September 2009

Old Dog, New Tricks

This old saying has taken on new significance as I have tried to reformat the newsletter, with little technological knowledge or skill. This situation, along with many additional events happening, have contributed to the lateness of my sharing with you regarding the Lord's work here in Lushnja. I apologize, but cannot promise that it will not happen again. I have been toying with various formats, other than this blog page, for creating the newsletter. For those who want to be able to just provide the internet link to their congregations, this is a great format. For smaller churches who are trying to copy the newsletter each time a new posting takes place, it is a bit problematic. I will continue to work on it, wanting to make it as easy and convenient as possible for everyone.

God Is Good

There is probably no one who follows God who has not, at some time, questioned why things were happening the way they were in his/her life. I know this is true of me and my life. Because I've been around for a long time I've had many opportunities to say, "It's in your hands, my God!" I don't always do so when I need to, but I've gotten better at doing so with time.

I was reminded recently, by someone who is going through severe trials, that our God is good all the time! Over and over throughout scripture the concept of God's goodness is presented. The Psalms, particularly, remind us constantly that "His love endures forever." Those words do not say to me only that his love will last into the unimaginable future, but that it is here, now, today, in my struggles and in my joys. I, for one, need to improve my expression of appreciation to God for all he does, all the time.

I was also reminded recently that it is easy to forget the past "goodnesses" and blessings of our God when things are difficult. Someone has suggested that too many of us have the attitude that expresses itself with thinking that says, "Yes, God, but what have you done for me lately?" God has been good to me. I don't get to see my physical family very often, but my family (really God's family) has been/is being enlarged here in Albania. God is pleased and glorified when people come to him through Jesus, becoming spiritual children.

Precious also to God are the young ones who are born into our physical families. Small children are a special blessing to me, and I love them dearly. As I have reported in previous newsletters, we have had two new babies born into our circle of love in the church in Lushnja, Amelja and Ajla. Amelja is the older of the two, now almost a year old, and she has decided she wants to sing with us in worship, and she does it with gusto. I am including a picture of me taken with our two "babes in arms".  Aren't I blessed?

Amelja, Tom, Ajla

Church Happenings

The church here has been blessed to be involved in a number of different activities during the past several months. One such event was the annual "Bible Bowl", normally hosted by the central church in Durrës, and Çimi Kafexhiu (preacher for that congregation) does an excellent job of organizing and preparation. Let me be quick to acknowledge, as I know he would, that he has a lot of help in staging this event. We had a team go from here once again, and our people did well. The material covered this year was the gospel of Mark, and we placed third overall. In addition, our Alma Kajdo placed third in the individual category. The other participants from Lushnja were, Maks and Mira Balla, Sonila Bano, Glenida Kajdo, Bojkena Selmanaj and Era Met-Hoxha. 
  

Sonila, Mira, Maks

Bojkena, Era, Glenida, Alma

It is our blessing to have not only the two "church" babies shown above, but also several mothers of new babies or young children who have much interaction with the church.  We have begun the practice of providing, once a month, an outing at a local indoor playground/coffee bar for the mothers and the children, which we pay for.  It is another "bridge-building" activity which is being well-received by those in participation.  Take a look at the joy on the faces of these children.

It was our privilege to have Danah Nelson and Shelly Miller, from Sacramento, CA come by for a visit.  Danah has been many times to Albania to work in summer campaigns in a number of places, including Lushnja.  This year she brought Shelly with her, and they worked for a month with the church in Korça.  We have "adopted" Danah here in Lushnja, and hopefully she and Shelly can spend a month with us next year.                                        

                                                                   Sojana and Danah                                                                                                                                                           

Shelly and Ari 

We also had a visit from two brothers from the Slicer Street church, in Kennett, MO. Gaylon Mullins (elder) and Shawn Sando (missions deacon) came primarily to become more familiar with the two young men they are supporting to work with the church in Fier, Altin Koçi and Eduart Hoxha. You may recall that Altin became a christian here in Lushnja, and both young men are graduates of the International Bible Institute of Albania, a satellite school of the Sunset International Bible Institute.

Shawn Sando and Gaylon Mullins

I, too, have been blessed to receive support from the Slicer Street church, and have been working hand-in-hand with them in dispersing funds for the work in Fier, as well as just inter-facing with the Fier church on their behalf. Slicer Street has a long involvement with the work of planting the church here in Albania, the positive results of which will not be known this side of eternity. I had offered in advance to let these two brothers use the car that had come my way through their good graces, when the Byrnes left Fier and returned to the States. I picked them up at the airport, and we drove into Tirana to meet with a brother whom Gaylon had known as a college student in the U.S., Sokol Haxhiu. Sokol is a faithful member of the church in Tirana, and has a very responsible position with the U.N. here in Albania, having worked for them for five years now. At any rate, when Gaylon and Shawn observed the way Albanian drivers drove as we were in Tirana, both declined to accept the offer of the use of the car.

Gaylon and Shawn also became the first guests in my "new" home here in Lushnja. My home for the first month in Albania was a hotel, then I moved into the second floor of a private home, where I stayed for seven years. A local businessman offered a complete private 2-story home for not too much more than I was paying in the other place. It has two bathrooms (a real plus with guests), sleeping room for up to ten people besides myself, a very nice kitchen with granite countertops, two outside covered verandas, a garage, and fruit trees (orange, lemon, mandarin). Shawn was only with me for one night, as his stay was less than a week, and they spent most of that time in Fier. Gaylon stayed with me for several nights, then finished his time in Albania back in Fier. During his time with me we were able to make a trip to the ancient city of Berat, which was a blessing for Gaylon. He had been in Albania before, but never got to see much of the older buildings existing here.

