During the ruthless communist regime from World War II until 1991, all religious activity and materials were banned, and Albania officially became the world’s first atheist state in 1967. Enver Hoxha, the dictator, declared he would do what Stalin and Mao Tse Tung had failed to do: eradicate religion from his nation. To that end, he initiated a great persecution of people of all religious beliefs; to be caught reading the Bible could result in many years of imprisonment or death. Hoxha died in 1985. His successor, Ramiz Alia, and the communist regime were forced out of power via strikes and demonstrations in 1991. Dr. Sali Barisha, a Muslim, was elected President in a free election in March, 1992, and re-elected in 1996 in a very controversial election. The early feedoms have given way to greater socialism and politics remains unstable. The insecurities that came with freedom and democracy have brought about a return to socialist thinking seeking more security and collective solutions to the nation's problems. Under socialism, everyone was employed, even if they did not make much money. Despite its instability, Albania is a part of an even greater problem in the Balkans of extreme ethnic pride - ethnocentricity. The religion of ethnic Albanians is a greater Albania. The thing that makes this whole region a time-bomb is the Albanians' commitment to a greater Albania. Serbians want a greater Serbia. Macedonia and Montenegro each have their own struggles still coming to the fore. And Greece (a traditional ally of Serbia) cannot be forgotten, because they are not happy with either Macedonia or Albania.
The only solution to this whole milieu of problems is a true biblical world and life view. Albanians have a longing for a church that is their own and for this reason, Albania is ripe for Reformation. Reformation is the solution. While Hoxha is dead . . . God lives on! He has brought about a great opportunity for the Albanians to once again hear the Gospel, repent and turn from darkness to the Light. It is urgent that the biblical message be proclaimed in word, deed, and print in Albania and throughout the ethnic Albanians in the region. Pray for this work and give that it might go forward!
RCM’s work in Albania began in 1992 and represented the first permanent Reformed/Presbyterian ministry presence in the country since the early 1900's. Rev. and Mrs. Patrick Dickens began this beachhead following in the tradition of Dr. and Mrs. Phineas Kennedy (missionary to Albania in early 1900’s). The central thrust of their ministry in Albania was to present Christ - especially by word, but also by deed. Their objective was to call individuals, families and the people of Albania to Christ Jesus as Savior, Lord and King. In God's providence, due to the ill health of Patrick's parents, they were forced to practice what they had taught by leaving Albania in 1995 to look after their parents.
However, by the time they had left, they had impacted quite significantly the lives of several local Albanians, one of whom continues working for Reformation and the spread of Reformation theology in Albania.
Nardi worked for the police department as a radio operator and was a popular local rock singer in the early days of freedom. His influence throughout the Durres area is significant. He became a Christian through reading the Scriptures and was converted. This thirst for literature led him to our reading room while Rev. Dickens was there. He soon became an elder in the local church he attended. Nardi has studied at our seminary for several years in a non-degree program aimed at providing him with a well-rounded theological education. His heart is set on bringing Reformation to Albania. The outworking of that is still under discussion.Rev. Dickens continues in his association with RCM as the co-director for Albania, but currently lives in Arkansas.
Completed translations - Westminster Shorter Catechism and several tracts now in distribution.
Westminster Confession of Faith, Good News Bible Study ready for printing.
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