Did you know that Albania was famously declared to be the world’s first atheist state in the 1960’s? For three decades until the fall of socialism in 1991, all kinds of religious practices were restricted. Today, Albania remains a secular state but allows religious freedom. Islam remains the predominant belief system among Albanians. Christians and Muslims generally enjoy harmonious relations in a society which has a reputation for religious tolerance and mutual understanding.
However, this is not to say that there is no persecution. Just ask Sihana (not her real name), a Muslim-background believer from Tirana, Albania, who was rejected by her family because of her faith in Christ. She shares that listening to Radio 7 Albania “filled my heart with God’s truth that Jesus will never reject me and I will forever be in His family.”
Life was not done throwing challenges Sihana’s way. A few years ago, she lost her husband and was left alone to raise three children and take care of every responsibility at home. Sihana shares,
I remember that there were many days that I didn’t have any strength to get off the bed. But through the radio God always had a message for me. I’m so very thankful for the Albanian pastors that have been teaching me how to depend on God in every circumstance. Sipas Fjales (a Radio 7 program sponsored by The Tide) has been a favorite program for many years and has taught me that God never changes and his plans for us are good to give us a future. Radio 7 is 24/7 nonstop in my house. For over 18 years Radio 7 has been my friend, my counselor and friend.
We previously shared about the incredible spiritual openness to the gospel among Albanians and Kosovars. This remains the case today, and our partner pastors and staff continue to interact with listeners over phone, e-mail, physical letters, Facebook, and in person. Thanks to our generous supporters, we are marking our 10th year of gospel radio broadcasting in Albania!