Partial outside view

A nice kitchen

Trip To The States

I made my last trip to the States around the Christmas/New Year holiday of '07-'08. I am currently working on plans to come again for the same holiday period this year, carrying over into next year. My children, grandchildren, and I are hoping to be able to enjoy another family Christmas. I will likely also visit in each of my children's homes (Washington, California, Colorado), the Lord willing, of course.

In addition, I plan to visit all of the supporters and encouragers of this work that I can work into the schedule, plus visit with my brothers and sister in Idaho, Georgia, and California. During my travels it is my intention to attend the Eastern European Summit, Romanian/Albanian Conference which is being hosted this time around by the Prestoncrest church of Christ in Dallas, TX. If you are close enough, and have an interest in the work being done in these two European countries, plan to attend January 8-9, 2010.

I cannot promise anything at the moment, until I see what all becomes part of my schedule, but if you would like to have me visit with you and/or your congregation please let me know as soon as possible. I normally drive around 12,000 miles on each visit to the U.S., so please understand if some visits cannot be included.


My thanks to all of you for your interest in the work here, in whatever way you express it.  You may only read my occasional reports - thank you!  You may contribute funds to help this ministry exist - thank you!  If you pray for this work, that God will be glorified - a double thank you!   Please know that you are appreciated, even if the words don't come your way as often as they should.


Lifted by his love,


Tom

May 2009

A Period Of Change

At the beginning of April Steve and Ruth Byrne, who have been working with the church in Fier for almost three years, left Albania. Steve was offered, and accepted, an invitation to work with the Pearl Harbor church of Christ in Honolulu. Their departure was unexpected, and their absence will surely be felt, especially by the church in Fier. We wish them the best of everything, and the blessings of God, in their new work.

The working of God is seen in the transition for the church in Fier, indeed, for all of Albania. For about 3 1/2 years Steve and Deborah Stamatis have been working with the satellite school of Sunset International Bible Institute here in Albania, known in its short form as IBIA. The long-term impact of this endeavor will be known only in eternity, but positive things are definitely happening. Two young men who are graduates of that school, Altin Koçi and Eduart Hoxha, were asked by the elders of the Slicer Street church of Christ of Kennett, MO (the sponsoring church for the work in Fier) to jointly assume the duties of full-time workers with the church in Fier. This is especially gratifying to me, since Altin was one of our early converts here in Lushnja. I will be, at the request of the Slicer Street elders, serving as a resource person for both the church and the young men. In that role I will have the privilege of meeting at least once a month with the Fier church, as well as an additional monthly meeting with Altin and Edi.

Eduart Hoxha and Altin Koçi

Prior to coming to Albania the Byrnes had secured funding through a Christian foundation to purchase a vehicle for their use here. They were able to buy a new 2006 Toyota RAV4, which the Slicer Street elders have graciously made available to me for my travels about the country. What a blessing! I felt blessed to have been able to purchase about 5 1/2 years ago, with the help of some of you, a 1996 8-passenger van. I will retain, and use, both vehicles. The van is needed when we go anywhere as a group. I will make either vehicle available to churches and individuals to use in activities relating to the work of the kingdom, provided I can be assured the driving skills are adequate and the proposed drivers have licenses, neither criterion being a given here in Albania.

God Is Blessing

Often in our Christian lives we are faced with frustration. That is because the Prince of Darkness works very hard at what he does. One of the most effective tools Satan uses is to blind our eyes to the positives of God's presence, thus causing us to wrongfully believe that God is absent, or uncaring. In reality, however, if we daily look for the many ways in which we are loved and lifted by His presence, we will find little reason for despair. Paul's recounting of the events of his life, negative and disastrous though they may have been, (2 Cor. 1:8ff, NIV) led him back to the conclusion that "this happened that we might not rely on ourselves, but on God, who raises the dead." (v. 9).

In this time of worldwide crisis, it is my prayer that I, that we all, keep our eyes on the Lord of life and not on the lord of this world, Satan. There is, to be sure, plenty about which to be concerned (see verse 8 in the scripture above), things that can even bring us to the point of despair. But for the Christian there is a great deal to be learned about God and about ourselves through these experiences, namely that we do not rely on ourselves, but on God. We are being blessed here in Lushnja with an attendance averaging close to 30 each week. At almost every gathering there are more non-members than members. That can be frustrating, if we do not realize that it is a sign that many are willing, perhaps even anxious, to hear the saving message of the cross.

Transitions
That is what our lives consist of - transitions. From one place to another, from one age to another, from one stage to another. The most important transition, however, is that of which Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 3:18. The word Paul used was "transform" (at least in my English translation) which is indeed a transition. His words were: "And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the spirit."

The question for us is always going to be, "How is your transformation going?" I am thrilled to see the transformation in so many of those who knew nothing of Christianity just a short time ago, here in Albania. I am, in contrast, troubled by the lack of transformation in others, who just don't seem to "get it". I try very hard to see things in the perspective of how frustrated our God surely has been with me, from time to time, through my 50+ years of walking with Him. That moderates my frustration with others, but it doesn't eliminate it altogether.

A case in point is the recent concern one of our members had over having their name and photo posted on the internet, through this newsletter. There is no threat of life for being a Christian here, such as in some other countries, just an "identity transition". As I considered this perplexing situation I was forced to reexamine how often I had similar concerns in my early walk with the Lord, in a much less challenging environment. I was brought to realize, once again, the need for great patience, but not concession.

The God Of Our Needs
I have never been involved with planting a church in a foreign land prior to coming to Albania. One of the greatest challenges I face is in trying to keep the focus off American sufficiency, and directed instead toward God sufficiency. In the eyes of most Albanians (there are some exceptions) America is a great country for many reasons, not the least of which is its prosperity. Because America has been blessed materially, and here we are trying to share the blessings, it is difficult not to create an atmosphere in which people are drawn to the church for that reason rather than because of God's great love.

