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Matt 28:18-20
18 Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to
me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the
Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have
commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
NIV
John 20:10-16
10 Then the disciples went back to their homes, 11 but Mary stood outside
the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb 12 and
saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus' body had been, one at the
head and the other at the foot.
13 They asked her, "Woman, why are you crying?"
"They have taken my Lord away," she said, "and I don't know where they
have put him." 14 At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there,
but she did not realize that it was Jesus.
15 "Woman," he said, "why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?"
Thinking he was the gardener, she said, "Sir, if you have carried him
away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him."
16 Jesus said to her, "Mary."
She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, "Rabboni!" (which means
Teacher).
NIV
Learn More
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Mission : Albania
Tom Bonner
October/November Newsletter
I feel almost as if I
am part of a "You Were There production, a TV program from the 60’s
or 70’s that sought to give glimpses into historical events of the
past. I did not live through the Depression of the 1930’s in
America, but from what I have heard and read the lives of many
people here in Albania mirror what existed for millions in America
during that time. Everywhere people are struggling to make ends
meet, and experiencing deprivation all the while. Most seem largely
content, but many can only think of escaping to some place where the
living is easier. For some people their main source of income is a
small grill that they set up along the street somewhere and roast
ears of corn for sale to the public. For some it is a 10-foot by
10-foot space of ground where daily they lay out their wares
consisting of used clothing gathered from unknown sources. Others
seek to sell inferior tools and electrical connections. For others
it might be sunflower seeds, cigarettes and candy bars. Still others
set up small vegetable/fruit stands by the sidewalk (such as it is)
to try to eke out a living. I have spoken with several such
"businessmen" who were formerly high-ranking military officers, and
whose pride is greatly impacted by the inglorious conditions into
which they have now been forced. Also, not infrequently will one be
approached by a child begging, or see drugged children lying on the
sidewalk next to their parents, as a means of eliciting sympathy to
aid in revenue-collection from said begging activities.
I have expressed
before that my accommodations are far above what many Albanians have
available. I had this fact driven home to me recently by the
following incident. I was showing some people my apartment, and one
man asked, "How many people live here?" I responded that I was the
only occupant, and thought nothing more about the exchange for some
time. Then later I found out that this man, his wife, and two
teenage daughters live, basically, in a one room (plus bath)
apartment. I am having a desk built to use for the computer (and a
printer when I can get one) at the apartment, and I almost feel
guilty. I know that I cannot solve all the problems and needs of the
Albanian people, but it certainly does cause one to stop and think
when considering the differences between life in the two countries.
All of the above
makes the next two items I am going to mention seem out of place,
but I will proceed and let God’s Spirit do what needs to be done. I
have two major projects in front of me for the betterment of the
ministry here in Lushnja. We are without power for usually about
four hours per day, from noon until around 4 p.m. It was
uncomfortable during the summer when the power went off and the fans
we had strategically placed around the study center stopped
operating. Now with the change in the weather, and the shortening of
the daylight available, it is becoming more than uncomfortable. I
have purchased two combination gas/electric heaters for heat, and
thus far they make it bearable when the weather gets a little cool.
The lighting is the big problem. After about 1 or 2 p.m. most days,
it becomes almost impossible to see to read with our students in the
back part of the office where our study cubicles are.
I have considered
getting a generator that was capable of being wired into the system,
and which would start by itself when the power goes off. I priced
them and came up with a figure of about $5000, plus installation. It
weighs about 330 pounds, and would have to have protection built
around it to keep it from "walking off" during the night. Then I was
told by our landlord that it would not be possible to have such a
generator. The city will not allow us to put it on the sidewalk in
front of our facility, and the business on the side will not allow
us to put it in front of the entrance to their building. Later, I
was told by one of the brothers from the church in Tirana of a piece
of equipment that he has in his office. I believe it is called a
capacitor. It uses no fuel, is installed inside, and costs about the
same as a generator. I am awaiting information from this brother to
see if it is something we might be able to acquire for use here. All
of that, of course, is contingent upon being able to raise the funds
for it. I will keep you posted!!
Secondly, I feel the
need to secure a vehicle for use here. I function quite well here in
Lushnja, walking everywhere I go. In fact, it’s been good for me
from a health standpoint. However, being able to get around outside
of Lushnja is another matter. As mentioned in the previous
newsletter, we are only about 50 kilometers out of the capitol,
Tirana, but it takes 2 to 2 ½ hours to make the trip into the city.
I would like to be able to go in on Sunday evenings to worship with
the church there, but the bus/van service returning from Tirana ends
around 4 p.m. I would also like to have a vehicle large enough that
we can use for outings with the church here, taking some of our
regulars to events where they can meet and associate with Christians
from other places. We have 2-4 members of the church in services
each Sunday, with the majority of the attendance being made up of
visitors. It would be good for these visitors to see that there are
more members of the church in other places, so they can envision
being part of such a body in the days and years ahead. I have not
priced such a vehicle, and am told that the best place to get one is
in Germany. I will try to do some looking while I am there next week
and see what kind of dollars we are likely to have to pay. I do know
that a former missionary in Tirana bought a used 1995 van in Germany
in 1999, for $9000. I have no idea what the comparable vehicle would
cost today.
It is exciting to
walk down the street and have business men call out, "Hello,
Mr. Tom"! Not exciting for my own benefit, but because I
am seeking to blend with the people. Yes, I stick out like a sore
thumb to some, and they are not excited about having an American in
their midst. Of course, the status of political doings at the
present time is not welcome to some in a country which is
"officially" at least 70% Muslim. For the most part, though, I am
being very well received. The barber I have had cut my hair a couple
of times now has invited me (though he speaks no English) to come in
between haircuts and let him shave my neck, at no charge. I guess he
didn’t like the looks of the job I was doing. I was introduced to
him by another man who owns a furniture store (mobileri) across the
street from his barber shop. The furniture store man speaks fairly
good English, and is the person through whom I ordered the
custom-made desk. He insists he will not let me pay any more for it
than what the man charges him for making it. The people at the post
office know me by sight now, and whenever I walk in they go out of
their way to help me. The man at the butcher shop told my secretary
that he would sell her some bones for making soup only because she
was with me. All of this is to say that I am becoming part of the
community.
I began language
lessons a few weeks ago, but I still can’t speak Albanian!
Seriously, it will be a real challenge to learn to speak the
language, but I am determined to be able to communicate with these
people in their "heart language". I have a one-hour session five
days per week with my teacher. He is a man who teaches Albanians,
especially young Albanians, to speak English in preparation for
taking the TOEFL test. This is the test given to international
students who are seeking to attend educational institutions in the
U.S. My teacher’s English is not nearly as good as
Kela’s, the secretary for World English Institute and the
church in Lushnja. I have asked her about being my teacher, but she
does not like to teach Albanian, so I will stay with the teacher I
have. He has stated that he believes I will be fluent in the
language in two years. He may just be trying to butter me up, but I
do know that I am working hard at learning the language. In addition
to the hour per day I spend with the teacher, I am trying to
dedicate two to four additional hours each day. I find
myself sometimes getting up at 3:30 or 4:00 a.m. in order
to spend this time, but I feel it will pay off in the end.
I mentioned in the
last newsletter the school children who pass in front of our office.
I am something of an oddity, I guess, as they keep coming and the
number keeps growing. Today I sat out in front of the office and had
about 10-15 children gathered around me. Some were trying out their
English on me, others were asking for me to speak
"duckese", others wanted to see or hear some ears
squeaked. The one problem with children this age, and with whom I
cannot readily communicate, is that they seem not to know when to
quit. There have been several times when I have had to lock the door
to keep them out while I was studying with a student. It doesn’t
stop them, as they beat on the door, put their faces to the glass to
attempt to see in, and lean against the door with their hands. Their
handprints all over our glass doors is not a welcome sight to
Kela when she comes to work in
the mornings.
Well, I have failed
to figure out the technique for getting images into this newsletter.
I really wanted to, and will keep trying to learn how, so that by
the time I send the next newsletter I will be able to send pictures
as well. In the meantime, check out the World English Institute
website at
www.weiady.org to see updates of various mission works. Bob
Patterson is the very capable webmaster, and I wish he were here to
instruct me. Please be patient, God isn’t finished with me yet. I’ve
had my sixtieth birthday since the last newsletter, and I find that
I am still able to learn. I’m sure I can learn how to send pictures.
Please continue to
remember this work in your prayers. I pray only that God may be
glorified in Albania, as he reaches out and touches the people here.
"No matter how many
promises God has made, they are ‘Yes’ in Christ." 2 Cor. 1:20
Because of Jesus
Tom Bonner
|
December 2002
Happy New Year in Jesus!
An interesting month, December, and quite
a learning experience for me. As you are aware, this
is largely a Muslim country and I was not sure what to expect when it came to
Christmastime. It is indeed different, but not so much from a religious standpoint. The
big difference is the lack of extreme commercialism that surrounds the holiday in
America. In the larger cities of Albania it might be different, though I didn’t notice
it to be so when I was in the capitol, Tirana, just before Christmas. The primary reason
for the difference is the economic situations in the two countries. Also, the New Year
holiday is a much more family oriented time here than is Christmas. Over the many years
of Communist domination it was very risky to focus on anything that even resembled
Christianity. Therefore, twelve years after the fall of communism, Christmas is not much
of a focus at all. Many people work or make trips away from home on that day. On the
other hand, many people in the community asked me what we were going to do as the church
in the way of a Christmas celebration.
Fireworks seem to be a major part of
holidays here, at least the ones I have experienced. I’m not sure where people are
getting the money to buy the fireworks (very expensive in the States) but there have
been rockets and "bombs" going off almost around the clock for about three weeks now.
When I say bombs, I refer to the kind that are outlawed almost everywhere in the States
now, packed with enough explosives to do someone real harm if not handled properly. The
other evening as I left the office to head home, I walked past a group of young men who
had tossed something out onto the sidewalk fifteen feet or so away from where I was
walking. I thought I had plenty of distance to be safe, but when whatever it was
exploded something, either from the fireworks or the sidewalk on which it was lying,
struck me in the leg. It was quite painful for a while but left no permanent damage.
