Revelation 6:9-11, When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God and the testimony they had maintained. They called out in a loud voice, "How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?" Then each of them was given a white robe, and they were told to wait a little longer, until the number of their fellow servants and brothers who were to be killed as they had been was completed…

In 1967, following the lead of China, its only ally and outside contact, Albania pursued its own vicious Cultural Revolution. In particular, it banned the practice of any and all religions, and declared itself the world’s first, and only, atheist state. Catholic, Orthodox, and Muslim leaders were shot or imprisoned and church buildings were destroyed or turned into warehouses. Those discovered attempting to practice any religion were detained and tortured, killed, imprisoned or exiled. This declared ban against the practice of any religion remained in effect until May of 1990. You can see its history spelled out in some detail in the National Historical Museum in the center of Tirana, where it is labeled Genocide under the Communist Regime.

THE MAIN MOSQUE IN TIRANA
Albania is traditionally divided into three religious groups: 70% Muslim, 20% Orthodox and 10% Catholic. Outside these categories there was a small Jewish population which left Albania after the founding of Israel. Albanian Jews were not persecuted during WWII and, in fact, Albania provided a safe sanctuary for some during the war. The reason for their exodus was simply that most Albanians wanted out of the country and they were lucky enough to have a nation that would welcome them. Also a Sufi order of Islam called Bektashism has its world center in Albania. This order allies itself with folk beliefs and is led by clerics known as dervishes whose ceremonies have led to the phrase whirling dervish

THE MAIN CATHOLIC CHURCH IN TIRANA
These religious figures are only approximate, as the 2000 census did not include any questions regarding religion. In any case the figures represent nominal adherence, since for most people in Albania any religious identification is of little significance in daily life. The high Muslim percentage is a result of the centuries long Ottoman control of this part of the world and their policy of allowing other religious but taxing their adherents more highly than Muslims and, unlike Muslims, subjecting them to the devshirme (forced adoption of a son to be raised as a Muslim and trained to be a civil servant or member of the Ottoman army’s elite Janissary Corps). These policies encouraged conversion to Islam, and many followed, but not for particularly meaningful religious reasons.

Protestants have historically been extremely rare in Albania--some would say they have been non-existent. This changed with the opening of the country in the early 1990’s and an influx of missionaries and mission activities that came with it. In 1997, following an economic collapse precipitated by an elaborate country-wide pyramid (ponzi) scheme that bankrupted many ordinary citizens, the country descended into anarchy for a period of months and most missionaries left the country. One figure cited was that in 1996 there were 700 foreign missionaries in the country, only 2 of which stayed as the country imploded. When the country re-stabilized mission activity returned, and now the Protestant church is growing in number and influence, particularly in urban areas. New churches are being formed and Bible Schools are being established to train Albanians to be leaders in their country and missionaries abroad.

Nancy and I participate in one of those new churches, an International Church which is related to the Assemblies of God in America. The pastor is from the United States, and often the Sunday speaker is a visitor from the United States or some European country. The services are bi-lingual, English and Albanian, and full of music and joy. It occupies a very ordinary building near our apartment, but its location directly across from the Iranian Embassy means that the people in that embassy hear loud gospel music several times a week—something I am pleased with!

THE MOST FAMOUS ALBANIAN CHRISTIAN
I believe that the potential for the gospel in Albania is great. I also believe that if Albanians come to faith they could be a key factor in reaching into Muslim nations which are closed to many from “Christian” nations but open to those from other Muslim nations, which includes Albania. Already missionaries are being sent out from Albania, and more are in training.

When I think of the barriers to the gospel in Albania several come to mind. One is the history of persecution which kept a whole generation of Albanians from hearing anything about Christ. Another is the deep-rooted cultural indifference to any religion that seems to be a part of the Albanian ethos. A third is the challenge to develop a truly indigenous Albanian church, not one dependent on or echoing the richer and larger western churches. Time will tell, but we can thank God that the situation today is much more favorable to the spread of the gospel than it has been for centuries.

Please pray for the church in Albania. And when you do, pause and remember with honor those Albanians whose faith was lived out through an extremely difficult time and especially those who remained faithful even unto death. Of such martyrs is made the kingdom of God, and on their blood the church lives on today…