As I stated before, we have been averaging close to 30 in attendance each Lord's Day. Because there are more people there is need for more activities and offerings. Space in which to provide fellowship and teaching activities beyond what are now taking place is a pressing need. Once again, we do not want to create dependency, but feel the need to address the space issue. Across the street from us is a new shop which is available for about $160 per month. Its proximity to our present facilities would make it a wonderful adjunct, usable in many ways. Pray that we will make the right decision, one that will promote the gospel and fellowship, while not creating an aura of dependency. UPDATE: We have agreed with the owners on renting the shop, and we will begin using it the first of June.

Current facilities, taken from in front of additional facility

Open door is additional facility, taken from current location

Another Birth
We have another "church baby". We shared with you about six months ago regarding the birth of Amelja, the daughter of Alma Kajdo, who works part-time with me. Now Amelja has a cousin, as our sister in Christ, Silvana Eksarko, gave birth last week to a little girl, who has been named Ajla (pronounced "eye-la"). Silvana is the sister-in-law of Alma, and a faithful sister in the Lord. Please pray for Silvana, as she faces a difficult time raising her daughter. Her husband lives and works in Greece, and she seldom sees him.

Silvana Eksarko with her newborn daughter, Ajla

Christian Camp

We have shared with you in previous newsletters about the plans and efforts to rekindle the Christian camping program here in Albania. Your generous hearts have responded with several thousand dollars to be used in the project. As of this writing our project will still be "in process" for another year. There are many obstacles to overcome, not the least of which is having someone who can devote a considerable amount of time to the effort.

In lieu of the desired results, negotiations are underway regarding utilizing existing facilities controlled by other organizations. This plan would give us an opportunity for younger children at a place near the Adriatic Sea, south of Durrës. The other possibility is a camp for older youth at a camp near the city of Korça, in the southeast part of the country.

We have not given up the dream, and will use all funds received for making a Christian camping experience available to the youth of our churches, and others, throughout Albania. The need for outside funding will, at least for the foreseeable future, continue to exist. Please keep this in your prayers, and if possible in your plans for how to utilize your "expendable income". You have blessed us here in so many ways, and I pray God's blessings on you.


Lifted by His love,



Tom

February 2009

THE LONG AND THE SHORT OF IT

Six and a half years can seem like a long time, or it can seem short. That's the amount of time I have been living in Albania, and in some respects it seems like an eternity. The sense of time being extended during these years comes not from boredom or frustration, but from the vast amount of change that has taken place within the country, within the lives of the people God has led me to, and within me. So much new construction here in Lushnja gives the impression of prosperous development, though one wonders who can afford to buy, or even rent, all these new sites. Corruption in all aspects of life is being confronted, though not necessarily eliminated. In the long term I know I must wait until this existence comes to an end before the effects of the gospel in Lushnja can be measured.

The sense of delayed time plays off of the same set of circumstances. Albania is striving hard to be a part of the 21st century, which is not an easy undertaking, given its history. The past has a strong hold on so much of the culture here, and some are very reluctant to release their hold on that aspect of their lives. Tradition is not necessarily a bad thing, and can be a good thing, unless it keeps us from doing what is the best thing. In the sort term, we are looking for God to continue to lead us to souls that are thirsty for the water of life. As Jesus said "The harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few".

CHRISTIAN CAMP

I have shared before regarding the efforts being made to rekindle the Christian camping program initially begun by Virgil and Jackie Jackson. Things are progressing, but much more remains to be done. Though I have a lot of experience in the camping scene, I have chosen to defer to the Albanian brethren, wherever possible. I have stated since I first arrived here in Albania that it is my desire to create an Albanian church, not an American transplant. That carries over into all the activities done in the name of the Lord, and to the glory of the Lord, such as this camp setting.

A board meeting of the camp was held, and a preliminary budget was outlined. Admittedly, it has some "fluff" in it, but that can easily be removed. The biggest unknown is individual camper fees, since so many here cannot afford the cost of a week at camp. Encouragement will be given to each church to assist young people from their congregation to attend the camp, but even that is a stretch. So the budget has been planned not reliant on the camper fees, and is thus seemingly large. The budget is $31,300 for this initial year, and that amount will hopefully far exceed the need, and can be lowered for subsequent years. At this time approximately $6,160 has been raised toward this project. We understand that the world's economy is in very bad shape right now, but if you as individuals or congregations can assist in getting this project off the ground, it will be a great blessing to the struggling young church in Albania. If you care to participate, make a notation on the checks "Albanian Camp", and send the donations to:

Metro church of Christ

Albanian Christian Camp

1525 NW Division Street

Gresham, OR 97030

SUMMER ACTIVITIES

The summer season is a very busy time here, as in many places. This summer the camp will take a good bit of my attention. The summertime is when teaching campaigns are usually held, as well. In addition, it is one of the few times of the year when out-of-country excursions can be planned to which church members can be invited.

The teaching program, using the World English Institute materials, is a year-round program for which we never lack for students. It is a good thing to provide opportunities for Christians from the States to come here and experience interaction with the Albanian Christians. I normally have tried to have a summer campaign every other year, and this year would be the "on" year. However, given the activities mentioned above, plus some others I will relate to you in future newsletters, I have made a decision to not have a campaign this year. I regret this development especially because it negates the wonderful opportunity for cross-culture Christian friendships to begin and be nurtured.

"OUR" BABY

You have seen in a previous report a picture of Gramoz and Alma Kajdo's new little one, Amelja, now four months old. She has been a pretty sick little girl recently, having been battling bronchitis, but seems to have "turned the corner". I am including a photo of Amelja, complete with a tube protruding from the top of her head through which the medicines were administered while she was hospitalized.

This was a new "look" for me, and I don't know if it is done that way in the States, but I have since seen many young children on TV here with similar "adornments". This has been a pretty bad flu season here, especially for the very young and the elderly, and the TV reports on the status regularly.

