Pray for Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia and Herzegovina is known for its beautiful waterfalls, including some of the most famous in southeastern Europe. It is home to a rugged landscape of mountains, forests, rivers, and valleys. Bosnia and Herzegovina is one country divided into two governing entities and three ethnic groups. After Bosnia and Herzegovina declared independence in 1992, the nation became involved in a devastating three-year war. Fighting broke out along ethnic lines, leaving around 100,000 people dead, half the population displaced, and much of the country’s infrastructure and economy destroyed. The nation was then divided into two groups: the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Republika Srpska. People there are proud of their country, welcoming to outsiders, and eager to move forward together. Even with the political gridlock, everyday life looks normal. Neighbors from different backgrounds still run businesses together, share coffee, and are quietly rebuilding the country from the ground up.

International peacekeepers from NATO and, more recently, the European Union have helped keep Bosnia and Herzegovina stable. However, disagreements between ethnic groups still cause problems. These divisions make it harder for the country to work together politically and improve its economy. Bosnia and Herzegovina wants to join the European Union, which encourages the country to strengthen its economy. However, it must make more progress in resolving ethnic conflicts before it can become a member. Political disagreements and government corruption have also increased pressure on leaders and made it harder for people to freely share their political opinions.

Religion also divides the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Traditionally, Bosniaks are Muslim, Serbs are Eastern Orthodox, and Croats are Roman Catholic. Religion is an important part of each group’s national identity and culture, which hinders evangelism efforts. Still, some evangelicals have had success in reaching across ethnic lines. Scripture is available in all three languages — Bosnian, Serbian, and Croatian — providing each group with the opportunity to receive the Gospel.