Enis

Enis draws a Crowd

Just as exciting is a recent development that bodes very well for the Fier church! It has always been a dream of ours to have Albanians preaching for the church in Fier. With that in mind we initiated an agreement with the International Bible Institute of Albania a couple of years ago to have students come to Fier on a monthly basis to preach. (Niri Pellumbi, with his wife Lindita, pictured below, was with us this month.) Among those students were Eduart Hoxha and Altin Koci, who came regularly.

Edi, Steve, and Altin

We are very pleased to announce that upon our departure, both Edi and Altin will be moving to Fier to work full-time with the church here! A working agreement has been formulated between them and our sponsoring congregation, the Slicer Street church in Kennett, MO, which will be supporting them.

Edi and Altin are single men in their mid-20’s, and have had formal training as well as practical experience in various aspects of ministry; Edi having been mentored for the past year by Alfred Zike at the Adriatik church in Durres, and Altin having worked with Steve Stamatis and the next class of students at IBIA.

Edi and Altin

We believe that Edi’s and Altin’s vitality will both supplement and be tempered by the chronological maturity of the Fier church in many positive ways. The church here is also enthusiastic about this prospect. As you might imagine, it gives Ruth and me great comfort to see a part of how God will continue to work with and through the church in Fier as we move on to other fields. We are thankful to have such good hands into which we can turn over our responsibilities.

Niri and Lindita

Ruth and I are scheduled to depart Albania on April 2. Most of that month will be devoted to travel, visiting brethren and family in Europe and across America on our way to Hawaii. The arrangements for shipping our personal effects have, not surprisingly, stretched out until the very last days, and we solicit your prayers that it all goes smoothly. We are leaving here with about half of what we brought physically, but we take with us hearts overflowing with gratitude for the wealth of blessings that we will carry with us forever as a result of the privilege of serving our Lord in this amazing nation. Please continue to remember the church in Albania in your prayers in the time to come. And thank you for remembering us. God is good!

Ruth and Steve
 

In His service,

Steve & Ruth Byrne

P.S. – Once we’ve had a bit of time to settle in Honolulu, we’ll send you a final update.

 

Fier church library – a beginning
 

A visit to Steve and Deborah Stamatis in Durres, who were each in the final stages of recovering from a bad bout of the flu, was a welcome event for Ruth and me. It is always a blessing to be able to spend some time in the presence of the Stamatis's refreshing sense of humor as well as their broad view of the opportunities and challenges of the work of the Lord's kingdom in Albania. We also enjoyed meeting their new canine apartment-mate, Pixie!

Additionally, it was our pleasure to attend a morning devotional at the International Bible Institute of Albania in Durres. Eduart Hoxha, an IBIA graduate now working with the Adriatik church in Durres was the speaker. It was a great encouragement to hear Edi deliver in English a comprehensive and thoughtful exposition and application of a portion of one of the Psalms.

Eduart

Ruth and I also found ourselves in Tirana for a day or so this month. There it was our privilege to have coffee together with Artan Xhaferi, whom we have known for almost a decade and a half since the early days of the church there. Artan, his wife Rumira and their children will be moving to Tennessee this summer. Although it feels like a loss for the church here, especially in Tirana, we are sure that they will continue to be a blessing for the kingdom wherever the Lord takes them.

Also in Tirana, Ruth and I were able to share a meal with Wayne and Brenda Speer, former missionaries there (as well as to England, Greece, South Africa and the U.S.A.), along with Ellen Walker, with whom they were staying for a month. This extraordinary servant-couple have also worked with the church in Kailua, Oahu, and thus were able to give us some insights into the work there.

Ruth and I could not have gone to Tirana without checking in on Antoneta and Kristofor Findiku. As you may recall, we passed along information a few months ago about Antoneta's cancer and need for surgery. We are delighted to report that she has come through a very successful surgery in good shape, and is handling her subsequent chemotherapy treatments with a positive and joyful attitude, serving as a true inspiration for all of us who know her. They also report being in good shape financially for her continuing needs due to the generous help of brethren and friends from all over.

Kristofor and Antoneta
 

Back in Fier, Kresi, our sister-in-Christ and former translator, and her husband Agron have been blessed by the birth of a baby girl (name still unknown to us) this past week. Mother and daughter are both said to be in good shape. We are also looking forward to this Saturday, when Enis, the son of our relatively new sister Edlira, is planning to be baptized. We are thankful here in Fier for the blessings that God continues to grant His church!

Enis

One final update - the community of Kennett, MO is still recovering from the ice-storm disaster of late January. They report about 60% residential power restored in the region, with some rural areas possibly having to wait for several more weeks. By all accounts, our sponsoring congregation, the Slicer Street church, was literally a light to the community, providing warmth, shelter and meals to hundreds and hundreds of citizens and emergency personnel, right up until this very week! We are both thankful and proud to be associated with a group of Christians like Slicer Street, who rise to the challenges of life and turn them into opportunities.

May we all be blessed in following their example.

In His service,

Steve & Ruth Byrne

 

Holidays with family

It began on December 1st, the day after the Fier church's first Thanksgiving potluck. As in America, this type of event can draw a crowd! We were thankful for the 30-40 Christians and friends of the church that were on hand to worship God in gratitude and enjoy the "fellowship of the table" together.
 

Fier church Thanksgiving

That last phrase could well summarize a major portion of our furlough, which, if properly recounted, would take several of these reports to contain. May Ruth and I be forgiven for not mentioning by name here all the deserving cooks, hosts and hostesses, loaners of vehicles and airport picker-uppers, etc., for whom we are extremely grateful! You beloved folks in Kennett, MO, Oahu, HI, Livermore, CA, Denver, CO and Stafford, VA know who you are, and we have not forgotten! Thank you so much!

We must take a bit of space though, to thank by name the gifted brothers here in Albania who joyfully accepted our request to serve and edify the Fier church by preaching in our absence. A big faleminderit shumë ("thank you very much") to Erik Qirjaqi, Sokol Haxhiu, Altin Koçi, Artan Xhaferaj, Ilir Kurra, Alfred Dimci and their families! The brothers and sisters in Fier were delighted by the gift of your presence and the love and unity in Christ amongst the churches of Albania that it evidenced.

The guys of Fier

New Christians of Fier

Finally, Ruth and I must conclude this report with news of a development that can only be described as "bittersweet." Our visit to Hawaii has resulted in our being offered and having accepted an invitation to work with the Pearl Harbor church in Honolulu, beginning, Lord willing, on May 1, 2009. While we are excited about this next phase in our life of service to God, it will be very difficult to physically distance ourselves from the many precious relationships that have been formed over the past few years here in Albania.

It has truly been an honor to have been allowed and enabled to plant, water, and reap in the harvest-field of Albania. Ruth and I are confident that God will continue building up His church here, whether in our presence or absence. We also trust that whatever good He has managed to accomplish in and through us in Albania, will live on in those whom we've been privileged to touch.

Romania-Albania Missions Conference with brothers from Kennett

May God also continue to bless you richly, for you have been, through your prayers and support, a very real part in His work here as well.

In His service,

Steve & Ruth Byrne

 

New sister, Edlira

Edlira and family

The past month also afforded Ruth and me an opportunity to spend some much-appreciated extra time with the brothers and sisters in Elbasan, where I teach a I Corinthians class on Tuesday evenings. The church there invited me to preach for a special Sunday morning reunion assembly, and then to stay for an enjoyable potluck meal afterwards. We got to meet a number of individuals with whom the church there has had contact over the years. For the past few weeks Ruth and I have also been over-nighting there on Tuesdays due to the earlier onset of darkness and the increased difficulty and stress of driving home on the dark highways between Elbasan and Fier. We are especially thankful for the hospitality of Vera and Ilir Kurra in this regard.

Elbasan Fellowship

The regular church leaders' meeting was hosted by the church in Tirana this month, and enjoyed a good attendance as well as inspirational sharing. Representatives of the various congregations were given time to talk about and compare what was working and not working in their respective ministries. It was beneficial to Ruth and me to have fellowship with brothers and sisters from around Albania, as well as to be both reinforced with positive principles and warned about potential pitfalls, and to be reminded that we all face similar challenges.

Men's Day in Durres

Ruth and I will be departing Albania on December 1 to begin our furlough. Major stops will include Kennett, MO; Livermore, CA; Denver, CO; and Stafford, VA where the annual Romania/Albania Missions Workshop will be held. We were extremely gratified to find half a dozen capable brothers from around Albania who were ready and willing to fill the pulpit here in Fier during our absence. Our only regret is that we will not be here to hear them!

Steve and Ruth

The day before we head out, the Fier church will have its first ever Thanksgiving potluck to celebrate our gratitude to God for the blessings of 2008. Ruth and I look forward to seeing many of you during our furlough, and we celebrate your fellowship with us in prayer and in actions, as we have worked here in Fier over the past year. May God bless you always.

In His service,

Steve and Ruth Byrne

 

Albana's family

Albana has likewise been sharing her faith by beginning to offer private English lessons in her home to local students. At last count she has 5 students, and she has already brought several of them to church on Sunday. Albana has also been a real encourager to some of the older students from her village who've been baptized in years past, to renew their commitment to Christian fellowship.

Last month, Ruth and I told about the loss of Albana's and her husband's jobs. Thanks to a heartfelt response from the brethren at the Slicer Street church in Kennett, MO, some of whom met the family this past July, their immediate financial crisis has been greatly alleviated, and they are able to pursue training and employment opportunities without being in "panic mode." Albana's family is highly appreciative.

One villager who has recently been "renewed" is Sonila, a 24-year-old schoolteacher. Five of her cousins have recently started studying and spending time with the church as well. Sonila was recently awarded the opportunity to immigrate to America, and though we will miss her, her influence will continue to be felt through those whom she has brought our way.

Another schoolteacher that has been a source of joy to Ruth and me recently is Edlira. Edlira teaches in the village but lives in Fier. She has been studying with Ruth and faithfully attending our assemblies with her two young children, Enis and Eva. She is seriously contemplating the prospect of baptism, and like the others, is deserving of your prayers.

Edlira and her Children

Other events of the past month include the wedding of our sister Kresi Mullaj, and an invitation to preach in Tirana. As in times past, Ruth and I enjoyed the hospitality of Ellen Walker there, who was celebrating a birthday, and also of Sokol and Stela Haxhiu and their daughter, with whom we shared a wonderful lunch. Another highlight of the visit was meeting John Massie, who is in Albania to do a seminar on the Holy Spirit and to speak at the national Men's Day in Durres.

Ellen - Center - Happy Birthday!

Sokol and Family

In our absence, Erik Qirjaqi of Tirana was scheduled to preach in Fier, but due to the death of his uncle, Artan Xhaferi took his place at the last moment. We are thankful to both of these brothers for their willingness to serve the cause of inter-congregational unity. Another loss was suffered by the family of our sister Perse here in Fier, whose brother passed away a few weeks ago. We solicit your prayers for both of these families.
 

Steve preaching in Tirana with the assistance of Bledi Valca

Apparently, some folks took our words last month that Fier was not a popular destination spot to heart, as we have since been blessed with several visitors! First were Ilir and Vera Kura from Elbasan, who spent a night with us, and then Tom Bonner, who graced us with his presence for a while on his birthday! Ruth and I are always thankful to be able to have beloved brethren spend time with us in our home.

Finally, while in Tirana Ruth and I were able to purchase the airline tickets for our upcoming furlough, which will span Christmas and New Year's. We look forward to visiting with brethren, supporters and family at that time. Also, we recently received the approval of our leje qendrimi(s), which are "permits to stay" in Albania. This time they are for 5 years, so we won't have the annual hassle of renewing them. Thank you for your prayers in that regard, and for all that you do to encourage us as we seek to serve in the Lord's kingdom here.

In His service,

Steve & Ruth Byrne

 

Steve, Artan, Altin, Harilla, Bill, Kujtim and Dick at the Leadership seminar in Lushnje

As icing on the cake during that time, Dick Ady was also back in Albania this summer, and we were thankful to be able to visit with him in Tirana, Lushnje and Durres. Though Ruth and I didn't get to spend as much time with him as we would have liked, our brief visits with this dear brother were both productive and encouraging. God has used Dick in a mighty way for the growth of the church literally throughout the world, and he has been a great example to us over the past two decades.