GOD AT WORK

While we can always want, work, and plan for greater results, we leave the control in the hands of God. I am thankful that those who sent me here, and provide for me to stay here, do not have a specified agenda, complete with numbers and quotas. Every day God allows me to speak for him, in many ways. I have students with whom spiritual matters are discussed regularly, and I meet people in the course of my daily life to whom I can show Jesus.

Currently, we are averaging about twenty in our worship on Sundays. Very often (usually, in fact) there are more non-members present than members. So many of those who have been converted here are now in other places, and we pray they are seeking to stay in touch with the body. We know from experience that such will not be true of all of them, but I "prod them from afar" from time to time. Only eternity will tell the true results of the labor of any of us. I am working to build on the only true foundation, Jesus Christ (I Cor. 3:10-15), and I am praying that the work will result in a building that will stand in the day of judgement, so our God can be glorified.

CONTINUED APPRECIATION

Again I must thank God for his wonderful provision through his wonderful saints. It is such a blessing to partner with so many of you in telling the story of God's matchless love to the people of Albania. Many have sacrificed much to enable this ministry to be a reality; many more pray often for the gospel to have free course in the lives of people here.

We must always be aware that Satan is never happy when this story is told, and will do whatever he can to undermine its effectiveness. It is my constant prayer that I will not allow Satan to use me to undermine the very message I am proclaiming. May our God be glorified in my life, and in yours, to the praise of his wonderful name.

Held in his arms of love,

Tom

December '08- January '09

WINDING IT UP

As we came to the end of the year we took the occasion to enjoy one another's company in a Christmas party. To this event we invited friends and neighbors, and on Christmas day forty-five were present. It is still strange to me, even after six years, that Christmas is pretty much a day of "business as usual" here. Most of the stores are open, the post office is open, and even some of the banks are open. There is not the family focus that I have known all my life in the U.S.

"Tis the season

We use every opportunity to encourage people to come to know us better, so we can help them get to know the Savior better. As in my "previous life", sometimes those connections are quite short-lived, and nothing more develops, at least not right away. A couple of people who were present on Christmas day came worship with us the following Sunday, but have yet to make a reappearance. We'll keep planting, watering and praying.

Franko and Mikael competing for the last chair in musical chairs

Alma Kajdo translates for Tom Bonner

Era and Sojana participate in the events of the day

Good enough to eat, don't you think?

STARTING IT OFF

Well, here we are now in 2009!! Many of you might be saying, "Are you just realizing that, Tom?" No, this has been an ever-present recent reality in my life here in Albania, especially because of the fireworks. Personal use of fireworks is legal here, and the amount spent by Albanians in this way must be roughly equivalent to the annual budget of the government. I've never been one much for fireworks, even the grandiose displays on the 4th of July in the U.S. Having watched their use, or misuse, on New Year's Eve (the grandest of all holidays here in Albania) I certainly understand why personal use is largely not allowed in the States. I watched hand-held rockets being launched, and saw them landing at the feet of people out on their 4th floor balconies watching the display. The end of such activities is slow in coming, and several times a week for about three weeks, I heard the loud sound of explosives and saw the skyward arc of colored light from ignited fireworks. Lushnja is normally a quiet town, and I am thankful for the return of that wonderful feature of life here.

The celebration of the New Year is much more significant here than in the States, and it is the holiday of family reunions. The population of Albania swells as citizens who are living and working abroad come home for the holiday. This is, of course, a quite noticeable change, as it is estimated that there are roughly the same number of Albanians living abroad as living in the country: three million people. I am sad to say that Lushnja, while a relatively small town, is contributing quite a number of people to the "expatriate parade". I suppose that I could be accused of contributing to that phenomenon by teaching English (along with the Bible), and then putting people in touch with a program through which they might be able to secure permission to enter the U.S. It is hard to see, and participate in, people leaving Albania. However, for many, that is the only glimmer of hope for a better future, from a physical standpoint, that they will ever see. My work here is to point people to the reason for the only REAL hope they have (Jesus) while at the same time helping to improve their earthly existence to the best of my abilities and resources.

CHURCH CHALLENGES

The life of every person has challenges. The life of every church, likewise, has challenges. We often look at such situations as non-desirous events, but every challenge presented to us is an opportunity to grow and improve. Having people who have become members of the Lord's church leave us is not a pleasant thing to endure, but it helps others of us to see the need to fill the gaps left by their departure. Recently I delivered a lesson to the church based on a powerful thought from I Peter 1. In verses 3-12 Peter addresses the hope, the living hope, that we have in Christ Jesus. Far too often we fail, or refuse, to see our part in that hope process. It is the work of God from beginning to end, but our participation is essential. In this context Peter acknowledges the great trials and grief his readers were enduring, but helps them see that these hard things were part of the purification process. Gold put into the fire is proven to be gold as a result of passing through the fire. The fire of the trials in our lives enables us to anticipate that God will be praised, honored and glorified by our lives at the return of our Savior, Jesus. What we allow God, or Satan, to do with these trials is the rest of the story!!

It is hard for there to be so many of our members consistently absent from us, but there is cause for joy and praise even in this situation. At almost any given worship assembly we have more non-members than members present. That is to be lamented, and is a cause for rejoicing at the same time. With so many non-Christians attending it gives us plenty of area for planting and reaping. My philosophy (indeed, I believe it is the philosophy of scripture) is that until people fully understand the implications of the new birth they are not ready to participate therein. In fact, they cannot participate. The new birth takes place only in those who have died to self, and unless one knows the need for that action, they cannot make a heart-decision. So, we are thankful that God is continuing to bring to us those who are willing to listen and learn. We will teach and lead prayerfully, so that the precious name of our Lord may be glorified with the harvest of souls.

