December '08- January '09
WINDING IT UP
"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
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
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
Franko and Mikael competing for the last chair in musical chairs
Era and Sojana participate in the events of the day
Good enough to eat, don't you think?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
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
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