Greetings From Albania

Ministry Kick-Off

After nearly 25 hours of travel, plus many more hours of being awake, by God’s grace we made it safely to Korça, Albania.  Though our bodies were weary, the next day and days to follow, God gave us the strength and endurance to do training (including training some Albanians) and ministry in Korçe and surrounding villages each day this week.  

These past few days we have had some amazing ministry doing festivals, adult ministry and children’s programs in Korça, and the villages of Çerave, Kuç, and Hoçisht.

On Tuesday we were told that we would be doing children and adult ministry in the Muslim village of Çerave.  This village was 90% Muslim and had not been open to having anyone come in with the message of the Gospel, but we were told that on a day recently they had been allowed in.  Knowing this the team went forward with boldness proclaiming the Kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness (Acts 28:11).  Although we did have hinderance with noise and chatter, the Word went forth and many boy children and male adults heard this message that was followed by with many good conversations.

“How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”  Romans 10:15 and Carlee Loring, the OAC missionary we are working with, said after kids program that the girls on our team won the hearts of the boys by playing soccer with them because after playing soccer with them, these Muslim boys were ready to listen to ANYTHING. - C.A.

A Leap of Faith

Wow, I cannot even begin to express how grateful I am to be here in Albania and to have the opportunity to minister to the people here!  When I was asked to write for the blog, the whole process of me becoming a part of the team came to mind.  I was first asked to join the team back in February.  Before I had even been officially asked, I had already been set on my decision, that I wouldn't go.  Saying no was the easiest and most logical response for me at the time, so that's what I said.  I honestly didn't even pray about it because deep down I knew that going was what God would want me to do, but I felt like it wasn't even an option. 

A couple weeks after making the decision, I was talking to my mom about the trip and how I wished I was going and she asked, "Did you pray about it?"  I hesitated, wanting to say yes, but knew that wasn't true.  I struggled with this back and forth and prayed about my heart regarding this.  A couple weeks later, I was talking to some friends about the trip and realized, "wow, I really want to go, and maybe even feel like God is calling me to do this."  They encouraged me to talk to Mr. and Mrs. Adams and I was given a couple days to make my decision.  While it seemed so obvious what I should do, I knew I would be leaving for school in the fall and needed to make preparations. However, after a great deal of talking with my parents and spending a lot of time in prayer, I made the decision to go.  I can honestly say I made the right decision.  After only three days into the trip the people and my team had already made such an impact on my life.

Our first day of ministry doubts about this may have come to my thoughts when I was asked to do my sketch board message (that I did not know very well at all), but God had a plan!  I made it through the message, and may have forgotten to paint most of it, but I had so much fun and the kids were so attentive and their faces were full of joy!  It reminded me that God can use all things for His purposes and His glory and that none of this is about me, but about making His name known!  This night alone reminded me that taking leaps of faith and trusting the Lord with His plan will always be rewarding. - Emmie

Plane Connections

One thing that has really impacted me on this trip has been our last plane ride. There was this older lady and little girl sitting off to the side from us at the airport. The lady came over to me and asked if I could watch her granddaughter while she went to the bathroom. I said, "Yes, of course!" and when she left, her granddaughter and I played and goofed off until she got back. When the girl's grandmother came back, we talked and I found out she was on the same flight as me and I found out she was from Albania. She was bringing her granddaughter to learn the Albanian language. I shared the gospel with her and then we said goodbye because our flight was leaving. When we got to Tirana, Albania at the airport I saw her again and she asked me to hold her granddaughter while she looked for her luggage.The little girl fell asleep on my shoulder, I didn't know this but my team told me. Then when we had our luggage, we parted ways. I was super encouraged and felt like we made a connection so I hope I get to see them again as we will be doing ministry in her town of Pogradec on Monday. - Lily

Truth that Frees from Lies and a Pleasant Surprise

Today we woke up to our fifth full day in Albania. Although we are almost through a week already, the days have not felt like they are flying by. They seem very full, and feel like they last longer than the quick fast paced days in the US. I wonder if one of the reasons for that is with setting aside our phones, not having constant stimulation, we are able to be much more present where we are with one another as a team and all those around us. We are able to enjoy each other's company so much more and grow in relationships with one another. Time does not just fly by from busyness. 

It has been such a great joy to participate in the work of the gospel alongside the local church here. And for me it has felt like it has increased with each day.

From the first day only being able to pass out Bibles and literature to the next day having a conversation about Christ with an English speaking Muslim although he rejects the gospel, to the third day having the pleasant surprise of meeting two boys who spoke English very well and therefore being able to explain the gospel to them. They were familiar with Christ and his death on the cross, but didn't have a clear understanding of the gospel. One boy named Ery was smiling with joy as he came to understand the gospel. We also gave him a New Testament and encouraged him to read it. With the second boy, when I asked him if he trusted in Jesus as his Savior, he asked the very good question, "How do you know if you trust in Jesus?" I didn't know how I was going to answer that, but the Lord gave me words to say. 

Later, Sam was able to talk to Ery and another boy together about the gospel and we gave the other boy a New Testament as well.

Lastly, it has been awesome to see each of the team members using their gifts and each having such a desire to share the good news with the lost. It has also been so encouraging to see the passion that the men from the church have for evangelism.

The trip has been such a blessing so far and I so look forward to the next 13 days here. - Jamin

Ministry in the city of Korçe

Children and Adult ministry in the Muslim Village of Çerave

Children's Festival in the village of Kuç

to advertise for the VBS next week to start the work of a church plant

Ministry in the village of Hoçisht

Festival outreach at Greek Orthodox Festival in Hoçisht