Striking It Rich in Albania

The mother lode, a winning lottery ticket, jewels of the Nile, a huge monetary inheritance: none of these comes close to the experience of striking it rich in Albania.  All metaphors aside, we continue to marvel at, as well as celebrate, the many Albanians who have come to know, accept, and trust in Jesus as their Lord and Savior.  Indeed, the riches of the world pale in comparison to the spiritual wealth available to those who trust the Lord.

Since returning to Tirana, the capital city of Albania, we have been richly blessed ourselves while reuniting with brothers and sisters in Christ.  Now, as we encounter new relationships and witness new Christians, new ministries, and new missionaries, our treasure chest continues to sparkle.

It is our desire to share some of these sparkling gems with you.  Following are just a few examples of people who have truly struck it rich in Albania.

This young Albanian couple (not the old folks) are in training to move beyond Albania.  It is only recently that Albanians have begun to consider this, and Toni and Ida are among the first to go.

 In our small church there are 7 young doctors serving in various capacities, all seeking to deliver excellent medical care from a Biblical perspective.  Albanian doctors are paid a small salary by the government, which they subsidize by charging extra fees and refusing to treat people who can't pay that extra.  These doctors do not follow that practice, consequently they earn only the meager governmental salary.  Some of them also endure rejection by their family because they have become Christians.

Also at our church are several young men who are standing firm in their faith and growing under the discipleship of Pastor Dennis (in the suit).  While the more "mature" gentlemen in the photo are precious, it's the young men who can change the face of gender norms in Albania in positive ways.  Unfortunately, this can require sacrifice, as they endure ridicule and sometimes rejection for their faith and their humble, loving ways.

 Vero is 20 years old, and to hear him preach is an amazing blessing.  He also has a gift for evangelizing and now heads up the church's outreach efforts to share the Gospel with Albanians. Just to look this young man in the eye is to know that he loves Jesus with joy and lives to share this love with others.





Among the missionaries we know are many who come to the field at a very young age, forgoing stable and lucrative jobs wherever "home" is to serve in whatever way necessary here.  These are just 3 of GDQ's teachers who came here for their first full-time teaching positions.  They are brave, independent, committed, and fun-loving, and we find their willingness to "go ye therefore" inspiring.

Your prayers add to our treasury, and we ask you to pray for:

*more Albanian hearts to open to the Lord's entrance into their lives

*encouragement for all local Albanian Christians, along with foreign missionaries, to    continue their efforts in witnessing and discipling

*safety and health for us as we pass the half-way mark of our time here in Tirana

We send our love and pray God is blessing you these days,

Bob and Judy

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.  But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.    Matthew 6:19-21