North Macedonia
Josip and Biljana Pastor
Josip was ordained as full-time pastor of Bitola Evangelical Church in 2009, when the missionaries who started it returned home. Today there are about 50 regular members.
Josip loves the local community and longs to see people not only come to faith, but also become disciples of Jesus. He and Biljana wish the church to be known as a giving church, despite the difficult financial situation both they and their congregation are in. Their long-term vision is for people to take responsibility and leadership roles in the church, and to start new churches in the surrounding areas.
Bitola lies in the southwest of Macedonia with a population of just under 150,000. Under the Ottoman Empire, Bitola was the capital in Macedonia, but today it is largely forgotten, struggling with high unemployment and poverty. There is a strong Islamic presence in the town.
Josip is married to Biljana, and they have two daughters, Sara, who is at college, and Simona, who is married to Marshal and have a son, Michael.
