Day 12

The Albanians are believed to be descendants of the Illyrians, who were the original inhabitants of the western Balkan Peninsula. In the sixth century, migrating Slavs began to settle on Illyrian territory and pushed the Illyrians into what is present-day Albania.

With the fall of the Communist regime in 1990, the crime rate in Albania began to soar. Since that time, religious practices have not only been allowed, but also encouraged as an antidote to the crime wave. Muslims from the Middle East are now attempting to re-evangelize Albania by sending missionaries, supplying financial aid, and building mosques. Today, 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 Christianity, that are considered non-Albanian.

Today, Albania's economy is very unstable. Strikes, especially in the mines, are frequent; the Albanian currency is worthless; and the rate of unemployment is extremely high. The people need to know that hope and security can be found in Jesus Christ.

We can PRAY:

*Pray that God will grant His wisdom and favor to the missions agencies that are currently targeting the Gheg Albanian.

* Ask the Lord to raise up additional long-term laborers to go to Albania and share the Good News.

*Pray that the legislation restricting the preaching of the Gospel will not be passed.

*Pray that Bibles will be effectively distributed throughout Albania and have a strong spiritual impact on the people.