It’s inspiring to hear the stories and see the results of 35 years of student ministry in Albania. In 1991, there were no Christian students here. Today, nearly 100 are attending this celebration!
John and Lynn lived in Kosovo for four years, learning the language and waiting for Albania to open. When it finally did, they found people eager to hear about spiritual ideas that had been forbidden under Hoxha’s regime. But life was difficult in those early days. Food was scarce, and electricity and running water were unreliable. It was not an easy time to begin a ministry, but look at the fruit of those 35 years!
We heard story after story from people who became Christians during those years—stories of God’s faithfulness, the close-knit community they found, and the ways Christ transformed their lives. Many went on to become leaders in the country, serving as government ministers, doctors, bankers, police officers, and more.
The gospel has been present in Albania from the beginning. There is evidence that the apostle Paul visited Durrës. Unlike in many other countries, many Albanian churches are led by indigenous believers rather than missionaries. Pastor Zef, for example, is Albanian.
One reason for this is that in 1997, Albania experienced a government collapse and revolution following the failure of a widespread pyramid scheme. Most missionaries left during that time, and Albanian believers stepped into leadership of their young churches.
We returned to Tirana in the afternoon in time for an afternoon treat.
The protests continue. As we were looking for a restaurant on the main boulevard, Zef texted, “Please don’t go to the main boulevard tonight.” Oops. Police were everywhere. Seven officers were stationed in our hotel lobby for protection. Jeff and the others had to leave their hotel after rioters destroyed the power box, leaving the building without electricity.
Looks like your restaurant choice was pizza. I see three of them. The story of Albania really is an interesting in in so many ways. The poorest of the poor of the communist countries. It was a completely closed society. Nobody really knew that there were even missionaries there spreading the Gospel. I do remember when Albania opened up and have been astounded at the growth of the Country and the Church. Again, so sorry you are having to experience the riots. At least you’re not in France! What a debacle. Stay safe and keep blogging. Much love to all of you.
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