Known as the Republic of Macedonia, this small country has known significant ethnic tensions between Muslim Albanians and Orthodox Christians since the Kosovo Crisis in 1999. In 2001, Macedonia was on the edge of civil/ethnic war. Sadly, it seems to be following the example of some other Balkan countries. 'Balkanize' is in fact a verb, defined by Webster's Dictionary as "to break up (as a region or group) into smaller and often hostile units". Before the world's eyes we have seen this played out in recent years throughout the Balkans: Croatia, Bosnia, Kosovo and now Macedonia. Each ethnic group strives for its own rights while holding disdain for the other ethnic groups, resulting in mistrust, prejudice, hatred and strife.
Main Muslim People Groups in Macedonia
In Macedonia there are four main Muslim people groups: Albanians, Turks, Gypsies and Goran, in total comprising over 30% of the population (according to official census results 1994). The majority population, Slavic Macedonian Orthodox Christians, scorn the Muslims in their country, considering them uneducated & uncultured. But fortunately, there is a burden growing among the few Protestant churches to reach out to their Muslims neighbors.
The gypsy churches are led by nationals and the believers love to worship in their own gypsy style. During a 4 month period in the winter 2000/ 2001, one gypsy church saw over 100 people come to faith in Christ. Yet so many gypsies still live in fear of superstitions.
Macedonia Flag
Macedonia Map
The Albanians in Macedonia
The Albanians comprise of more than a quarter of the total population, there is still not one evangelical church among them. Islam and ethnicity are interconnected in the mind of an Albanian. To be Albanian is to be Muslim. Christianity is the religion of the people whom they consider their oppressors. Why would an Albanian want to join the faith of his 'enemy'? So little gospel seed sowing has been done. The Turks and Goran are also unreached. There is no church in the Turkish language in Macedonia. As for the Goran, who are an ethnically Slavic people yet Muslim, no one is focusing specifically to reach them. Who can bring hope to Macedonia? Our Lord is The Only One who can bring true peace to the hearts of each person and to the whole land!
Prayer Guide for Macedonia
* That the present economic hardship and political instability may cause Muslims in Macedonia to seek after God and be open to the Gospel: (Ps. 119:71,75; Mt. 11:28-30)
* For the missionaries and local believers working among the Muslims to know how to present the Gospel in a meaningful way which could be truly life changing. (1 Cor. 9:19-22; Heb 4:12)
* That 'dividing walls of hostility' between ethnic groups will come down as Muslims turn to Christ (Eph. 2:14-17)
* That Muslims who come to Christ will be passionately sharing their new faith which in turn will create a multiplication of new churches around the country.
Background on Macedonia (World Factbook)
Macedonia gained its independence peacefully from Yugoslavia in 1991, but Greece's objection to the new state's use of what it considered a Hellenic name and symbols delayed international recognition, which occurred under the provisional designation of the "Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia." In 1995, Greece lifted a 20-month trade embargo and the two countries agreed to normalize relations, although differences over Macedonia's name remain. The undetermined status of neighboring Kosovo, implementation of the Framework Agreement - which ended the 2001 ethnic Albanian armed insurgency - and a weak economy continue to be challenges for Macedonia.
Economy of Macedonia
At independence in September 1991, Macedonia was the least developed of the Yugoslav republics, producing a mere 5% of the total federal output of goods and services. GDP subsequently rose each year through 2000. Growth averaged 4% per year during 2003-06. Macedonia has maintained macroeconomic stability with low inflation, but it has lagged the region in attracting foreign investment, and job growth has been anemic. Macedonia has an extensive gray market, estimated to be more than 20 percent of GDP, that falls outside official statistics.
About Macedonia
Population: 2,077,328 (July 2011 est.) World rank #143
Life Expectancy at Birth: 75.14 years. World rank #88
Ethnic groups: Macedonian 64.2%, Albanian 25.2%, Turkish 3.9%, Roma 2.7%, Serb 1.8%, other 2.2%
Religions: Macedonian Orthodox 64.7%, other Christian 0.37%, Muslim 33.3%, other and unspecified 1.63%
Languages: Macedonian 66.5%, Albanian 25.1%, Turkish 3.5%, Roma 1.9%, Serbian 1.2%, other 1.8%
Literacy Rate: 96.1% -- Male: 98.2%, Female: 94.1%
School life expectancy: 13 years
Macedonia - Video
EuroNews reporting about Macedonia, its history, identity, and its problems with its name and identity crisis.
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pray for Muslims in Macedonia:
* pray for Muslims who have turned to Christ in Macedonia
* pray for the Gospel to be firmly established amongst the Muslim Gypsies
* pray for the Albanian Muslims to come to a saving knowledge of Jesus
* pray for the Turks and Goran to come to Christ
* pray for strong churches to be established amongst each group in Macedonia