Pray for Kosovo

Week of Jan. 19-25, 2015

NOTE: We appreciate prayer for European Initiative also - See left panel.

In the NEWS: Kosovo mobilizes to fight religious radicalism and terrorism

After a major police operation, that recently resulted in 40 arrests of people suspected of engaging in conflicts in Syria and Iraq and supporting terrorist organizations, Kosovo institutions mobilized to fight religious extremism in the country

The involvement of Albanians in the spread of religious radicalism and terrorism in Syria and Iraq has mobilized the NATO mission in Kosovo, besides national security forces.

Heads of Islamic, Orthodox and Catholic communities urged their fellow believers to stay away from any form of extremism or violence and support peace for a better future. They condemned who uses the name of God to perpetrate criminal act against humanity, adding that religions should never justify hatred and violence.

The rule of law institutions have increased their vigilance and the Parliament will soon pass legislation banning citizens from joining foreign insurgencies, with a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison on conviction.

The majority of the population in Kosovo is Muslim. According to the Constitution, the Republic of Kosovo is a secular state and is neutral in matters of religious belief.

President Atifete Jahjaga said that Kosovo will not be a shelter for extremism. The head of the Islamic Community in Kosovo, mufti Naim Ternava, … says “[Extremist] have nothing to do with the real Islam, with its principals and rules, with Qu’ran and Hadith” .

But what motivates Muslims in Kosovo to join Islamist militants in Syria and Iraq?

“Some individuals in Pristina fall prey to propaganda by people living outside Kosovo who call them to participate in a 'holistic' war and they don’t analyze the situation. An investigative journalist in Pristina, Serbeze Haxhiaj, says that the lack of job opportunities for youth in Kosovo and the harsh socio-economic situation are also important elements that stimulate people to join paid radical groups.

…the Islamic Community should take a lead in this educational and awareness campaign supported by national intuitions, media and civil society.
Violeta Hyseni Kelmendi | Pristina 25 August 2014 http://world.einnews.com/article/220188674/Q_mazaUdJEknpZjB

Prayer Points:
1.    Let us first thank the Lord for answering prayer. These steps of the Kosovo institutions to take steps against radical Islam is a blessing for the country.
2.    We also thank the Lord for exposing these radical elements in Kosovo and the authorities taking appropriate actions. Lord, You direct rulers and governments to keep the peace as we pray for them.

2 Timothy 2:1-2 Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men,  for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.

3.    We pray that these radical Imams and teachers would be exposed and dealt with according to laws that promote peace and freedom.
4.    We want to celebrate religious freedom in Kosovo. Although the evangelicals are small in numbers, the Kosovo laws do not restrict proselytizing and public promotion of Christian events.
5.    May we also celebrate the stand Islamic leaders are taking to speak up against radical elements in their mist. Lord, we ask for their protection.
6.    Let us also pray against radical Christians that do not display love toward Muslims but themselves agitate hate.
7.    Lord we pray for Christians to become Muslim lovers! In many Muslim communities across the Muslim world, Christians are using unconditional love to turn Muslims to Christ.
8.    Holy Spirit, we pray that You would continue to blow across the land. May the Intercessors and Christian Kosovars continue to pray for Kosovo.

Matthew 5:43-44 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.”

Please leave a Comment or Reaction so we will know you Prayed.

Pray for Kosovo

Week of July 7-13, 2014

In the News: Trial of suspected Albanian crime boss begins
PRIŠTINA -- A panel of judges at the Basic Court in Priština has begun the trial of Naser Kelmendi, charged by the Kosovo Special Prosecution Office.

On May 6, 2013, Kelmendi was arrested by the Kosovo police on an international warrant issued by the Bosniak authorities in Sarajevo and has since been held in custody in Kosovo.

