Kosovo is a country north of Albania and between Serbia and Montenegro. After the fall of Yugoslavia in 2008, Kosovo became an independent state though it is not recognized as an independent state by many countries. As recent as 7 years ago, there was still a strong US military presence in Kosovo, even in the city of Gjilan which we are staying in.Kosovo is a very new country and is still trying to establish its own identity and economy in its new found independence. Kosovo is Islamic nation which adds an interesting element to ministry. It is a very male dominated society and Islam is a big part of their cultures which makes becoming a Christian a huge step in this society. Becoming a Christians means you have to go against what is expected of you by your family, friends and community.
The population of Kosovo consists of Kosovo Albanians and Kosovo Serbs which serves as a large point of ethnic tension throughout the country. Albanians and Serbs have had a very rocky past starting back from the Ottoman Empire and these tensions still manifest themselves today. Through all this political hardship, the people of Kosovo have survived and today live with such joy and excitement for life. We live in Gjilan which has about 80,000 people but it feels like a very small town where everyone knows everyone and we are often recognized at the Americans. We are surrounded by plenty of places to eat and a few schools which keeps our life limited to a couple of blocks.
We have been very busy this month in Kosovo. We are working with a group of four missionaries, running a kids camp and youth programs. Kids Camp involves sports and games to attract kids in the neighborhood so they will come to our kids youth group on Saturday morning where we share God each week. The youth program occurs on Friday and Saturday nights. Friday is a time of games and hanging out while Saturday is more of a youth group meeting. We have also host English Corners at the center which is a time for locals to practice their English which is fun as well as other church meetings. Its been really fun working at these camps for the last two and a half weeks because we have been able to create relationships with the kids and teenagers and getting to know them week after week. It is such a joy to be apart of this ministry and love on these kids.
Another part of our month was getting to know and encouraging the fellow believers in this small city. There is a core group of about six boys who are believers along with the missionaries here. It has been really fun to get to know these guys, pour into them and just encourage them where we can. On our off time we are often playing ping pong with them, playing soccer, drinking coffee and just hanging out! We have been so encouraged and loved by this amazing group of people! Please pray for Kosovo! Pray that God continues to work in this play and that he continues to bless ministry in Gjilan!
