May 2008In John 5:17 Jesus said "My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I, too, am working." That is what I want my attitude to be as I move on through life, no matter what forces may attempt to keep that from being a reality. God is always involved in our lives, often in ways we do not know, but always for our benefit. If we begin to doubt his presence, and the purpose of his activity, we lose hope. I do not always succeed in having the proper attitude regarding the situations I face in the work I am doing here in Albania, but I pray that I may never lose sight of the fact that my God is at work. He is working for me, and he is working in me. That will, in turn, give me the courage (when needed) and the motivation to go on with what he put me here to do.
Blessed Beyond Understanding
Since the day I answered God's call for me in Albania, I have been overwhelmed with the outpouring of support that I have received financially, spiritually and emotionally. Neither I nor the ministry have ever wanted for things that were necessary to go on. In the course of my life there have been some difficult times, especially when raising my four children. Sometimes things got a tight financially and drastic adjustments had to be made. I remember one instance when I told my wife that because things were not good financially our food would have to be a little sparse. My daughter was about three at the time, and was listening to the conversation. When she heard my statement about our food having to be sparse she asked "Do I like that?" She didn't know what "sparse" was, and wasn't sure she liked it. It's hard to like "sparse", but sometimes it is necessary.
I know some of you who read this have had your own challenges with "sparseness", and may be still facing some very difficult situations. At such times , if we lose our focus, we can despair and feel helpless and hopeless. Sadly, that is far too often an attitude possessed by Albanians, for a number of reasons. The economic situation is improving here, but it is a long way from being comparable to what is known by people in most developed countries. Such evaluations are, of course, relative and the recent tragic events in Myanmar, China and many other places in the world have enabled people even here to feel blessed. Some of you know what it is to be without work, and unable to find suitable employment. For the most part, however, citizens of my home country are blessed beyond their understanding, particularly in advantages available when compared with many of the poorer countries of the world.
I am glad to share with you that the small church here has been able recently to supply 2000 Euros to help provide medical treatment for cancer for a relative of one of our members. This money came from our contribution that has been collected over a period of time. Also we have in the past provided the equivalent of about $1000 to pay for the construction of shelves and storage space at a local school. God has blessed, and we seek to bless others.
IBIA Seminar in Lushnja
IBIA (International Bible Institute of Albania) is the satellite school of Sunset International Bible Institute. The dean of the school is Steve Stamatis. Recently he called and asked if we would be willing to provide facilities for a presenation to baptized members of the churches of Christ in the southwestern area of Albania. It was our pleasure to participate with him and the school in this event, and on May 31 he came with his wife, Deborah, and presented the seminar. Translation was handled by Altin Koçi, who was baptized here and who is a graduate of IBIA. Altin is now working for the school as a translator for the current students. Members were present from congregations in Fier, Kuçove, Magjat, Ure Vajgurore, Poliçan, Durrës and, of course, Lushnja, from which seven members were present. The thrust of the seminar was to encourage members to be in participation with God in his eternal plan to bring people into relationship with him. The church, Steve challenged us to understand, is not God's mission. It is a means to fulfill God's mission. The mission of God existed long before the existence of the church, and we now are blessed to be participants with God in his eternal plan. I will attach a picture from the seminar, even though the quality is not what I would like for it to be.
Power Situation
Those of you who have read the newsletters for some time have been aware of our struggle with electric power supply, or the lack thereof. We were regularly without power for eight or nine hours per day through most of 2007. I made a trip to the U.S. at the end of last year, and almost from the day I left the supply situation was reversed, and some members of the church jokingly told me I should stay in the States so they could continue to have electric power. I must confess I was a bit nervous to return, not knowing what would develop.
I am happy to report to you that we still enjoy power almost non-stop. There have been a couple of times when a defect in the system caused an outage, and some instances of power being turned off to accommodate construction crews. But most of the time we are "in the light" now. We'll see what happens when the winter weather, or even extreme summer weather, sets in. In the meantime, I have to decide whether to get our current generator repaired (it is not working) in order to be able to sell it. It is no longer sufficient for the demand we make on it, and if we begin to have power difficulties again, we will need to purchase a different generator.
