25 comments

Carrie Gaul

A Cry for Help from Albania

Posted on 04.15.10 by Carrie Gaul
Topics: Impacting your world

For a number of years, Nancy along with the leadership and staff of Revive Our Hearts have had a desire to minister to sexually-trafficked women and Muslim women. Recently our Media Director, Wes Ward, was invited to visit several countries in Eastern Europe that would like to air Revive Our Hearts Radio. Since he returned, Albania is one of the countries we can’t stop thinking about and praying for.

Last month, Enkelejda—an influential Albanian woman God is using to impact her world with the Gospel through Christian radio—visited our headquarters here in Michigan. I had the privilege of listening in as she shared the plight of the women and children living in Albania. Her stories have lingered in my mind. I’ve been challenged to consider how I can help to strengthen and encourage our sisters in Albania. Perhaps you will be as well.

Enkelejda describes Albanian women as “used and abused.” Kidnapping, human trafficking, pornography, prostitution, and organ trafficking all run rampant. If you have money, you can buy anything . . . or anyone. Ordering a child seems to be almost as normal as purchasing coffee in a coffee shop. 

It wasn’t always this way, but for fifty years, Albania was the most isolated, closed country in the world. Godlessness (atheism) permeated every aspect of Albanian life. Under severe communistic rule everything related to God, the Bible, or Christianity was totally eradicated–even from the dictionary!

All that began to change in 1992 when the borders of Albania were opened. Missionaries were finally able to bring the hope of the gospel into this dark land. Unfortunately, they were not the only ones coming to Albania. Sexual traffickers and kidnappers came in droves . . .

Today, according to Enkelejda, 70 percent of the population worships Allah in this Muslim-dominated country, and less than 1 percent worship Jesus. Of those who follow Jesus, 75% are women and young girls. These women, because of their influence on children, have incredible potential to effect change in the Albanian culture (as well as in other countries like Kosovo). But first they must be grounded in the truth of God’s Word. And that’s a challenge! 

An Albanian who comes to faith in Christ begins at ground zero–they have no knowledge or foundational understanding of God’s Word. They have no Christian heritage. There are no older, godly believers to ask questions of or to turn to for biblical wisdom and guidance. Even the most basic tenets of the faith are completely unknown in this country once darkened by communistic rule. 

Add the fact that for women there are only two Christian books translated into the Albanian language, and you begin to get a glimpse of the desperate need in this land!

Enkelejda is a woman God has raised up for such a time as this. Since 2002 she’s been airing Christian radio programs proclaiming the Gospel message and helping to establish women in the truth of God’s Word.  Lives are being transformed as God’s gift of salvation is understood and embraced.

But she’s just one woman, and she’s asking Revive Our Hearts to step in and help her disciple and reach the women of her country, Kosovo, and Eastern Europe.

Would you join us in praying for an open door to proclaim the Word of God with these women in Eastern Europe? Would you pray for strength and encouragement for your sisters in Albania? 

Lord, thank you for the work you are doing in Albania. Thank you for Enkelejda; for her passionate love for you and her resolve to be a vessel through which you bring the hope of the Gospel to the women of Albania. Would you show us how we can join you in what you are doing in Eastern Europe? Father, you’ve blessed us abundantly; show us how we can be a blessing to these women. 

Comments

  1. Prayer changes things as we well know. Faith watches to see what God will do and what He will use us to do.
    Praying and watching...........
    posted by Doris
    on Thursday, April 15, 2010 at 9:40 am
  2. I was wondering about what Bible they used before communist rule was enforced? Is it possible to find them and a printer to begin getting the rest of the Bible to them?
    posted by MaLinda
    on Thursday, April 15, 2010 at 9:51 am
  3. Dear Carrie:

    Thank you for informing, and inviting your daughters to pray for women of Albania.
    What privilege!
    posted by Ellie Eskenazi
    on Thursday, April 15, 2010 at 10:00 am
  4. I pray God may help Enkelejda and the women in Albania stand firm in their faith and remain strong and courageous, counting always on His power and strength: 'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty. (Zec 4:6)..

    I pray that they remains strong and grounded, that God may give them discernment and wisdom, and empower them to make the most out of every opportunity.

    Thanks for sharing this story with us today. I rejoice when I see the way God is moving all around the world!

