Christmas in Gorre

Oh, the immeasurable love of God, that He would leave His glory and come to live among us! Oh, the creativity of God, that He would arrive in the tender skin of an innocent baby, appearing first to lowly shepherds, who alone were treated to a choir of angels! We pray YOU have a sense of Christmas wonder as you go through the busy-ness of Christmas traditions this year.
The season is unique for us, as we long to be with our family and friends. God will help us through the lonesome moments...and skype will help, too.
Gorre and most of Albania puts very little focus on Christmas. During the communist era, which ended in 1991, any religious expression was so strictly forbidden that people stopped virtually all religious activity. Outward expression of faith is still rare, although in this area there is some connection to the Eastern Orthodox tradition. Evangelical Christians make up only 1% of the population, and even they are not used to much Christmas celebration.
Many people do decorate trees, as we do, but they are New Year's trees, and New Year's Eve is when the greatest celebrating of the year occurs. We're told the fireworks in the capitol city of Tirana out-"shine" any displays you'll ever see in the US. Santa suits and ornaments can be bought in shops, and a few lights twinkle in some shop windows. Bur we hear no Christmas music and see no holiday foods (definitely no lefse or lutefisk!)
So, these are quiet days here. We have decorated our apartment with bay leaf boughs and wreaths and copious candles, and it's very festive. The pre-school children are practicing for a program for parents. We hear "Jingle Bells" and "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" in their sweet voices, sometimes in Albanian, sometimes in English. The area Nazarene churches gathered for worship, fun, and food Saturday. And the women of all churches in one neighboring town invited all area women to a Christmas party. It was wonderful to be part of so many Albanian women celebrating God's love at Christmas. We have baked a few favorite cookies, thanks to a care package containing American ingredients. It's always fun to share those with curious Albanian friends.
Last Thursday it snowed in Gorre...for the first time in about 10 years! It was beautiful, and fun to watch children experience snow for the first time in their lives.
As much as we miss our family and treasure the traditions of Christmas at home, we are blessed with reminders that it's not the traditions that make the holiday. Jesus came in such a beautiful way...for us...He lived and died...for us...and He rose again...for us and for God's glory. And He is the source of our joy and peace this season. Our prayer is that you have His joy and peace also.

Gezuar Krishtlindjen! Merry Christmas!
Much love to you all, Bob and Judy

Ermal's Boys

One of our previous posts highlighted our friend Nertila and her young girls study group. Also, previously you've met Ermal, Nertila's husband who meets regularly with 6 to 8 teenage boys.

In this post we are showing Ermal meeting with his boys in our apartment. On this day, we (entire village) lost power beginning at about ten o'clock in the morning. The power outage lasted all day and into the early evening. We were challenged as the outside temperature was hovering just above freezing most of the day. Normally, Ermal engages the boys in Bible study downstairs in the church sanctuary. Since there is no heater in the church sanctuary, Ermal knocked on our door wondering if when we regained electric power, he could bring the boys up to our apartment. Within a short time our power did resume and we were able to turn on our room heater. The boys were led through their study by Ermal in the warmth (relative) of our home and also enjoyed the fruit drink and goodies we quickly rounded up for them.

Now that Ermal's group has experienced the warmth of our apartment and tasted the goodies we provided, we might expect (hopefully) to see Ermal and his boys on future Saturday nights during this cold season.

Though unable to follow the lesson because of the language barrier, it was great to watch the intensity of Ermal's leadership. Also, the boys eager participation was a joy to witness.

Thanksgiving Day

So far from our traditional day of Thanksgiving yet so thankful, to God, for daily bread in Albania. Even though the local turkey shepherds abound in our rural area, the birds are being "fattened-up" for the local tradition of serving turkey on New Years day. We settled for locally raised chicken & fixens.
At our dinner table, we were honored to share with Pastor Landi his wife Julie and their son Greisi. Also, present at our table were good friends Ermal and his wife Nertila. Though we didn't have stuffing, cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes or pumpkin pie we were blessed with good food and great company. A highlight of the day was a skyping session between Nertila, Juli and several of the our grandchildren.