What Do I Do?
I was asked the other day what kind of work I did while in the States. When I replied that I had been in ministry most of my life I got the response that I too often received even in the States: "What did you do the other six days a week?" The person who was asking the question knows something of my schedule here, but assumed that this was an unusual situation. Theirs was probably a conclusion reached as a result of what they have experienced in observing other religious workers.
Five days a week I work with students, teaching English and Bible. During the school year my student load is normally five to seven hours per day. When summer arrives it normally is eight to nine hours per day. Some of those with whom I work now have been with me for three-plus years. Most of those in this category have also now become Christians, but want to continue to study. I am not going to deny them that, especially since by that time most of our work together is more Bible study than English study. We have never had to advertise for students since the initial group began with campaigners who were here in the summer of 2002. Word of mouth referrals keep us more than occupied with students. Alma Kajdo, one of my students who became a Christian through our studies, has been working with me on a part time basis for a year and nine months.
Of course, there are also business and legal responsibilities that fall to me, plus some occasional trips into the capital, as well as other cities, primarily for the purpose of interaction with the brothers and sisters in those places. Soooo, I do stay pretty busy, but feel blessed to be able to be here doing what I am doing: sharing Jesus with the Albanian people. Please continue to pray for what we are doing, as we pray thanking God for your interest and participation in all the ways you offer it.
Still A Dream
There has been in the past some summer Christian camp activities for the young people of Albania. This is a truly major undertaking, and one that has been greatly enjoyed and appreciated. Some time ago a group of Christians from several areas of Albania met together to discuss the possibilities of finding some land to purchase and develop as our own private camp. In the previous efforts of camping land was rented, permits were secured, equipment and supplies transported, latrines dug, etc. The major work in this regard was initiated by Virgil and Jackie Jackson, missionaries in Vlora, in southern Albania, and a good deal of it carried out by them. Because of the difficulties of travel in Albania (though getting better), it is sometimes a difficult thing for even willing workers to be able to travel to a rented space for an announced workday.
We do not at this time have any idea what it would cost to purchase and develop land for a campground that could be used year-round for the church in Albania. But this much is known: it is a project that is beyond the financial capability of the Christians of Albania. If you have insights that we could tap into, or resources for this project, we would be interested in hearing from you. Is such a camp a necessity for the existence of the church in Albania? No, it is not!! Would such a facility be a blessing and an asset for the growth of the kingdom? We believe so, and the experience that many of you have had with such a camping opportunity when you were young also would say that perhaps this is something that would be worth putting more effort and exploration into. I would love to have your feedback in this regard.
Challenging Frustration
When I left for my visit to the States in December we were averaging twenty-five to thirty in attendance when we met to worship on Sundays. Since my return the average is more likely to be around twelve to eighteen. It is worthy of note, perhaps, that we have several members who are out of the country either studying or working. Whether they end up back here in Lushnja remains to be seen, but it is my prayer that wherever they are they will bring glory to the Lord.
My philosophy of sharing Jesus is based on the instructions he gave to his disciples when he sent them out, quoted here from the ERV (Easy To Read Version): "All authority in heaven and on earth is given to me. So go and make followers of all people in the world. Baptize them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach them to obey everything I have told to you to do. You can be sure that I will be with you always. I will continue with you until the end of time." (Matthew 28:19-20)
I work very hard to bring people to the point of being followers of Jesus before baptizing them. This has been my approach through most of my ministry. I would like it very much if all with whom I have studied and whom I have baptized had remained, were remaining, faithful. Such is not the case, nor was it the case in the States!! Every location has its own peculiar set of circumstances. Every person has his/her own particular responsibility to be true followers. Jesus said "teach them to obey everything I have told you to do". Most of us have learned many things in our lives that are no longer a part of our lives, which is good in some instances and not so good in others. Jesus did not say that we were to teach, then force, people to continue in the way.
I include here a picture of our most recent worship group. I won't give you all of their names, but know that eight of the twelve in the picture are baptized believers. Please pray that they will obey all the Lord desires of them.