Keljmendi is featured on Interpol’s list of wanted criminals, where he is labeled as one of the most dangerous drug dealers in the Balkans, and has also been added to the United States' "black list" of foreign criminals. Bosnia accuses him of organizing the 2007 Sarajevo murder of Delalic [Bosnian citizen]. http://www.b92.net/eng/news/in_focus.php?id=228 

Prayer Points:
1)    We have been praying over the years for justice in the Balkans and the exposure of mafia type criminals. Thank You Lord for the above report. May the courts fully prosecute Mr. Keljmendi’s case so justice can be seen.
2)    Let us pray for the court system of Kosovo. May men and women of integrity occupy those courts as judges and strive to bring forth justice from the written laws.

Over the past twenty five years there has been a steady growth of evangelical churches in Kosovo. This is great news since Kosovo is estimated to be 80% Muslim.

3)    Let us pray for the Christians in Kosovo. There is much misunderstanding and at times persecution from their Muslim neighbors.
4)    Let us pray for the pastors. May they walk in integrity, and be worthy of honor.
5)    May these pastors have hearts made tender by the Lord’s love flowing through them. Let us pray for unity among the evangelical pastors of Kosovo. We rebuke slander, pride and personal kingdom building.
6)    We pray for unity among the believers. May they abound in love toward one another. John 13:35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
7)    Lord, help the pastors and church leaders in Kosovo to plan and prepare for the future.
8)    May this year, 2014, be a year of great advancement for the Kosovo churches.
9)    Let us pray for financial miracles for the Christians in Kosovo; job creation, giving hearts, raise in pastor’s salaries.
10)    Let us pray Acts 2:46-47 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.

Thanks for Praying - Please leave a comment or reaction so we will know you prayed.

Special Report - BalkanNetworks Meeting

Week of April 14-20, 2014

This week, instead of a prayer directive, we will report on our visit to a refugee camp in Podgorica, Montenegro and the Balkan Networks strategy meeting in Gjakove, Kosovo which we attended last week.

Zuzanna and I started out by driving down the Croatian coast Monday and Tuesday (April 7-8) and were amazed at the beauty our creative Father laid out for us to enjoy.

We arrived to Montenegro and met with Sinisa Nadazdin who pastors in a Roma (Gypsy) refugee camp. At the camp we observed the degrading conditions of life for about 1,600 refugees. Several have come to know Jesus in the camp and are so hungry for Him. This was evident in the mid-week service we attended where about 75% was made up of young people. He has worked with the refugees for some six years and has earned their trust. Sinisa helps them in countless ways, among which is worth noting that he helps the refugees work through the entangled bureaucracy of the paperwork in order to establish their identity. These refugees have been struggling to get legal status for many years. They had fled from Kosovo during the conflict there about fourteen years ago.

On April 10th we boarded a bus for a six and a half hour ride into Kosovo. I want to say, Montenegro has some of the most unappreciated beauty Zuzanna and I have ever seen. The mountains and valleys are just breath-taking.

We arrived in Gjakova, Kosovo for the Balkan Networks meeting Thursday afternoon.  It was great to meet men and women I had been corresponding with, some for years, through Praying for the Balkans, Project. It was good to meet many other Christians who have a burden for the Balkan countries. The meeting was very on purpose and we saw in many ways how each of us fit into the puzzle of the coming revival in the Balkans, which we firmly believe is on the horizon.

The inspiring news is that there has been an increase over the past few years of ministries coming or being raised up in the Balkan countries. We were blessed to have some pastors from the region that came and shared their dreams with us. I know I will leave some out but let me mention some of the participants at the meeting and the ministries they represent.