On Christmas day I rented a van (taxi)
and fourteen of us from Lushnja went into Tirana to meet with the church there. I wanted
to expose the folks here to the larger body of Christians in Tirana. It was very
gratifying that of that number, only two of us were members of the church. The rest were
individuals that have attended worship with us, and been involved in the World English
Institute as students of English. It was a day with some frustrations, but many
blessings. I was not aware that the taxi would not be able to take us to our
destination. Taxis not bearing Tirana license plates are not permitted into the inner
city, so we ended up having to walk at least 20 minutes, arriving and leaving, in the
rain. I have become used to the walking, going everywhere on foot here in Lushnja. Some
of the folks, however, were quite tired. In addition, one young lady had not been in a
vehicle in 6 years, and she was car-sick all the time we were in the van. All in all, it
turned out to be a good day.
I spent New Year’s Eve in the home of
Artur, Nina and Skender Spaho. On New Year’s day I had
lunch with the Gogus. In both settings I learned
that I do not eat nearly as much as do the Albanians. At the Spahos a plate with a full
fish and a salad on it was set before me. In addition there was Russian salad, of which
I was encouraged to partake. I was feeling quite comfortable after finishing that. Then
Nina put a plate of viçi (veal) with fried potatoes down for me to eat. About the time I
was finishing that, and feeling stuffed, out came the turkey with maize bread dressing.
I had to beg off from eating turkey, even though it is one of my favorite meats, because
there was also baklava and some other kind of dessert that Nina was wanting me to eat.
The same basic scenario took place at the Gogus, with some variation. I tell you, if I
ate like that all the time I would need to get a van just for me!!
I was very pleasantly surprised and
blessed by the arrival of a package with a number of cards in it from the church of
Christ in Eureka, CA. The congregation there has declined in size somewhat from when I
was a boy growing up there. The spirit of the church, however, is still very large. They
are helping support the ministry here, for which we are thankful, as we are for all our
supporters. Though it has been 39 years since I moved away from Eureka, with few visits
in the intervening years, I feel a strong kinship with the brethren there, and really
appreciated this expression of their interest and concern. While I am on the subject of
mail, let me share with you that I have a new, more user-friendly, address than some of
you now have for me. The new address is Tom Bonner, P.O. Box 138, Lushnja,
Albania, Europe.
We continue to have just the one service,
Sunday morning, here in Lushnja. I would like to offer a small group Bible study some
time during the week, but finding the time to do so is going to be difficult. Not
difficult for me, but to find a time when we can get some turnout. Almost no one, except
the habitues of the many bars in town, goes out after dark in the winter, which is
arriving at about 4:30 now. I am desirous of doing what needs to be done, at the
appropriate time. I am seeking input from the brothers in the church in Tirana as often
as I can, for they know this culture and people much better than I do, since they are
Albanians. I desire to be able to travel into Tirana on Sunday for evening services,
taking people from here with me. However, transportation is the big problem there. Vans
and buses stop running after about 6 p.m., I am told, and getting people back home on
Sunday evening would be almost impossible under those circumstances.
I have purchased the alternative power
source for the office. It is a battery
inverter system, and should provide what we need for the time being. It is
supposed to be able to run our office needs for up to 5 hours, recharging off the
electric power supply when it is operating. If we can cut back on our usage to only
absolute necessities, it should last for even longer periods. One other thing I intend
to do is try to plug some of the gaps above the roll-up doors in the office. The cold
and dust come through those gaps in large quantities, and the heat goes out in equal
proportion. The power situation continues to keep me guessing. One night the power went
off at 5 p.m., after not having been off all day, and I’m not sure what time it came
back on. After two hours of sitting in the dark, and having a serious cold, I went to
bed. When I awoke at 12:30 a.m. the power was back on. I suppose eventually, when I can
save enough pennies, I will see about getting a power source for the house, as well. It
has gotten cold enough that I have taken to sleeping in my sleeping bag. The heater in
my home only works effectively when I sit right in front of it. The same problem with
gaps exists as at the office, and I don’t believe building insulation is known here in
Albania. Everything is built with cement blocks of one description or another, and with
no insulation the walls are always pretty cool. For both the office and the house I
would like to look into getting a heat pump system that can cool in summer and heat in
the winter.
I mentioned above the power situation
being a real puzzler to try to figure out. It has been going off at around nine each
morning and staying off until about four in the afternoon. During the New Year’s holiday
time (almost everything was closed down Jan. 1-3) the power had been staying on more,
even all day for two of the days. This morning, after I had done some other things, I
decided to take a shower. It was about 10:15, and no sooner did I get in the shower and
get all lathered up with soap than the power went off. Weeeelllll, when the power
goes off here, hot water is not delivered, though the water heater still contains hot
water. So there I stood, shivering and covered with soap, very hesitant to rinse off
under the extremely cold water that was available. Eventually, I did get up the nerve to
brave the cold and rinse off. Then I sat in front of the stove for a good period of time
to thaw out.
I was blessed earlier this week by a
visit from Alo Hoxha. Alo is an Albanian who
is living in Portland, Oregon. I had met him and his family prior to coming over here.
In fact, Alo’s daughter, Viola, was baptized at Metro on my last Sunday there. Ron
Clark, one of the ministers at Metro, has been studying with the Hoxha family for some
time. I had attempted to get some study going with Alo’s brother-in-law in Portland,
Petrit Ismail, but had not been too successful
in doing so. Alo had come to Albania to visit his father, who lives in Tirana, and took
the bus down to visit with me. I felt very honored, especially that he would endure the
ride down on the bus for the purpose of visiting me. He told me that another
brother-in-law in Tirana offered him the use of his car, but Alo refused, saying he was
afraid to drive in Albania now. It is quite different than in America, believe me.
Doug Smith, (from Longview, WA) who worked in
Kosova and Albania for some time, told me that his wife won’t let him drive for a month
after he comes home on furlough because he is too aggressive in his driving. I was
riding with an Albanian driver the other day and he made the comment that the only way
to be able to get anywhere is to take an aggressive attitude, and not make eye contact
with the other drivers!
Let me present some prayer requests to
you, if I may. Please be praying for Eriona Çuko, Nina Spaho,
Jetson Tushe, Jorida and Sonilla Prifti, Irena and Mira Gogu, and Altin Koçi.
All of these are people with whom we have been studying, most of whom are attending
worship service with us. Their circumstances vary but each of them, in his/her own way,
has expressed an interest in a deeper understanding of spiritual matters. Please pray
for Kela and me as we work here in Lushnja. Keep on
your list the needs we have expressed above, and ask God to provide the answers he wants
for our needs. Pray that I may always seek the fulfillment of needs, and not just
selfish desires.
I will be making a trip back to the
States in February/March. Among other reasons for the visit is that the elders of the
Metro church would like for me to be present at the Men’s Retreat at Camp Yamhill,
Oregon March 13,14,15. The Metro church is hosting the retreat this year, and the theme
revolves around evangelism. I will need to leave immediately thereafter to get back here
for the national missionary conference in Tirana March 19-20. It is my intention to try
to personally visit with everyone and every congregation that is helping support this
ministry. I will be in contact with you later about scheduling a time that is
appropriate for you. If I can only attend a worship with you, that will be fine. I want
to verbally thank everyone who is ministering here in Albania through your prayers and
contributions. I also may ask for an opportunity to present the
need for a vehicle for the church here. This would be used to meet some of
the needs mentioned previously in this newsletter.
I will be writing again before I come in
February, and hope to have news of some new brothers and/or sisters in Christ. Thank you
for partnering with us in this work, to the glory of God.
"No matter how many promises God has
made, they are ‘Yes’ in Christ…" (2 Cor. 1:20)
Because of Jesus, and in his love
Tom
|
| JANUARY 03 Tom Bonner
Greetings in the name of our blessed Lord, Jesus
Christ! It is my prayer that God is blessing your life in ways you had not even imagined as
you begin this new year. Often we fail to ask, we fail to adore, and we fail to acknowledge
as we should. I know this is true in my life far more often than I like to think about.
I begin this month with some introspection. Just
prior to coming to Albania I attended the Summer Missions Seminar at Abilene Christian
University. One of the concepts with which I was challenged during that time is that people
who do foreign mission work need to be able to embrace the culture in which they go
to work, not merely endure it. To fail to do so is to limit one’s effectiveness in
any culture. Though I have done fairly well, and have very few complaints, I fear that I
may have given a different perspective in the things I have sent your way. Obviously, there
are things about any culture that Christians must shun, things that are counter to a
positive Christian example. There are in Albania perspectives, attitudes and behaviors in
which I will not engage. The same was true of my life in America.
I ask you to pray for me that the Lord will continue to bless me with his
guidance in becoming a part of the Albanian culture.
I mentioned last month the visit I had from an
Albanian who is now living in Portland, Alo Hoxha.
I was surprised as I was returning from lunch one day this past month to find
Petrit Ismaili, the brother-in-law of Alo with whom I had studied in America,
standing just a few feet from our office. He used to live in Lushnja and his good friend
owns an auto parts store near us. I was able to go into Durres with this friend, Namik,
and have lunch with Petrit, his son
Enis
(whom I knew in Portland), and yet another
brother-in-law of Petrit’s,
Flamur. The place where we ate was at a hotel on
the beach of the Adriatic Sea. It is not nearly so impressive as the Pacific, but much
different than what I see on a normal basis.
I have mentioned my co-worker,
Kela, in previous communication. Kela will be leaving Lushnja and going back to
Tirana soon after my return from the States. She has become engaged and, for some reason,
feels that she wants to have more frequent contact with her fiancé. She has been an
integral part of the work here, and her presence will be greatly missed. She has served as
secretary for WEI, been my buffer with Albanian-speaking people who have come in the
office, and served as my translator in the many activities when that function has been
needed. I have talked with a number of other people from the church in Tirana about the
possibility of working here, so far with no success. I definitely would prefer to have
someone who is a member of the church, if at all possible. In the beginning of Kela’s
absence I will be trying my wings solo. Please pray for me in that regard, as well. My
Albanian is far from adequate for all of the things that need to be done. I have
communicated with one of the regular attendees at our worship about doing the translating
for us at that time, and have received a favorable response.