Together in worship
Blessed Beyond Understanding
Since the day I answered God's call for me in Albania, I have been overwhelmed with the outpouring of support that I have received financially, spiritually and emotionally. Neither I nor the ministry have ever wanted for things that were necessary to go on. In the course of my life there have been some difficult times, especially when raising my four children. Sometimes things got a tight financially and drastic adjustments had to be made. I remember one instance when I told my wife that because things were not good financially our food would have to be a little sparse. My daughter was about three at the time, and was listening to the conversation. When she heard my statement about our food having to be sparse she asked "Do I like that?" She didn't know what "sparse" was, and wasn't sure she liked it. It's hard to like "sparse", but sometimes it is necessary.
I know some of you who read this have had your own challenges with "sparseness", and may be still facing some very difficult situations. At such times , if we lose our focus, we can despair and feel helpless and hopeless. Sadly, that is far too often an attitude possessed by Albanians, for a number of reasons. The economic situation is improving here, but it is a long way from being comparable to what is known by people in most developed countries. Such evaluations are, of course, relative and the recent tragic events in Myanmar, China and many other places in the world have enabled people even here to feel blessed. Some of you know what it is to be without work, and unable to find suitable employment. For the most part, however, citizens of my home country are blessed beyond their understanding, particularly in advantages available when compared with many of the poorer countries of the world.
I am glad to share with you that the small church here has been able recently to supply 2000 Euros to help provide medical treatment for cancer for a relative of one of our members. This money came from our contribution that has been collected over a period of time. Also we have in the past provided the equivalent of about $1000 to pay for the construction of shelves and storage space at a local school. God has blessed, and we seek to bless others.
IBIA Seminar in Lushnja
IBIA (International Bible Institute of Albania) is the satellite school of Sunset International Bible Institute. The dean of the school is Steve Stamatis. Recently he called and asked if we would be willing to provide facilities for a presenation to baptized members of the churches of Christ in the southwestern area of Albania. It was our pleasure to participate with him and the school in this event, and on May 31 he came with his wife, Deborah, and presented the seminar. Translation was handled by Altin Koçi, who was baptized here and who is a graduate of IBIA. Altin is now working for the school as a translator for the current students. Members were present from congregations in Fier, Kuçove, Magjat, Ure Vajgurore, Poliçan, Durrës and, of course, Lushnja, from which seven members were present. The thrust of the seminar was to encourage members to be in participation with God in his eternal plan to bring people into relationship with him. The church, Steve challenged us to understand, is not God's mission. It is a means to fulfill God's mission. The mission of God existed long before the existence of the church, and we now are blessed to be participants with God in his eternal plan. I will attach a picture from the seminar, even though the quality is not what I would like for it to be.
Steve Stamatis, translated by Altin Koçi
Power Situation
Those of you who have read the newsletters for some time have been aware of our struggle with electric power supply, or the lack thereof. We were regularly without power for eight or nine hours per day through most of 2007. I made a trip to the U.S. at the end of last year, and almost from the day I left the supply situation was reversed, and some members of the church jokingly told me I should stay in the States so they could continue to have electric power. I must confess I was a bit nervous to return, not knowing what would develop.
I am happy to report to you that we still enjoy power almost non-stop. There have been a couple of times when a defect in the system caused an outage, and some instances of power being turned off to accommodate construction crews. But most of the time we are "in the light" now. We'll see what happens when the winter weather, or even extreme summer weather, sets in. In the meantime, I have to decide whether to get our current generator repaired (it is not working) in order to be able to sell it. It is no longer sufficient for the demand we make on it, and if we begin to have power difficulties again, we will need to purchase a different generator.
What Do I Do?
I was asked the other day what kind of work I did while in the States. When I replied that I had been in ministry most of my life I got the response that I too often received even in the States: "What did you do the other six days a week?" The person who was asking the question knows something of my schedule here, but assumed that this was an unusual situation. Theirs was probably a conclusion reached as a result of what they have experienced in observing other religious workers.