Ruth, Dick Ady, and Steve

An unexpected development for Ruth and me has been the making of contacts with a number of Filipinos here in Albania recently. They are working here in jobs as diverse as bank manager, chef, aid worker and physical therapist. It's been a real treat for Ruth to dust off and use her repertoire of dialects, as well as to empathize with fellow countrymen about life far from home, culture and extended family. A couple of them have already gotten connected with the church in Tirana!

Steve, Ronnie, Roy and Ruth in Tirane

The first week of September provided Ruth and me the opportunity to spend a week in Durres, where I taught my 5-day Christian Ethics seminar at IBIA. Among the enjoyable aspects of that time were our first visit to an assembly of the Adriatik church where Alfred Zike and Eduart Hoxha are ministers. We were also thankful to get to see the current AIM workers in Durres, as well as other brethren who dropped in on occasion. The view of the Adriatic Sea from the Stamatis's balcony was not bad either! Steve and Deborah returned from their summer furlough to the U.S. about mid-week in good shape, and they were enrolling more students even while recovering from jet-lag! I got hit with a flu-bug on Friday morning, but managed to make it through the final class sessions.

Altin, Eri, Amaro, Ilir and Ari (standing), Antonetta and Steve (seated) at IBIA

Rounding up the list of meetings in the past month was the church leader's meeting in Lushnje. (Yes, Tom Bonner's hospitality has been top-notch!) It was the biggest such meeting so far, with close to 30 in attendance. The 2 topics for formal discussion were James 4, and Christian camps. A smaller working group was formed to research the future potential for the latter. The spirit was very positive, and we are looking forward to the next meeting, scheduled to be in Tirana.

Leaders' meeting in Lushnje

Here in Fier, Ruth and I are switching gears to the back-to-school mode yet again. This will mean less contact with our university-aged students especially, since most of them study in other cities. More of our remaining students will be trying to have classes with us during the weekends. You can help us by praying for the germination of seeds that have already been planted.

Airman 1st Class Daniel Byrne

Please also pray for the Bani family. Albana - who was baptized earlier this year with her son Albi - and her husband Bujar, with whom she worked running a local restaurant, both lost their jobs this past week. They went in one morning as usual, only to discover other workers there. The owner had sold the business and the new one brought in his own relatives to work there. This was how they found out they were both unemployed, effective immediately. You can imagine their devastation. Ruth and I picked the three of them up that day and we drove to a resort outside of Elbasan, just to give them a change of scenery. Then we went on to the Tuesday evening Bible class in Elbasan together. This was Bujar's first direct contact with the church as such. Please be praying that these events would lead them all closer to God in the long run.

This, we believe, is God's purpose in all the events of life, both good and bad, to draw us closer to Him. Ruth and I have certainly experienced that in the past month, and are thankful for His providential working in everything that happens. Thank you for being a positive part of that as well.

In His service,

Steve & Ruth Byrne

P.S. – Ruth and I hope you'll join us in congratulating our son Dan on his recent graduation from Air Force basic military training, and be praying for him as he continues on through his tech school and future service to God and America in these challenging times.

 

Kurtis, Elton and Tim at Fier potluck
 

The additional presence of Art Hitt and Steve Merryman from Oregon rounded off what was to be a wonderful Sunday, July 20. The Fier church responded to the presence of all these visitors with a potluck that featured a whole roasted lamb, as well as many other local delicacies.

Lamb (before)

Lamb (after)

The "Kennett Four" along with Tim and Kurtis were able to accompany Ruth and me on visits to a number of the churches in central Albania, meeting brethren in Tirana, Orikum, Lushnje and Elbasan. We also had time to see some of Albania's amazing historic sites in Llogora, Berat, Apollonia and Kruje. What a blessing it was to have each of them become more acquainted with our life and work at this time, and to have them develop personal relationships with the people here who mean so much to us.

The "Kennett Four" (Spencer, Beverly, Britt and Shawn)

A little more than a week later we were also graced with a visit from Danah Nelson, who has been helping the church in Korca this summer, and who was taking time to make some visits to Christians in our part of the country. Danah has consistently been a blessing to the church in Albania over the years.

Visiting Lushnje

On a more mundane note, Ruth and I recently applied in Vlore for our next Leje Qendrimi (Permit to Stay), which is more or less a resident visa. Because we have had two successive 1-year LQ's, we are now entitled to apply for the 5-year version. Please pray that this goes smoothly, as it will save us a fair amount of hassle in the future.

Another prayer need involves an apparent large-scale trend in Albania. From a recent article -

"In 2007, Albania registered its largest suicide rate in more than two decades, with 216 people taking their own lives and hundreds of attempted suicides, a good part of which remain unregistered.

Even more troubling, the age of those attempting to take their own lives, and often succeeding, is dropping with every passing year. Sociologists say the rate of suicides among teenagers and even children is worrying.

According to the World Health Organization, WHO, the suicide rate in Albania almost doubled from 1987 to 2003 from 2.4 cases per 100,000 people to 4.3.

From 2003 to 2007, meanwhile, the number of suicides almost doubled again, from 126 a year to 216. Last year, suicides accounted for the second largest number of premature deaths in Albanian after traffic accidents. Among teenagers and young adults, it is the leading cause of premature death."

Although in Christ we possess a number of resources against despair that society in general does not have, we also know that societal trends affect even the church in numerous ways. Let's pray not only for the progress of the church in Albania, but also for the situation here in general. A lack of hope is a terrible obstacle to face in life, and it seems that in Albania, this very thing is presently an escalating problem.

Finally, the summer break from school has provided Ruth and me with lots of new students, especially with the WEI Bible and English courses. These are mostly high-school and university age, although we have a few older individuals as well. We hope to be sharing about them and their progress in future reports. As always, your prayers in this regard are vital. And again, thank you for this and every other way in which you support us.

In His service,

Steve & Ruth Byrne

 

Dear friends,

Last month we solicited your prayers for our Albanian language teacher, Drina, who had just undergone some traumatic experiences and who was also considering obeying the gospel. Apparently you responded, and your prayers were effective. On Saturday, May 24, Drina was baptized. Prayers answered! Accompanying her to witness the cheerful event were two of her friends and fellow school-teachers, Jonida and Vjosa. Once again we were also blessed to use the baptistery at Orikum, and to enjoy some time there with Skender and Vera Mejdiaj. Drina turned 25 two days later.

Dirna's Baptism

On Saturday, May 31, the International Bible Institute of Albania hosted one of its popular "Expanding the Kingdom Seminars (Encouraging Evangelism and Edification)." The topic was "The Process of Developing a Heart for God (Studies from Matthew)." The location was the Lushnjë church of Christ building, where Tom Bonner works. There were brothers and sisters present from Lushnjë, Kuçovë, Magjat, Ure Vajgurore, Poliçan, Durrës and 5 of us from Fier. Steve Stamatis, with Altin Koçi translating, enhanced our understanding of God's mission, utilizing 5 texts from Matthew's gospel.

Korcë Meeting

June 1 saw the birth of a new congregation in Tiranë. Alfred Dimce reports that this constitutes both the culmination and commencement of long-held desires for the Lord's kingdom in Tirana. Understanding that Satan never rests and that births are always accompanied by pangs, we pray that God's will would be done and His Name glorified as a result of this new development. All of our brethren in Tirana are beloved by us, and most importantly, by our God.

Ruth was blessed to be able to attend the "Come Before Winter" ladies' renewal time in Bosnia-Herzegovina during the first week of this month. This was a time for mission workers to be encouraged and equipped for effectiveness in their respective fields. Other attendees from Albania were Allison Morrill, Deborah Stamatis and Ellen Walker. Ruth relates being especially well-fed, both physically and spiritually during this "much-needed" (her words) event.

Albania missionaries masquerading as Mexicans in Bosnia

On June 14, Kevin and Allison Morrill, missionaries in Korcë, hosted the church leaders' get-together. 20+ Christians from half-a-dozen congregations made the trip over the mountains to the eastern Albanian city, where we shared thoughts and ideas on increasing our effectiveness in church growth. Ruth and I drove up a day ahead of time, and stayed over on Sunday to worship with the church there. It was also a pleasure to see Roger Michael again.

A side-benefit of our participation with the church in Elbasan this month was getting to spend some time with Gerry Cowan, a preacher from Illinois who has long been involved with the work in Elbasan. During his two-week stay there were two births. One was the new birth of Berti, a man in his 50's who has been paralyzed since an accident in his teens, who was baptized into Christ. The other was the arrival of the 2nd son of Mondi Gjoni, who preaches at Elbasan on Sundays. Our congratulations to both families! And thanks to Gerry for his encouragement and assistance to the church there.
 

Gerry Cowan & Steve Stamatis in Lushnje

Albi Bani, the young man who was baptized recently with his mother, has been a real encouragement to the church here in Fier. His enthusiasm for participating in worship has resulted in our beginning to train him for prayer and song-leading. We expect him to begin to serve in these capacities soon. He is an outstanding 16-year-old, and we are blessed to have him as a young brother-in-Christ.

Albi Bani

As always, your prayers and support have had a great impact on our mission and on the lives of people here. We are thankful for God's blessings, of which you are a significant part.

In His service,

Steve & Ruth Byrne
 

Fier Flowers
 

The door to the season opened for Ruth and me with the recent National Youth Day, sponsored by the church in Tirana. With over 130 in attendance from close to a dozen congregations, the theme of the day was "O sa mir' ne qën' Kristian" (Oh how great it is to be a Christian). There were 5 of us from Fier, and the theme was expounded by Altin Koçi, Edi Hoxha, and Bledi Valca, all recent IBIA graduates.

Youth Day

Fier Youth

Our weekly Tuesday night class in Elbasan continues to be encouraging. The class there seems to alternate for a month or so at a time from having many younger visitors to many older ones, as is the present case. The discussions on I Corinthians continue to be lively and make the 1.5 hour drive each way more than worth it for Ruth and me. A special treat for the class this past week was the surprise presence of Ilir Kura, unexpectedly back from his 2nd week of classes at IBIA in Durrës for the occasion of his wife, Vera's birthday, which we celebrated with cake and soft drinks. Ilir reported that his studies were challenging but that all was going well.

Ilir and Vera

The church in Fier also continues to enjoy God's blessings. When we are all here, the attendance ranges in the high teens which is very encouraging to us. Another hopeful sign has been the presence of additional, younger school-agers in our midst, both visitors and new Christians. This is the answer to many prayers for the church here.

Fier Fellowship

Ruth's and my language training is also progressing. We are almost finished with the 1st phase, a 52-lesson "introduction" to Albanian grammar. While we certainly haven't mastered it, we feel good as we anticipate expanding our vocabulary in the next phase, and beginning to put the rules to work.

As a side note, our language instructor, Drina, also teaches in a public school in Fier. A little over a week ago a 13-year old girl shot another student in the foot with a pistol she had brought there. Drina had to disarm the 1st girl, carry the victim to the hospital, and then bear the undeserved brunt of having the media blame her for not preventing the situation in the first place! She was teaching other students in another class at the time. All is well now, but she had a very rough few days. Drina said that she was amazed by the inner strength she discovered, and gave the credit to God for getting her through it. She has been considering baptism, and is deserving of your prayers.

Another surprise for us was the visit of some of the friends we made during our visit to Kosovo for its Independence Day. Three of them decided to take a short vacation from their construction business in Pristina and drive down to Fier. We went out with them on a Saturday and visited the ancient ruins of Byllis and Apollonia, which are very extensive and range in origin from 300-600 BC. It was a great day to be out and about, exploring historical hilltop fortresses with friends. Also, among the delicacies we've recently enjoyed with our friends on such special occasions have been lamb's head (brain and tongue), giblet-stuffed intestines, and frog legs.

Fine food

On a personal note, our two sons are each going through big transitions at this time. Dan has recently finished his studies at Oklahoma Christian University and is staying with Steve's brother Rick and family in Wisconsin until he starts Air Force basic training in July. Tim, on the other hand, is receiving his Master's Degree in Counseling in Denver on May 17, and shortly thereafter is hoping to participate in a Mission trip to Germany with members of his local church. As you can imagine, it is a bit difficult for Ruth and me not to be with them for these life events. We're thankful that Steve's Mom will be with Tim for his ceremony. We're also thankful for your prayers as we, and our loved ones, manage these kinds of sacrifices which come with working on the mission field.


