Travel with me to Albania

Where is Albania you ask? Officially known as The Republic of Albania, the nation is located in South Eastern Europe. The country sits across the Adriatic Sea from the heel of Italy with Greece as its south and southeastern neighbor. Albania is about the size of the state of Maryland with a population of 3.1 million people. Its per capita income is approximately $2,580 and more than a quarter of the population lives below the poverty level, making Albania one of the poorest countries in Europe. Often family members will work in neighboring Greece and send money home to provide for their families.

In 1967 the communist government created the world's first officially atheistic country when it outlawed all religions. It was ruled by the most repressive and isolated regime in Europe until 1991, when it became the last country to emerge from the communist regime. Since then the nation has struggled through years of political instability and ecomonic collapse. An outbreak of civil disorder erupted in 1997, followed by an influx of 460,000 Kosovar refugees in 1998. This increased the burden on the already deteriorating political, ecomonic, and social infrastructures. Today Albanians enjoy full religous freedom. and while the government is an "emerging democracy" maintaining infrastructure is extremely difficult, especially in rural areas.

Alongside Ministries International hosts the Crossroads Christian Camp in Erseke in southern Albania. The children and youth are introduced to Jesus Christ and loved on by Christians in a one-week camp enviroment that includes crafts, games, bible lessons, and a ropes course (don't we all love camp!). I feel very priviledged to be part of bringing Christ into the lives of these young people.

Excerpts borrowed from World Vision http://www.worldvision.org/

Monday, June 21, 2010

Commissioning


Yesterday at Trinity's worship service I was very blessed to be commissioned for my upcoming trip. As I stood in front of the congregation with Pastor Mary the congregation raised their hands toward me and she prayed for the task God has called me to, the people of Albania that I may touch, and for my safety. It was truly a humbling experience.

A very dear friend emailed me a week ago as he offered encouragement and strength for my journey. He shared this passage that comes from The Message and refers to the Great Commission (Matthew 16-20). Meanwhile, the eleven disciples were on their way to Galilee, headed for the mountain Jesus had set for their reunion. The moment they saw him they worshiped him. Some, though, held back not sure about worship, about risking themselves totally. Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge: "God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you". There's more to the passage but my friend wanted to make sure I knew how it finishes: I'll be with you as you do this, day after day, right up to the end of the age. YOU WON'T BE ALONE. We often do feel alone so what a wonderful and sweet reminder this was to me as I step way out beyond my comfort zone but also knowing that God has a purpose in my going to Albania.
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1 comment:

  1. SuelaJune 22, 2010 at 2:06 PM

    Hi Cathy, At last I am on your blog -- Thanks for helping me to get on it. That's a great picture of your commissioning last Sunday. It is so important to have the prayer support of your local church.

    So, here's some practice. Mirë dita, Chi kemi -- mirë pafshim -- George Gilchrist, San Leandro and a regular in Albania each year since '94

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