Albania has a rich Christian history (see Illyricum – Romans 15:19 & Timothy 4:10). Beginning around 1479, and through different periods ending in 1912, Albania was under the rule of the Ottoman Empire. Although Christians revolted against the Empire in 1481, Albania came completely under Ottoman rule by 1488. Resistance would continue for over 45 years and give rise to their national hero, Skanderbeg – otherwise known as Defender of Christians. However, due to enduring Ottoman influences, Albania succumbed to Islam and became a Muslim country. Additionally, from 1945 to 1990, Albania’s government forced a system of communism based on the policies of Marxist-Leninism and Mao Zedong. In 1967, the Communist Party banned any religious activity in the country, rendering all religion unlawful. After the fall of communism, a strong patriotic nature emerged, and most Albanians are nationalists first and foremost.

Today, the majority of Albanians consider themselves culturally Muslim. They hold to Muslim cultural mores and traditions, but the majority do not attend a mosque or practice daily prayer. Therefore, unlike other Islamic countries, Albania is open to the message of the Gospel and Christianity can be practiced freely. This aspect of Albanian society means that they are largely open to spiritual ideas, making the relationships we have formed both meaningful and fruitful. Albanians are highly social and it is not uncommon to meet for coffee several times a day. Additionally, due to U.S. military assistance during the Kosovo conflict of the late ’90s, Albanians are very welcoming towards Americans.