We will be moving into a different facility in April.
The place where we are currently was rented on a year’s contract, which will be fulfilled
at the end of March. The place where we will be moving has these advantages: it is half
again as large, will permit the presence of a generator, has a place for parking a van
behind a locked gate, will give the luxury of water all the time, has much slower vehicular
traffic, and rents for 40,000 leke (about $70) less than what we are currently
paying. The ability to have a generator is particularly enticing. Today the power went off
at 8:40 AM and didn’t come back on until 4 PM. This is not an every day occurrence, but far
more frequent than is desired.
I have established two funds into which I am
diverting money as I can. First is the generator fund, which currently
consists of $2000. When I priced generators before the price for what would serve very
effectively and comfortably was around $5000. That does not include installation. You may
recall I reported last month that I had purchased an alternative power source. This was not
the preferred equipment, as a generator will do a much more effective job. I plan to save
personally, as I am able, and purchase this $1100 system for application at my home. The
second fund is for van purchase. Those to whom I have spoken have indicated that to get a
good used fifteen-passenger van is likely going to cost at least $15,000. The van
fund currently has $8,000 in it. If you are able and would
like to help fulfill either of these needs it would be greatly appreciated. You
can e-mail me of your interest in helping at tommetro@prodigy.net. Alternatively, simply send any contribution toward these projects to:
Metro church of Christ
Mission : Albania
1525 NW Division
Gresham, OR 97030
We are planning to have another
WEI campaign in Lushnja this summer. It is scheduled to
begin in the month of July, though the definite date has not been set. We will have
opportunities for about 4 people at a time from outside Albania to come and work with us.
The primary prerequisites are to have a pleasant Christian attitude, and to be able to read
English. Dick Ady’s written materials do the teaching for us. The harvest belongs to the
Lord, so we are primarily interested in planting the seed of the word of God. Your housing
accommodations will be in a local hotel, which is where I lived for the first month I was
in Albania. It is not plush, but adequate, and far above the standard of living of most
Albanians. You will fall in love with the Albanian people. They are generous to a fault
when you are in their homes, and they look for opportunities to give even out of their
poverty, in many cases. There have been no baptisms here to this point in time. Being
part of the early days of the planting of the church in Lushnja is a memory that will stay
with you for a long time, I guarantee.
We continue to have around fifteen in worship
each week, with the guests outnumbering members usually about two to one. I would certainly
like it if we had 150 in attendance with the same ratio in place. I have no idea what lies
ahead, specifically. I do know that God loves the people of Albania, the people of Lushnja,
and desires them to be part of his family. I will continue to work toward that end, and
pray that you will continue to partner with me in whatever way is possible for you. I
shared some names with you last month, asking that you pray for
those people. I would like to ask you to keep taking them before our father in heaven:
Nina Spaho, Sonila and Jorida Prifti, Jetson Tushe,
Altin Koçi, Eriona Çuko, Mira and Irena Gogu
Last month I gave my new address, but would like to
make a correction. What I gave you will get mail to me. I know because this week I got a
picture of Humpty Dumpty drawn by Jordan Woodruff, of Gresham, OR. He had included a
note in which he told me he missed me. What a treasure! I’m looking forward to many more
such memory treasures (especially from my grandchildren) when I visit there soon. Any way,
the absolutely correct address for sending mail to me is as follows:
Tom Bonner
Kutia Postare 138
Lushnja, Albania
Europe
I hope to see many of you over the next month. If you
specifically would like for us to make contact, please e-mail me
at the address given earlier. I am going to be on the move quite a bit, so
planning an itinerary will be important. Let me hear from you as early as possible.
Thank you again for your interest/participation in
this ministry. May God be glorified through our efforts.
Because of Jesus, and in his love
Tom |
February/March/April 2003
I have not left the planet! So much time has passed, and so many things have happened since
I last sent out a newsletter. Last writing I was preparing to make a trip to the States,
which did take place. I was glad to be able to get to see all of my children and
grandchildren, but regret that I did not get to see more of you. Since my children are
scattered pretty well, I ended up driving about 5,000 miles to see them, and was able to
see some of you in the process. Time, however, would not permit me to see everyone. I thank
God for the blessing of being able to make the trip, and share some of the good things that
are happening here.
Life is never static, but always dynamic, even in Albania. Someone has said that the only
really consistent thing about life is change. While that does not appear to be true on the
surface here in Albania, it is nonetheless a reality. Things seem to be at a standstill for
some who are unable to find work. Jobs are difficult to find in Lushnja, and cards or
dominos dominate the time of many men, young and old, day after day. As one observes this
boringly consistent scene there are nonetheless subtle changes taking place. Some of the
men seek something better, and their search is not confined to how they might leave
Lushnja, or even Albania. True, many have left, and many others continue to seek ways to
make it happen, even illegal ways. I heard recently some figures which, if even partly
true, give insight into the desire for flight: Albania’s population is 3.5 million, while
there are 9 million Albanians living outside the country. Some of this scattering of
population has come about as a result of portioning off pieces of Albania to other
countries in the aftermath of conflicts. However, much of it has resulted in people looking
for something better out of life. If only they knew what God has to offer them! Please pray
that the efforts to spread the gospel here may be bountifully successful.
A number of American religious groups have begun to focus on this small city. I have met
Americans here who represent the Nazarene Church and the Mormons. Rev. Moon’s Unification
Church is here, as well as the Catholic and Orthodox churches. There are others, as well,
that I won’t take the time to name. All are seeking to draw the very same people to whom I
am attempting to reach out with the gospel. I certainly feel, within myself, unequal to the
task of facing the battle for souls. That is exactly what it is, brothers and sisters. We
are in a battle in this world for the souls of people, and we are soldiers in the army of
God. Whatever your political perspective or your specific feelings about the Iraqi war,
the events that are unfolding around us can serve as an impetus. We can be challenged to
action on the spiritual battlefield by what we have seen on the physical battlefield. The
cheering faces of Iraqi people, as the allied forces arrived to free them from the control
of Saddam, gave cause for reflection. Scripture says there is joy in heaven over one sinner
that repents, but Satan surely doesn’t rejoice. The ugly after effects of the Iraqi
liberation can remind us of Satan’s constant effort to disrupt the peace that God desires
to bring.
The most effective outreach into the city continues to be the World English Institute
materials. We have many people stopping in to ask about what we have to offer. While it
can be frustrating to deal with people whose primary interest is in learning to speak
English, the materials written by Dick Ady do a wonderfully effective teaching of the
gospel. The materials do the work, and certainly give opportunity for questions from the
students, as well as added input from the one doing the teaching.
Please continue to pray for those who are now, or have in the past, been engaged in studies
with me : Jetson Tushe, Nina Spaho, Sonilla and Jorida Prifti, Rovena Tushe, Yllka Gjermeni,
Mira and Irena Gugo, Hoze Davidhi, and Altin Koçi. These are those who seem to
be closest to making a decision to walk with God.
PRAISE THE LORD, two have been added to the kingdom of our Lord.
April 20 saw the new birth of Eriona Çuko and Besmir Bërboti both seventeen years of age.
A number of us traveled into Tirana for the baptisms, and the church there had a good crowd
of people on hand, as well. Eriona and I had talked
about baptism back in August last year, right after I arrived here, but she wanted to wait
until her understanding grew. She has been extremely consistent in worshiping with us, and
has helped in the teaching of the WEI materials. Since Kela’s
move back to Tirana, Eriona has served as translator for me on a number of occasions.
Besmir has more recently come into the picture. His
uncle, who is now living in the U.S., was at one time a member of the church in Tirana, and
he has been studying with Besmir long-distance. Besmir has been coming to me as a WEI
student, as well as attending on Sundays. Please pray that these two will be protected from
Satan’s schemes to pull them back into his kingdom. And again we say PRAISE THE LORD!!
We are now in our new facility and are very glad to have made the transition. We ran
into some bitterness in our former landlord, who was not happy with our decision to leave
his place. We have found in our new landlords, however, people who are bending over
backwards to make things good for us in our new location. Some of the things I have asked
about so I could know how I could make them happen, they have taken on themselves. For
example, we need to put up some blinds, and they insist they will pay for such. I desire a
larger sink in the bathroom, and was going to purchase it. I am told they will take care of
it. Some of the same children that visited with me at the other site come around the new
location, as well. There are also some additional young ones with whom I am becoming
friends. With regard to the change of location, may I ask that any mail sent my way be sent
to the P.O. Box I have secured? I have been assured that anything that comes my way will be
placed in the box, but if it has the right address on it initially it will certainly
expedite things. That address, again, is:
Kutia Postare 138 Lushnja, Albania Europe
Moving into the new facility occurred at about the same time that Kela Foto left to return
to Tirana, leaving me as the sole individual working on a full-time basis to establish the
church here in Lushnja. Please keep me in your prayers, asking God to keep me from
loneliness and depression, which can easily occur when one spends too much time alone. I
certainly have plenty of people in my life, but not many with whom I can be completely
communicative. I am improving somewhat in my language skills, but have a long way to go
before I can begin to say I speak Albanian.
A rather rare event took place occurred April 6 here in Lushnja: we had snow. In fact, many
places throughout the country had the same experience. It snowed off and on all day here
but, fortunately, it was not cold enough that the snow accumulated at all. The capital
city, Tirana, had a bit more snow, and it did accumulate there, creating some problems for
people who are not used to such occurrences. Speaking of Tirana, I learned more about
getting around, and staying safe, in the city the other day. I had gone into the city to
get some things needed for the office. I was standing waiting at an intersection for the
"walk" light to come on. It did, but I have learned that the walk sign does not guarantee
safe passage across the street. I waited until all the cars had stopped, looked both ways,
stepped off the curb, and glanced up just in time to see a motorcycle with two people on it
bearing down on me. I was able to get my hands up, but was thrown back about 15 or 20 feet.