   ·    Albin Larsson, from Romania, missionary and organizer of the event. Truly Albin did a remarkable job of pulling us together and setting the agenda.
   ·    Jeff McLaughlin, from Kosovo – missionary, who did the ground work in Gjakova and lead our worship times.
   ·    Dag Schjelderup who has been serving in Albania for many years as a prophetic voice and pastor.
   ·    Bryan Brenchley, businessman from Macedonia, spoke to us about deepening our relationships and connecting with Kingdom minded people throughout the region.
   ·    Lee Saville, missionary from Romania, was our main speaker. Thank you Lee, for setting the tone and challenging us to press on with expected assistance from heaven.
   ·    George Markakis, pastor form Athens, Greece. Pastor George was a defining voice that helped bring clarity to the meeting.
   ·    Venco Nakov, pastor from Macedonia, stressed to us the importance of prayer that must precede the move of God coming to the Balkans.
  ·    Werner Woiwode, from Switzerland with Trumpet Call – Europe, is going forth blowing the Trumpet of  the Lord in all European nations; the sounds of heaven are coming to earth. (Werner, I started reading your book “Stranded on Life’s obstacles” )
   ·    Many others:
      o    Michael Long, missionary from Thessaloniki, Greece.
      o    Julian and Beatrice Kastrati, local church leaders in Albania
      o    Barry Ogden, missionary in Albania
      o    Pal Katona, missionary in Macedonia
      o    Rachel Bevan, missionary in Romania
      o    Katrine Drevon, YWAM representative from Serbia
      o    Athol Barnes from the USA, with Call2all, an organization to reach all hidden people     groups
      o    Jerry McCarty and Donald Chandler from the USA with Serve the City
      o    Others, unnamed but special participants to the meeting

We were blessed to also have with us four pastors/evangelist from Argentina that had come with Michael Long. These gentlemen challenged us and spoke into our lives great Hope. They spoke of their plans to mobilize hundreds of missionaries from South America to take the Gospel back to Europe as a way of thankfulness to Europe for bringing it to them many years ago.

To Zuzanna and I, this Balkan Networks meeting was reassuring to us that God is truly answering the prayers we have prayed for the Balkans all these years.

Please leave a Comment or Reaction so we will know you Prayed.

Pray for Serbia Nov. 14-20, 2011

Pray for Serbia 

 > Click Here > to see the video >

In August we had prayed for Nebojsa and Gordana Savic in Belgrade. The above video shows how God has prospered their work.

1)      Once again let us pray for this church in Belgrade, Serbia. May the Lord open doors of ministry. May the Lord send the lost to get saved but also helpers that will help disciple the new Christians.

2)     Lord, we pray You raise up “investor” for this ministry. Spiritually; intercessors that will stand in the gap. Givers; that will join the work in Belgrade through financial help.

News headline - "Islamic communities unification plan falls through”

BELGRADE -- The Serbian authorities refused to sign an agreement detailing the reconciliation of the two Islamic communities in Serbia, writes a Belgrade-based newspaper. http://www.b92.net/eng/news/politics-article.php?yyyy=2011&mm=11&dd=01&nav_id=77125

3)     The underlying motive of Islam is world domination with every nation being in bondage to Mohammad’s teaching. Lord, we pray that the Islamic leaders in Serbia would remain in confusion.

4)      There is a part of West Serbia that is called Sandzak, where there is a majority of Islamic believers. We pray for confusion in that area. May the true motives of their leaders be revealed. Let us pray that attendance in the Mosque would drop significantly. (Тhe name Sandžak derives from the Sanjak of Novi Pazar, a former Ottoman administrative district that existed until the Balkan Wars of 1912, whereas Raška was the name of a prominent Serbian Kingdom)

5)      Let us pray that the Lord would send a powerful witness into that area. Pray that the joy of the Lord would be released across that land. Lord raise up intercessors to plow the ground. Lord, send Your evangelist and pastors to plant seeds of righteousness.

 >> The first week of August, this year, we had prayed for the Serbia and Kosovo border. The following report is good news.

  The agreement envisages joint Kosovo and Serbian customs points and it does not require Serbia to recognize Kosovo’s independence. The Kosovo government has agreed to have integrated control over the crossings with central Serbia, in accordance with the EU standards. http://www.b92.net/eng/news/politics-article.php?yyyy=2011&mm=11&dd=12&nav_id=77302

6)     Lord, we thank You for smoothing out relations between the Serbs and the Kosovars. You are a peacemaker, Lord. Although it may be hard to see with our eyes and understanding, but we pray that someday the Serbs and Kosovars will live peacefully together.