    In His Strength
    Laura
    posted by Laura Gonzalez-De-Chavez
    on Thursday, April 15, 2010 at 10:14 am
  5. Wow, my heart grieves for the ladies and children over there but also the men who are desolate and have no hope. I know there are areas in the world that are almost completely destroyed by evil but I know this too. God is ALL powerful and in control of every aspect of this world and the next so if we beseech Him to move over this land and take seriously the words of the Bible that say "If my people will humble themselves and turn from their wicked ways THEN I will hear their prayers" He can move mountains!! I wish I could gather up the children and carry them to safety... but in my will and the help from the Holy Spirit all I can do is pray and ask for mercy on these poor souls who need such help. Men, women and children who need HOPE and truth! Thank you for sharing this with us, Carrie, and know that I will join you all in prayer. May we be grateful for the country we live in that still has not completely eradicated our freedom to speak of and serve our Creator openly and without severe persecution......
    posted by Barbara Higgins
    on Thursday, April 15, 2010 at 11:03 am
  6. Thank you for informing us on the needs of women in Albania. What a priviledge to join others in lifting these women up to our Lord in prayer.
    posted by Cathy Hansen
    on Thursday, April 15, 2010 at 11:22 am
  7. Lord,thank you for Albania,thank you that you have opened doors for your word and light to shine there.
    There still is much that is needed in the dear country,touch our hearts and lead us by your spirit on how nest to help our dear sister.
    For those that have received and believed into you and for those that you are gaining we committed them into your very capable hands,preserve them.
    Thank your for Enkelejda,thank you for her love and commitment,give here grace to stand strong and faithful in you.
    In all this pray let your will be done
    posted by Sarah
    on Thursday, April 15, 2010 at 11:29 am
  8. Yes, I join you all in prayer for Albania, and our sisters there. Thank you for sharing this, Carrie. I have prayed for Albania in the past but had kind of forgotten that country, more recently. The Lord is good to remind us of His burdens -- what a marvel that He uses our prayers (partly) to bring about His purposes in the earth... I am touched by the above article, and by His grace hope to continue in prayers for Albania (and for His will for/blessing upon Enkeledja and ROH in spreading the gospel to Eastern Europe). May He bless you all in this ministry!
    Mt. 24:14a
    In His love,
    posted by Leslie S.
    on Thursday, April 15, 2010 at 12:00 pm
  9. Me, too, Leslie...I have prayed over the years for Albania and Eastern Europe, and count it a great privilege to continue on...praying along with you, Carrie, and ROH for Enkeledja and the women there.
    posted by Sarah
    on Thursday, April 15, 2010 at 12:26 pm
  10. carrrie thanks for sharing. I am fairly new in the true women movement. I will be praying for this wholw country.
    posted by joanna swartout
    on Thursday, April 15, 2010 at 1:03 pm
  11. Praise the Lord!! How exciting!!!!!!!!!!

    May God move powerfully and open doors wide that His name might be lifted up and His people fed!
    http://www.krististephens.com
    posted by Kristi Stephens
    on Thursday, April 15, 2010 at 2:01 pm
  12. Is there a way to get in contact with Enkelejda or to follow how the Lord is using her? I would love to pray for her and those reached through her. Soli Deo gloria!
    posted by Melani Torrez
    on Thursday, April 15, 2010 at 3:13 pm
  13. What a privilege to join all of you in lifting Enklejda and the women of Albania before our Heavenly Father today. Thank you for sharing our burden for these precious women.

    MaLinda, the Albanians do have access to Bibles however there are only two Christian books for women that have been translated into Albanian.

    Melani, Enkelejda ministers on Radio 7 http://radio-7.net/ .
    posted by Carrie Gaul
    on Thursday, April 15, 2010 at 6:53 pm
  14. What a privilege to join all of you in lifting Enkelejda and the women of Albania before our Heavenly Father today. Thank you for sharing our burden for these precious women.

    MaLinda, the Albanians do have access to Bibles however there are only two Christian books for women that have been translated into Albanian.

    Melani, Enkelejda ministers on Radio 7 http://radio-7.net/ .
    posted by Carrie Gaul
    on Thursday, April 15, 2010 at 7:35 pm
  15. Thank you for sharing about Enkelejda's ministry in Albania! My step mother in law is Albania and I have often wondered how the Gospel is penetrating there. I will be remembering ENkelejda and her radio ministry in my prayers. It is a privilege to lift her before our Father's throne! Please keep us informed regarding her outreach to Albanian women.
    posted by Suzen Duncan
    on Thursday, April 15, 2010 at 8:29 pm
  16. I live here in Albania and would love for the women here to have access to ROH in Albanian. It has been a blessing for me via internet! I believe that some of the facts above are not correct. For example although about 70% of the country would be considered Muslim background, most of those are not practicing- including my husband and his sisters who are evangelicals! Bibles and Christian books and literature in Albanian are in abundance, praise God, but I agree, more womens' resources would be great. There are numerous Christian agencies and churches doing a great work here. Thanks to all who read this article and pray for Albania, and Enka and others who have a great ministry at Radio 7.
    posted by Jayne
    on Friday, April 16, 2010 at 4:55 am
  17. I know a God who can and is able to do exceeding abundantly all that we can think or ask. So, in the name of His precious Son, we touch and agree with all who will and is praying for God's riches blessing upon Albania. I firmly believe that if we ask according to His will, it shall be done. So, we asking for healing, deliverance and God's word to be manifested in the lives of our sisters and ALL in Albania. In Jesus name I pray by faith Amen.