I was able to stay on my feet, and didn’t suffer any lasting ill effects. The guys on the
motorcycle gave me a dirty look! I pointed to the light, they shrugged and left. I was glad
to get back home to Lushnja after that day in the big city.
The work here in Lushnja began last summer when Bill Morgan, Bob Threlkeld, Robbie
Threlkeld and Clayton Ogier came from the US to work in a campaign for a month. God has
been working since that time, but only he knows just how the salvation of souls will result
from that beginning. We are planning to have another campaign this summer, during the month
of July, and are seeking people who can join us for that effort. The work consists
basically of listening to students as they read and answer questions in the World English
Institute study materials. If you are not familiar with these materials, let me briefly say
that they teach English by using the word of God as the foundation tool. In addition, each
English study book is accompanied by a study that is all Bible study. For you to be
involved you need no special training or abilities; just a willingness to be used in a
place where life is a bit different and you are in the minority. You would have to be
responsible for securing your own funding for living and travel expenses. In addition, we
ask that you help cover the cost of the materials used. For specific details about the cost
factors and other details, please go to World English Institute’s website: www.weiady.org.
Time is of the essence, as some of the deadlines mentioned at the website have already
passed. But God can certainly use you here if you have a heart for the lost.
Our van fund and generator fund have received some donations, but more are needed. If you
would like to help us secure a van for use with the church here, or help us purchase a
generator and air conditioner, it will be greatly appreciated. Please send any donations,
marked (if you have a preference) for how you want them to be applied, to:
Mission: Albania Metro church of Christ 1525 NW Division Gresham, OR 97030
Let me ask a favor of you who receive this newsletter. I want to use my time wisely, and
certainly do not want to bore any of you or have you feel that you are wasting your time in
reading this report. Perhaps I share too much detail in what I write, and have heard of one
individual who says he does not read anything that comes his way that is longer than one
page in length. If you would care to give any input as to what you are looking for in
communication from me about this mission, I would appreciate it. Of course, I cannot
guarantee that everyone’s suggestions will be followed, since there is a large number of
other people who also receive this report. I am open to suggestion. Thank you for your
interest in the Lord’s love being shared in Lushnja. If you do not care to receive this
newsletter, please inform me and I will remove you from the mailing list.
I have delayed and delayed and delayed in getting this newsletter sent out. I have
continued to do battle with things beyond my understanding in attempting to get some
pictures sent along with the report. I have attempted to make the transition into the
computer age, but part of my being seems to be dragging me back. I will do everything I can
to send pictures with the report next month. To those of you who have been asking for
pictures, thank you for your patience. I will call in reinforcements to be sure I know how
to get it done..
I praise God and thank him for the support and encouragement I receive from so many of you!
Please don’t ever stop, and please start if you are not now praying for God to be glorified
through efforts being put forth here. To him be all the praise, honor and glory, through
Jesus Christ, our Lord!
Because of Jesus, and in his love
Tom
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September 03
The Lord’s Love for Lushnja
I apologize once again for the length of time between newsletters. This is the fourth time
I have tried to get the report out. It seems there is always so much to do that by the time
I get around to sitting down at the computer, I am ready to head to the bed. That is a
fault I will work hard to overcome, for you all deserve to hear how God is blessing his
work here.
The work in Lushnja continues at a pace that is dictated by the nature of the city, but in
the control of God. I am enjoying the presence of four Americans who have joined me for a
month’s period to teach. It is good to have their presence, both because of the increased
amount of people who can be taught, and because of the benefit I derive from their
presence. We interrupt this newsletter to bring you a late-breaking update. As reported in
a previous newsletter, two had been baptized in April. Now nine more have been added to
God’s kingdom. We have made two trips to the Adriatic Sea, with four rented vans, to
baptize three people each time. Another trip required only one van, because of the lateness
of the hour. Two others have been baptized in the bathtub at my home, which is not a very
satisfactory arrangement. At today’s service (8/17) eight of the nine previously baptized
brothers and sisters were present, and the tenth was baptized today. This is quite
remarkable considering that the temperature today hit 40 degrees Celsius, about 105 degrees
Fahrenheit, and the trend is to head to the beach under such circumstances. Please be
praying about these new brothers and sisters, their faithfulness and growth, and
their influence on their families: Eriona Çuko, Besmir Bërboti,
Gezim Kolloli, Julinada Meço, Hoze Davidhi, Altin Koçi, Erselda Xhumari, Arten Dyrmishi,
Erges Toshkezi, Orieta Llupo and Marsella Nezha. All of them are in their teens except for
one twenty-year old young man (Gezim), and Marsella, who is a thirty-year old
school teacher. In addition, we have had two young ladies who were baptized by immersion
for the forgiveness of sins previously who have asked to be a part of our ministry. They
are Irena Gogu and Ermira Bano
It has not been my experience to travel abroad prior to this time in my life. I did live
for most of one year in Toronto and experienced the favorable position the U.S. dollar
occupied in relation to the Canadian dollar. In Albania the same is true, but there has
been a substantial narrowing of the gap since my arrival here. Notice I said since and not
because of my arrival. The dollar has lost 20%. Therefore, a generator that I priced
sometime around the first of the year has become 20% more expensive. Nonetheless, I have
purchased both a generator and a heat pump for the office/church facility. It truly is a
welcome thing to be able to have some coolness when the temperature hovers around the one
hundred degree mark. I’m sure the presence of these items will be just as welcome when the
temperature plunges in just a couple of months, and electricity is off for a good portion
of the day.
I would ask those of you who read this report to remember in prayer a very dear brother.
Clinton Witter has been of great encouragement to me
over the past several years, just by his example. Clinton is in his eighties, but was one
of the most faithful to be involved in the singles ministry in which I was involved before
making the decision to come to Albania. He was one of the first to make a commitment to
support this ministry on a regular basis, and has been faithful in that commitment to this
time. He is legally blind so his daughter, Trudy, transported him to many of our
singles events, often attending herself. On July 4 Clinton found Trudy unconscious in their
home and called the emergency people, but she never regained consciousness. Then less than
two weeks later, a nephew had a heart attack and passed from this life. I’m sure, knowing
Clinton, this will only cause him to trust even more in the Lord, but I ask you to
please remember him in prayer.
Having secured the generator and heat pump, I now turn to the acquisition of a
van. With such a vehicle we would be able to transport the people from Lushnja to
events that occur among the churches around the country, as well as have the capability to
just do things together. Ours is a rather limited city for entertainment of any kind. We
have no movie theater, no skating rink, no McDonald’s or Burger King. With a van we could
make excursions into the mountains for a picnic, make a visit to some of the ancient
historic sites around the country, go to the beach, go for a Sunday evening service with
the church in Tirana, or any number of other activities. I would like to get a fifteen
passenger vehicle, if possible, but that remains to be seen. There might be some
restrictions as far as licensing drivers with a vehicle that large. In order to secure the
generator and heat pump, I had to borrow from the van fund, putting us further from our
goal of purchasing a van.
I am getting closer (I hope) to securing the document that allows me to legally stay for
more than thirty days at a time. The document is called the Leje Qëndrimi and is usually
issued for one year the first time, with the possibility of expanding the time with
subsequent requests. Of great assistance in this effort has been the man who is my teacher
in the Albanian language, Mina Ngjela. Because he knows
people who work for the police department, through which the application process is
effected, he volunteered to take on this project. He has made at least three trips to the
department already, written a needed document in Albanian, and continues to press the
issue. People in Tirana have been somewhat jealous that I have someone so willing and eager
to assist me in this tedious process. Mina also insisted that I attend the July 4
celebration at the home of the American ambassador’s residence in Tirana. I was not
planning to go, because transportation out of Tirana after six in the evening is sporadic,
at best, and the event was to last until eight on a Saturday evening (June 28). But he
insisted on driving me in, doing whatever running around I had to do in Tirana, and waiting
for me to bring me back home to Lushnja. So far I have not made any headway with him in the
spiritual area, but his daughter is currently studying with one of the Americans who is
here for the month. He shared with me the other day that she is really being challenged in
some of her thinking. Please keep the Ngjela family in
your prayers, as well.
Language studies had been continuing on a three-time-per-week basis for me, but I have
taken a short break to be able to handle the additional student load following the
campaign. I am far from being able to say I speak the language, but with the presence of
the Americans this past month I can see that I have made some progress. It doesn’t come as
easily and quickly as I had hoped it would, but then my brain is not as young and fresh as
it once was. My regular schedule also dictates that I do not get to study as much as would
be appropriate in attempting to learn such a difficult language. I have learned enough to
function pretty well in getting my needs taken care of for living life here. With
tongue-in-cheek I say that having the gift of tongues would be much welcomed in my current
circumstances, if it was the Albanian language that the Spirit granted to me.
Thank you for your interest in this ministry. If ever you have concerns or questions please
send them my way at tommetro@prodigy.net. If you
would care to make a contribution toward the ministry here, send it to:
Mission Albania
Metro church of Christ
1525 NW Division
Gresham, OR 97030
Until we meet, whether in this life or the next, may God bless your life with the richest
of his blessings, as you have blessed mine.
Because of Jesus, and in his love
Tom Bonner
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September/October 2003
The Lord continues to surprise in so many
ways. With the beginning of school things slow down considerably with the language studies,
since most of the students feel they cannot do justice to both their school work and
language studies. Some of the new brothers and sisters are out of the area now as well, for
various reasons: away at university, in Greece working, looking for work in Tirana (the
capitol). I was beginning to feel somewhat down because of this, but then God stepped in.
Altin Koçi is one of those whom God is using to keep me rejuvenated.
Altin is a nineteen year old young man who comes from
a moderately Muslim family. When I first met him he seemed engrossed with the study center
here in town connected with Sun Myung Moon’s Unification Church. I went once with him to
the center, and then was very honest with him about my perceptions regarding this group. He
was baptized in August and since then has been almost a bother, coming to the office
almost every day to see if there is anything he can do to help. Last week he asked if I
would come and speak at his high school, and this week he wanted to talk about starting
classes for beginners in English, so more could come to know about Jesus. Some of the
things he wants to do will not be possible, at least for a while, but it is so good to see
his involvement and interest.