7)     Let us pray that the Christians in both Serbia and Kosovo would set an example by having fellowship with one another.

8)     Let us pray for Northern Serbia, the Vojvodina area. There has been much ministry in this area but there is much more needed. We thank the Lord for the Baptist and Assemblies of God for their many efforts and the fruit that has remained. There is a disunity problem among the pastors and churches. Let us pray that the curse of disunity would be lifted.

9)      I want to return to a past prayer. Back in March of this year the Lord gave me a mental vision and ask me to pray into the vision. I saw five intercessors praying for six pastors to raise up and release seven evangelist to declare the Kingdom of God in Serbia. (5-6-7)

 http://freebalkans.blogspot.com/2011/03/pray-for-serbia-serbia-has-been-on.html

It starts with the intercessors. Lord, bring those intercessors together in Your time.

Please leave a Comment or Reaction so we will know you prayed.

Pray for Kosovo

Kosovo is in the center of the Balkans. There is a big dispute over Kosovo as to whether it is still part of Serbia or if it is independent. We do not wish to get into that debate but rather pray for the people of Kosovo. Many spiritual seeds have been planted there and we need to pray that they remain and grow.

Published: 07.29.11, 00:12
American and French peacekeepers were told Thursday to fire their weapons in defense if attacked at border posts on Kosovo's northern boundary with Serbia, a day after the crossings were set ablaze by Serbs armed with firebombs, a NATO spokesman said.

There have been days of mounting tension between ethnic Albanians and minority Serbs after Kosovo Prime Minister Hashim Thaci ordered special police units to take over two disputed border posts that were previously manned by Serb members of the police under EU supervision. One Kosovo policeman died in the operation. (AP) http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4101666,00.html

1) Tensions between Kosovo and Serbia are being stirred up again. Let us first pray that things would calm down.
2) Thank You, Lord, that no one was seriously hurt in the recent border unrest.
3) Let us pray that the NATO troops would actually work toward being peace-keepers and not take sides in the dispute.
4) Lord, we pray that You would raise up and put into position men and women that have the respect of both parties and could bring forth a peaceful and permanent solution.
5) Let us pray against the enemy and his plans to make sure there is no peace between the Serbs and Kosovars (Albanians). Lord, change hearts and raise up a new generation that will reject the hatred of the past.

Personal Story: In 1985 I went to Kosovo to visit a couple, John and Maria Angelic, who had moved from Serbia to start a church in Kosovo. At this time the church hadn’t been established but they were settling in. It was Easter Sunday and I remember thinking; “In America the churches are filled on this day but here in Kosovo there is no evangelical church to attend”.
Now this Report: The annual “Life for Kosovo” event at Easter was a great success, and Christians from across the country [Kosovo] travelled to the town of Gjilan to share God’s love in practical ways. The week of good work culminated in an open air Easter message service, which was very well attended! One person said: “It’s hard to believe that someone still will sacrifice his time and money in these days, for someone else that they don’t know”. (from http://www.eurovangelism.org.uk/)

6) Rejoice with me in the above report. This really thrills my heart because back 26 years ago the spiritual climate was dry as a desert.
7) Lord, this is all Your plan. You never gave up on Kosovo. Lord, continue to send Your love.
8) Let us pray that the heart of the Balkans will be healed.
9) John and Maria Angelic are now pastors in Hungary. Lord, I ask that you bless them and all others that gave of themselves for Kosovo.

Over my 40 plus years of being a Christian, I have seen seed planted and have witnessed fruit come forth. Never, never despise the small things you do or the prayers you pray for the Kingdom, God is planting a seeds.

For my opinion of the Kosovo conflict see Editor's Comments on Kosovo at http://freebalkans.com/Kosovo.html

Please leave a Comment or Reaction so we will know you prayed.