The

Albania Story “For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told.”

~Habakkuk 1:5~

The Call

“For God so loved the world…”

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations.”

~Jesus~

So, where in the world is Albania?

Albania is a country of 3.5 million people located in Eastern Europe and shares borders with Macedonia, Montenegro, Greece and Kosovo.

Albania – a little history!

Albanians are descendants of the ancient Illyrians

They are mentioned by the Apostle Paul in Romans 15:19 – “So from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum, I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ.” Thus they were among the earliest peoples to embrace the gospel.

So, what happened?

The church was established among Albanians from the first century and continued throughout the centuries. But, beginning in the 15th century, Albanians, like many other peoples, came under attack from the Ottoman (Turkish) empire. This domination lasted from the 1400s up until WW I.As a result of this, 70% of Albanians turned to Islam.

What happened next?

Under the leadership of the man who became Albania’s dictator, Enver Hoxha, Albania turned to communism and to total isolation from the world.

In 1967, he declared Albania to be the world’s first Atheistic state. God was made illegal!

What was it like under communism?

Churches, mosques and all public expressions of faith were eliminated.

Thousands were killed or persecuted for “illegal religious expressions.”

Different than in other communist bloc countries, NO UNDERGROUND CHURCH survived in

Albania during communism.

So, when did all that end?

Albania was the last country in Eastern Europe to fall, but in 1991 freedom did come. There was much rejoicing …..

… BUT the situation was, in reality, very desperate.

So, how bad was it?

Coming out of communism, Albania was by far Europe’s poorest country. Politically, Albania was in great disarray and many people fled the country as refugees.

Into the Gap

Beginning in 1991, Campus Crusade for Christ, along with many other mission agencies began sending short and long-term missionaries to the country of Albania to stand in the gap! The work began!

Avni and Maklen Menalla became

Christians through the CCC ministry while still

in Collage. Avni then joined staff with CCC in

1995 and Maklen in 1997 after graduating

from university of Tirana

The focus: College Students and all People

Why college students?

They are revolutionaries! They led the Albanian revolution!

They will be leaders – only 1% of Albanians will go to the University!

They are open, energetic and mobile!

So what did God do??So what did God do??

Winning (Evangelism)1-on-1, in small and large group events

Tens of thousands of college students have heard the gospel and many have come to know Christ!

Meet just a few of them!

Also, through our student movement and church partnerships, over 1900 villages have

seen the JESUS film.

Jesus Film City OutreachesAbout 22 out of 26 districts in Albania have had the

opportunity to hear the Gospel several times.

Building (Discipleship) In Bible studies, 1-on-1, ministry experience and training

Building Albanian leaders

Albanian Staff Growth through the years

2 3 715 22

2940

4558

70

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20

40

60

80

100

Year

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aff

Today there are over 80 full-time Albanian

national staff serving with CCC.

The ministry has expanded

In addition to beginning new ministries with the JESUS

film, High Schools, FamilyLife and professionals

the Campus work has expanded to 5 cities:

Tirana

Korca

Shkoder

Vlora

Prishtina, Kosovo

Sending

KosovoKosovo

• In Macedonia there around

600,000 Albanians and there is no

Albanian church.

In Turkey there are 70 million Muslims and only around 2,000 known Christians.

So, what does the future hold?

For many years we have believed that God was going to raise up Albanians to go to Muslim countries.

We are already in Kosovo, which is 90% Muslim. And now we are sending teams to unreached Muslims in Turkey and Macedonia. Albanian team going to

Turkey in fall of 2004

PRAISE GOD!

“I will build my churchand the gates of hell will not

overcome it.” Matt. 16:18

“You are worthy to take the scroll and open its seals,

because you were slain, and with your blood you

purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.” Rev. 5:9-10

Thank you for your

partnership!

““Every time I think of you, I give thanks to Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God … because you have been my my God … because you have been my

partners in spreading the Good News about partners in spreading the Good News about Christ.” ~Philippians 1:3-4~Christ.” ~Philippians 1:3-4~