Altan Koçi
When Orieta
Llupo decided she wanted to be baptized, she went home and talked with her
father about it. He gave his permission, but she shared that he also told her she could not
be involved with the church, because it would take too much time. She and I spent a good
bit of time talking about what the Bible has to say about being part of the body, the
family of God. I offered to go with her to talk with her father, but she said she wanted to
try first to convince him to let her be involved. She came back in a couple of days
literally beaming. I asked her what her father had said, and she replied, "Can’t you tell
by looking at my face?" She was baptized, and has missed worship only once, when she was
out of town for a wedding. One Sunday I thanked her for being present, and her reply
thrilled my soul. She said: "I don’t have any choice. I made a commitment to Jesus." Then
she added, "I want you to know I’m not trying to impress you with my coming, but wanting to
please Jesus!" Does it get any better than this?
Orieta Llupo
Recently I had a call from Greece. The
person on the other end of the line was Gezim Kollolli,
a twenty-two year old young man who is working for "just one more year" in Greece. Just
prior to his departure for Greece the church in Durrës hosted a Bible Bowl. It looked like
we were going to have to form two teams from Lushnja (4 each) because our new Christians
were so excited about being involved. They studied hard (some harder than others), but not
everyone got to participate, because attrition took its toll on our numbers. Gezim was one
who got left off the final team, but he went with us to the competition anyway, as did
seven others who were not participants. When we got back to Lushnja he said, "Next year I
am going to be on the team, and I will be the captain." In his phone call he sounded almost
homesick to get back to the church here. He lives in a village quite some distance out of
Lushnja, but I believe he will be a leader in the church in years to come, after his return
from Greece.
I was negligent in my last newsletter to not
mention those who had given of themselves to come and work for a month to reach out to the
lost of Lushnja. Bob and Roxie Patterson, from
Oregon, touched the lives of many with the love of Jesus.
Sharon Saenz lives in California, and has been to Albania for similar
efforts several times. Bob Threlkeld, who was
one of those who initially dreamed of a work in this city, came for a second year from
Tennessee to share the Good News in Lushnja. The Lord is certainly being glorified through
the efforts of these, and other, dedicated Christians. Through the sacrifice of such
wonderful people many are coming to know Jesus in more than a nominal way. Praise God for
them!
We have gotten through the hot season here,
and now the rains begin. As mentioned in a previous newsletter, the rain here results in
much mud. The past couple of weeks, however, work has been going on to install storm drains
and repave one of the streets that is on my course to and from the office. Yesterday one of
the young men of the church told me that the effort to get this done is great because the
elections are coming up. It seems there is little continuity between one governing party’s
term and the next. Many projects are left until the end of an elected term to try to
impress the voters.
I have had difficulty getting an accurate
number for the population on Lushnja. The numbers given have run all the way from 35,000 to
125,000, which is quite a discrepancy. Recently, elections were held here, and the man
elected to the position comparable to our "mayor" is a good friend of my language teacher.
We went one day and had coffee with the new mayor, whose name is Kadri Gega,
a man whose work until now has been as a private English teacher. (Please pray for him as
he takes on this huge responsibility.) During the conversation with him and the director of
his political party I learned that the "official population of Lushnja is right at
sixty-four thousand. Whatever the population, the city certainly has a small-town
atmosphere, especially compared to Tirana. I have been going into Tirana on Friday’s for
several weeks now, at the request of the church there, to help with training a group in
singing in four-part harmony. As I walk about the city the differences between Tirana and
Lushnja are quite evident, and Lushnja comes out ahead in my evaluation.
I am focusing some attention in the
direction of attempting to secure a van. Thanks to WEI, who has been diverting some funding
our way, it appears that we may now have enough to buy the vehicle and pay
the dogana (tax). I am not sure how quickly this will occur, as I have been at it
for over a month now, with no definite leads. I have even enlisted the assistance of a man
in Durrës, referred to me as "absolutely trustworthy", but I have heard nothing back from
him. I have been encouraged by many Albanians not to buy in Albania, but to go out of the
country. Documentation continues to be a problem with vehicles bought here. The only
problem with buying out of the country is the import tax one is forced to pay when
registering the car. Virgil and Jackie Jackson,
missionaries in Vlorë, recently bought a nine-year old car in Italy and ended up having to
pay almost a 50% tax. That certainly is a strong determinant in what kind of vehicle one
can purchase. I’ll keep you updated on the progress.
I continue to thank God for allowing me to
come to Albania. Many of you have cooperated with God in providing the financial backing to
make the church in Lushnja a reality. I don’t know all that is in store in my future, but I
love the way a song I heard, before coming to Albania, put it: "I don’t know what the
future holds, but I know who holds the future." In a country where so many people have so
little hope of their futures being bright, it is a thrill to be able to introduce them to
the One who can make their future, and their present, better.
Please pray for me as I focus on trying to
make disciples here. What the numbers are, or will be, is not nearly so important as
whether disciples are being made. A disciple is one who has chosen to follow Jesus,
regardless. Far too often people have been convinced, not convicted. The ones who have been
convicted are the ones who stand when things get most difficult. Such are the ones Jesus is
seeking.
Until next we meet, may God bless your lives
richly, as he is mine.
Because of Jesus, and in his love
Tom
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0 miles while in the U.S. I was combining a couple of quests: to see all
my children and grandchildren; to raise some funds to replace support that is no longer
going to be available. I was partially successful on both accounts. I was able to see my
family, though in one instance I arrived early afternoon while the children were still in
school and left the next day after they left to go to school. There just is never enough
time for such reunions, especially after a prolonged period of separation. As for the
fund-raising, I was able to secure some one-time donations that will certainly help. What I
was seeking was some kind souls who could/would commit to a monthly sum over a period of
time. But, God will provide what is needed, and I am totally confident of such, for he has
promised so.
My time away over the holidays was a test: a test of endurance for me, given the territory
I had to cover; and a test for the young Christians here in Lushnja. I did all right in my
test, but the Christians here came through in superb fashion. I met with the church prior
to my departure and told them that now it was time for them to begin to accept ownership of
the responsibilities that go with being a body of believers in the Lord’s church. If the
church is to succeed here, it will not be because of my presence, but in spite of it. The
church must become an Albanian church, and that involves owning the responsibilities for
the ongoing of the church. Various assignments were mentioned, and accepted by the young
group of Christians. This involved young men accepting responsibility for cleaning the
meeting place on a weekly basis. Now, this might not seem like much to you, but it is not a
commonly accepted thing for men to do that kind of work here. One day, for example, I was
cleaning the office and one of the young men came in and saw what I was doing. His first
remark was, “You’re a woman!” I’m glad to say he was one of those who volunteered to do the
cleaning. The lack of experience in this kind of endeavor showed, particularly in the
attempt at cleaning the glass front of the meeting place. From all reports, they tried and
tried but just couldn’t get the windows to look clean.
I still wait for my leje qëndrimi (permission to stay) document. I made application for it
many months ago, but the wheels of progress in such government functions (because they are
government related) turn very slowly. I have received some encouraging news, however. My
language teacher, and friend, Mina Ngjela, shared with
me that his friend in the police department here in Lushnja is now in charge of that
section of responsibility for this district. His friend has told him to inform me that I
don’t need to worry: I will receive my document. No promise as to when, however.
I am now in contact with some brethren in the church in Cologne, Germany who are going to
work with me in securing a van for use in the work here. They work for Ford Motor company
there, but have access to the used car market, as well. I have decided to wait until the
weather is a little less unstable before going there and trying to drive back here. The
western European area has had its share of winter weather, and it would be unwise to take
risks unnecessarily. The next thing I have to decide relative to a vehicle is how to
declare it when I return. As a foreign national, I am told, I could use it here in Albania
without having to register it in the country, thus avoiding the import tax. But the van
will belong to the church (though, for now I will have to register it in my name) and I do
not want in any way to be duplicitous. I may end up having to bring the vehicle back into
the country, but wait to register it. That will depend on how much tax (V.A.T. and import)
I have to pay. If I don’t have enough money, I will have to wait. The weakness of the
dollar currently is not helping in all of this, either. When I came to Albania in August
’02 the exchange rate was 135.5 leke per dollar. Currently it is around 105.5 per dollar.
That is quite a drop in buying power, both personally and ministry-wise. It is about a 22%
decline in dollars available. In other words, less income. In addition, I have lost $300
per month in monthly support. (HINT! HINT!) If you can help with this problem, it would be
greatly appreciated.
Please pray for your brothers Altin Koçi and Besmir Bërboti.
These are the two young men who are desirous of preaching. Altin
preached before I went to America, and has asked about it since my return.
Besmir asked this week when he was going to get a
chance to preach. They are wanting me to start a class for teaching them to preach, which I
am excited about doing. Both are good young men, but don’t always follow through on their
commitments. I challenged them to learn the books of the Bible while I was gone, but
neither of them has completed that task. I have kind of put them on hold for further
development until that task is accomplished.
I have been through a real ordeal, though it is nothing compared with what many of you
endure on a regular basis, I am sure. I was beset by the hiccups for a period of eleven
days. I couldn’t sleep for more than 1-3 hours at a time because the hiccups would wake me.
Along with that I developed some severe gastrointestinal problems that were creating a lot
of pain in my stomach and chest, so I could eat hardly anything. I am glad to say both
problems are in abeyance, though not finalized. The hiccups stopped after one 25 mg dose of
a drug I am now told is a psychological drug. I had been asked all along if I was under
stress, which I denied, and still do. But the fact remains, the hiccups are gone with no
recurrence, though the medication is no longer being used. The other problem resulted in me
agreeing with a gastroenterologist to make an appointment to enter a hospital next Monday,
during which time a scope will be inserted down my esophagus into my stomach to see what,
if any, problems can be detected. At any rate, it appears that I am going to have to learn
to eat differently, more blandly and in less quantity. What is that old saying about every
cloud having a silver lining? I could stand to lose some weight! (Late-breaking news! I
learned yesterday, through an endoscopy, that I have severe gastritis, a hiatal hernia, and
infection of the esophagus. I am on 4 different medications trying to combat it so I don’t
have to have surgery.)