CONTINUED APPRECIATION
It continues to be a great honor and privilege to serve God here in Albania. In like manner, it continues to be a great honor and privilege to have churches and individuals who have confidence in me, and provide the funding for the work here. There remains much work to be done, much more than can be accomplished in my, or any single, lifetime. Please, all who read this report, lift up the work in Albania, and Lushnja specifically, when you talk the the Father in prayer.

To God be all the praise, honor and glory, forever and ever!!

Covered by his matchless grace,

Tom

October-November 2008

First Addition To The “Family” By Biological Birth

I mentioned Alma Kajdo in the last newsletter. Alma has been serving as my translator, as well as working with me in the teaching program, bringing students’ English level up to a standard where I could work with them. Several months ago Alma shared with us that she was pregnant, that it was a girl, and that the baby was due to be born in October. I lobbied hard for naming the baby “Tomasina” if she was born on October 14, my birthday. Alma began praying immediately that the delivery date would not be the 14th. Amelja (Ah-mel-yah) was born on October 28th, and is greatly loved by everyone in her family; Alma, Gramoz, Glenida and Mikael. Alma has been with us in worship recently but, according to local tradition, Amelja has made no public appearances as of yet.

Amelja Kajdo

Kajdo Famiy
Mikael, Amelja, Alma, Gramoz, Glenida

Comings And Goings

Most of my focus is in Lushnja, but I do occasionally make excursions out of the local area. There is a loosely-knit organization in Albania which provides many services to those working with evangelical Christian ministries of various kinds. The services include assistance in being aware of the Albanian law, with its ever-changing face, as well as securing the necessary documents to be 100% in harmony with the law. I was asked to attend a conference in Struga, Macedonia, near the end of October, as a representative for World English Institute. Struga is about a 3-hour drive from Lushnja, so it was not a major travel outing.

As part of the conference we had the opportunity to travel to the city of Ohrid, which contains some very old archeological remains, including a gate of which parts date back to the 2nd century B.C. The excavation and preservation of remains in Macedonia seems to be a jump ahead of the efforts in Albania, and many fascinating sights greet the traveler there.

Ancient amphitheater in Ohrid

2nd Century B.C. gate

Excavated baptistery with mosaic floor

In November I was blessed to be able to travel to Germany to attend the Euro-American Family Retreat, an event I have attended a number of times in the past. This is an event which draws attendees churches of Christ from many countries in Europe, as well as from the U.S. and Guatemala. It is held in various places around Germany, the last several times being presented in Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Originally it was called The A.M.E.N. Retreat (American Military Evangelizing Nations), but as the presence of U.S. troops in Europe declined and European Christians became more prevalent, the name was changed.

This event is always a blessing of both input of spiritual food and association, as well as a little “down time”. Last year three members of the Lushnja church were able to attend with me, but it is a difficult thing for Albanians to secure the necessary documents, as well as being quite expensive for them. So this year I was the lone representative from Lushnja.

There continues to be an every-other month gathering of church leaders and workers from around Albania, which is an important bridge for relationship building. To this point in time we have never been able to get representation from every congregation, but we are getting closer. In November we met at the central congregation in Tirana.

An Opportunity To Serve

Some of you who are somewhat familiar with the Lord’s church in Albania may be puzzled by my reference to “the central congregation” in Tirana. Another congregation has begun in the capital city led by Alfred Dimçi and Kristofor Findiku, and they are having some success in reaching out in the neighborhood around the main hospital in Tirana. A black cloud has come into the picture, however, as the wife of Kristofor, Antoneta, has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She, in her own right, has been a very productive part of the kingdom work, as she has worked with the I.B.I.A. (Sunset’s Albanian satellite school) since its inception. She was able to go to an American hospital in Turkey for treatment. Turkey does not require a visa for Albanian citizens, so there is less red tape than in going to other European countries for treatment. This was, nonetheless, quite an expensive undertaking ($25,000 minimum), $10,000 of which has been secured as of this writing. If you would care to participate in this need you can send your donation to: c/o Bob Seat, Mission Chairman, Adams Boulevard church of Christ, Bartlesville, Oklahoma 74006.

Antoneta has returned from Turkey, and it is hoped she will be able to receive the follow-up treatments here in Albania, rather than having to go out of the country. Part of that depends on the availability of the necessary medicines.

Albania Christian Camp

Last newsletter I mentioned the efforts to revive the very worthwhile project of providing a program and facilities for a camp that would have at its center Christian teachings and values. Everywhere in the world Christians have found this kind of endeavor to be a valuable, upbuilding tool in kingdom-work. Through the generosity of brothers and sisters around the world approximately $4000 has been received or committed toward this project. Some of that ($1500) came from FaithQuest, which is a twenty-year old ministry to the teens of the NW United States, co-sponsored by the Metro church of Christ in Gresham, OR and the Vancouver church of Christ in Vancouver, WA. Each year a contribution is taken among the teens and staff at this event, often by as many as 500 people, with missions as its designated purpose. The appeal letter was shared with the leaders of this ministry and the amount mentioned above was forwarded to us for Albanian Christian Camp. Praise God!! It is hoped that arrangements can progress to the point that camping sessions can be held in the summer of 2009.

View Of The Future, Near And Long-Term

It has been my practice to have a campaign every other year here in Lushnja, using the World English Institute materials. Some have a campaign every year, but it has not seemed the wise thing for that to be the practice here in Lushnja. The primary reason for this has been that there is no way I can adequately follow up on the new students generated through such a campaign. Alma Kajdo does partner with me in this work, but her focus is in bringing new students to an English proficiency level that enables me to proceed with the lessons that include teaching the word of God. In my experience in the States, as well as here, I have seen so many cases of people expressing interest, but not being considered for the teaching process until much later, and by that time having become disillusioned. We have never had to advertise for students publicly since my arrival here over six years ago. We have more than we can follow up on by just word-of-mouth advertising of our current students, and we have a waiting list that is growing every month. Three who have come from the U.S. to work with us in the past have expressed an interest in coming again this summer, and one of those plans to bring along a fourth individual.

