What’s Your Problem?

What’s Your Problem? That’s the question a young man in a non-English-speaking country was overheard asking a foreign visitor.

​On the surface, it seemed to be an aggressive sentence, and it’s likely that he could tell from the look on the foreigner’s face. He soon clarified, saying, “I mean, what is your question?”

​He wasn’t trying to be threatening. He was trying to be helpful and ask how he could assist the visitor to his country. He had merely gotten confused about which English word to use. You see, in the young man’s native language, the word for question was the same as the word for problem.

​The confusion of the two makes sense. Questions and problems are often connected.

Take Kosovo, for example. This European country, with beautiful landscapes and a rich history, faces a serious question.

Kosovo’s political system may seem complex to those unfamiliar with it. In short, lawmakers elect their president. But Parliament has been dissolved as per their constitution because they were unable to agree on a new president. This has necessitated a snap election on June 7. That leaves the big question, “Who will lead?” The big question is a big problem. The lack of presidential and parliamentary leadership negatively affects infrastructure, healthcare reform, economic development, education, government services, and more.

There is an even greater question, which translates to an even greater problem for the 2 million people living in Kosovo. In fact, it is the greatest question and greatest problem every person must address. Who will lead your heart and soul? There is only one viable answer, Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 8:4-6). He alone is worthy. He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords (1 Timothy 6:15). His reign will never end. Under Jesus’ leadership, faith drives out fear, clarity dissipates uncertainty, hope nullifies despair, and forgiveness obliterates condemnation.​

Thankfully, faithful donors, prayer warriors, and volunteers have made it possible for The Tide ministry to broadcast this answer for almost 80 years. In 2015, The Tide ministry began partnering with indigenous pastors in Kosovo to produce and air this message of hope in Albanian. It is their heart language and what God designed them to speak. In it, Kosovars are able to hear about Jesus’ love for them and how they can have a saving, personal relationship with Him.  As a result, several new churches have been planted. These are not merely buildings! They are beacons of hope shining the light of Jesus into the world around them. They are centers of action where the body of Christ becomes His hands and feet. They embrace the communities around them and minister to everyone they can. They educate hundreds of children. They serve the needs of single mothers and widows. When the question and problem are the same, “How can my sins be forgiven?” They provide the single answer, “Let me tell you how Jesus changed my life and wants to change yours, too!”

​The biblical instruction to share the Gospel with as many as possible remains.  We end with these questions and ask you to consider acting on them.

• Would you be willing to partner financially to support the ministry of The Tide through either a one-time gift or perhaps ongoing monthly giving? Click here to learn how.
• ​Would you be willing to partner physically with your time and talents by getting actively involved with The Tide? Click here to learn how.
• Would you be willing to partner spiritually and to pray for the body of believers in Kosovo, those who have yet to embrace Jesus as their Lord and Savior, and for the government?