In His service,

Steve & Ruth Byrne

 

IBIA chefs on "Philippines International Day"

Another opportunity for feasting and fellowship came with the church leaders' meeting, which seems to be growing in popularity. This month it was hosted by the church in Elbasan. More than 20 leaders were in attendance, and a new standard of excellence was set in that rather than having a dutch-treat meal afterwards as has been our custom, the church hosted everyone in the home of brother and sister Remzi and Mereme Islami for a full meal of delicious, homemade Albanian cooking. The camaraderie was extremely upbeat and encouraging.

Church leaders in Elbasan

A further welcome development from Elbasan is the enrollment of one of its leaders, Ilir Kura, into IBIA. Ilir has been a vital part of the church there since his baptism about a year and a half ago, and is scheduled to begin his formal studies in May. This will certainly stand him in great stead for being equipped to edify the body in Elbasan in years to come. We know he would appreciate your prayers.

Happy IBIA diners

Albanian feast in Elbasan

It was also my privilege to participate briefly this month in a project to raise awareness among churches here of the problem of human trafficking in Albania. This involved a walk by concerned individuals from the north to the south end of the country. As I only found out about it shortly before it was to commence, I did not have time to get adequate footwear, and had to drop out due to foot problems after a couple of days of 25-30 kilometer walks. The walk itself is still underway, and I hope to be able to participate again to some degree when it passes through Fier and continues south.

Here in Fier, the church continues to be blessed. Albana and Albi Bani's enthusiastic presence as new Christians has provided a boost to all of us in the body of Christ. They have also provided a great positive example to a number of our other students and visitors. An additional cause for encouragement here this month was the presence this past Sunday of almost a dozen Christians from Durres, Tirana and Bartlesville, Oklahoma. Alfred Dimçi from Tirana preached for us, and we appreciated the treat of having the Word proclaimed in Albanian without translation from English.

Oklahoma visitors to Fier: Art Henley, Bob Seat, Ann and Larry Johnson

The church throughout Albania has so much potential! In our time here, Ruth and I have found ourselves limited only by our imagination and endurance in terms of the existing opportunities for service. We constantly pray for wisdom, guidance and strength to do that which will result in the most glory for our Lord, wherever He allows us to go. We are thankful for you who beseech Him on our behalf as well.

In His service,

Steve & Ruth Byrne
 

Albana and Albi's Confession that Jesus is the Son of God

Albi rises to a new life!

Ruth with her new brother and sister in Christ

March also witnessed the 2nd Church Leader's Fellowship, this time hosted by the church in Durres at the new IBIA campus. It was led by Çimi Kafexhiu. We were grateful to see a slightly larger number in attendance than at our first meeting in January. Our sincere hope is that this monthly-or-so occasion will continue to grow into an instrument for unity and encouragement for the Albanian brotherhood. Another reason for rejoicing this month was the return of Tom Bonner from an extended but well-deserved furlough. It's comforting to know we have this fine missionary just 30 kms north of us in Lushnje.

Steve, Skender, Keti, Albana, Albi, and Vera

Leader's Fellowship – Durres

The nation of Albania has been in the international headlines twice recently due to tragic circumstances. First, there were the recent drowning deaths of 16 members of a family in a lake near Tirana. Then there came the explosions on the 15th at a military base near the Rinas International Airport, currently considered accidental, but resulting in massive damage and undetermined casualties. Please keep Albania in your prayers, not only for the sake of our work here, but also for those here who see events such as these as confirmation of their pessimisms concerning Albania's prospects for the future. Albanians in general still do have many obstacles to overcome as they work to raise themselves to the standards of living to which they aspire. However, with time they also certainly have as much potential to rise above their current difficulties as any people Ruth and I have ever known. This is why we are thankful to be here among them, sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. In the final analysis, the gospel is the only 100% effective antidote to the temptation to despair. We thank God and you for enabling us to be here with good news.

In His service,

Steve & Ruth Byrne

 

William (Bill) Laird 1931-2008

Bill and Mom (JoAnn) were married for 14 years. During that time it was evident that Bill brought a great deal of cheerfulness, humor and zest to Mom's life. Even as he struggled with multiple serious health problems over the past 4 years, Bill was always concerned for those around him, and would express the positive outlook whenever possible. They traveled the world together, including more than one visit to us in Alaska, and Bill probably would have wanted to come to Albania as well, had his health allowed it. When Bill passed away quickly in late January, circumstances were such that it was not possible for Ruth and me to be there physically with Mom in time for his funeral. Thankfully our son Tim was available, and Ruth and I were able to send him in our stead. Bill was a good man whom we came to love and respect. We are thankful for the time he shared with Mom. We will miss him. We are also thankful to those of you who have expressed your condolences to her and to us.

In the category of privileges, working in Albania this year has so far been stimulating on one level, due to events taking place in the region. As you are probably aware, Kosovo has just declared its independence this week. The population there is 95% ethnic Albanian, and there are many ties between these two countries. Ruth and I were invited to go there for this occasion by a businessman friend here in Fier who had hosted a large Kosovar refugee family during the crisis in 1999. Many things about our experience could be shared here, but suffice it to say that witnessing the birth of a nation is a remarkable thing. Also heartwarming to me was being recognized in a restaurant in Prizren by a woman who had been a refugee in Elbasan, Albania when I was there that year, helping Pete Hodge and the church to distribute food. Most important, Ruth and I were delighted to make some very good friends in our short visit to Kosovo, and we hope to have opportunities to develop those relationships for the cause of Christ in the future.

Friends at Albania - Kosovo Border

Awaiting the "declaration of independence" in Prizren, Kosovo

"NEWBORN" - The 1st day of independence, in Pristina, Kosovo (capital)

It would not be accurate to say that the novel experiences we enjoy here have compensated for the things that we miss. They are, each in their own way, simply missionary facts-of-life. We are thankful to be able to share about some of them briefly with you this month, so that you can have a taste of some of the incidental elements of the work here which have touched our hearts. Until next month, may God bless you richly!


In His service,

Steve & Ruth Byrne

 

Preacher's Get-Together

Left to right -- Skender Kola (Durrës), Deborah Stamatis (Durrës), Steve Stamatis (Durrës), Harilla Mandro (Kuçovë), Eduart Hoxha (Durrës), Steve Byrne (Fier), Kujtim
Mjftari (Poliçan), Shkelqim Kafexhiu (Durrës). Picture by Ruth Byrne (Fier).
 

One evidence of this commendable spirit was the first monthly (or bi-monthly, we haven't decided yet) preacher's get-together. This event was the brainchild of Çimi Kafexhiu, who preaches in Durrës, and was held here in Fier. Preachers, church leaders, missionaries and wives, from Durrës, Kuçovë, Poliçan and Fier, attended, and we expect the number to grow as word gets around. We discussed our various challenges and dreams, praised God in song, prayed, studied the Word, and enjoyed lunch together afterwards. Lord willing, we meet again next month in Durrës.

Another positive portent of things to come is the new class of IBIA students! The preacher training school recently relocated from Tirana to Durrës and is about to begin with its second batch of students in their 2-3 year training program. Having witnessed the marvelous results achieved by Steve Stamatis and his faculty with the first class, we can only believe that the continuing work of this school bodes well for the church not only in Albania, but for this whole part of the world.

On a different but no less significant scale, good things are happening in the Elbasan congregation, with whom Ruth and I are blessed to gather each mid-week. Not only are they enjoying a rekindling of unity, the Christians in Elbasan are also rising to meet the challenges of service in the kingdom. One great example for them in this regard is Ilir Kura, who has been a Christian for just over a year. Ilir preached for the first time at short notice this past Sunday on the occasion of their regular preacher, Mondi Gjoni being under the weather with the flu. By all accounts, Ilir did a great job, and Mondi's health is improving.

Ilir and Vera Kura

The church here in Fier demonstrated the spirit of the season at the end of this year by making gift baskets to be distributed to members of the community. This is apparently not a typical practice here, and thus a welcome surprise to the recipients, who seemed to appreciate the thought and effort involved. Ruth and I also enjoyed visiting the homes of numerous church members and friends over the holidays, and we sampled enough delicious, sweet baklava and other delicacies to tide us over easily until the next holiday season.

WEI student Risilda with Keti, making gift baskets

This month we are pleased to feature two of Ruth's WEI students, Albana and Albi Bani. They are a mother and son from the nearby village of Xharrez. Albana runs a restaurant with her husband there, and Albi is in his first year of high school. They are both highly intelligent and motivated, and often attend worship with us. Ruth and I were privileged to spend an evening in their home recently, with the rest of their family. We were introduced to them through our sister-in-Christ, Keti Tanashi who teaches in the village, and who is one of the most persistent and effective members of the church when it comes to bringing in friends and acquaintances.

Albi, with his grandmother, father, Albana, Ruth and Keti

As you can see, there is much to be thankful for here as 2008 progresses. We are particularly thankful that you a part of this and so much more with us, through your prayers and support. May God bless you in every way in the coming year.

In His service,

Steve & Ruth Byrne

Church at Vlorë

 

We were also blessed in April by the visit of Dr. Carl Mitchell and his wife, Frankie. Dr. Mitchell is a professional psychologist, educator, writer, lecturer, and long-term foreign missionary. He presented three lectures at the local university, where he was warmly received by the administration, faculty, and students. Another lecture, on parenting, was given for the community at our study center. We were thrilled with a large attendance, including a group Ellen Walker brought down from Tirana. On Sunday, Dr. Mitchell spoke for our worship services in Vlorë and again in Fier. The Mitchells also went with us to Orikum to meet the principle contacts in our efforts to establish a congregation in that city. It was a great blessing to have the church portrayed so positively to the university and to the community. We have netted some good contacts and have now begun Bible studies with three university students. It must have been a tiring trip for the Mitchells -- he spoke six times in three days. We are most grateful for the service to the cause here in Albania by this fine Christian couple.

Later in the month a group of teenagers came on Saturday morning and we carried out of the garage all the sinks and tables from camp. They filled the courtyard in front of our apartment -- the two sink units for the latrines are each 12 feet long. We cleaned, sanded, and painted all morning. It was good to see how involved these kids are in helping themselves through all the activities of the church. Later the boys set up some tables in our classroom and the girls set out boxes of pizza. They all ate and laughed and enjoyed each other. There is hope for the future of this country in the spirit of this young generation of Christians.

We have always heard the streets of Hell are paved with good intentions, and we fear this may be true. Shortly after we began meeting in the grade school in Orikum, we purchased some fluorescent lamps for the room we are using. Before we could install them, the government extended the hours of power outage, making lights in the classroom irrelevant. We felt terrible about the boxes of lamps stacked unused, since we couldn't even drill the holes in the cement ceiling without power. Three weeks ago a German company began delivering 24-hour power with funds from somewhere. We cancelled some of our Bible classes and worked hard to install the fixtures. While I was at the top of the ladder, a man came in, looked around and said, "This room has no lights." My thought was, "Fella, just what do you think I'm doing up here with the drill in my hand?" After two hours of drilling and wiring, we discovered what he meant. That particular classroom had no power in the lines. Before the school could get that problem sorted out, the Germans lost patience with the Albanian government and withdrew. Now there are some very nice-looking fluorescent fixtures in that classroom -- who knows if anyone will ever see them lit!

Such is life in Albania! Such is it like trying to bring any kind of light to this sin-darkened country. Pray for these needy people. Pray for our endurance.

Your servants for Him, Virgil and Jackie

May continued what has been an unusually rainy spring.  The hills and fields are green and covered with an amazing display of wildflowers.  But May is also the month of our annual retreat for the churches in Vlorë and Fier.  We prayed for sunshine and were blessed with a beautiful, warm spring day.  This year we met on a small, wooded island in a coastal lagoon near Vlorë, at the site of a thirteenth century monastery.  We were joined by a family from our church planting efforts in Orikum, so from our three groups we had 150 people.  Sitting in the field in front of an 800-year-old Orthodox chapel, we worshipped our timeless God.  It was a great day -- sharing a picnic together, fellowship between churches, games and visiting, and finally the obligatory inter-city tug-of-war.  "Our side" always wins!

