“The only atheist country in the world”
This is what the communist dictator Enver Hoxha announced in the eighties. Not entirely without reason, since his secret police had actually succeeded in wiping out almost all forms of religious life.
This changed with the opening of the borders at the beginning of the nineties; many Christian free churches have been established in the meantime. However, the country continues to suffer greatly from its heritage: great poverty, corruption and mismanagement hinder development, while the country dreams, at the same time, of becoming part of the EU.
Stepping into the unknown
In 1991, AVC sent Arnold Geiger for the first time into the country that had been completely closed up to that point. Hunger, poverty and resentment provided for dangerously explosive material but also for an openness never seen before to the good news of Jesus. Despite all the adversities, Arnold’s pregnant wife soon joined him with their three small children. Over the years there were further crises and life-threatening situations. Nonetheless, from the small beginnings developed a far-reaching aid organization called “Fondacioni NEHEMIA” which today has around 150 employees.
Helping the whole person, body, soul and spirit
- Treatment at home: Physiotherapy
AVC would like to support the social development and the people of Albania by putting Christian values into practice. To this end, AVC not only helps the needy but tries to serve all people and meet their needs. This is why great emphasis is placed on education and helping people help themselves.
In order to help people on every level there are projects of a spiritual nature, e.g. establishing churches, children’s ministry, Royal Rangers;
social and medical work, such as soup kitchens, social care, physiotherapy, support for Romany children, village development projects and much more;
educational projects from kindergarten to university and further training.
Cooperation has been important from the start. Changing society is not something AVC can do alone. Cooperation and networking with other churches and organizations is therefore very important. It helps us to use resources as effectively as possible.
What is next?
Albania is a problem child but it is not unique in this. There are similar problems in almost all the countries of south-eastern Europe. AVC wants to help. This is why our strategy is to facilitate help on every level in neighbouring countries, too, in the future.
- Christian scout work
- The disabled also have access to school
- Amaro Tan School for Romany children