May I say once again how blessed I feel that God has allowed me to come here and work with
these wonderful people. I have many friends throughout the city, and I pray that some of
them (if not all) will someday be my brothers and sisters in Christ. There is much
competition in the area for the minds of men, some overtly evil and some ostensibly
spiritual. I know I need to be careful not to become involved in anything but the
proclamation of the gospel, but sometimes it is a real challenge not to address some of the
false doctrines floating around. I am sure God will provide opportunity to speak boldly in
proclamation in the days and years ahead. Please pray for me to that end.
Because of Jesus, and in his love
Tom
|
February – March 2004
It seems hardly possible that nineteen months have passed
since I made Lushnja, Albania my home. God has been busy educating me in many
different ways. The most important lesson did not begin here, but on the day I chose to
become a follower of Jesus, as it does with all who follow him. That lesson is one
of learning to trust absolutely in God rather than in yourself. As I said, my
learning has not always kept up with the teaching, but the lessons and the learning
continue. Please lift me up before the throne of God that I may be who God needs
me to be here in this environment.
I was able to secure a van for use in the work here!
Soon after I got it two of the young men from the church and I went to Fier, a city
about 40 kilometers south of here, for their Sunday afternoon worship. Also
present there that day was a group of Pepperdine University students who are involved
with the university’s year in Europe program in Florence, Italy, and the director of
that program. The boys commented later about how much they had enjoyed that
opportunity to meet Christians they had not known before. I have also been able to
make use of the van as I travel into Tirana each Saturday to work with the church there
on learning to sing in four-part harmony. I do have to be a little circumspect in
my use of the van, as fuel here is quite expensive. The van has a diesel engine,
for which the fuel is about $2.72 per gallon. Gasoline is more expensive, selling
for around $3.96 per gallon. I have been seeing that the prices in America are on
the rise now, but it likely be a while before you catch up with us. I am thankful that
the van gets around 29 mpg, if my conversion from the metric system is correct. Thanks
to all of you who contributed in any way to helping make the purchase of the van
possible. Having it enables me to come and go on my time schedule, and be involved
in things that I would not otherwise be able to.
I am asked quite frequently by the Albanian people how I am
doing living here, what I like best about Albania. My answer is always the same:
the people. Let me share some of the reasons why I say this. The income
level of the people here is far below what most people in the U.S. enjoy, but do you
think I can buy anyone a cup of coffee? No! My money is no good for that
purpose. Today I was sitting at an outside coffee bar having coffee with a man (a
car parts store owner) when a group of boys with whom I have made acquaintance noticed
me and came over. One of them asked if this was my friend, to which I replied
“yes”. He then wanted to know if I had a lot of friends here and I was glad to be
able to tell him I have many friends in Lushnja. The day I bought the van I was
stopped because the van still had expired German license plates on it. When I
revealed to the policemen that I was an American, they started wanting to talk politics.
It was comical to see one of them voice his support of George Bush, while the other
showed himself to be a John Kerry supporter. Politics here are a sore spot with
most Albanians, and they welcome the chance to talk about what the situation is like in
America. Another example of the generosity of the Albanians came when I stopped at
a car parts store, owned by yet another friend, to have him look and listen to the van.
He ended up putting a new part in the engine area, for which he would not let me pay for
either the part or the labor. Many such examples could be given, but suffice it to
say that I am very well-treated by the Albanian people, who have suffered mistreatment
for centuries at the hands of others. Please pray that God will use me to open
eyes to the wonderful love of our Lord, who is the giver of every perfect gift.
Some of the readers of this newsletter have asked how I am
doing with the health problems I shared about with you in the last newsletter. I
am glad to say that I have experienced the disappearance of the symptoms that were
so problematic, though the cause still exists. With God’s blessing, I will likely
not need any kind of surgery for those problems. I may, however, need to undergo
surgery for a different problem, which I have faced before. I am checking into
what options are available for such an undertaking in Europe, so I don’t have to make a
trip back to the States, if surgery is required. Please keep my health in your
prayers, please.
There are some frustrations in beginning a new work.
One of the major ones for me has been instilling the principle of involvement with the
body for worship and fellowship. I know this is true of churches everywhere, at
least any of the congregations I have worked with over the years. As has been
shared in previous newsletters, most of our new Christians are teenagers, thus still
under the authority of their parents. Education is a very big item on the agenda
of most parents, as regards their children. If the parent says stay home and work
on your studies, that is what one does. But with all of the frustration, there are
also blessings. Orieta Llupo, to whom I
have referred in the past, lifted me up again a couple of weeks ago. She is the
young lady whose father at first said she could be baptized, but couldn’t be involved
with the church. After we talked, she went home and talked with her father again,
and he gave his permission for her to be baptized and participate with the
church. Well, recently he explained his actions: he did not want her to get
involved with something in which she did not really believe, but he could see now that
she really did believe in what she was doing and what she was being taught. Praise
God!
I just spent an hour with a young man who may be a brother
one day. He is a very intense young man, and one who will be a blessing to the
Lord’s church here if he arrives at the decision to give his life to the Lord. He
has been trying very desperately to get out of the country, but has found all channels
blocked. One avenue he considered was to enter another country illegally, and hope
for the best if he was caught. I am thankful he has abandoned that thinking.
Please put Ilir Shima in your prayers.
Part of my personal support enabling me to be here is being
supplied by the Bell Trust Fund, with the balance being provided by my sponsoring
congregation, the Metro church of Christ in Gresham, Oregon. The normal practice
of the Bell Trust is to reduce their involvement by 20% each year for works they are
supporting. This year that policy resulted in a loss of $300 per month from them,
only $75 of which has been replaced. If you are able, and believe in what is being
done here, would you consider becoming a supporter of this worker, in this ministry?
Your help would be greatly appreciated. The best way to handle this would be to inform
me first, then send any contributions to:
|
March – April 2005
Greetings in the name of him who carries us over the troubled waters of life, Jesus Christ.
Reflection
I read something recently that caused, and is still causing, a great deal of reflection in
my life. It had to do with recalling the challenging and disappointing times of life, and
the almost universal inclination to wish we had not had to face such things. The pain of
physical and emotional suffering is certainly never enjoyable. However, it is at such
moments that characters are built and strengths for the future trials of life are acquired.
It is certain that all of us can think of situations we would rather have not faced. In
that recollection, however, we can also think of ways in which we have been benefited,
perhaps in far greater degree than what we have suffered or lost. As I think back on my
life of the past sixty-plus years, painful memories return. As I think of the past two and
one-half years that I have spent in Albania, I can also identify things I would rather have
not gone through, and some of them are very current and present in my life. This much I
know, however. Our God does not allow his children to face unendurable temptations to turn
away from the path of life, but always provides escape routes. That does not mean we do not
suffer the things addressed above, but it does mean that always we can grow and glorify the
Lord if we will keep our focus on Him who gives us life. I don’t always do that, and I fail
to be who I should be in those times. But forgiveness, and strength for the battles of
life, is always available to us. Much of the technique of spiritual survival is acquired in
the most difficult events of life. Praise God for difficulties!!
Bridge Building
In March I made a trip to Zagreb, Croatia. The purpose of the trip was to help in the
effecting of communication between two elements of the church. The terms generally applied
to these two groups are the “mainline” church, and the former International Church of
Christ. I don’t like labels, and I also know the Lord grieves over the divisions we humans
create between ourselves. It is to be hoped that any attempts to build communication and
bridges between brothers and sisters in Christ can only be seen as positive by all. I was
pleased to find out when I got there that there was more communication and mutual
involvement already in existence than I had understood. I met some wonderful Christians
from both “sides”, and believe that there are many opportunities ahead for God to be
glorified by the acceptance in love, each group of the other.
While in Croatia I also got to reconnect with Tom and Sandra
Sibley. Tom and I served together on staff with the church in Vancouver, WA a
number of years ago. The Sibleys have been serving the Lord in Zagreb for six years now,
and feel as if it is where they will spend the rest of their years.
I also traveled by train to the other side of Croatia to visit with
Besmir Bërboti, the young man from here who is attending school with the goal
in mind to come back and work for the Lord with the church here in Lushnjë. He has some
real challenges ahead of him to complete this dream, so I would ask that you
include him in your prayers, especially that Satan would
be held at bay through this difficult time.
Not Far From The Kingdom
There continues to be hope and joy in my heart over the nearness to the kingdom of some of
those with whom I have been studying. Sometimes, when I don’t understand why they are
delaying, I find myself feeling that perhaps they really do not understand the commitment
part of this decision, though I have worked very hard to try to communicate it to them. I
certainly will not try to rush people into an action that their hearts have not led them
to. Then there are others, both since I have been in Albania as well as throughout my
ministry, who have chosen to be baptized but who have failed to follow through on living
for the Lord. I am reminded of the parable of our Lord which taught that saying “yes” but
failing to obey is useless; at the same time, when one says “no” but later does what was
asked, the Lord’s will is done. I pray not only for people to make the right choices about
entering the kingdom, but that those of us who are children of God through God’s grace and
our obedience will always say “yes” to the call we have received.
Issues Of Concern
I have been waging some “red tape” wars with various elements of Albanian documentation
processes. I still am try to secure my leje qëndrimi (permission to stay), which would be a
lot more comfortable than being an “illegal alien”. I have had no difficulties of any kind
as a result of this status, but I want to be in full compliance with the requirements of
Albanian law. In addition, I have been trying to secure non-profit status for the World
English Institute office, so that taxes are not imposed. It seems we will have to pay a
cleaning tax for streets and garbage collection (about $400 per year) and a sign tax (about
$15 per year). In addition, I have been trying to get the church registered as a
foundation, that status under which all churches have fallen until now. The Albanian
government, however, is now trying to draft a new law governing all religious
organizations. The exact reasons for this are not clear, but could involve a number of
things. First, Albania wants eventually to gain admittance to the European Union, and this
kind of law will likely be a prerequisite to that taking place. Secondly, there have been a
number of suicides in recent months within the religious community, mostly young people.