Normally I travel to the States every one and one-half years. It appears that I will not be able to follow that schedule, as the time for that visit would fall next summer, as well. If plans continue for the summer camp, my presence will likely be required here to help facilitate that, as I have had much experience in directing camps. One of my brothers and my remaining sister will both celebrate their fiftieth wedding anniversaries in June, which I will probably miss, much to my regret. My last visit to the States was at Christmas last year, and it appears that it will be Christmas next year before I am able to make that trip again.

As to long-term involvement, I do not see it as wise for me to leave Albania anytime in the foreseeable future. The problem is having leadership in place to carry on the work. In the church here in Lushnja there is one mature man. However, some of his circumstances indicate that he will not be able to be a stable presence and active leader, at least from what I am able to ascertain, and at least for a period of time. One of the young men who has been baptized here, as reported in other postings, has graduated from the satellite school for Sunset International Bible Institute, and is now working for the school in the city of Durrës. Another of our young men is hoping to be able to attend the same school beginning with the new class in 2010. Many of those young men who might develop into leaders for the church here leave for university and/or work, and that scenario will not likely change soon. I have made a commitment to the church here that I will not make the decision about what person (or when) will be the one to work on a more permanent basis with the church. That is a church decision. Resentment can run deep if someone is given a position of "authority" when others do not have the respect for that person.

To sum up, in the short-term it will probably be another year before I can return to visit my family and my friends and my supporters. In the long-term, I believe God put me here and until I am shown otherwise, I believe I must remain faithful to what he called me to.

Thanksgiving

Once again I must offer my thanksgiving and appreciation to all of you who have sacrificed to make it possible for me to be used by God in the work here. I have been blessed at least as much as I have been able to bring blessings into the lives of people here, especially in helping them to know the saving love of our Savior. Please continue to partner with me, as I explore new and better ways to reach out to this largely Muslim culture. The partnership I seek is first that of your prayers, and then of your financial support.

Another cause for thanksgiving is the continued, largely uninterrupted, supply of electricity. The nationalized power company is in the process of being sold to a company from the Czech Republic. Perhaps that fact (to present a "good face") has kept the power flowing. Perhaps the new owners will be more adept at sustained provision of this needed utility, or perhaps they will do so only at greatly increased cost. Who knows? In the meantime, it is nice to be able to light and heat effectively.

Lifted by, and lifting high, Jesus

Tom

August-September 2008

A New Beginning

Well, it’s not really a new beginning in the strictest sense. It is new in the sense that every day and every opportunity are new beginnings. August 7 marked the beginning of my 7th year in Albania. As I look back in retrospect at the previous six years it is easy to see the Lord’s hand in all that has happened. It is also easy to see where Satan has been at work. Please pray with me that God will give me the ability to see the devil’s schemes in my life and the life of those who are new and growing Christians, and give me the wisdom to identify ways to fight against our enemy.

A Happening Place

August was a very busy month for us here in Lushnja, and a very blessed time. On August 10 it was our privilege to have Artan and Rumira Xhaferi with us as we met to worship God, and to have Artan preach for us. They are members of the church in Tirana, and have had a very great part in helping the church there through the years.

On August 23 we took a vanload of people to the church in Durrës for the annual Bible Bowl competition for churches throughout Albania. Last year we took second place in the competition, but this year we were not among the top three. Our team consisted of two adult ladies who are members of the church (Mira Balla and Sonila Rrapi), and two young teenage girls (Era MetHoxha and Xhuliana Bali), neither of whom is yet a Christian. There were representatives from most of the congregations in Albania.

Clockwise, from lower left: Xhuliana Bali, Mira Balla, Sonila Rrapi, Era MetHoxha

On August 30 we were blessed to have Dick Ady with us, and he, too, preached for us. It was also my privilege to be able to spend time with Dick for a couple of days. I have known Dick for about forty years, and now am blessed to be able to use the World English Institute materials which he has written as the primary outreach tool in the work here. Dick also serves as an elder with the Metro church of Christ, in Gresham, OR, which is my sponsoring church in the work here.

Dick Ady with Olti Mezini and Ari Gjoka

On September 13 we hosted a meeting of church leaders and workers from throughout Albania. Approximately thirty-five were in attendance, representing ten or eleven congregations. Our discussion on that day was centered around two topics: 1) James 4, and how it speaks to us in the way we deal with, speak about, each other as brothers and sisters in Christ. It was acknowledged that there exists what one brother called “a Balkan spirit”, and to the outsider it often appears as if a fight is about to break out when, in reality, it is merely an emphatic way of expression. Nonetheless, in this and every other culture, we need to be cautious in the use of our words, and especially in speaking to others about a third party. 2) We also discussed the history of, and desire for, a Christian camping program here in Albania. A committee was formed with at least one member from most all the congregations present included on the committee. Out of that came a document that we are going to use to try to enlist the help of brethren in other places in making this dream of a Christian camp become a reality. You should have received that document as an attachment with the email announcing the latest Lushnja Newsletter. If you did not receive it, and would like to see it, please let me know and I will send it to you again.

Church leaders/workers meeting

A Different New Beginning

For about one and one-half years I have had a student by the name of Harallamb (Ari) Gjoka, now age twenty-one. He has been a regular attender at our worship and fellowship activities throughout our time together. Prior to my trip to the States for the Christmas and New Year holidays we had talked about baptism, and he expressed a desire to talk more about it upon my return. However, when I came back and started studying with him again he didn’t mention it. I waited some time to see how significant an item it was to him, and he didn’t raise the issue. I asked him about this and he told me that he had talked with his father, and his father told him that they were Orthodox Christians, and this did not fit with the beliefs of their religion. He made the statement to me at that time that he feared his father more than he feared God.

