KOSOVO (ANS) -- Within the last couple of months, Christians in Kosovo have been victims of what has been described as the increasing influence of radical Muslim groups.

A victim of the Kosovo violence.

Kosovo is a disputed territory in the Balkans. Kosovo borders Central Serbia north and eastward, the Republic of Macedonia to the south, Albania to the west and Montenegro to the northwest. The largest city and the capital of Kosovo is Pristina

In an e-mail obtained by ASSIST News Service, Pastor Artur Krasniqi said a church member from a town in the western part of the country was recently brutally beaten.

Two days after the attack against the church member, Krasniqi said, Kosovo Police arrested a group of five people believed responsible for the attack.

In addition, Krasniqi added, one of his church’s buildings in Prishtina was recently vandalized.

In addition to the attacks, Krasniqi said, he is worried about Islamic influence. He said, “Muslim radicalization of our country has become our serious concern, as it will impact not only our democratic values and freedoms but our safety and well being too.”

Krasniqi asked that those concerned about the plight faced by his fellow believers write to both the Prime Minister and President of Kosovo expressing their concerns.

Krasniqi said people wanting to know more should go to www.kishaprotestante.net,  or e-mail kishaprotestante@ipko.net 

Jeremy Reynalds is a freelance writer and the founder and CEO of Joy Junction, New Mexico's largest emergency homeless shelter, http://www.joyjunction.org He has a master's degree in communication from the University of New Mexico, and a Ph.D. in intercultural education from Biola University in Los Angeles. His newest book is "Now You See Me." Additional details on some of Reynalds' previous books are available at http://www.HomelessBook.com. He lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico. For more information contact: Jeremy Reynalds at jeremyreynalds@comcast.net. Tel: (505) 400-7145.