There are many opportunities here for involvement and service.  One organization, The Heifer Project, has joined other international groups seeking to collect the thousands of military weapons still in the hands of civilians.  This group is giving away livestock as an incentive.  A delegation came from America to tour Albania and we were asked to host them at a morning coffee reception in our study center.  Jackie baked bundt cake and banana-nut bread and we prepared Turkish coffee for the five Albanians and 'merican coffee for those who prefer to drink their coffee rather than chew it.  Our initial motivation was only to please our contacts in Orikum who have been so supportive of our Bible camp efforts and church work in their town.  But we were pleasantly surprised to meet the Americans, who were obviously thrilled to have an American-style coffee break.  It was a real blessing to visit with these people -- farm folks really are the salt of the earth!  The couple who came from Arkansas operate a ranch where Harding University has built a mission training site.  What a small world! We thought we were doing something just to promote our church efforts here, but God blessed us with a wonderful visit with some very good people.

The Lord continues to bless the teaching efforts here.  This month four precious young women were baptized into Christ.  Aurora Merjo, 20, and her younger sister, Dezdemona, began studies last summer with Juanita Mansholt.  We visited in their home, continued Bible lessons with them, and they became active in our church youth program.  But traditional Muslim family ties held them back.  During one youth meeting, we prayed specifically for the teenage Christians in Albania.  At their next private Bible class, Aurora said she felt hurt and left out.  "We are Muslim teenagers.  Who prays to God for us?"  While we conscientiously avoid militant badgering of non-believers, it is critical that they hear that "salvation is found in no one else . . ." and that Jesus said, "No one comes to the Father except through me."  Eventually the fellowship and our efforts at "speaking the truth in love" won out.  The girls invited their parents and a large group of friends to witness their baptism at a Friday afternoon teen meeting.

Jonida Mehmeti, 17, also began studies last summer with Juanita and continued to study with Jackie for the last nine months.  She, too, was baptized at a youth meeting this month.

Aurora Rushiti was waiting for her 13th birthday, to become the final member of her family to accept the Lord.  She joined both her parents and her two older sisters, as her father baptized her this month.  It was a special thing to see the look of love and pride in the eyes of her parents.

We are truly blessed by these new Christians, all of whom have been for some time part of our activities here and now are fully a part of the family of God.  May His blessings be on them all as they continue to learn and grow in Christ.

This month a wonderful group of Christian women from Texas hosted missionary women in the Balkan area in a much-needed week-long retreat -- "Come Before Winter."  It was a great blessing to all who attended.  We were very disappointed that none of the young ladies translating for various congregations in Albania were granted a visa to attend the conference, which was held on the Greek island of Corfu.  It was a great time of spiritual and physical renewal.  We are most grateful for the spirit of love and service that produced this conference.

Jackie needed that time away.  We are desperately trying to complete the preparations for the Bible camp next month.  We lost over a month in anxious, endless meetings with obtuse individuals and various government offices, all with conflicting claims of jurisdiction over the field we use in the mountains.  This game has gotten very, very old!

In the midst of all this hectic and trying activity, we are drawn on by the words of our Lord -- "inasmuch as you have done this for the least of my brethren, you have done it for me."  We are grateful for your faithful partnership in this ministry.

Your servants for Him, Virgil & Jackie Jackson

Brethren,

This is our new brother in Christ, Albert Shahini, age 40. (the same age as my son!) He is going to be a real asset to the church here. He is a colleague of Luan, my "Andrew", who was baptized by Art last summer. Luan just keeps bringing more and more men for me to study with. He is not ashamed of the gospel. A real example for me and he has been more than a brother to me in Fier.

Albert Shahini& Luan Hassenbeliu

Continue to pray for the harvest in Fier. We held our first Sunday service in Zharrez, a village near Fier, where there are 12 Christians. We had 9 in services including 2 non-Christians from Fier and 4 from Zharrez. There was a wedding in the village that kept most of the regulars away, unfortunately. They are mostly young in the faith and need much teaching and encouragement. Lord willing, we will give them what they need to grow in maturity.

Love in Christ,

Doug
 

Brethren,

The church in Fier is pictured here in October, 2002. Look forward to a bright future in this city of white fields to harvest.

The church in Fier, October 2002

Bujar Mallakaj, a Christian of less than 1 year at the time of this photograph, is preaching. Bujar is from Prizren, Kosova. He served as a translator for Doug. Bujar would love to read your mail of encouragement at his email address, b_qielli@hotmail.com

Brent Parr is the young man from Marrietta, Oklahoma who will be here for two years. The other man is Luan Hassenbelliu, who has been our "Andrew", as I have reports before. He has been amazing in bringing so many of his friends, mostly adult males. God has used him in a mighty way to make our mission here productive for the kingdom.

space	Luan Hassenbelliu & Brent Parr		Bujar Mallakaj, Preaching	space

Brent received his Masters degree in telecommunications from the University of California in Davis earlier this summer. The church in Davis is sponsoring him in Fier. The church in Fier, however, is under the oversight of the Spicer Street church in Kennett, MO.

The city's, 80,000 people, main industry is oil. Most people are employed in the oil "enterprise", as they call it here. It is all State owned and in very poor condition. All of the equipment and technology is very old. The resource supply is sufficient to meet all of the domestic needs, I am told.

God bless you as you continue to serve Him in a meaningful way in the world-wide kingdom.

Love,

Doug
 

October 11, 2002

The church in Zharrez is in the village near Fier where Doug Smith and Virgil Jackson are holding services on Sundays.

We had 37 people in services in the village of Zharrez near Fier today! (Oct 13) Praise God. Most of them said they did not have a bible in their homes. There is MUCH work to do here in Albania and around the world. God is still asking, "Whom shall we send and who will go for us?". Where are the Isaiahs who will say, "Here am I, send me"?

In service to the kingdom among the Albanian people,

Doug
 

Zharrez, October 20

We had 48 in Zharrez services on Sunday, 12 more than last week. The schoolroom was almost full, but always room for more kids. We taught them some songs, "Jesus Loves Me" and "Wonderful," in English. They love it and the message will get into their young hearts. Brent is relating well and adapting simple messages for them. Praise the Lord for his faithfulness in providing people who will listen in this part of the world.

Brent & Krisi

Gary Leading Singing

Assembly in Zharrez

The Zharrez church attendance is growing by the "dozen". Last Sunday we had 48 in attendance. Brent taught a lesson on the Prodigal Son. These young people listen intently to all we say. They are very well behaved and are learning some English, as well. Through songs we are teaching them about Jesus. There are NO churches or mosques in the entire village. There are over

Greetings,

We had only one baptism yesterday, but it was a joyous occasion. Fatmir, whom I had studied with almost every day, finally was convinced that it was time. He had been a Mormon and struggled with the truth as he saw it from scripture. The Holy Spirit was able to convict him, however, and now he is a brother in Christ. Another man who was ready was hindered by Satan, convincing him that he had to stay on the job that day. Brent will continue to encourage him, as he is ready. The other man and his son agreed to wait until they had studied more. It was a big encouragement to the church here, as well. About 15 people came to welcome Fatmir and the singing, etc. was an encouragement and a message about the brotherhood in other cities. Bill Morgan is here teaching leadership classes so he read a scripture for us.

The  man, Toto, in the pictures is a lawyer that Brent is studying with. This is the second time he has come to baptisms. He will be ready soon, I am sure. A very nice, humble man.

I leave for the airport in an hour and a half, so will spend the night in Vienna and be homeward bound tomorrow. I shuffled stuff in the two suitcases this morning and weighed them to get them both just barely under the weight limit. I sure hope I don't have to open them! Just have to carry my computer case and my camera. Will check the other two through to PDX.

This will be my last communication to you until I arrive in PDX, on time, hopefully.

Anxiously yours,

Doug
 

Bill Morgan Reading Scripture

Fatmir and Doug

Burial in Water

Raised to a New Life

Fatmir, Brent, Doug, and Toto

July 2006

Dear friends,

We've lately had a number of opportunities to discuss the meaning of "adventure" with people. One great definition that's come to mind has been, "something you have more fun telling about than experiencing." Fortunately that has not been entirely true of Ruth and my adventures since we've last seen many of you.

4,780 miles in a U-Haul truck from Homer, Alaska to Kennett, Missouri. Stuck for several hours on a mountainside in the Yukon Territory in a blizzard, and baking a week later in 100 degree weather in Kansas. Leaving the majority of our "worldly possessions" in a garage in Denver for our eldest son to use while in graduate school there. Three weeks in Kennett, MO with some of the friendliest brethren we've ever met. Flights from St. Louis to Detroit to London and to Albania.

Now, we've completed our first month here. 2 weeks of that involved enjoying the hospitality of Virgil and Jackie Jackson in Vlorë, even as they were gearing up for the incredible effort of their month-long Christian summer camp in the mountains to the south. At the end of that 2 weeks we secured housing here in Fier, an 8th floor apartment in a brand new building (so new, that the elevator is not expected to be installed until sometime in August). The small church in Fier has welcomed us with open and loving arms, assisting us with many of the challenges, both major and trivial, of getting settled in and set up here.

What is it that has truly sustained us through the past few months? Your prayers. Through the stresses of jet-lag, truck-lag, leaving family, friends and other loved ones behind, cultural adjustments, language ignorance, climate differences for sure, finding housing, money-exchanging, visa paperwork (which involved spending part of our 24th anniversary at the local police station), and looking ahead at all the challenges and opportunities that lay before us in this unique place called "Albania," your prayers have made the difference. This is undeniable. Please continue to remember us when you speak to our God.

Like many other adventures, parts of this will be more fun to look back and talk about than they were to experience, but for now, how thankful we are to have a God Who has prepared each of us for the tasks to which He has assigned us, and Who sustains us moment by moment. We thank Him for enabling you to have a part in providing that sustenance. Until next month, may He bless you richly.

In His service,
Steve & Ruth Byrne

P.S. - For those who wish to be on the emailing list for this report, please send an email to slicer@semo.net requesting inclusion, and also please forward this on to others who may be interested as well. Thanks!

 

Dear friends,

Missions, like any other ministry, ultimately boils down to relationships. Paramount is our relationship with God, and from there, every other relationship derives its meaning. This truth has become ever more evident over the past month or so. Over and over again, we have been tremendously impressed with the reality that it is in fact, all about people.

Among those who have impacted us recently is Tom Bonner, missionary for the past half decade to Lushnje, about 30 minute’s drive north of Fier. Tom’s hospitality and helpfulness have been a welcome blessing to Ruth and me, as he has extended not only his, but the Lushnje congregation’s fellowship to us. This was exemplified in the recent visit made to our worship assembly by Tom and a good number of the Lushnje brethren, more than doubling our usual attendance, and strengthening the fellowship between our congregations. It was also a joy to have one of the young men from there, Altin, preach to us in Albanian. Altin is currently a student at the International Bible Institute of Albania in Tirana, and represents the future of the church here. I hope to be utilizing Altin and his fellow students on a regular basis here in Fier in the months to come. We are so thankful for Tom and his entire fine congregation.

Ruth and I are also in Tom’s debt for carrying us to the annual Bible Bowl in Durres, ably run by Cimi Kafexhiu and Ray Wheeler. It was great to meet them for the first time as well as to see scores of young people eager to expand their knowledge of God’s Word and spend time with one another. There was also an impressive contingent from several congregations around the area of Berat, which I understand have until recently been somewhat out of touch with the rest of the brotherhood in Albania, and it was a pleasure to make their acquaintance and witness their brotherly spirit.

Back in Fier, Ruth’s studies with Esmeralda and Matilda continue to go well, although with college starting back up in October, their frequency may have to be reduced. We also had the occasion to be triply delighted when Esmeralda’s two sisters; Erida and Greta accompanied her to a recent Sunday assembly with us. Steve has recently begun a study with Astrit, a gentleman in his 40’s who assists us in getting our money exchanged. We hope to be able to report in the near future on several other individuals on the brink of studying with us, many of whom are close to our age, which is also encouraging. While we always welcome young people with open hearts, we believe that the true stability of the church here will rely on bringing in people who are established in their lives here. We are so thankful for all the opportunities God is providing to share His love.