Ari continued to attend our worship times and study during the week with me. We discussed baptism further, and it seems he approached his father again about his desire, and his father acknowledged that it was Ari’s decision. He said he was testing to see how serious Ari was about this choice, and he gave his approval of the decision. So, on Sunday, September 21, we traveled to Durrës and utilized the baptistery in the church meeting place there to bury Ari in baptism, and raise him to walk in newness of life. Praise be to God, and thanks to all of you who make this ministry a possibility.

Keeping Perspective

Life can be difficult, no matter where one lives. Many here in Albania have difficulty finding adequate employment, and the average yearly income for those who do find work is less than $3,000. I have had my own experiences in the U.S. with being unemployed and, in some people’s thinking, unemployable. One of my sons learned recently that his position with a major company, for which he has worked for about ten years, is being eliminated. He applied for another position within the same company, and was hired for that job, praise God! All over the globe right now economies are experiencing extreme difficulties, and there is a great deal of uncertainty in the leading and participating economic environments. It seems that only those places that are too poor to participate in the global economy are maintaining the “status quo”, and that is not a good thing for them.

Isn’t it wonderful to know that all of this turmoil and uncertainty will fade into nothingness when Christ returns, and those who are his will meet him in the air, so to be with him forever?! The value of telling people this wonderful truth came home to me recently, in the comments of Alma Kajdo. Alma became my student in May 2004, a married lady with two children, coming from a cultural, rather than religious, Moslem background. Like many others with such a background she had never been to the mosque, never read the Koran, and really had no desire to do either. She was a very deliberate student, wanting to understand at every juncture the things she was learning, and was eventually baptized in May, 2005. She has been working with me on a part-time basis since September, 2006, bringing students to the point of their English being good enough for me to work with them. She also serves as my translator when I preach, and on other occasions, as needed. Recently we were in a discussion about the church-at-large here in Albania, and she made the comment, “I can’t imagine now my life without the church! Before, I couldn’t imagine being part of a church.” Part of the motivation for this statement came from a discussion about individuals from other congregations in Albania, with whom she has become acquainted. She feels very keenly the sense of “family” that is engendered in the church.

Alma Kajdo

This involvement has not come without cost to her. Many of her friends do not understand her decision regarding commitment to the body here, nor the other changes in her life. She is a great influence in the body here. Right now she is in the last days of a pregnancy which will bring another little girl into life, the Lord willing. Please pray that she may have a trouble-free delivery, and that this child will be raised to know the Lord. Alma’s teenage daughter, Glenida, is now my student and she and her seven year-old brother, Mikael, are regular attendees as we worship God.

American Politics In Albania

It is amazing to me how many times since I came to Albania I have been asked about my personal preferences as to candidates running in U.S. elections. I came here eleven months after the 9/11 event, so there was much interest in my perception of all that. During the run up to the ’04 election I was asked my preference, and the same is true of the upcoming election. America is generally seen in a favorable light by the Albanians with which I have interaction, in part because of the support given to the independence move for Kosova. I don’t know if it is indicative of the general sentiment here, and I am not trying to influence anyone’s vote on November 4, but most of those with whom I have had any discussions about the upcoming election seem to be leaning toward the McCain/Palin ticket.

Much like in America, people make political decisions and choices for many of the wrong reasons. I am not a politician, and I don’t care to address my opinions of who/which party would be best for Albania OR America. I don’t spend a lot of time thinking about politics, though I know politics exists everywhere, including in the church. In the church it shouldn’t be a large problem, if we are truly trying to seek God’s will in all things, using the Bible as the measuring stick. We don’t, of course, always do so, and therein lies a big problem. As you think about the one(s) for whom you will vote, please bear in mind that whoever wins the various government positions do so because God allows it to be. You may love the outcomes, or you may not, but live with whatever happens in a way that will bring glory to God through your individual lives.

May God bless you as you seek ways in which to serve and glorify his name.

Held in arms of love,

Tom

July 2008

Blessings Galore
The month of July saw us blessed with visitors from two of the congregations that are providing support for the work here in Lushnja, as well as a brother and sister from here in Albania. On July 10 we were blessed to have in worship with us Woody & Gwen Byars and Charles Dial from the Farragut church of Christ in Knoxville, TN. Woody is an elder in this congregation, and has been to Albania several times, working in summer teaching campaigns. This was the first trip for both Gwen and Charles. After our worship together, and a meal, it was my privilege to take them back to Tirana, where they were engaged in the teaching campaign, and get to worship with the church in Tirana on Sunday evening. I regret that I did not get a picture of them to share with you.

On July 22 a group came from Fier, the city to the south of us, where Steve & Ruth Byrne labor in the kingdom. Steve and Ruth are sponsored by the Slicer Street church in Kennett, MO, and we in Lushnja are receiving support this year, also, through this mission-minded church. In the group that came from Fier, in addition to Steve and Ruth, were the following: Tim Byrne, son of Steve and Ruth, who lives in the Denver area; Kurtis Shaner, a friend of Tim’s, whose father I have known for many years in the Northwest U.S.; Elton Tanasi, a young member of the Fier congregation, who is a medical student in Tirana; Shawn Sando, deacon of missions with the Slicer Street church, whom I had met in Little Rock, AR on my latest trip to the States; Spencer Furby, preacher for Slicer Street; and Britt & Beverly Burcham. Britt is serving as an elder with Slicer Street. Several of our members (Alma Kajdo, Maks Balla, Olti Mezini) came to the office and were able to meet this group of Christians from the States, as well as renew their acquaintance with Steve and Ruth.

