working in the mountainous, landlocked country of Kosova. Kosova is the poorest country in Europe. Since establishing its independence from Serbia in a deadly war during the 1990s, it has been a country determined to find hope for a new generation. 96% of Kosvars are Muslims, and their dislike for Christianity (cross imagery specifically) comes from the recent war with Serbia. Whenever Serbians (mostly Eastern Orthodox) killed, they would carve crosses in their victims. Although (thankfully) Christianity is not illegal, it is not viewed positively or openly.
Despite these recent pains and atrocities, the International Church of Pristina (where my team has been this month) is alive with the spirit of God. Many of the churches attendees are young Christians who have to leave their families and culture behind to be a Christian. In the past month, I have learned so much about what community should be like from the Christians in Pristina. They are bold and dependent on each other for a new family. Hospitality is key; they welcome everyone with open arms.
My team’s ministry this month has been going to several different community centers and working especially with children and teenagers. We have also spent a great deal of time building relationships with the Christian community in Pristina. As our ministry host, Artur stated, “Missionaries will work for several years in Kosova and never see the fruits of their labor.”
There is an Albanian phrase that’s literal meaning is “I will eat your heart,” however culturally it means “I love you with all my heart.” The truth of Kosova is this: It will eat your heart. The youth of Kosova is filled with so much potential, and they are searching for truth. Everyone, from the Roma people living in shacks beat-boxing to the teenage girls dreaming of marrying one of the Jonas brothers, everyone is filled with hope of a better life.
Please join me (and the community of Christians in Kosova) and lift this broken country in prayer. Ask God to set this country on fire with His passion and alive with His heart. Pray for new life and a larger family of believers. Pray for steadfastness and continued boldness of Spirit for the Christians of Kosova. Pray for light to shine in the darkness like the noonday sun. Pray for hope to be found in this country, because there is always hope.
