"20" September 2011 CCI-Worldwide Prayer Emphasis
20 20 20 20 20 Christian Camping International (CCI) is an alliance of 19 associations around the world. CCI supports Christian camps and camping leaders in 60 countries. Christian camping is known to exists in an additional 40 countries without the support of local associations. Believing that Christian camping is a powerful method to impact people for God’s glory, CCI desires to see Christian camping grow around the world. On the 20th of each month, CCI encourages people to pause and ask God to raise up the 20th association of camps and camping leaders.
Two decades ago, Albania was one of the most closed countries in the world. Access was very limited, information was scarce, and interaction was restricted by a controlling Communistic government.
In the aftermath of World War II, Albania became a Communist country, and in 1944 it declared itself the first Atheist State in the world. In 1992 the shackles of Communism were replaced with freedom, and the Republic of Albania was established.
The transition was not without turmoil and trouble. Waves of conflict and financial trauma rolled over the country from time to time, but they endured. Today Lonely Planet lists Albania as one of the top-ten destination countries for 2011.
No longer an Atheist State, 70% of the country is Muslim and the remaining population is primarily Orthodox or Catholic. However, only about 30-40% of the population is active in any religious expression.
So, what about CCI? Albania has a small but committed group of Christian leaders who are striving to make an impact for Christ in their country through Christian camping. Children attended camps this summer, and retreats will be held throughout the year. The gospel is being shared, lives focused on Christ, and the next generation of Albanian leaders is being trained.
Please pray for this dedicated, hard-working, faithful group as they seek God’s direction for their individual ministries, and as they lock arms as a Network of ministries seeking to accomplish more together than they can independently.