    Add me as a prayer partner. God bless
    posted by Cynthia Williams
    on Friday, April 16, 2010 at 3:56 pm
  18. Dear Carrie,

    Thank you for posting this article that tackles the burdens of Christianity in Albania and Eastern Europe. I'll be one with you as prayer warrior that more workers in His vineyard will heed in His calling. May Enkelejda's life will served as a living witness of His Gospel. Send forth your Holy Spirit, Oh Gracious Lord to your people in Albania and Eastern Europe.
    posted by Annabelle
    on Friday, April 16, 2010 at 10:05 pm
  19. I too will pray for my sisters and future sisters to come to Christ in Albania and Eastern Europe. In 1996 I spent part of my summer in Croatia teaching English. We also had the opportunity to share God's Word through a translator. Many were so hungry for the Truth. I also met people in their 70's that remembered life before communism when they worshipped God freely. Many were part of the underground church when communism fell.
    I will pray for many to be able to listen to the radio or to hear by way of the internet.
    Our God delights to do the impossible.
    posted by Kathryn
    on Friday, April 16, 2010 at 11:35 pm
  20. How many will say, "Send me for I am thy servant?" May the Lord so change us that WE are willing to lose all for the sake of the Gospel and those He points us to. Whether it be us or the Lord changing us so much that we "give" financially for the cause of Christ. After all, nothing belongs to me....it is all God's.

    So thankful for this woman who is willing to lose all for the benefit of others.

    Blessings to Revive our Hearts.
    posted by Stacey Smith
    on Saturday, April 17, 2010 at 3:11 pm
  21. I am an Albanian woman, My Dad left Albania with his Dad and Uncle to come to a Country of Freedom. He later married my Mom who was an Albanian woman of America. Our freedom of religion is a gift. Growing up hearing the stories about Albania and aunts and uncles and cousins who were still there under a Communists government was heart wrenching.
    My Dad and Mom would visit Albania with gifts of clothing for relatives and would come home with many stories. One that I have always treasured. My Dad told me how they would be killed if they were seen or heard talking about religion. My aunt would meet at night with other Albanian woman and pray. I am sure she prayed for there Country and there children and there children. It is a privilege to join you in daily prayer for that little country that meant so much to my Dad and Mom.
    May the God of Wonder and Peace and Love use you as a vessel to guide and teach with Love and Hope for all the sisters and brothers in Albania.
    posted by Agnes
    on Friday, June 25, 2010 at 7:16 am
  22. I read now this article...and I start praying for the albanian people , and christians there.
    The prayer can shake the hell.
    God bless all our sister and brothers in Albania.
    posted by Regina
    on Thursday, July 1, 2010 at 5:20 pm
  23. This article gets me very excited! My husband, sons and I were missionaries in Albania shortly after the country "opened up". Just this past summer my husband and youngest son were able to travel back through on (first time in 5 years) a trip to visit our oldest son and daughter-in-law who currently work/live in Kosovo. It was awesome to see how indeed the gospel has spread there in that country and many lives have been changed. I remember when we finally got a good translation of the Bible and the joy of watching lives transformed through it. It was exciting too, to see that more and more books are being translated into Shqip (Albanian). I don't know for sure what is available for the women, but I DO know that the materials ROH has done are GREATLY needed there. For generations, women were not treated well and now with the fall of communism and all the new "western" thinking that is pouring in via internet, and other media there is a real search for the role of a woman in that culture. (as is here in the states) Of course their greatest need is for the gospel of Jesus, which will in itself transform their lives.

    Wow, how I'd love to be involved in someway if a ROH ministry in Albania were to take place. Looking forward to hearing more.

    Praying with you as you seek the Lord in his timing and direction!
    posted by Karen
    on Thursday, September 23, 2010 at 9:24 pm
  24. Thanks so much for your prayers and heart for Albania, Karen. Sounds like we could learn quite a bit from you. Thank you for serving there--and here!

    Excited about the doors God will and is opening,

    paula
    posted by Paula Hendricks
    on Friday, October 1, 2010 at 12:25 pm
  25. I am an Albanian woman who got saved in the summer of 1992 and served in the country of Albania with my husband as missionaries until 2006. The Lord allowed us to see two churches built that continue to this day very strongly. We have worked with hundreds and hundreds of women over the years there. Our churches have very strong Albanian women believers who have suffered a lot of prosecution during the years for their faith but according to their testimony the truth has set them free. The Albanian culture is a very male dominant one and there are parts of the country where woman are treated like possessions of their fathers or their husbands but this is not the case in the Christian churches.
    I personally do not agree with the statistics that 75% of the country worship Allah. They say that 70% of the population is Muslim but they are not all practicing Muslims. Albania has more atheists than anything.
    I would love to pray and see the change in my country towards the Lord and the Gospel.
    posted by Erla Bartell
    on Thursday, March 17, 2011 at 4:15 pm

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