Front row, l to r: Britt, Tim, Spencer, Olti, Elton
Back row, l to r: Steve, Kurtis, Shawn, Maks, Alma, Beverly, Tom

On July 25 we were blessed with a visit from Danah Nelson. If you have been reading this newsletter for very long, you have seen mention of Danah before. Danah is from Sacramento, CA and has been to Albania many times working in summer teaching campaigns in Tirana, Orikum, Lushnja and, this year, in Korça. Danah is one who has a great heart for God and for the lost. While here in Albania this summer she put a short visit to Lushnja in her schedule, which was a blessing to us. We informed members of the church, as well as those who knew her only through the WEI course, and had a short open house in her honor. You can see from the picture below that she is well-loved, evident through the number that turned out to visit with her. Danah is the lady reaching across the front row to take the arm of Mikael, Alma Kajdo's son.

What an encouraging blessing to have such fellowship, and to be able to introduce first-generation Christians here in Albania to brothers and sisters who have made, and are making, sacrifices so people here can come to know Jesus. I’m so glad I’m part of the family of God!

Seeing Visions And Dreaming Dreams
Please forgive me for borrowing these words out of context from the writings of Joel and Luke. When the Holy Spirit was manifested in miraculous ways on the day of Pentecost in Acts 2, Peter connected what was happening with Joel’s prophecy in Joel 2; “…your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.” All of this was happening to turn the hearts of the people to God, and Peter used the occasion to preach Jesus, after which 3,000 were baptized.

There are “young men” in the church of Albania who are seeing visions as to how we can more effectively reach people here with the gospel. Though a relative newcomer, as one of the “old men”, I am dreaming dreams of what might be done to better glorify our Lord. Albania has been passed by and walked over in so many ways in the past. Tradition says that the apostle Paul passed through this area as he traveled proclaiming Jesus. In Romans 15:19 Paul states, “So from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum, I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ.” Illyria is the ancient name of Albania, so it is likely that Christianity was present very early here. However, it was pretty much snuffed out by five hundred-plus years of servitude to the Islamic Ottoman Turkish Empire, followed by oppression from many other power-and-land-hungry nations, and most recently, the fifty-year reign of the most oppressive of the communist regimes.

In the May edition of this newsletter I talked about this idea of Christian camping. I mentioned the powerful influence of Christian camp programs, with which I was privileged to work for many years in the Northwest U.S., on the lives of young people. I have seen the same dynamic at work in camps that have been conducted here. The visions and dreams of many Christians here in Albania are to see an ongoing program that can provide an avenue of interest and hope for the inhabitants of this land. Recently I went to try to find a young lady who was baptized here, and served as my translator for some time, but whom we haven’t seen but a couple of times in the church over the past couple of years. She has been away at university, but not attending the church where she is going to school. When I asked her parents about her I was informed that she was at a Christian camp near the Adriatic Sea, operated by some other religious group. It would be much more desirable, in my opinion, if we could be providing this kind of opportunity for the people, young and old, of Albania.

I know this is a large undertaking, one which cannot be fulfilled with the resources available among Christians here in Albania, and one which comes at a time when economies all over the world are hurting. It also is an undertaking that will continue to need influx of finances from outside Albania for operating expenses. If you have an interest in, or share in, this dream, please let me know. I take this step and make this suggestion with great trepidation, since I know the great effort needed to sustain such an effort. Together, let’s petition the Father that he give clear guidance as to his will. In May I asked for feedback on this matter and received none, except an encouraging heads-up about a camp being run in Lithuania, where young people of all ages feel blessed to be able to participate in such a program. In a report I read about that camp one young boy was quoted as saying that he would now go the rest of the year without any connection with God. That may have been an uneducated statement, but it certainly reflects that boy’s perception of the role of God in his normal daily life.

Our Graduates
This year we have two graduates from university, and two who have finished their high school careers. Julinada Meço graduated with a diploma in English studies, focused on translation and interpretation, from the university in Tirana. She is currently seeking employment.

Juli (pronounced Yuli), whose picture appears to the left, wrote the following: “I graduated this year with the help of the Almighty. If somebody would ask me ‘When is the most peaceful moment in your life?’ I would say ‘ After a long talk (prayer) with my Father God.’ If somebody would ask me ‘Who loves you more,? I would answer ‘My Father God’. I’m not good at words but all I know in this life is that I’d be lost without my Father. Make him part of your life and be sure you all will be happy and safer. Love you so much.”

Erges Toshkëzi, pictured below, also attended university in Tirana, focused on mechanical engineering, and completed course work that has qualified him for a diploma. He, too, is seeking employment in his field. Good jobs, even when one is in possession of a university education, are very hard to come by here.

Graduating from high school (called gjimnaz [jeemnahz] here) are Adriana Murrizi and Oltion Mezini (below, below right). Both Ana and Olti hope to attend university, but that remains to be seen. Both openings in the system and financial resources are limited, so not all get into the higher education process. We will let you know more later about their situations.

At any rate, congratulations are extended to all four of these young people.

Off To The U.S.A.

As most of you know, a good part of my work is helping people learn the Bible through helping them improve their English. The upside of that situation is that often hearts are opened to the love of God. The downside is that some of those who become Christians leave us and go away to study, particularly to the U.S. Last year two of our students, one of whom was a Christian, went to the U.S. on a student exchange program. That Christian young lady was Bojkena Selmanaj. I told Bojkena before she went that she had to find someone to replace her bubbly spirit and love for God in the church here.

Our latest convert here is Inva Begolli (below) who fills the bill for my instructions to Bojkena. However, this year Inva is also going to be an exchange student for her senior year of high school, along with three others who have studied with us here. They will be in four different locations across the U.S. As I said, this is the downside of our efforts, as a part of our hearts go with those who have become part of God’s family. I have been successful in arranging Christian contacts for Inva, and she is already in communication with them. Please pray for her in this new, and somewhat scary, chapter of her life. Also please pray that God will continue to be with Bojkena, who finished high school in Washington State and was accepted into a higher learning institution in the New York City area, where she is now living with her two sisters.

Thank you for your continued prayers for and interest in the work God is doing here.

Lifted by, and lifting high, Jesus

Tom