...give thanks in all circumstances...(1 Thes. 5:18)

Meet Nertila's Girls

Most Saturday mornings our little church is open for 5-6 14 year old girls to meet with Nertila for the purpose of Bible study and discussion of issues relevant to the girls' lives. I had the opportunty recently to participate, when the girls met in our apartment. Since they're interested in American food, we spent the first hour in chaotic fun putting together a pan of Apple Squares. They helped with such enthusiasm that there was little for me to do except give directions.

While the squares baked, Nertila led a discussion. Even though I couldn't understand much (except that the topic was the Bread of Life), it was clear by the girls' attentiveness and interaction that they love and trust Nertila and are hungry to learn about Jesus and how He can impact their lives.

It is truly a charming blessing to spend time with these girls, and I look forward to more cooking sessions. They have promised to teach me some traditional Albanian cuisine! As this year progresses I'm enjoying getting to know them better and watching them grow in their faith.

Life Savers

A day or two prior to our arrival here in the village of Gorre, we talked with an English teacher in Tirana (capital city) about our plans. She said, "put on your life preservers, and good luck!" Soon after arriving in Gorre we met two life savers. We'd like you to meet Nertila and Ermal (& their 1 year old son Emanuel) both of whom speak English quite well.

Nertila has become our mesuese (teacher) of Shqip (Albanian) and a precious friend. She is a wonderful young mother, devoted wife and a woman of strong faith. Nertila loves the Lord and walks her faith journey daily with joy and grace. We have come to rely on her, not only for her language skills but also as a dear friend and an encouraging sister in Christ. Nertila spends each Saturday morning discipling three to five teenage girls. Soon she and the girls will spend a Saturday morning in Judy's kitchen making, baking or preparing some American cuisine.

What can be said about Ermal? A fine looking young man, Ermal is bright (speaks 3-4 languages), teaches computer classes, periodically preaches at our Sunday worship service, takes great care of his family and helps us with our computer concerns. Ermal also disciples a group of teenage boys. He typically meets with them each Saturday night here at our Nazarene center. They have a good time socializing, game playing and are currently doing a study of the Gospel according to Mark. Last Saturday night Bob was invited to join them in some ping-pong fun. He is looking forward to getting to know the boys better and hopes to spend more time with them.

An illustration of how this young couple live out their faith is the stand each has taken against the corruption that pervades the Albanian culture. Whether it's school, business, or being pulled over for a traffic violation, bribery might get you where you want to go but not paying a bribe can limit one severely. Nertila is one exam away from acquiring her university degree in linguistics and communication. Since she refuses to pay a bribe to the professor giving the exam, she has not "passed" the test (even though her scores are always high). She has taken the test several times with the same results.

Ermal could have "bought" a well paying job and supported his family in decent style. He not only refuses to pay the price himself, but also refuses to let anyone else pay it for him. Consequently, while he has a job, it pays poorly, and he and Nertila must live with his parents; unable to afford a home of their own. In addition to the economic repercussion of their stand, they are ridiculed by many Albanians for their "foolishness".

Please pray for Ermal Nertila and Emanuel.

Most Important to Date

Dear Friends,

Having lived in this little Albanian village now for a few weeks, we have come face to face with the stark reality that we are experiencing a part of the world that is so different from our North American culture. The needs here are immense. The creative resourcefulness of the local pastor, kindergarten teachers and other villagers is amazing. They make the best of what they have, they turn seemingly nothing into something, they get by with what they have and complain VERY LITTLE.

To use a common colloquial phrase "per shembull" (for example), of three kindergarten classrooms, one has an antiquated blackboard, maybe 3' x 4' barely usable. Another room has one a bit larger but of the same vintage, and a third room does have a white dry-erase board but it is sadly small and well used. There are a couple electric room heaters, but they will be used very little this winter as the electric bill would be unaffordable. The children will be cold as they sit at their lesson tables nestled in their sweaters and jackets.

