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