This is causing some concern in all quarters. Thirdly, four groups are recognized by the
government as religions, and they might be putting some pressure on the government to step
in and try to regulate the numerous groups that have come here that are not officially
recognized. My own endeavors for the foundation status are hampered by the fact that only
one of the active members of the church here is of “accountable age” (18) and thus able to
sign legal documents. Please keep all of this in your prayers in the days and months ahead.
The “Close To Macedonia” Call
In Acts 16:9 the apostle Paul had a vision during the night. It was “of a man from
Macedonia standing and begging him, ‘Come over to Macedonia and help us.’” In New Testament
times it is thought that what is now Albania was a part of Macedonia.
I am still looking for people to come and work in teaching Bible and English here in
Lushnja during the month of August. At this point, I know of two who are
planning to come, one for two weeks, and one is going to try to be here for three weeks. I
do not come to you in a vision, as in Acts, but I am in effect
begging for workers. Dick Ady, one of the elders in my sponsoring congregation
and the author of the World English Institute materials, is working with me to try to
secure workers. Would you answer the Albanian call? Who knows who might be in heaven
because of your decision to do so? May God bless you as you contemplate this request, and
the potential for eternity if you accept. If you are interested in answering the call,
please email either Dick Ady or me. Dick’s email address is weiady@aol.com. Mine, of
course, is tommetro@comcast.net.
God’s Blessings
May God be with you as you seek to serve in your own ministry, whatever that may be. If you
do not have a ministry, find one! God did not call us all to the same task, but he did call
us all to serve in the kingdom. Teaching children, preparing meals, visiting the sick,
etc., are all ministries. However God has given you talents, use them to his glory.
Because we are loved from above,
Tom |
|
Tom Bonner
February 2005
My Apologies
You
will never know how many times I have tried to send a newsletter, and been thwarted in the
attempt. I could give you a long list of reasons, but you probably don’t want to hear
them anyway, so I won’t. Suffice it to say some of the very long delay
between reports has been partly due to technical things, and partly due to “Tom” things.
I hereby commit to doing better in the future. Many of you have supported this
ministry faithfully from the beginning, and you certainly deserve better communication
about the work than has been the case lately. I hesitate to make promises about
future frequency of communication, and resolutions often go amiss. But, please know
that I love and appreciate all of you, and your great patience.
The
van purchased for the work here continues to be a mixed bag of blessing/frustration.
It is certainly a blessing in the times when I must, or desire to, make trips into Tirana
or some of the other cities around. The air conditioning I had installed in Athens, Greece
has not functioned correctly from the beginning. The owner of the shop where I had
the work done seems ready to make things right, but that means that in the spring I must
take another long drive down to Greece. Anybody want to go along for the ride?
Labor on the van, when I need to have anything done to it, is relatively inexpensive.
Parts and other necessities have a larger price on them, however. Oil, for example,
is more than $6 per liter, which is a little over a quart. The van holds ten liters,
so when I change the oil it costs more than $60 just for the oil.
Most of my travel over the past several months has been into Tirana for
the purpose of working with a group of members there to learn to sing four-part harmony in
Albanian. Most singing in the church here is done in unison, as people just are not
that familiar with any other type of singing. The church in Tirana has a dream of
utilizing the group I have been working with to teach the church there to sing in harmony,
and then to use the group to make a CD which can be made available to the other churches in
Albania. One night as I was returning from a practice session, I was “kidnapped” by a
policeman. I was flagged down by this policeman, but when I stopped he did not come
to the driver’s side of the vehicle, but began trying to open the passenger door. The
door was locked, and all of my stuff was in the seat and floorboard on that side of the
van. He became very irate as I tried to talk with him through the closed door and
window, so I opened the door. He informed me he wanted me to take him to a village
near Lushnja, so I hesitantly transferred my things to the second seat and he climbed in
and began to make himself “at home”. He made 5 or 6 very angry phone calls, with
yelling and cursing, on his cellular, then insisted that I pull into a karburant
(service station) so he could look up another number. When we got over to the main
highway he tried to get me to drive faster than I was, sixty kilometers per hour, which was
the posted speed limit. I refused, telling him I would not drive over the speed
limit. Several times he tried to hurry me up, and I told him I would not drive
faster, but would let him out if he was not happy with my driving. Finally he had me
pull over and he got out. As he slammed the door he was muttering, “Gjashtëdhjetë,
gjashtëdhjetë,” which is the Albanian word for “sixty”.
continue to have excellent studies with the students, especially those
who are school teachers. They are telling me that when they complete the WEI
materials, they want to continue with me in some other study. I will have to evaluate
the wisdom of that, and the progress of the spiritual process. I would like to ask
you to pray for Ariana, Silvana, Alma, Anjeza, Erid, Marsel, Saimir and
Juxhin. We have many excellent discussions about spiritual matters, and I
pray that they will become members of God’s family at some time in the future.
A couple of them are involved with another church here in town, and some are from
Muslim families. There are some issues that have come up in our studies that have been
eye-opening for them. Alma, in particular, has expressed an interest in
being baptized. She is married, the mother of two children, a school teacher, and has
been of the Muslim faith all her life, as is her husband. There are some roadblocks
to her decision, and I ask that you will pray for the Lord to work in her heart to overcome
Satan’s efforts to discourage her.
Seeking Albanian Worker For Lushnja
One
thing that has been a goal since I came here is to get a competent Albanian to come and
work in Lushnja. This is not a “destination” city, and I have had little success
getting people interested. Not much goes on socially or commercially here, and people
have little to draw them into the area. I ask that you pray for the Lord to send
someone who can become a leader in the church here. I did have a conversation
recently with a young man from Albania (Tirana) who is a student at the Bible school in
Athens that is affiliated with the Sunset International Institute of Biblical Studies.
He finished in December, but has some problems with coming back into the country due to the
compulsory military service imposed on all young men. If it is to become a reality,
financial support will also have to be raised for him. Please keep this whole
situation in your prayers, as well.
Those of you who have known me over the years will be very familiar with
the name of Fran. I am saddened to have to share with you that she passed from this
life on September 16. She had been battling lymphoma for a number of years, enduring
chemotherapy and radiation treatments in an effort to try to eliminate the disease.
But, after a six-week stay in the hospital, she lost the battle. Thankfully, all of
our children were able to be with her at the time, and sang and prayed with her prior to
her departure. The children, as well as the elders of the Metro congregation,
encouraged me to come to the States for both my benefit and the benefit of the family.
The elders set about seeking to raise the funds to make this possible, and I was able to
make the trip. Many of you contributed to make that trip a reality, and I thank
you so very much. I also had to have some surgery (hernia repairs) while in
the States on this trip. I had some difficulties after my return to Albania, but all
that seems to have righted itself.
Young Preachers
It is
encouraging that two of our young men here are wanting to preach. I am trying not to
be too human in my evaluation of their personal motivations, and am willing to let the
Spirit of the Lord work with them about that. These two young men are Altin
Koçi and Besmir Bërboti. I will share more about them later,
but am attaching some photos of them, and of the group who met for worship on February 6.
Summer Campaign
One of the most effective ways of reaching people here has proven to be
helping them improve their English. Campaigns during the summer provide the
opportunity for much contact, especially with the younger people. I am contemplating
a campaign this summer, and am looking for four interested parties to join with me
in this project of teaching. It might be possible that you cannot come for four
weeks, but would be willing to come for two weeks. Your expenses will not
be paid, and it will be hard work. But it is also one of the most rewarding
experiences many people have ever had, and some teachers commit year after year to helping
spread the gospel in this way. If you are interested in helping here in Lushnja,
please contact me by email as soon as possible. We are looking, most likely, at the
month of August as the time for the campaign.
tommetro@comcast.net
In the
hands of Jesus,
Tom |
May-June 2005
A Growing Family
I am pleased and thrilled to tell you that we have two new sisters in Christ. On May 29
Silvana Eksarko and Alma Kajdo were baptized into Christ
in the Adriatic Sea. Both have been studying with me for more than a year, and have become
my friends even before they became my sisters. They are sisters-in-law to each other (Alma
is married to Silvana’s brother), and were both raised as nominal Moslems. Prior to their
baptisms I asked each to share who Jesus was and what he meant in their lives. Both had
beautiful statements, summed up in the words of Alma: “I had known about God, but I did not
know about Jesus. Now I know that He is my Savior.” The ladies are both school teachers,
and Alma has two children (see attached pictures). Silvana’s husband works in Greece and is
seldom in the country. Much zeal and enthusiasm is brought to our small body here with the
addition of these two ladies.
&AlmaKajdo.jpg)
Silvana Eksarko and Alma Kajdo
Also in the “growing family” category is my own physical
family. Ava Faith was born June 1 in Vancouver, WA to
Trey and Jenn. This brings to an even dozen the number
of grandchildren I have, divided equally gender-wise. “Cheaper by the dozen” is really true
when spread out between four families.
Looking To The Future
It has always been my desire that the work here have Albanian leadership. Such has been
hard to come by. All of our members are young in the faith, and most of them are in their
teen years. There is a possibility that there is a young Albanian man, a graduate of the
Sunset International Bible Institute school in Athens, who might be available for the work
here. Of course, the church would have to approve of him and he would have to desire to
work here in Lushnja. When those two items are dealt with, there is then the question of
support. I am beginning now to look for churches or individuals who would be willing to
commit to helping in the support of a full-time national worker for the
church here. Would you be one of those people or congregations? I believe God wants to do
great things here, if we are willing to cooperate with Him. May we join hands in this
effort?
This And That
The first part of May I made a quick trip to Athens to secure service on the AC I had
installed in our van. It had not been working properly since it was installed, and I had to
take it back to the point of origin to see if we could improve it. It is better now, but
still not up to the standards of what one would normally expect for an AC system. Oh, well!
The process for securing the “permission to stay” document is moving along quite nicely
now, thanks to the efforts of the local police commissar who is in charge of such things
for the Lushnja district. Hopefully within a week or two I will have been granted the
permit.
