Albanian

Background

Pastor Albert Dosti first heard the gospel in the 1980s on Words of Hope’;s Albanian radio broadcasts. At that time, Albania’s Marxist regime made atheism mandatory. Listening to gospel broadcasts was explicitly forbidden. However, Albert was so attracted to the gospel that, despite the risks, he jeopardized his freedom to continue listening. Today that hard-line government is no longer in power and Albanians can now freely listen to one of three Christian FM radio stations which feature daily broadcasts of Words of Hope’s ongoing Albanian programs.

The Albanian field partnership is exemplary: the programming is extensive and varied, highlighted by a daily 15-minute Bible study broadcast in prime morning drive time. Other programs include a daily two-minute devotional program and a creative five-minute dramatized issue segment aired multiple times per week. Coverage by FM radio includes most populated centers of this mountainous Balkan nation.

Ministry Updates

December 2009 WOH radio broadcasts in Albanian introduced listener Fari Breshani to Christ and other Christians.

Listener Responses

"I am 85 years old. I cannot go to church, but my grandchildren visit me often and this brings a lot of joy. I have heard about Christ from them. I have learned from them that there is a Christian radio station which teaches the word of God. I like the music and the Word of God which is being taught there. I cannot read but I can listen to these wonderful teachings you broadcast through the radio. One of the programs I like is the "Words of Hope" program. May God bless you."

It has been very effective. We have heard many testimonies about how the program penetrates the hearts of Albanian listeners. Almost all the people in our church are regular listeners to the programs. They not only listen to it, but they also discuss the topics in different Bible studies or prayer groups. They talk about the messages and especially the examples and personal stories in the programs. Many listeners encourage others to listen also, particularly those who haven’t accepted Christ.