Family Ministry Outreaches

Albania

This week we having been working in villages and towns in and surrounding the City of Korce conducting family, children's and Adult ministries alike.  We went to the Muslim villages of Blisht, Bulgarec, and the recently earthquake devastated Muslim village of Floq, as well as City of Pogradec. Many came out to see what the commotion was all about, got sucked into the intriguing message, or were been drawn by God’s leading.  We can all attest of the many ways in which God has worked and praise the Lord that He is using us to proclaim His word and bringing Glory to His name. 

- Carmina

Working Together with Christ’s Body to Share the Gospel

On this trip I have seen the progression of the blending of the American and Albanian halves of the team.

At first I was wondering how working as a team with the Albanians would turn out. As there is a language barrier between some of the team members. Rudina, our translator overcomes the language barrier and she does a wonderful job. She translates for us while we meet together as a team and while sharing the gospel on the streets.

The biggest thing that has brought the two half’s of the team together has been the shared desire to make Christ known in the towns and villages around Pojan.

Before we head out onto the street to do evangelistic ministry the entire team prays together as we go to spread the gospel together. 

We have been going through the book of 1 Peter and the Albanians have been joining us for our time of study and discussion of God’s word. We have learned a lot about suffering and submitting as a Christian and following Christ’s example while we have been going through the book of 1 Peter. 

I pray and hope that the churches will be encouraged to continue in evangelical outreach by our coming to them. It has been very encouraging to see another part of Christ’s Church praising and spreading the name of Christ. 

- Jerry

Unexpected Friendship

Hi, I’m Meredith. There is something I would like you to know about me, I’m introverted and it’s hard for me to make new friends. I came to Albania last year and it was a blast, and I so desperately wanted to go back there. When Mrs. Adams told me that we were going again this year, I was overjoyed, but that excitement didn’t last long. The reason why was because she told me that we would be going with a team from their new church in Virginia. I then started to panic. I didn’t get the chance to meet the new team until the last training last month. It was fine, but we didn’t really talk at all and one of our teammates wasn’t there. When I arrived home later that day, I was discouraged. 

The time came to leave for the airport and I was more nervous than ever to see the team and meet the other teammates.  One of the last things my momma said to me before she dropped my brother and I off was, “Make sure you talk and connect.” Bleh... At the airport I sort of kept my distance and didn’t really talk. On the first plane my teammate Emmie and I started talking, when we were talking, I thought to myself that maybe there was hope to connect with these Virginia folk. And let me say, hope came. The team has been connecting pretty well, we have been laughing with each other, praying with one another, connecting, and encouraging each other. And after three days of being here in Albania, we already made summer plans for us all to meet up at like Ocean City and having a sleepover and seeing the new Spider-Man movie. I can honestly say that I am so glad that I went on this trip and got the opportunity to meet these amazing people. And it may just be better than last year. Thanks for listening/reading. 

- Meredith

In One Accord 

On Monday night, we did an outreach night at the village square of Blisht.  We put up the puppet stage and got ready to begin with the program.  I got ready to do a drama that we have been practicing for months.  I was a little nervous, but I knew the Lord is in control and He is with me.

When the program began, we started with the drama. The people doing the drama with me were Meredith, Cameron, Emmie, and Garrett. I played the part of the deceiver tempting the girl, Meredith, to sin. Then Cameron, who was acting as Jesus, took me down, took the girl’s punishment of sin, was beaten by the guards, Emmie and Garrett, and died on the cross. I came back and acted as I emerged victorious.Then Jesus rose again and took me down once more and crushed my head with his heal.  He then came to the girl and she believed in Him, repented and believed Him as her Savior and they went off together.  

The program had an object lesson, puppet show, and a sketch board message.  It was so awesome to see the kids watch the program and be open to the gospel.  After that we hung out with the Albanians, ate akullore, Albanian for ice cream, (which made the fellowship sweeter) and went back home and did a song and a devotion with the Albanians.  I was in awe of what happened; Americans and Albanians worshipping God together in perfect harmony. We sang the song “Our God” in two different languages at the same time.  It was really awesome to see believers of two different countries come together in fellowship and worship the Lord. God has shown me that even though we Americans and Albanians, are from different cultures, we are all a family of believers who worship God, study the Scriptures with one another, and fellowship with each other. I am so pumped up to see what else God does on the rest of this trip!!

- Colman

New Friends, New Experiences

Hi my name is Alex and I’m 18 years old.  Something I wanted to share with all of you is how encouraging the Albanian team I am working with has been.  When we were preparing for this trip, I was anxiously wondering about what would be waiting for us when we arrived.  Before we left for this trip, I had never flown on a plane or left the country, so this was definitely going to be a unique experience for me.  I Felt very nervous, a little unsure, and scared.  But little did I know that these feelings would quickly disappear. From the very moment we were introduced to our now Albanian family,  I have felt very at home here. They are some of the most loving, kind, caring, welcoming, and Christ-like people I have ever met. The way they are bold about their faith and always willing to lend a helping hand is so encouraging to me. I have built lasting friendships here that will never be forgotten. I encourage all of you to keep these faithful servants in your thoughts and prayers, not only while we are here in Albania, but forever.

- Alex

The following photos are from the Muslim village of Floq where food packages are delivered weekly after the earth quake a few weeks ago.  Many of these people were made homeless and are now living in the elementary school.  Out of all the ministry we have done here in Albania, I think this one stands out the most.  It didn't have anything to do with the size of the crowd, or the location, but because some were calling out, and others said that they were Muslim and did not believe this message that we were bringing.  In spite of these things, they really listened and the children throughly enjoyed the program for the kids.  By the end of the long program, the adults had warmed up to us and they were very open to hear what we had to say.  Upon looking around at the end of the program there was no end of group conversations. Toni and Elga (the missionaries we are staying and working with) are excited to go back as they feel that it was a good start to future ministry and discussions.  It is also

close to Toni's heart because this is the very village where he grew up.

Mission Possible 2019