Aleksandar Vuletić, also known as “Sasha,” has a fascinating and touching life story. Raised in a multicultural family in Macedonia, he moved to Germany as a young man. It was there that he first came into contact with Christian youth through the organization Teen Challenge. For seven years, he attended church, prayed, and sang hymns—but without genuine faith. It was merely an outward shell.
The turning point came during a sermon at a German congregation. A missionary from Brazil preached with such power that Aleksandar felt the message was directed solely at him. At the end of the service, when the preacher invited those who wanted to receive Jesus to remain seated, Aleksandar felt he couldn’t stand up. He describes how he sat there, glued to his chair, overwhelmed by the presence of the Holy Spirit.
When the service was over, the preacher approached him and asked why he stayed seated. Aleksandar explained that he wanted to receive Jesus into his heart. After a moment of prayer, he felt a great burden lift from his shoulders, replaced by an indescribable joy and peace. “I even saw the trees and buildings smiling at me,” Aleksandar recalls. It was the beginning of a new path—not only for him personally but also for his work in God’s kingdom.
Today, Aleksandar leads a church in Skopje, North Macedonia, and he describes the spiritual climate in the country as both challenging and full of opportunities. The youth in Macedonia are open to conversations about faith, but they are also searching for meaning in life through various experiments—whether in philosophy, religion, or even drugs. To reach them with the gospel, Aleksandar believes you must approach them as a friend and show genuine care. “If they see that you love them and are truly interested, then they are willing to talk and open their hearts.”
His congregation in Skopje is small but active, and the services have a warm, family-like atmosphere. Before each meeting, the members gather in the church’s small café to drink coffee and talk about life. “We never start on time,” Aleksandar says with a laugh. “That’s probably a typical Balkan thing.” Although it can sometimes be hard to pause the conversations and begin the service, he appreciates the friendly fellowship that has been built.
The congregation in Skopje focuses on creating a place where people can meet, share their testimonies, and grow in their faith. “We include everyone—someone might share a psalm, another tells a testimony, and we often pray together,” Aleksandar explains. Sometimes they also experience speaking in tongues and interpretations during the services. Their goal is to encourage believers to stand strong in their faith and be a light to others in the region.
The congregation also works beyond the church walls, especially with young people searching for meaning. They organize activities and events to create a safe and welcoming environment where youth can explore faith without pressure. “We often start by talking about everyday things like music or sports, and then we gently lead the conversation toward Jesus,” Aleksandar explains.
Besides their local work, the congregation has a close partnership with international churches and organizations. Over the years, they have welcomed teams from countries like Sweden and Norway, who have helped support their efforts and spread the gospel throughout the region.
Aleksandar’s story is a powerful testimony of God’s grace and the transforming power to change lives. From struggling with his faith to leading a congregation that impacts lives in Macedonia, his journey is proof of what can happen when we are willing to listen to God’s voice and be open to His guidance.
