In 1946, the communist regime of Albania was proclaimed and established, later even taking its pride to be the "first atheist state in the world" in 1967. Throughout the next two decades, the regime lived out this motto dutifully, plunging itself into all forms of religious and political persecutions until its collapse in 1992. Today, Albania is still living in the shadow of its dictatorial communist past, struggling to find its place in the increasingly secular, materialistic world. Although the country is currently considered 70% Muslim (exact figures unknown), 20% orthodox Christian and 10% Roman Catholic, religion is considered a personal issue and is not generally discussed.

Development, both economic and social, has been radical in the past decade. The Albania today is already drastically different from what it was 5 years ago when power cuts and water supply cuts were commonplace. Generation gaps are extremely evident due to such rapid changes.

What is the state of the national church?

Since 2010, the Albanian evangelical church has been recognised by the government. Yet our greatest needs are still faithful workers and strong Albanian leadership for the national churches to become self governing. Albanian churches are comprised of a lot of young people who are in desperate need of discipling and spiritual mentoring. There is also a conspicuous on-going spiritual battle between the Church and Islam as both are expanding rapidly, especially among the young people.

New challenges to the gospel include the rapid surge of western materialism that has been penetrating all aspects of lives in the younger generation. Corruption is still also widespread across the country, adding more obstacles to both social and moral development of the nation. As a result, Evangelical Churches have great potentials to be an influential force behind the fundamental changes and progress in Albanian society.

Unreached people groups

Northern Albanian is much more difficult to reach. The nation also has a large Roma population (Gypsies) who are considered one of the most unreached peoples in the country. There are also many areas where local Christians are unable to work due to difficulty in access and local prejudices.

Existing WEC ministries

WEC is currently working in three locations - the capital of Tirana, a town Bathore (just north of Tirana), and the northern city of Shkodra. Each teams has a centre for outreach and is involved in church planting as well as community projects. The team in Shkoder is running a free medical service and children's programs as well as looking for more ways to reach their community. In Tirana, the team has a ministry centre and is exploring their options in reaching out to more parts of the neighbouring community.

Future ministry goals

The WEC team is prayerfully planning and anticipating reaching out to at least two more new locations in Albania. This includes church planting and discipling in more unreached districts in the capital city Tirana, Bathore, Shkodra and new towns we've never reached.

Opportunities

Many, both short-term and long-term of various types, such as Church planting, sports, and children, youth workers. The team would like to see long term workers but short term workers for specific ministries are also welcomed. The length and details of short term trips can be discussed. We are seeking:

• Church planters and disciplers

• Full-time workers for Muslims and Roma

• Workers for children clubs, youth Bible study groups, and all kinds of youth ministries

• Teachers (primary/secondary) for a missionaries' kids K-12 school based in Tirana (staffing needs)

If you feel called or interested in any of the ministry above, please contact your nearest WEC sending base.

Prayer points:

For the church to be reproducing and discipleship

National church leaders

Government corruption

Blood feuds (on-going avenges and murders between families)

Street children / Roma (Gypsies)

Human trafficking, drugs

Children in crisis

The rise of materialism and secularism

Quality of education

For wisdom for the WEC team

For more workers to serve in the Albania field

For more teachers to respond to the call for teaching in MK school