Cry of the Balkans
The Balkans of Southeastern Europe have been the center of conflict for centuries. Today, less than 0.01% of its population identifies as evangelical Christian. In Macedonia, 99% identify as Muslim or Eastern Orthodox. Less than 0.03% have an adequate witness of the gospel. More than 30 unreached people groups call this land home.
“When you walk down the streets of Macedonia, you see people without hope,” says Tim Bentley, who, along with his wife Elle, founded Cry of the Balkans. “People tell us, ‘There’s no hope for life. There’s no hope for my family. There’s no hope for this country.’ That’s where the name Cry of the Balkans came from. We, as believers, have the answer: True hope is found in Christ and Christ alone.”
In 2013, Tim and Elle launched Cry of the Balkans to share the love of Christ through both spiritual and practical outreach. This ministry exists to establish churches, equip leaders, and deliver hope. Since its founding, Cry of the Balkans has provided aid to more than 1 million displaced people, launched children’s feeding programs, developed clean water facilities, established multiple churches in unengaged communities, and launched a national youth ministry program in Macedonia.
Some Macedonians live in communities that mirror conditions in the developing world. “Delivering hope is a lifeline for our ministry. In Macedonia, a helping hand unlocks a heart — meeting a physical need opens the door to a spiritual one,” explains Tim.
Cry of the Balkans helps operate Retweet a Meal, a feeding program for homeless families, AGAPE, an afterschool program for Roma children that provides a safe space for local kids to learn, play, and hear about Jesus, and Lydia (Macedonia’s only prolife counseling center).
God is even using unbelieving locals to support their work. A Greek fishmonger who opened a store in Skopje befriended the Bentleys. When he heard about the feeding program, he said, “This is incredible. We will help by providing fresh fish.” When a local grain mill heard of the ministry, it started donating flour — ensuring families across North Macedonia had food they might otherwise go without.
“Any opportunity to show practical compassion is a chance to deliver the hope of the gospel,” says Tim. “It opens doors for us to enter homes, build relationships, and share our faith.”
These acts of compassion are creating pathways for the gospel. God is blessing and multiplying ministry efforts in unexpected ways — bringing hope, relief, and opportunities for countless people to encounter Him through the presence and work of Assemblies of God global workers.
This article originally appeared in Worldview magazine. Used with permission.