We’ve also recently been blessed with visits by Christians who were formerly members here. One is a dear sister-in-Christ named Shefikate, who now lives in Italy with her daughter. In the very early days of the church here, it met in her home! Another welcomed home comer was brother-in-Christ Gerald, who was back for the summer from Romania where he is currently a law student.

Ruth and I have had the opportunity to make some visits as well. First, we happily accepted the invitation of Virgil and Jackie Jackson to attend their annual “Back-to-School Burger Barbecue.” We also brought along our sister Kresi from Fier, who has been an invaluable help to us from day one as we’ve gotten settled in here. The time of food and fellowship with the Vlore young people was filling and fulfilling, as was the pancake breakfast at the Jacksons’ the next morning.

Ruth and I also decided to take advantage of Tom Bonner’s monthly pilgrimage to Tirana to teach the members there new hymns in 4-part harmony. When they heard we were coming along, one of the leaders, brother Artan, invited Steve to speak at the Sunday evening assembly, and I was happy to comply with a message on “Forgiveness.” We also are in debt to long-time Tirana missionary Ellen Walker for once again providing Ruth and me a place to lay our heads for the night.

While in Tirana Ruth and I were pleased to catch up with Doug and Marsha Smith, who are visiting Albania and Kosovo this month. Doug has worked extensively in both countries, and coincidentally spent time working in Fier a number of years ago. A few days later they came to Fier, and we were thankful to be able to visit with them and hear stories about Doug’s time here, while he looked up old acquaintances.

As you can see, Ruth and I have so much to be thankful for in terms of relationships, not the least of which is our relationship with those of you who support us in prayer and encourage us in so many other ways. As always, thank you! We remain in your debt.

In His service,
Steve & Ruth Byrne
 

Dear friends,

We are thankful this month to be able to share with you about the baptism on October 1st of Matilda Baha. She is one of the two young ladies from the nearby village of Xharrez who were Ruth’s first WEI students. Just turned 19-years old, Matilda is starting her university studies in Vlore this month, and we are now in the process of getting her connected with the church there. First fruits are always a cause of joy, and Matilda’s good-heartedness has certainly generated great joyfulness among us here. Matilda was baptized in our apartment bathtub, and for the members who were willing to brave the 8-story climb (our elevator, though mostly installed, is still not running), the event was one of grateful praise to God for yet another soul saved by His grace.
 

Matilda  (on right) with her college roommate Marcida

Other good news - we’ve purchased a vehicle. On September 28 Ruth and I brought home a beige, 2006 Toyota RAV4. After several trips to dealerships in the Tirana-Durres area, we decided that the Toyota was probably the best combination of size, durability and comfort for the needs and conditions here. We are extremely thankful to those whose contributions specifically enabled us to obtain such a fine vehicle for our ministry. We are also thankful to report that only 3 days after beginning the process, we had the vehicle completely registered (possibly a record time)!

This month also inaugurated a program that we hope will produce long-lasting benefits for the church in Fier as well as elsewhere. Steve Stamatis, Director of the International Bible Institute of Albania in Tirana, has agreed to allow preaching students at the school to come to Fier on a one-a-month basis for the purpose of developing both their preaching skills and our mutual relationships. In October, our guest student-preacher was Sokol (Koli) Hyka. Koli is 36 years old and single from Elbasan. The members here were very complimentary of his message and presentation, and we look forward to seeing more of this personable young man in future months.

Other recent highlights include attending the annual Men’s Retreat in Durres, hosted by the Tirana church. Petraq Janushi and Steve represented Fier among about 3-dozen church leaders in attendance from around Albania, and everyone appeared to greatly appreciate the event. On Friday night and Saturday, Bill Morgan from Tennessee presented a fine series of talks on “Spiritual Leadership,” “Missions” and “Church Organization,” and I have no doubt that benefits will accrue to the Kingdom here for many years to come as a result. It was also a special pleasure to see Pete Hodge, former missionary to Elbasan, and to meet Kevin Morrill, former and (Lord willing) future missionary to Pogradec.

Finally, Ruth and I were blessed to worship with the church in Vlore on October 15, where I was given the opportunity to speak due to Virgil and Jackie Jackson’s current furlough to the U.S. The ties that bind the brethren in Fier and Vlore are quite strong, as evidenced also by a potluck hosted by the Fier church for Virgil and Jackie before their departure, and we have been thankful for every occasion to both enjoy and contribute to the koinonia. We plan to be back with the brethren in Vlore at least once more in November. Please keep the Jacksons in your prayers as they travel.

For your information, this and our past reports (and many others) can be found on the World English Institute (WEI) website at – http://www.weiady.org/. Look for our reports in the right-hand column under
“Fier.”

Thank you for your interest and your prayers!

In His service,
Steve & Ruth Byrne


 

Dear friends,

Although you would have had a difficult time convincing us of the likelihood while we settling in during the sultry months of June and July, the chill of approaching winter has caught Ruth and me looking back wistfully to those days of profuse perspiration, multitudinous mosquitoes, and cool showers. Apparently even the renowned “Mediterranean” climate here gives way to nippy temperatures when the calendar makes its claim. However, the warmth that is most important continues to radiate in and around us as we interact with our Albanian brethren and neighbors.

Uppermost in our minds is Esmeralda (Alda) Comi, one of Ruth’s first WEI students, about whom we’ve shared before. Alda was born again into God’s family on November 5th. Although her father is away working in Greece, Ruth and I were blessed to spend and enjoyable afternoon visiting her mother, grandmother, brother and sisters in their village of Xharrez. Several of her siblings and friends were present for her baptism as well. Alda is now a freshman English major at one of the universities in Vlore.
 

Esmeralda - baptized in Nov. 2006

Speaking of Vlore, Steve had another occasion to preach there on November 12th due to the Jackson’s continuing furlough. While there, we took the opportunity to introduce Matilda Bahi, who was baptized in October, and her roommate Marcida, to the Vlore church. As new college freshmen in Vlore who are still adjusting to living there, they were grateful to see some friendly faces and to meet new and instant friends.
 

Matilda  (on right) with her college roommate Marcida

Another new friend has graced us with his presence in Fier. Petraq (Petro) Prifti recently moved to here from the city of Kucove. The preacher there, Harilla Mandro describes Petro as “a wonderful man, a true Christian.” Petro is now also the 2nd male adult Albanian member of the church currently living in Fier, which is a matter of significance indeed! We are thankful for the way God disperses His blessings throughout His kingdom.

Because the majority of the Fier congregation are ladies, Ruth recently began a class for them which is divided between Bible study and learning to sing in 4-part harmony. Every Friday afternoon the ladies share thoughts, laughter (especially during the singing practice), and rumor has it that some mutual language-learning is taking place as well.

November also witnessed the 2nd visit of an International Bible Institute of Albania (IBIA) student from Tirana to preach for us. On October 5th, Altin Koci of Lushnje returned to bless us with a well-considered message from God’s Word. Altin actually did double-duty that day, as he went on to Vlore to preach for the church there as well. We are greatly encouraged by the competence and enthusiastic spirit of the current batch of IBIA students.

One of the major obstacles for new missionaries to overcome is what I call “The Clueless Syndrome.” Fortunately we’ve discovered a remedy for this particular ailment here. She goes by the name of Ada Janushi. Ada is the daughter of Petraq and Perse Janushi, two pillars of the church in Fier. A fine, young Christian lady who speaks fluent English and has a new degree in Electrical Engineering, Ada has agreed to work with Ruth and me on a part-time basis while she looks for a “real” job. Her current duties include translating for us, going through and summarizing the articles in the Albanian newspaper each morning, answering our questions about local culture and life, being encouraging rather than laughing at us as we work on our rudimentary Albanian language skills, and being generally helpful. Ada is a great blessing to us, and we are thankful for her providential presence in
our lives.

Finally, I’ll mention a serendipitous meeting that typifies for us what it means to be a part of God’s family at large. Ellen Walker, missionary in Tirana called one day to say that she and a visiting couple from the vicinity of Rochester, Michigan would like to come down our way and visit Apollonia, the site of ancient ruins just outside of Fier dating back to the B.C. era. They came, and the couple turned out to be Mike & Diane Folkerts, a delightful couple.

As so often happens when one “gets around” in the church, while having lunch in Apollonia we began to discuss friends families and connections, and discovered that the Folkerts’ son, also named Mike, taught our son Tim last year at Pepperdine University. What a joy it was to meet virtual strangers in such an unlikely place, and to find out that their family had already been a blessing to ours! But so it is in God’s greater family.

These are among the reasons why though the climate is now cold, our hearts are continually being warmed, and not the least because of your prayers and love as you follow our work here. May God bless you richly.

In His service,
Steve & Ruth Byrne

We are sponsored by the Slicer Street Church of Christ, Kennett, MO
slicer@semo.net

Dear friends,

Life has been quite eventful for Ruth and me since our last newsletter. We were grateful to be able to attend a Missionary Retreat in gorgeous Berchtesgaden, Germany and to visit our son, Daniel for Thanksgiving in Vienna, Austria where he has been studying this past semester. Now Dan is with us here in Fier for the holidays before returning to Oklahoma Christian University finish his sophomore year.

We’re also excited to announce the recent engagement of our other son, Tim, to Lindsay Goldford of St. Louis. They met at Pepperdine University and are both currently doing graduate work in Denver. We are anticipating Tim’s wedding to this beautiful Christian young lady in July, and feel particularly blessed as we look forward to her becoming a part of our family.

As the year draws to a close, we would like to share with you about some of the special individuals here with whom God has allowed us to interact in an ongoing way since our arrival, so that you can keep them in your prayers.

Liliana Buzi is a waitress at the hotel we stayed in during our survey trip back in March. She is very eager to learn about the Bible, and has become a friend as well as student of the Word. Through her, a study has also been started with Aselda, a daughter of the hotel’s cook.

Ornela Shehu is 16 years old and a cousin of one of the Christians here. We actually met and began to study with her because her mother works in the store where we buy a lot of our groceries.

Adjona Demollaj and her sister Klodiana have also been studying with us, along with their friend Suela Pellumbi. Adjona is already a Christian, and they come from Zharrez, the same village as recent converts Matilda and Esmeralda.

Barbara Licaj is the daughter of a dressmaker whose shop is located on the ground floor of our apartment building. Besides studying with her, Ruth and I have become friends with her parents, and have enjoyed going out to dinner with all of them on a couple of occasions.

Ariola Baha is a schoolteacher in Zharrez. She began studies with Ruth, but has had to temporarily discontinue them due to complications with her pregnancy.

One of the rare men with whom we’ve been able to study is Astrit, our main money exchanger. He is in his 40’s, and together with his wife is raising two beautiful young children.

Eduart Hoxha is not our student, but a preaching student at the International Bible Institute of Albania (IBIA) in Tirana. He is the 3rd of that group to visit and preach to the church here in Fier, and like the others, his time with us has convinced all involved that we want to keep this program of fellowship and mutual encouragement going in the year to come.

Last but not least, we are thankful for the return from furlough of Virgil and Jackie Jackson to Vlore. God has been working through them in this part of the world for many years now, and they are an example to Ruth and me of perseverance and determination in the service of God’s Kingdom.

On a more mundane level, you are probably aware of the dollar’s recent fall against the euro. We’ve read that this decline has been 10-11% in the past month or two. All we know for sure is that the exchange rate here has gone from 98 Albanian lek per dollar a month or so ago, to a low of 92. This is in part because within Albania the value of the lek is artificially tied to the value of the euro with regard to other currencies. I’m no economist, but I do know that this is a strain on our budget in every regard. We solicit your prayers about this situation.

Finally, we hope and pray that the holiday season will be a time of blessing for all of you. We’re thankful that you are a part of our lives and ministry here. May God bless you richly.

In His service,
Steve & Ruth Byrne
haydnsikh@hotmail.com
We are sponsored by the Slicer Street Church of Christ, Kennett, MO
slicer@semo.net

 

Dear friends,

Happy New Year! As 2007 begins, Ruth and I have many things for which we are extremely thankful. We want to mention just a couple of them.

The first is an ever-increasing recognition of the providence of God working in our lives and in the life of the church here. It has become undeniably evident that so many of the blessings we’ve enjoyed in our 7 months here are the result of God’s working both through and around us, so often in spite of our ignorance and human frailty. Ruth and I have no doubt that God is determined to make good things happen with the church here in Fier and throughout Albania, and it is such a privilege to witness and be a part of
that.