Our little church sanctuary will have no heat this winter, so we will all worship with our coats on. The only musical instrument to accompany our songs of praise is the pastor's guitar. Each Sunday as we drop our offering into the collection box it falls silently to the empty bottom.

In no way do we boast; however, we have extended our financial help and will continue to do so, but WE NEED HELP. The children have many needs that stretch far beyond what the current budget can offer. Our mission fund is supported by many gifts from our North American church families, but we do need more support. If you feel a tug and are able....please, send a gift in any amount to the following address. (Since shipping materials from North America is so expensive, it is more effective to send funds that can be used here.) Thank you for your help and please keep this part of the world and this mission in your prayers.

Make check or money order payable to

General Treasurer Church of the Nazarene.

Mail to

Church of the Nazarene

P.O. Box 843116

Kansas City, MO 64184

On the memo line, indicate whether you wish to support the Flowers of Life Kindergarten in Albania, or Church of the Nazarene in Gorre, Albania. Also, please note that donation should go to attention of Beiler/Scottum mission.

God's blessings to you! Bob and Judy

Landi and Juli

We'd like to introduce you to our local pastor, Landi (lahn-dee) and his wife, Juli (you-lee). Their son, Greisi, you met on our previous post. Landi has been pastoring the Gorre church for about 8-9 years now. While it's difficult for us to understand his preaching due to the language barrier, it is clear he is devoted to the Lord and has a gift for opening up scripture to his congregation. During the week he spends much time transporting the pre-school/kindergarten children to school and back home each day. He must get up very early, as he has three different directions/villages to get to. At the end of the school day, off he goes, the same three runs in reverse. In addition to using his multi-talents, i.e., plumber, electrician, all-around fixer-upper, Landi is a master gardener. At home, he nurtures the family garden/greenhouse, the result of which yields copious vegetables and fruit. Much of the harvest is sold at a nearby wholesale market, while the remainder is used for the family. We've been treated to delicious peppers, eggplant, and other produce. Landi is a devoted and faithful pastor, husband, father, discipler, and friend to many local villagers. His great sense of humor livens up our attempts to communicate and eases some of the pressure of adapting to a new culture.

Juli has been a life-saver to us as she speaks English fairly well. She interprets for us on many occasions and tries to explain what we need to know---which is everything about Albanian culture, life in Gorre, and the pre-school where we help in various ways. As lead teacher, she supervises two other teachers, evaluates lesson plans, and teaches her own group of 4-5 year olds. As a wife, she is a resourceful and supportive partner to Landi. It's a treat to observe their great team-work.

For some time, Landi and Juli have wanted to start a new church in a neighboring village, and since we are here now to help with some of their more mundane responsibilites at the pre-school and church, that may indeed be possible.

We are so grateful for the warm welcome, friendship, and help this dear brother and sister in Christ have extended to us, and look forward to an ever closer friendship.

Grecie is the six year old son of our local Pastor Landi & his wife Juli. Each day, with few exceptions, Grecie appears at our door with eager anticipation of his English lesson with me ( Robert ).
A sharp young lad, Gracie seems to look forward to this time of day. Conjecture for a moment the cause of his enthusiasm. Perhaps he is anxious to learn English, maybe it is the quality time he gets to spend in frivolity with xhaxhi (uncle) Robert or possibly it is the chocolates he receives as reward for his lesson completion. Okay--let's hope that we don't run out of Tootsie Rolls, Hersey Kisses & M & M's for a while.