Five days a week I work with students, teaching English and Bible. During the school year my student load is normally five to seven hours per day. When summer arrives it normally is eight to nine hours per day. Some of those with whom I work now have been with me for three-plus years. Most of those in this category have also now become Christians, but want to continue to study. I am not going to deny them that, especially since by that time most of our work together is more Bible study than English study. We have never had to advertise for students since the initial group began with campaigners who were here in the summer of 2002. Word of mouth referrals keep us more than occupied with students. Alma Kajdo, one of my students who became a Christian through our studies, has been working with me on a part time basis for a year and nine months.
Of course, there are also business and legal responsibilities that fall to me, plus some occasional trips into the capital, as well as other cities, primarily for the purpose of interaction with the brothers and sisters in those places. Soooo, I do stay pretty busy, but feel blessed to be able to be here doing what I am doing: sharing Jesus with the Albanian people. Please continue to pray for what we are doing, as we pray thanking God for your interest and participation in all the ways you offer it.
Still A Dream
There has been in the past some summer Christian camp activities for the young people of Albania. This is a truly major undertaking, and one that has been greatly enjoyed and appreciated. Some time ago a group of Christians from several areas of Albania met together to discuss the possibilities of finding some land to purchase and develop as our own private camp. In the previous efforts of camping land was rented, permits were secured, equipment and supplies transported, latrines dug, etc. The major work in this regard was initiated by Virgil and Jackie Jackson, missionaries in Vlora, in southern Albania, and a good deal of it carried out by them. Because of the difficulties of travel in Albania (though getting better), it is sometimes a difficult thing for even willing workers to be able to travel to a rented space for an announced workday.
We do not at this time have any idea what it would cost to purchase and develop land for a campground that could be used year-round for the church in Albania. But this much is known: it is a project that is beyond the financial capability of the Christians of Albania. If you have insights that we could tap into, or resources for this project, we would be interested in hearing from you. Is such a camp a necessity for the existence of the church in Albania? No, it is not!! Would such a facility be a blessing and an asset for the growth of the kingdom? We believe so, and the experience that many of you have had with such a camping opportunity when you were young also would say that perhaps this is something that would be worth putting more effort and exploration into. I would love to have your feedback in this regard.
Challenging Frustration
When I left for my visit to the States in December we were averaging twenty-five to thirty in attendance when we met to worship on Sundays. Since my return the average is more likely to be around twelve to eighteen. It is worthy of note, perhaps, that we have several members who are out of the country either studying or working. Whether they end up back here in Lushnja remains to be seen, but it is my prayer that wherever they are they will bring glory to the Lord.
My philosophy of sharing Jesus is based on the instructions he gave to his disciples when he sent them out, quoted here from the ERV (Easy To Read Version): "All authority in heaven and on earth is given to me. So go and make followers of all people in the world. Baptize them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach them to obey everything I have told to you to do. You can be sure that I will be with you always. I will continue with you until the end of time." (Matthew 28:19-20)
I work very hard to bring people to the point of being followers of Jesus before baptizing them. This has been my approach through most of my ministry. I would like it very much if all with whom I have studied and whom I have baptized had remained, were remaining, faithful. Such is not the case, nor was it the case in the States!! Every location has its own peculiar set of circumstances. Every person has his/her own particular responsibility to be true followers. Jesus said "teach them to obey everything I have told you to do". Most of us have learned many things in our lives that are no longer a part of our lives, which is good in some instances and not so good in others. Jesus did not say that we were to teach, then force, people to continue in the way.
I include here a picture of our most recent worship group. I won't give you all of their names, but know that eight of the twelve in the picture are baptized believers. Please pray that they will obey all the Lord desires of them.
Together in worshipTo God Be The Glory
Thank you so much for your participation with us in this ministry, in whatever way. Whatever the specifics of what transpires here, it is our pray that the glory may be placed where it belongs, with God alone.
Lifted by, and lifting high, Jesus
Tom
Thank you so much for your participation with us in this ministry, in whatever way. Whatever the specifics of what transpires here, it is our pray that the glory may be placed where it belongs, with God alone.
Lifted by, and lifting high, Jesus
Tom
2 comments:
Tom, Thanks for all the great information on what is happening in your area of the world. It is great for my family to be able to keep in touch with you and all that you are doing. God Bless You. Vicki, Pat, Kristen, and Kevin Ellsberg
Tom - always great to hear about your work.
T.J.
Post a Comment