One of the most meaningful ways in which this providence has manifested itself has been in the warm and cordial reception we have received from the Albanian people in general. We’re not just talking about members of the church, who have of course been wonderful. We’re also referring to numerous Albanians from every walk of life, especially but not only in Fier, who have welcomed us with open arms and extended unconditional friendship and helpfulness. Perhaps most amazing to Ruth and me is that this has included many of the government workers and bureaucrats with whom we’ve interacted as we’ve gotten situated here. Albania has a long history with foreign invaders and occupiers which could amply justify negativity and suspicion toward outsiders today. We are so thankful to see that such is not the case. Rather, Albania is beyond doubt one of the primary places in this world where one can go to learn the real meaning of hospitality. We believe that God is behind this commendable aspect of Albanian culture, and we thank Him for that.

On a more mundane note, but certainly meaningful to Ruth and me, is that after many delays and complications, our shipment is finally underway! Our library and personal effects (including our winter clothes) are scheduled to arrive around the middle of February. Please join with us in praying that everything makes it intact, and that dealing with Customs here will not be too arduous.

There are many other good things about which we could write. Suffice it for now to say that by every indication of which we are aware, God is working here, and therefore we are encouraged to continue working as well. Bible studies with non-Christians continue. Fellowship between brothers and sisters in Christ both far and near is being enhanced and enjoyed. Obstacles to glorifying God are being overcome. Lives and eternal destinies are being changed. Never doubt that you who support Ruth and I financially, in prayer and in so many other ways, are an integral part of all of this, and that you are counted among our greatest blessings as well.

In His service,
Steve & Ruth Byrne

 

Dear friends,

This is a busy time in Albania. Upcoming elections are less than a week away. Although Tirana has apparently experienced some political unease, here in Fier the partisan rallies have been peaceful, even though not low-key. Lately we’ve been able to hear if not decipher the music and speeches being made in the city center a few blocks south of our apartment. The biggest disruption has been to traffic; with the main road through the city being closed for hours even on weekdays. As Ruth and I generally walk everywhere here in town though, that hasn’t slowed us down too much.

One unexpected development of the election season has been the improvement in the power situation over the last week or two. Our Albanian friends assure us that the recent cessation of what were becoming accustomed 4 to 9 hours-per-day blackouts, is in fact the sitting government’s attempt to “make nice” with the electorate, and that we will most certainly be back to “normal” as soon as the votes have been cast.

Ruth and I have enjoyed a few trips to Tirana since our last report. One of them was for the purpose of getting together with dear friends Wayne and Brenda Speer, former missionaries to Tirana, and their son Kody. Another journey was to participate in an inter-congregational singing, hosted by the church there. We were also happy to be on hand to welcome back Steve and Deborah Stamatis of the International Bible Institute of Albania (IBIA) from their furlough, and we were especially thankful for their helpfulness in locating a nice printer/scanner for our office.

Ellen Walker, Kody Speer, Wayne Speer, Ruth, Steve,
Brenda Speer

Ruth and Liliana at our Bible Study Center

The Stamatises returned the favor by coming down with several of our Tirana brethren to worship with us in Fier the next Sunday. This pleasant surprise coincided with IBIA student Altin’s quarterly turn to preach for us. We enjoyed the opportunity for fellowship, and it was a joy to open our ordinarily modest circle of chairs into rows to accommodate our welcome visitors.

Over the holidays Ruth and I experienced a not unexpected slacking off of studies with our English language and Bible students, and since then the pace has picked back up a bit. A few individuals however have elected not to resume their studies with us for reasons ranging from time constraints, to flat out objection to studying the Bible. As you can imagine, this has been a source of disappointment for us, and we solicit your prayers for them. God has blessed us with several new students, but Ruth and I could still take on some more. Please keep this in prayer also.

Finally, about two hours before sitting down to type this, we received a call from Slovenia (another first!) regarding our shipment. It is scheduled to arrive there tomorrow, and to be in Albania sometime next week. Please join us in praying that all the logistics involved in receiving it will go well.

Ruth and I appreciate your interest in the Lord’s work in Fier. May He bless you richly.

In His service,
Steve & Ruth Byrne

Ruth and Liliana at our Bible Study Center
 

Dear friends,

Since our last report, Ruth and I have each celebrated birthdays. My age is now 49, and Ruth’s is classified. However, with the arrival of our shipment, it has seemed more like Christmas in February and March. The receiving and opening of 115 boxes of personal belongings, even though everything was “used,” was an occasion for gladness in and of itself. We’ve got our stuff! But more so, there was a sense of satisfaction which accompanied the event. Pictures of loved ones, our wardrobes, library, countless knick-knacks and gadgets, and especially our music CD collection among other things, have
made us feel much more “at home,” not only in our apartment and at the office, but even while out on the road! Those of you who’ve spent extended time overseas know how important that feeling can be to one’s morale. Thank you to those who’ve been praying for us in this regard. Though the process was involved, it went quite smoothly; especially due to the assistance of sister Kresi from the church here, as well as brothers Erik and Artan at the World English Institute headquarters in Tirana. Also, our good friend here
in Fier, Dashnor, whose wife Rita has studied with Ruth, was of invaluable help with logistics.

On the final Sunday in February, 11 of us, including members of the Fier congregation and several of our students, made the 30-kilometer trip together north to Lushnje where Tom Bonner works with the church, to worship with them. Steve was privileged to speak to the combined group, and everyone seemed to draw great encouragement from the occasion for fellowship.

Last month Ruth and I mentioned a recent discontinuation of studies with several of our Bible students. We’ve since been informed that this could well be a reflection of a larger trend, though the precise reasons remain undetermined. Even so, you should not view us as feeling discouraged in any way. Even with the loss of some students around the beginning of the year, we are still being blessed immensely by the ones with whom God has allowed us to continue to interact. They’ve often outnumbered our 8 (including Ruth
and I) core members here at our assemblies recently, with the result that we have been enjoying attendances of 17-20 on a pretty regular basis lately. They also bring with them a freshness and enthusiasm that can only be described as a welcome blessing to all of us.

In the month ahead, Steve has been invited to be the speaker for the annual Youth Day which will take place in Tirana on April 14, the theme of which is “True Joy and Freedom.” Ruth has been invited to speak 2 weeks later at the annual Ladies’ Day in Elbasan on April 28, the theme there being “Females’ Challenges.” We welcome these opportunities to connect and bond with brothers and sisters, young and old, from all over Albania.

We’ve just received word that Virgil Jackson, missionary to Vlore, who has been home with family in Washington recovering from surgery, was readmitted to the hospital with complications. Please remember him and Jackie in your prayers.

Your support and prayers also make it possible for us to be here. We appreciate you!

In His service,
Steve & Ruth Byrne

Pics:

Steve preaching in Lushnje with Kresi translating
 

Dashnor, Rita and their beautiful family
 

Ladies’ Class in Fier

New Doorway

Functional Office and Guest Room! With the arrival of our shipment in late February, Ruth and I realized that we had to get on the ball about outfitting the office part of the apartment. Through members of the church we contacted a husband-and-wife carpentry team who has constructed for us a wonderful bookshelf/cabinet/workstation combination that should serve us in good stead in the time to come. This means that the boxes of books can now come out of the guest-room, making it available for use again as well.
 

Office Upgrade

National Youth Day! This was a blessing in every way. Beautiful weather. 130+ in attendance from all over Albania. Capably hosted by the Tirana church. 12 youth went representing Fier. The hosts were even gracious enough to allow me to speak on the topics “True Freedom” and “True Joy.” It was our first time to attend, and it was indeed a true joy.

Steve & Sokol

Fine Friends! A local family with whom we’ve become quite close invited Ruth and me to join them for a pre-Easter extended-family celebration in the city of Pogradec, near the border with Macedonia. The 3.5 hour drive there took us through mountain passes and along the shore of beautiful Lake Ohrid. There, we enjoyed an Albanian feast, accompanied with live folk-music and dancing. It was a real treat, and an area of the country we’d love to visit again.

Upbeat Church! With a recent increase in young visitors regularly attending Sunday services with us, the Fier congregation has been enjoying a lift in spirit and vitality. Many of the younger teens are eager to read the Scripture references out loud in Albanian for me when I preach, and they’ve learned to love the hymns to the point of having song-requests most weeks. The only things that compare in winsomeness are the smiles on the “old-time” members’ faces!

Upbeat Youth!

In His service,
Steve & Ruth Byrne
 

Ladies' Day 07

Rumira, Ellen & Ruth

Aside from that, Ruth and I would like to take some space this month to feature a few of our very special students, who constitute a large part of the reason that we are here.

Ornela Shehu has been mentioned and pictured in previous reports. She is at this time Steve’s longest ongoing student. A high-schooler, Ornela speaks English and French as well as Albanian. Ornela has a tender heart and is very open to the teachings of the Bible. In fact, she often makes life-applications that transcend the content of our studies together. She is eager to become a Christian, has attended both youth and ladies’ activities, as well as our assemblies here regularly, and her only concern has been to do so in a manner that shows appropriate respect for her parents. We have high hopes for Ornela.

Ornela

Liliana Buzi is Ruth’s longest student and one of her oldest friends outside of the church here. She is a waitress at the Fier Hotel restaurant. She understands the good news and wants to become a Christian, but is still working on commitment. We are waiting for her to let us know when she is ready to be baptized. She has a very good heart.

Liliana

Alba Ramaj is Steve’s most recent new student. Alba is about ready to finish high school, and will be interviewed this month in England for admission to Oxford University. As you can imagine, she is very competent intellectually. She was referred to me through a businessman friend of her father, who wanted her to get some English practice before her interview. I’ve been gratified to see her appreciation for the things of God being manifested as we discuss them with one another. She would make a great representative for Albania at Oxford, and how much more so were she a Christian there!
 

Alba

Barbara Mecaj is another high school student. Her mother has a shop in the building where we live, and her parents have become our friends as well. Barbara has been studying with Ruth for 6 months, and knows the Bible very well. They’ve been discussing baptism lately, but because her family has been attending a denominational church for some time now, she is struggling with whether to wait to be baptized by the pastor there next year or not.

We’re also thankful to report that Esmeralda and Matilda who were baptized last year have been back to visit and worship with us as often as their university schooling in Vlore allows. They’re both enthusiastic to learn more, and to share the hope they possess with their friends and families.

Finally, yesterday, Ruth and I enjoyed a visit to the port city of Durres, where the floating Christian bookstore, the Logos II was dockside. The ship’s crew hosted an evening get-together for missionaries from around the Balkans, where we saw lots of faces that we’ve encountered at various times and places over the past year. Afterwards, we enjoyed the hospitality of Albania’s resident AIM’ers (Adventures In Missions), Sarah, Robbi, Anna and Rachel. This morning we made the quick jog from Durres over to Tirana and picked up Steve’s new passport from the U.S. Embassy there.

Thank you again for your prayers, both for us and for those with whom we’ve been privileged to work.

In His service,
Steve & Ruth Byrne
 

Jackie Jackson & Ruth

Also noteworthy was our first opportunity to visit the beautiful city of Korca in eastern Albania, and to meet WEI teacher Roger Michael and some of the Christians there. The timing happened to coincide with sad news, the accidental death one week earlier of a very dear and vital sister-in-Christ, Mira Meminaj. The church in Korca is coping as well as can be expected, but it was a sore blow to them, and they could use all of our prayers.

Mira Meminaj

Our trip to Pogradec and Korca was in conjunction with an International Bible Institute of Albania effort to recruit students for a new January, 2008 class. We were pleased to be able to accompany Steve and Deborah Stamatis, and IBIA students Eduart Hoxha, Altin Koci and Bledi Valca on this excursion. Some hopeful prospects were contacted, and prayers for the future of the school are in order as well.

Eduart, Altin, Bledi & Steve

Another highlight of the trip was stopping to see an ancient Roman bridge between Elbasan and Librazhd, rumored to be a part of the ancient Via Ignatia (Ignatian Way), along which the apostle Paul traveled during his journeys.

