Hey y’all! Here’s a ministry update for the beginning/middle of October! I had the privilege of being a part of the ‘advance team’ to Albania! Khurry (squad leader), Taylor (racer), and I left Vitoria, Spain on Monday, October 7th, to fly into Tirana, Albania’s capital. The rest of the squad flew in on Saturday the 12th. Until then they were serving in Vitoria with a local church while the three of us got things ready for them here! From now until we come home, the team is going to be serving in Elbasan and Cerrik, two cities just south of Tirana.
If you aren’t familiar, Albania has a history full of war and political instability. Albanians descend from Ancient Illyrians, much of whose culture is still seen today. The preservation of the ancient culture is largely due to the country’s isolation from outside influence. As much of the western world developed, Albania was locked under Ottoman-Turkish rule for more than four centuries. Following the Turkish empire Albania was established as an independent state but remained under rule of dictators until 1989 with the fall of communism in Europe. While under communist control, Albania was constantly reforming as the government sought to strengthen the country. The Albanian Communist Party obtained lots of aid from Yugoslavia, the Soviet Union, and China, which facilitated the nation’s growth. Eventually, Albania cut off their ties with those nations and adopted a go-it-alone strategy that saw great economic development. Despite generally raising the standard of living, the government was very oppressive. They prohibited all travel abroad and shut down religious establishments. The country declared itself atheist and persecuted all types of religions. Once democracy was established in 1990, these liberties returned to the people. Borders opened and Albania began adopting western policies and institutions.
Considering that Albania has only been open to religion and missionaries for a little over 30 years and the country’s geographic location, Islam has poured many resources into developing an infrastructure here. There are many mosques, and the majority of the country is Muslim. One of the ways they encourage the growth of Islam is by paying over the equivalent of $100 dollars a month to men and women who attend the mosques. They also pay women to wear hijabs and burkas. While Islam has been growing rapidly, so has Christianity. Even though the country was dark, the Lord moved and called people to him during the communist rule. As the borders opened back up, christian missionaries came and preached the gospel. Many Albanians believed and were baptized. Churches have been expanding ever since.
Our team actually has the wonderful opportunity to serve with a church plant in Cerrik! They’ve had two services so far, one this week and one last Saturday! I wasn’t able to go last week, but this Saturday we were able to worship, share testimonies, and eat a meal with the church. Their services are currently Saturday mornings and their youth events Saturday afternoons. Because of our school schedule, I don’t know how often our squad will be able to stay for the afternoon ministry, but I hope we make time for it. Besides the church in Cerrik, we’re also partnering with a pastor and church in Elbasan, the city we’re staying in. This church’s services are Sunday mornings and youth group is immediately afterwards. I’m excited to be partnered with both of these church bodies and can’t wait to see the Lord continue to grow his presence in these cities of Albania.
Looking at our day-to-day schedule, we’ll be doing ministry in the mornings and school in the afternoons. The goal is to get three hours of school/blogging/mentor time each day, but we’re going to be interruptible and see where the Holy Spirit guides us. Mondays and Tuesdays are our sabbath and adventure days, where we won’t have school or organized ministry. Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, we’re with pastor Kristian in Elbasan. We’ll be doing outreach, ministry, and attending church with him these mornings. Fridays and Saturdays are with pastor Ilir in Cerrik. There are still projects to do in the church and kids ministry as well. The church building is conveniently located right next to a small turf soccer pitch that we are able to use and connect with local kids with. Personally, I’m looking forward to these days the most!
We’ll be here for the next month or so before we head back to Georgia (the state) for final debrief! Please pray that
- Our squad would hold onto our time loosely and be good stewards of each day.
- The Lord would open our eyes to the ways that He is moving around us so that we can partner with Him in what He is doing.
- We would be emboldened by the Spirit to share the gospel whenever the Lord prompts us.
- We would make the most of the time we have left here and that we would make lasting connections with the community.
- We would be full of gratitude for all that He’s given us and the opportunity we have to serve His kingdom in Albania!
Till next time
– Silas
