Life goes on in the village of Gorre. Thinking that we were back into our "normal" routine after the holiday season, we were surprised one evening with a gentle knock on our door. Our good friend Ermal, whom you've met before, stood at our entrance with another young man whom we did not recognize.
Ermal introduced the young man as David Graeser, currently from Istanbul, Turkey. "Could you put David up for the night? He is here for a visit and needs a bed and a meal or two." Yes, we scrambled to get one of the icy cold rooms set up with linens, copious blankets and one of our small electric heaters.
We soon learned that David had previously visited Gorre (about 3 years ago) while on a short term mission trip. He managed to befriend Ermal as well as other local villagers at that time. Now, he was back in the area to visit those previous acquaintances.
It happens that David is a very gifted young man. Along with several other members of his group, he uses his musical talents, dancing abilities and other drama related skills to communicate the Gospel among the Turkish populace. An Atlanta, Georgia native, David has committed two years, at least, with the Operation Mobilization mission.
How exciting to witness a young man devote his life in this way to serve the Lord. We enjoyed our visit with David. After a hot shower, a warm meal, a good night's rest and breakfast, David left our village to make other visits in Albania. We trust that he is now back in Istanbul preparing for his group's next performance for Jesus.
PS: An up-date on the revenge killing of Pastor Dritan that we reported on earlier in the fall: Praise the Lord that Dritan's family has decided not to continue the feud...what a courageous, yet humble stand, for a Christian family to take. Prayer is still necessary for the 1500 men we have been told live in hiding because of similar threats on their lives.
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