Today We Join With Operation World in Praying for The Republic of Serbia Europe

Serbia

Republic of Serbia

Europe

See Prayer Information

Geography

Area: 88,147 sq km
Landlocked Balkan state. Serbia has two autonomous provinces, Vojvodina in the north and Kosovo in the south.
Population: 7,771,633    Annual Growth: -0.22%
Capital: Belgrade
Urbanites: 52.4%
HDI Rank: 67 of 182 (UN Human Development Reports 2009)

Peoples

Peoples: 33 (18% unreached) All peoples
Unreached Peoples Prayer Card

Official language: Serbian    Languages: 21 All languages

Religion

Largest Religion: Christian

Religion		Pop %	Ann Gr
Christians	6,246,061	80.37	-0.3
Evangelicals	45,580	0.6	1.8

Challenges for Prayer

Serbia is a nation with a public relations problem. It sees itself as defender of Europe and the Christian faith against Muslim aggression, as misunderstood and betrayed by the rest of Christendom and as victim of a propaganda war. Conversely, much of the world perceives Serbia as a war-mongering, hyper-nationalist power guilty of ethnic cleansing and atrocities, and as a perpetrator of ethnoreligious hatred. Both views have some justification. A long history of victimization by other nations (Turks, Austrians, Germans, Croats and others) has left a legacy of bitterness. Pray for the healing and redemptive transformation of Serbian identity; a mighty work of God is necessary for this to happen.
The Balkan Wars left a range of unresolved issues: the devastated economy, a fragile democracy, and poor relations with neighbouring countries and treatment of minority groups (including in Kosovo). Resolutions must be found, but a stubborn government and entrenched ethnocentrism in the main faith groups (Orthodoxy, Islam and Catholicism) make political and religious structures part of the problem. Pray that the tiny evangelical community – the only body that has retained multi-cultural fellowships – might prove a catalyst for good.
     For an additional 8 Challenges for Prayer see Operation World book, CD-ROM, or DVD-ROM.

More Information

The Operation World book, CD-ROM, and DVD-ROM provide far more information and fuel for prayer for the people of Serbia.