urgent prayer request

In the northern part of Albania there are many people who still follow ancient cultural traditions governing interaction between family clans that involve blood feuds and other brutal practices. We do not know much about this, so can't explain in detail at this point. However...
Dritan was a pastor of a church up north, whose family has been feuding with another family for many years, involving a "requisite" killing every 2 years. (After one person is killed, that family has 2 years to respond by killing someone in the other family, and back and forth it goes.) As a member of one of the families, Dritan was a prime target, even though, as a Christian, he did not support the feud. For some time he lived virtually in hiding, for self-protection. But 2 weeks ago he told a friend,
"I no longer want to live in a prison because of other people...If I can save them (the men of my family) by my death, so be it."
He came out into the open, and within 3 days of that statement, he was murdered, leaving a wife and young children.
Many of the missionaries we've met here know Dritan's family well. They are asking for prayer for Dritan's wife, Elona, and their children...prayer that they will be taken care of and prayer that they can forgive. If Elona could bring herself to forgive and to convince Dritan's family that she does not want them to carry out the next revenge killing, this particular feud would end. What a demonstration of the grace of God that would be! And, with that, who knows how God could be glorified, even in the tragic death of Dritan?

Brief Introduction...well, maybe not so brief

As of today, we have been in our new home for 2 weeks...and what an astounding 2 weeks it has been. Adapting to village life has its challenges, from language limitations, to learning how to travel to a neighboring town for groceries, to coping with frequent power outages. The everyday aspects of life are very different from home... perhaps we'll elaborate on that in the future.

Our apartment is part of a building that also houses a pre-school (called kindergarden here), our church sanctuary, and a small conference center. A few days after moving in, we "hosted" a 3-day class at the center, which meant providing snacks for the participants and meals and companionship for the teacher. Jenny volunteers at European Nazarene University (located in Germany), traveling to distance learning centers to teach various classes. We enjoyed having an American to talk to!

Currently our days begin in the pre-school by preparing snacks and lunch, taking up most of the morning. Until now, one of the 3 teachers has managed this, but our involvement frees her to focus on her class. One day the power was out, so lunch was cooked and served by candle-light! Although the photo is poor, you get an idea of the kitchen facility. We are amazed at what these teachers accomplish with very limited supplies. I (Judy) sit in on the classes from time to time, which actually is a good way to pick up the language. The kids giggle at my futile attempts to communicate, but they also are happy to help me learn.

Most afternoons include 1-2 hours of language study with a young woman from our church. She and her husband have been very helpful and patient, and they are becoming good friends. Also, most afternoons, Bob helps our pastor's 6 year old son practice English.

The rest of our time has been spent turning our apartment into "home", shopping for groceries, and trouble-shooting difficulties arising from unreliable electricity. To the local people, this is just a part of life, and they cope very well. For us pampered Westerners, it's been quite an adjustment, but each time a situation occurs, we become more able to take it in stride.


Albanians are very hospitable and generous people, and we are meeting many brothers and sisters in Christ. What a blessing to witness their deep and strong faith! Their willingness to take stands against the corruption that is a way of life here can have pretty severe consequences for them. To be so warmly welcomed into their church family is a great gift. God is taking very good care of us!

Please pray for these faithful ones to remain steadfast, and for us, as we seek to learn how we can encourage them. Zoti te bekofte! (God bless you!)

We Have Arrived

Two weeks since we left the USA. Our home, for now, is in a quite remote village about 2 hours from the capital city of Tirana. Our village is called Gorre, and can be located using Google earth or by simply googling Gorre, Albania. Though we are quite safe and well, we are definitely being stretched by the cultural adjustments. One example is we do have running water, though not potable, so we use bottled water for all consumption. People that we've met are quite cordial and helpful. Our biggest concern, for now, is the language barrier. Today, we start language lessons with a young lady that lives nearby and is a part of our little church. We miss "home" very much and all our friends and family but the Lord is with us and we will soon close the gap of cultural disconnect.

We'd love to hear from you. Prayers and words of encouragement are so much appreciated. If you would like to communicate directly to us, please use our email address, since this blog site is not set up for back & forth messaging.

Hopefully, we will add some photos in the near future.

Soon we'll be on our way.

Our departure date is scheduled for Sept. 14th. After arriving in Albania we will try to settle in and update this blogsite. We look forward to your following along with us as the year ensues. Since our intent for this blog is merely to give periodic updates, please use our email address if you would like to communicate with us.