Hamza is sitting in one of the most famous ćevapi restaurants in the Serbian city of Novi Pazar with his foreign friend. People come here to drink coffee and to enjoy the best sausages and a good view of the pedestrian zone.
Hamza, however, is here to learn from the Bible. On their mobile phones the two men read John 8:32 together: “You will know the truth and the truth will set you free.”
After a moment of silence, Hamza says: “That is what my people need. They should recognize Jesus as truth and as light. And He will free them from the many dark powers and the slavery of money.” And he continues: “God sent you here for me! Without you, I would not be able to follow Jesus.”
As the only known follower of Jesus in the entire region of around 250,000 Muslim residents, Hamza knows life in Sandžak. It is not easy for him to live his faith, but he always draws strength from the Bible.
The Muslims of Sandžak are a significant majority locally, but overall, they are a minority in Serbia and Montenegro. Thirty years after the war, they are still discriminated against and treated poorly. This is one of the reasons why many Muslims here are very religious and devout. In the city of Novi Pazar alone, there are over 60 mosques, three Quranic schools, and an Islamic university which trains religious teachers and imams.
How to Pray
- Pray that more Muslims from Sandžak will recognize Jesus as the truth and follow Him wholeheartedly.
- Pray that the people of Sandžak region would recognize the light of Jesus to be stronger than all the dark powers that they have experienced.
- For more workers and new ideas on how to effectively share the Good News with the Muslim towns and villages throughout Sandžak.
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