Steve at the Ignatian Way Bridge

The past month also brought a visit from a long-time short-term worker in the Albanian vineyard; Art Hitt. Art has made some dozen or so trips to Albania since 1992, sharing the gospel with numerous individuals, seemingly from the north end to the south of the country. Ruth and I first met him on our initial visit to Albania in 1995, and it was a pleasure to have him in Fier for about a week, looking up former friends and encouraging the church with his presence.

Art Hitt & Student

July will be furlough time for Ruth and me, so our next report should come to you from Kennett, MO. Our travel plans include the San Francisco Bay Area, where we both have family. We also look forward to visiting the Tri-Valley congregation in Livermore, CA, which supports us. Then we will be on to Kennett, the home of our sponsoring congregation at Slicer Street, until the end of July.

Ruth and I arrived to begin our part in the Lord’s work in Albania on June 17, 2006. As we look back over our first year, we are thankful to God for so many blessings. You are aware of our challenges and undertakings here through past newsletters (also available online at http://www.weiady.org/mission_reports/fier_albania.htm). Just know that we consider ourselves privileged to be a part of the growing, dynamic Body of Christ wherever we go, most especially because of our fellowship with so many marvelous co-laborers throughout the world. We are, more than ever, thankful for those of you who number among them.

In His service,
Steve & Ruth Byrne
 

Steve, Dan and Ruth in Missouri

Tim Byrne in Missouri

As always, the hospitality of our brethren was flawless, and Ruth and I departed the USA once again fattened up for another round of the work here, thanks to many, many delicious meals. Space does not permit us to thank everyone individually here, but a special note of appreciation must go to Russ and Rosemary Burcham of Slicer Street for graciously putting us up in their comfortable home once again.

As it turned out, the timing had us away from southern Europe during one of the worst heat waves in years there. However upon our return to Albania, things were a bit cooler, but nevertheless buzzing with activity. The day after our arrival found us driving from Fier back up to Tirana to have lunch with Bill and Mozelle Morgan, just before their impending departure. Bill was instrumental in Ruth’s and my first coming to Albania in 1995, when he was an elder in Livermore. He has since been deeply committed to and effectively involved in the growth of the church and its leadership in Albania. The Morgans are also a vital part of the church in Marysville, TN, which is sending Kevin and Allison Morrill to the city of Korca in the near future.

Besides getting to meet a number of this summer’s campaigners in Tirana, Ruth and I were also delighted to get to spend some time with Randy and Pam Richards, former missionaries to that city. I got to know Randy during his first visit to Albania, and also shared students with Pam one summer. They are currently located in Edmond, OK, and have graciously adopted our younger son, Dan, during his tour as a student at Oklahoma Christian University.

Two days later, Ruth and I made another trip, this time to Elbasan, to see Pete Hodge and Gerry Cowan, who are on an extended work-visit there. Pete, who preaches now in England, labored together with his wife Dulcie in Elbasan for a number of years. I was privileged to work with them there for a brief time in 1999 during the Kosovar refugee crisis. Gerry, of whom we had heard great things for years, preaches in Illinois, and has been a long-time supporter of the work in Elbasan, having made over a half-dozen trips there through the years. It was truly a pleasure to see Pete and to meet Gerry.
 

Gerry Cowan, Steve, Ruth, Vera Kura, Enkeleda, Pete Hodge

Our first Sunday back in Fier found us a smaller-than-usual group at church, with most of the brothers and sisters off on vacations. That evening, Ruth and I drove down to Vlore to meet with the church there as well. As in Fier, there had been weddings and other happenings since we’d last been there and therefore lots of things to catch up on with the members. It was especially great to fellowship for a while with Virgil and Jackie Jackson, as we hadn’t seen Virgil since the beginning of the year.

Our second week here was one of finally settling back in, in Fier, and resting, as we really hadn’t allowed ourselves the luxury of succumbing to our jet-lag the first week! Our second Sunday back in Albania saw us reuniting with a few more of our “Fierak” brethren, and also making yet another trek, this time to the church at Orikum, which is south of Vlore, along with Tom Bonner, missionary to Lushnje, as well as Danah Nelson and Myrna Rockwell, who are working there for several weeks this summer.

Our visit there was also very enjoyable, but as we were departing, Ruth began to notice an itchiness developing on her arms. By Monday morning, her entire body was covered with very itchy and then painful hives. A trip to the hospital in Fier on Monday for an injection helped for a while, but on Tuesday it was back in full force. Wednesday found us once again in Tirana for a checkup at a clinic that was highly recommended to us by other missionaries, and Ruth is currently on a regimen of strong medication to clear up the problem. We solicit your prayers for her in this regard.

By way of follow-up, we were excited to learn that my student, Alba Ramaj, was indeed accepted at Oxford University in England, and will be starting there this coming month. Congratulations, Alba!

Alba with her Oxford acceptance packet
 

That brings us up to the present! Ruth and I are looking forward to the months ahead as we make every effort to nurture the church here in Fier, to assist in developing Christian leaders throughout Albania, to reach out to open hearts around us, and to depend upon God as we attempt to further learn the language and the thinking of the people that He puts in our path. Your prayers are always appreciated.

In His service,

Steve & Ruth Byrne

 

Steve teaching at IBIA

While in Tirana, Ruth and I were also blessed to be able to welcome Kevin & Allison Morrill back to Albania. This exceptional young couple formerly worked as missionaries in Pogradec in eastern Albania, and they are currently settling in at Korcë in the same region. As events would have it, they will be working with the churches in both of those cities. They are to be commended for their faith and willingness to stretch themselves in the service of God's people. Also, as always, it was a blessing to visit with Ellen Walker and the rest of the Tirana church during our time there.
 

Allison, Kevin, Sokol, Steve & Ruth

Back in Fier, and better late than never, Ruth and I have finally located a teacher to begin our formal language instruction in Albanian. This is something that we simply did not feel up to during our first year of getting oriented here. Even Albanians admit that their language is one of the most difficult in the world to learn, much more so than English. Please be praying for our middle-aged brains as we tackle what may be our toughest assignment yet as missionaries. Faleminderit (thanks)!

Finally, the church here in Fier has requested a class for Wednesday evenings designed to better enable us to lift up Jesus and draw people in to His body. Accordingly, we have just begun a series of classes on that very subject. Ruth and I are so thankful to be working with Christian brothers and sisters who are concerned about honoring and pleasing God above all else. We are blessed to enjoy a cordial fellowship with one another here in Fier that evidences the love of Christ quite unmistakably, and so we feel that half the battle is already won! We look forward to future victories as God blesses our desire to be used fully…

In His service,

Steve & Ruth Byrne


We have a new e-mail address – steve.ruth.byrne@gmail.com


Pics:

1. Steve lecturing at IBIA.

2. Allison, Kevin, Sokol, Steve, Ruth


 

Drina and Ruth

A more obvious "opportunity" has presented itself in the form of the church in the city of Elbasan, about an hour-and-a-half drive from Fier. The brothers and sisters there have invited me to teach a Tuesday night Bible class each week. Ruth and I have been with them twice so far, and I will initially be continuing their present study in the book of I Corinthians. Both times we ended up spending the night there, which allowed us to enjoy the considerable hospitality of Ilir and Vera Kura. There has been a long and gratifying relationship between the churches in Fier and Elbasan, with members of the latter group having traveled to Fier on numerous occasions to give moral support to the church here in its early years. Ruth and I are thankful to be able to participate in this tradition of mutual edification.

Back home, the church in Fier is rejoicing over the recent births of two children, each of which have inaugurated one of our number into the exalted ranks of grandparenthood. Burbuqe Mullaj is now a beaming, first-time grandmother of grandson Laert, and Mira Tartari is likewise a joyful, first-time grandmother of granddaughter Anya. We celebrate with them and their families the obvious providence of God in their lives.

Gjyshe (Grandma) Burbuqe

Gjyshe (Grandma) Mira

And now for something completely different. The dollar has hit a new low here in Europe. This past week we were down to 85.6 Albanian Lek per $1 (it was about 98 Lek per $1 when we arrived last year), and we're at about $1.42 per 1 Euro (it was in the $1.20 range when we arrived). We don't know if the end is in sight for this decline of the dollar, but we pray that the situation will at least stabilize, so that our resources will go as far as possible.

Lord willing, Ruth and I will be in Budva, Montenegro from October 16-20 for a conference of the Albanian Encouragement Project. The AEP is an organization that facilitates information-sharing and harmonious relationships between missionaries and the government of Albania. They have proven to be vital in terms of making our work easier, as well as in assisting us to function in accordance with Albanian laws. We are very appreciative for their presence here.

We thank God always for you, and for your prayers, support and encouragement. We could not do what we do without His strength and your fellowship.


In His service,

Steve & Ruth Byrne

 

Erik & Anila, Ruth & Steve

Without a doubt, the best part of the trip was getting to spend several days in the company of Erik and Anila Qirjaqi. They are among the leaders of the church in Tirana, and Erik is also the Director of the World English Institute there. This was Ruth's and my first opportunity to really get to know this devoted couple, and our appreciation for them and their joyful spirit is immense. With leaders like these, the church in Albania has a great future!

On our way to Montenegro, Ruth and I were able to spend a night in Tirana thanks to the ongoing hospitality of Ellen Walker. Her mother, Nancy Walker of Searcy, AR, is battling cancer, and is deserving of your prayers. Nancy has done short-term work here in Albania over the years.

We also enjoyed a dinner in Tirana with Steve and Deborah Stamatis of the International Bible Institute of Albania, as well Dr. Chris Swinford, Dean of the International Studies division of the Sunset International Bible Institute in Lubbock, TX, who was visiting as a guest teacher. The Stamatises report that there are several students who have committed to join the new class beginning this January. Please keep IBIA in your prayers.

Ruth and I mentioned last month that we'd begun to visit the church in Elbasan weekly to conduct a Tuesday night class. We've been blessed by their enthusiastic reception and hospitality, as well as the good number of visitors that are often present. As we study I Corinthians together, the discussions continue to be animated and relevant. We are thankful for our fellowship in Christ with them.

Elbasan Church

Here in Fier, we have been taking pleasure in our ongoing work with the church, and also in an increasing number of students of English and the Bible. Please remember in your prayers, Risilda, Landi, Loren, Armela, Barbara, Ornela, and mother and son Albana and Alvi. The Fier church is currently focusing on the book of Acts with a view toward increased effectiveness in our outreach to those around us.

Finally, as some of you have requested that we keep you up-to-date on this, we will mention that three days ago the exchange rate here had dropped to 83.0 lek per $1. That included a drop of 1.5 lek per dollar in just one week. There are many causes and effects of currency value fluctuations. We continue to trust that God will sustain those of us who must deal in "depressed dollars" these days.

As always, we are thankful for your prayers and encouragement.

In His service,
Steve & Ruth Byrne

P.S. - We have a number of new individuals on our newsletter mailing list this month. Welcome! We invite you to view our past newsletters at http://www.weiady.org/mission_reports/fier_albania.htm

 

Silvana, Alma, Steve, Ruth, Ellen, Tom & Sonila, on our way to Germany

In Germany, Ruth and I were blessed to spend several days with 100+ missionaries, preachers and Christians from a dozen countries. There were 9 of us from Albania, probably the largest contingent we've sent to that retreat. Inspirational speakers and edifying fellowship made it a cherished experience for all of us. A side-trip Ruth and I took to the former concentration camp at Dachau was very moving as well. There, we were excited to have 5 students from Pepperdine/Heidelberg in our small tour group.

The IBIA graduation at the President's Hotel in Tirana was another "not-to-be-missed" occasion. Eduart Hoxha, Altin Koçi, and Bledar Valca composed IBIA's first graduating class. Vasile Iuhos, a preacher in Romania, was the keynote speaker. Eduart and Altin have been preaching for us here in Fier every first Sunday of the month for over a year now. We are confident that all three of these men will be great servants and leaders in God's kingdom wherever they go. The school's second class will commence in January. Keep IBIA in your prayers.

Steve, Alfred Dimce & Alfred Zike (IBIA teachers), with graduates Eduart, Altin & Bledar (seated)

Bible studies, classes and church life continue as usual here in Fier as well as in Elbasan. The weather has definitely become wintry. In fact, while driving home from Tirana this past Saturday, we encountered snowfall almost the whole way, the heaviest being in Fier. We've been told that the last time snow fell in Fier was 21 years ago, so it was quite an event, especially for the young people. Although none of the snow stuck, it made for a beautiful night.

As 2007 draws to a close, our first full calendar year in Albania has been one of many blessings. Ruth and I have gotten truly settled in and feel like we're beginning to get a realistic grasp on the many challenges and opportunities that exist here. We would feel so inadequate were it not for the grace of God and the encouragement we receive from you. We are thankful for each of you who play a part in our being here. May God bless you richly throughout the holidays and into the year to come.


In His service,

Steve & Ruth Byrne

 

A Calling to a Different Field
It has been a year and three months, that school IBIA is training Leaders, as the most of you know this is the second year. And now students are being challenged from God’s word daily. As days goes by, challenges get harder and harder because it is God Word and it cuts till the depths of the souls every behavior, attitude, desire that is not in Christ’s Likeness. Hebrews 4:12. And the purpose of the school is to train Leaders to be always alert and humble Leaders ready to serve.

I Was…
Right now I am serving as translator at the school, am saying serving because I never saw as job, because if I saw on that way poor me. I did finish the same training that these students are having right now, I learn English in private courses and I have progressed a lot in English for it is a skill that God has blessed me with. Till now am serving as translator. I did use this skill as it was necessary for His purposes. And has a come to the point where I have to use the others skills that God has blessed me with.

I Will Become ….
Leaders are trained to be Leaders, time is short, we never know when Jesus will come and we don’t have to worry for physical things Matthew 6:25. But we are to focus ourselves our whole being to the service of God. Matthew 9:37-38 Jesus said pray for workers for the harvest is plentiful. It has been presented a harvest in Fier Steve & Ruth Byrne have served there, God called them in a different place where they can use their God given capabilities better and in a better productive way. Somehow somewhere brothers in Christ have prayed for workers there. And through God providence, God provided two workers for there. Altin Koci and Eduart Hoxha by cooperating together to work in the field that God is already at work! We both have been trained for the same purpose to be Leaders for God’s people leading them to Christ. Eduart has been served in Durres Church of Christ in beach area, with Alfred Zike, Alfred is still serving and teaching God’s Word there. We will be serving on that field on the first April, when the Byrnes will leave.

A great gratitude for all those has been supporting me this period of time spiritually and financially. Now I am going to different field with different partners with brothers in Christ from the Church of Christ in Kennet Missouri. It is still for God’s purposes and for God’s glory. Please pray for us, that we may be strong as Christ’s Soldiers Fighting the darkness.

In All Things Striving to Bring God Glory

Altin Koci

 

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We Preach Jesus Christ and Him Crucified!
Coming to know Christ and having a personal relationship with Him, it means that we are under oath, that our life should reflect Him alone. And it’s our obligation to share the “Good News” to all the world.

Community Ministry!
Isn’t encouraging when you are being called by people asking your help especially from people that you are trying to build redemptive relationships? I was called by the Director of Elderly home, asking for my assistance, for helping to make a PowerPoint presentation and helping with the Projector, for a lady celebrates her 100th birthday! Also several times I have being invited as representative of “Church Of Christ” on other activities that elderly home have had. Also we have been involved for almost 2 years with blind people’s organization, it’s a little harder to get and meet blind people often as the other people. But trying to the best we can to help this group of people too.
We have been trying as body of Christ that monthly to gather a package of food supply and then we choose a family that it’s really in need for food, and we go and visit them with this package of food by doing so we are trying to soften a little bit the difficulties of their life.

Children Ministry
Above all it is has been a blessing to have a children ministry, even though it’s has been difficult having a definite day and time to come together but we try to come together as more as often kids can. Sometimes has been we have done 2-times in week with kids and sometimes once. But its good experience when kids ask when will have classes for next time.

Fellowshipping with one another it’s crucial for the Body of Christ. Getting to know one another better and starting to trust one another more than before. Being able to have such activities has started to have its own fruits. 20th Anniversary for the Church of Christ in Vlora. It was a great opportunity for all the members to come together and travel together. Also a great opportunity to meet other Christians. Being able to join and celebrate with Church of Christ in Vlora, was a blessing and encouraging seeing how all brothers and sisters started and continue to stay in faith despite difficulties of life.

Retreating (Churches, Fier, Vlora, Lushnje)
We have been blessed being able to find a good place to meet all together. Our goal for this retreat was to help one another. Growing in; 1) Love for God, 2) Love for One Another, 3) Love for the Lost.

Edi shared the lesson on “Love for God”, Tom shared the lesson on “Love for one another”, and Altin shared the lesson on “Love for the Lost”. We thought these three topics will challenge and remember us to whom we belong? And what is the purpose of our life. It was a great experience and blessing being able to spent time with one another and sharing a meal together.
 

Churches Meeting (Lushnje, Fier, Vlora)
At 20th Anniversary Celebration of Church of Christ in Vlora.
At Our Children Class

Prayer Requests
Please pray for the contacts, that we have, with some of them we have set Bible study, and some of them relationship is growing. Pray that we continue to reflect God as we try to serve Him and preach Christ with our Lives.
Please pray for our Nation, We are going to have election on 23rd of June, please pray that everyone keep calm and nobody gets hurt.

In His Service,
Altin and Vosjana Koci

July 2013

Photos are at this link:

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Fight the good fight of faith (1Ti 6:12 NAS)
Every one of us have goals that strive to achieve, but one thing is worth fighting for, “The good fight of faith.” It is sharing faith with others, the only thing that does matter. The struggles, the difficulties, contradicts, that we may have, we can answer with these two questions; “Is it worth fighting for?” “It’s my faith growing in anyway?”

Sharing Our Faith
We are so grateful to God for giving us the purpose for what to fight for. In a society that goals and hopes are totally different from ours, we continue to be the light that God has asked us to be. It’s very encouraging to see also others to the same thing. Even with the difficulties that life offers still some good hearted people that love the Lord, find the time the strength to fight the good fight of faith. And of those of those encouraging thing is, that one of our young ladies member of the church is engaged, with her attitude and with her behavior, has helped her fiancé to understand that how important is God in her life. And for that reason he is looking to understand that importance and seeking through truth to make God part of his life.
This the Couple that I am talking about (Nori & Esi)
God works in a mysterious ways; in the ways that we don’t understand or comprehend, we just need to trust that He is in control and that will continue to provide for us.

Children Ministry
We are continuing our Children classes, we also trying to build a good relationship with them and their parents too. Building relationship it’s very important because at least with those that we contacted with, they are very suspicious what’s going on here with their children and they don’t allow them to attend classes. For This reason we try to be very transparent of what is going on in here. With time we have gained their trust. We thankful to God for that, because some of the parents they bring by themselves children to the classes.

Benevolence Ministry
We have started also the ministry of benevolence, who every member can bring from their own pocket food supplies, and then we make package to deliver for a poor family. And this past month we contacted a young couple at the village called Darzeze, they have one son 1 years old, and the wife is pregnant again and having three babies triplet. Their economic situation it’s very bad, the husband it’s willing to do any job he can find. We will try to help some this family in the future; will try to do our best to easy as much as we can their burden.

Evangelistic Ministry
Evangelism is a crucial thing; one of the things that Jesus did evangelizing was building teams and sent them out. So in order to have success on evangelism it’s something that cannot be alone. Have been encouraging the congregation to do so, even the visitors has the concern now for telling the others. God is faithful and that His Word will not come empty. Because of that a whole family was able to visit with us, young men coming visiting with us, you know first steps building relationships.
We have organized some picnic as body here, and new contacts come to visit with us and enjoyed their time with us.
Prayer Requests
Please keep in your prayers the new couple (Nori & Esi) and their new family that are about create.
Pray for us that God will show us open doors to spread the Good News.
In His Service
Altin & Vosjana Koci.

August 2013

Photos are on FaceBook

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Thinking for a moment for our loved ones, what are we capable doing for them, in order that they will be safe and healthy? I remember even when Vosjana was pregnant with Joel, I have tried most everything that Vosjana’s pregnancy will go well, try to buy the best vitamins that we could effort during the pregnancy. Even now that Joel is born we are trying our best to care for Joel, having the best that we can effort and trying to educate as much as we can in a godly way. Even as lullaby songs for Joel are worshiping songs. And refuse to travel long journeys for the sake of Joel. In a few words we try to do our best for our loved ones has the best that we can get.

God did the same For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. I and continues with Jesus that prays not only for his follower at his time but also for those who will believe in Him.

For almost when we moved here in Fier with Edi, we came in contact with Klodi, and since then we have been studying and sometimes stopping and begin again. Klodi has almost three years attending "Bible Classes" and "Worship Services". And this very year and very month, Klodi decided to say Yes to Jesus accepting Him as His savior. We traveled to Darzeze a beach area close to Fier, Klodi was driving and my son for some reason got car sick and vomit on me, we got a little scared and worried, quickly drove to beach area and me without shirt baptized Klodi drove back hom.. Joel rested all day today and he is a little bit weak but better. Glad and very excited for the decision of Klodi, we now are working to set a serious a Deep Bible Study. Also I am working with Amarildo, and the Esi’s Fiancé Nori , both of them are interested on being baptized. Please keep on your prayers these two young men.

We also continue our ministries, with children, and with benevolence too. Now During the summer it’s has been a little bit difficult with kids gathering together, since they go with their own families for holidays.

God is working here in Fier and everywhere else in the world in the ways that we cannot imagined, just need to be awake and ready for His harvest.

December 2013

Photos

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"The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; 38 therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest." Matthew 9:37-38

January 2014

PHOTOS http://kishaekrishtit.weebly.com/photo-gallery.html

Give a man a fish and you will feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you will feed him for a lifetime.

I guess you all have heard this saying, and may be have come a cross people have asked for something and instead of giving him, better teach him to get for himself. If we can take this very principle to our Christian life! We can’t change people, we cannot save people. But we can teach them how to change how to become better person, and we can’t teach them how to be saved. My father used to advise me all the time when I was in the school, learn in such a way that you will be able to teach others too. If just can be not only learners but also teachers too imagine the difference that we can make. Of course we never stop being learners but we should be able to teach others too.

Benevolence Ministry
We are continuing our benevolence ministry to help those families that are really in need, with used clothes, with food supplies. But also they need some to seat near them and listen to their thoughts and their problems. It’s not just giving only food to this people, but they don’t need just food but also love and affection showing that you care for them. We have been in contact with blind families; also we have been in contact with a family that God blessed them with triplets all girls and they also have a boy a year and half old too. They have been having great economic problems. They have only a room to live to eat to sleep. His wife and the kids are living to her parents because it seems they have better conditions than the couple. The Church here in Fier has been helping them with clothes, food supplies, and everything that we can, and also not forgetting symbolic help that has come from different people for this couple too.

Visiting with Members and Contacts
With Joel growing up, and being able for him to go to kindergarten has enabled my wife to come with and visiting the members, at their homes, and at their work. Also visiting the contacts at their work and visiting with them as often as we can. We have been trying to use every opportunity that arises to build redemptive relationships with those around us.

Children Ministry
This it’s has been one the services, that has been a little hard, it’s just time issue. Because during the week children have been busy with school and then in afternoon with private courses that their parents sent them too. We right now we have 10 kids that are the ones come often on the classes that we have with them. Also we have 7 kids from church members age 2-6 old, which we try to give them separate class during Worship Services and Bible Classes and my wife does a great job keeping them behaved, parents that kids at this age understand very well how difficult sometimes can become keeping children behaved! Sometimes our son can becomes difficult keeping him behaved, especially when is around people that try to show him love.

Fellowshipping
We try to use every opportunity that we can get to spent together with members, having a meal together or watching a movie. And it’s a great opportunity to spend more time together with brothers and Sisters, because we are not brothers and sisters only on Sundays and Wednesdays or whatever day that may have together as a Church. But we are every single day of the week. With daily schedule going to work and other responsibilities may become difficult but not impossible.

Prayer Requests
Keep in your prayers the family with triplets; the girls have been having some health problems too. Also pray for their father to be able to find job to provide for his family. For every time I see him, always with tears in his eyes wondering how to provide for his family.
Pray for God’s work here in Fier, to continue and God may be glorified.
In His Service!

Altin & Vosjana Koci.

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