We are in the “election season” here in Albania, with July 3 being the projected date of
national elections. I do spend a lot of time, even in America, thinking about politics.
Here in Albania many people have the same perspective. There is here a general distrust of
anything to do with national politics, and charges of corruption flow back and forth
between the major political combatants and their parties. I have been unable to verify the
exact number of political parties in Albania, but I have been told that there may be as
many as ninety. Some time back I heard the figure sixty-five, which in itself boggles the
imagination in a country one-third the size of the US state of Oregon. With the run-up to
the elections significant things happen.
The electric power situation here has been vastly improved for the past 1 ½ to 2 months. We
have gone from being without power for six hours per day, to having power twenty-four hours
per day. We are also once again seeing much activity in road improvement, etc., both in our
district and throughout the country. I am told that all of this is predicated on the
upcoming elections. We’ll see what things are like after the elections.
I have been asked by the church in Tirana to meet with them each Sunday evening during the
summer and help them learn to sing in four-part harmony. Traditional singing in parts here
usually means virtually identical notes sung in different octaves, so it is a real
challenge to transition into singing four-part harmony. I was sure to make clear as we
began the project that God listens differently than we do. He listens to the hearts first
and the voices second.
On one of my trips into Tirana I was involved in a small “fender bender”. I won’t go into
detail, but found myself taking the blame, though I was not at fault. Everything is fine,
the van is repaired, and the insurance worked (to the surprise of some of my Albanian
friends).
I was asked by the US Embassy to serve in a “warden’s” capacity for the Lushnja district,
helping to identify US citizens and verify information they previously shared with the
Embassy. I was glad to assist, and may be called on to serve in a somewhat permanent way in
the capacity of district warden.
On June 12 I took a group of eleven from here to meet with the church in
Fier for their worship. They meet in the afternoon, so we
were able to worship here in the morning before going down to Fier. It was a good
experience for all. Our group outnumbered the ones from Fier 2 to1, and it gave our people
a good feeling to be able to encourage the group there in this way.
Mirupafshim Për Tani (Goodbye for now)
Thank you so much for your interest in what God is doing here in Lushnja, Albania.
Sometimes it gets frustrating that we have not seen more progress in the almost three years
since this work began. That sentiment is put in perspective, however, by a comment shared
with me which was made by a missionary in Africa concerning his work there: “About the only
thing we accomplished in the first five years is that we stayed.” My plan when I came here
was to stay at least five years, and at this point that goal has not changed. If God wants
me here longer, or elsewhere sooner, I am open to that. In the meantime, please pray that I
will glorify only God and not myself in the work attempted.
In Jesus’ arms,
Tom |
July 2005
Correction And Observations
I was looking back over the last newsletter and discovered an incorrect statement I made
therein. In reporting on the fact that we were coming up to elections here in Albania, I
offered my perceptions of that event. I intended to say “I do not spend a lot of time, even
in America, thinking about politics.” However, I left out the “not” in what I wrote. Like
most people anywhere in the world, I don’t think much about politics unless the political
situation is having a direct negative effect on me. Having made that correction, allow me
to give some observations about the elections here in Albania. The party in power did not
win the election nationally, and the district of Lushnja voted in majority for the major
challenging party. Yet, almost everyone with whom I speak here is unhappy with the outcome
of the elections. Sounds a bit like the “silent majority” issue of a few years back in the
U.S., doesn’t it? Only time will tell what effects the change in government will bring
about.
Comings and Goings
Early in the month we were invited to attend a lecture at the church in Tirana dealing with
the subject of sexuality from a Christian standpoint, presented by a visiting American sex
therapist. Its intended audience was teenagers, and the goal was to encourage abstinence.
Nine young people from our area went, including two young men whom I had not met before.
They were friends of one our members, and he invited them along. I discovered very quickly
that inappropriate concepts on this subject are not confined to Americans alone. I was very
glad, however, to see that the young people involved with the church here agreed, for the
most part, with the perspective of the presenter.
The Leje Qëndrimi (permission to stay) saga continues. I received a visit from the police
commissar, telling me that I needed to come see him at police headquarters. I learned that
three of the documents presented in this process needed to be changed in some way, either
updated or notarized. I have updated the documents and delivered them to the commissar. We
will see now what the time line is, as the documents must go from here to Fier, then to
Tirana, yet again.
My primary perspective in my work here has been to “make disciples”, not necessarily create
a big church. I believe strongly that this is the way to establish an ongoing body of
believers anywhere. It is encouraging to me to see that there are a number of leaders in
the church who are beginning to rethink the “mega church” concept, and focus more on
building Christ into the individuals. I realize that such focus is not always what
financial supporters want to see. If one is putting money into anything, “return on the
dollar” is usually the measure of success, and the initiative for continuing involvement.
Since the beginning of the church, however, the Lord has called us to live by a different
standard than that by which the world lives, in every aspect of our lives.
Two individuals are coming from America to spend a bit of time with the work here in
Lushnja. Doug Davis, one of my most valued encouragers
over the past several years, will be one of those. The other is
Myrna Rockwell, whom I have come to appreciate very much over the past couple of
years. Both are from the Portland, OR area – Doug from the Metro church in Gresham, and
Myrna from the Eastside church in Portland. A good deal of my time of late has been spent
in preparing for their arrivals, Myrna on July 28 and Doug on July 30. Quality housing for
short term stays is hard to come by. The hotel in which I lived for a month after my
arrival here is no longer a hotel, but a kindergarten. The more decent hotels are pretty
expensive for more than one or two nights. In the past I have been able to find private
housing in vacant homes for those who came. It seems that now, though, people are getting
into the “market economy” mentality and are not wanting to rent for less than a year to
outsiders. Doug will be staying with me, but finding an acceptable place close in to the
center of the city for Myrna has been more difficult. Yesterday, however, I finalized that
quest, though it is not the ideal, by any means.
It is interesting, and encouraging, to walk through the city and have people speak to me
and call me by name whom I have never met face to face. I try to greet people as I walk,
and I do know enough people throughout the city that I guess my name has been shared from
person to person. One jovial older gentleman (who was a part of the communist government of
the past) delights in greeting me and checking on my progress in the Albanian language.
A good quantity of people spends most of their time begging, and training their children in
the same activity. Quite a number of the children have approached me, but I no longer give
them money. Many of the Albanians have discouraged me from doing so, and I have seen small
children take the money given them and go buy, and smoke, cigarettes. So I will only buy
something for them to eat, with instructions to the shopkeepers that they are not to
exchange with the children for cash what I buy. At times there are five or six of them
waiting for me as I go between my home and the office. Poverty has a whole different
meaning for me here than in America. I’m sure I was living in an “ivory tower” of sorts
throughout my life, and didn’t see a lot of what was around me. I am trying to learn to see
with the eyes of Jesus. I know that money or material things will not provide what people
really need, but some of those issues must be dealt with in order to have people’s
attention. Please pray that I will have wisdom in all ways as I seek to serve the Lord
here, or elsewhere.
Toward the end of the month the weather turned hot, with the high temperature for the
period registering at 104 degrees. Hotter than what I am used to, or can appreciate and
enjoy. Several other days approached the 100 degree mark, and it continues to be quite
warm. I certainly am appreciative of having been able to secure air-conditioning for both
the office and my home. Again, though, I am a bit embarrassed at my search for comfort when
compared with our Lord. He left heaven, with all that implies, to come to live at a time
and in a place where creature-comforts such as we now enjoy were all but non-existent.
Lord, forgive me when I complain!!
Appreciation
Thank you again, all of you, for you interest and participation in this ministry. I covet
your prayers above all else. I do not understand at all times what God is seeking to do in
and with my life. In fact, I’m not sure I ever really understand it, but I am trying to be
submissive to it. If we can learn to be submissive though we do not understand the “why”,
God can certainly do more with us, and we will be more at peace within ourselves. That is
knowing the “peace of God that passes understanding”. May God help us all in that endeavor!
Surrounded by His love,
Tom |
July 2005
Correction And Observations
I was looking back over the last newsletter and discovered an incorrect statement I made
therein. In reporting on the fact that we were coming up to elections here in Albania, I
offered my perceptions of that event. I intended to say “I do not spend a lot of time, even
in America, thinking about politics.” However, I left out the “not” in what I wrote. Like
most people anywhere in the world, I don’t think much about politics unless the political
situation is having a direct negative effect on me. Having made that correction, allow me
to give some observations about the elections here in Albania. The party in power did not
win the election nationally, and the district of Lushnja voted in majority for the major
challenging party. Yet, almost everyone with whom I speak here is unhappy with the outcome
of the elections. Sounds a bit like the “silent majority” issue of a few years back in the
U.S., doesn’t it? Only time will tell what effects the change in government will bring
about.
Comings and Goings
Early in the month we were invited to attend a lecture at the church in Tirana dealing with
the subject of sexuality from a Christian standpoint, presented by a visiting American sex
therapist. Its intended audience was teenagers, and the goal was to encourage abstinence.
Nine young people from our area went, including two young men whom I had not met before.
They were friends of one our members, and he invited them along. I discovered very quickly
that inappropriate concepts on this subject are not confined to Americans alone. I was very
glad, however, to see that the young people involved with the church here agreed, for the
most part, with the perspective of the presenter.
The Leje Qëndrimi (permission to stay) saga continues. I received a visit from the police
commissar, telling me that I needed to come see him at police headquarters. I learned that
three of the documents presented in this process needed to be changed in some way, either
updated or notarized. I have updated the documents and delivered them to the commissar. We
will see now what the time line is, as the documents must go from here to Fier, then to
Tirana, yet again.
My primary perspective in my work here has been to “make disciples”, not necessarily create
a big church. I believe strongly that this is the way to establish an ongoing body of
believers anywhere. It is encouraging to me to see that there are a number of leaders in
the church who are beginning to rethink the “mega church” concept, and focus more on
building Christ into the individuals. I realize that such focus is not always what
financial supporters want to see. If one is putting money into anything, “return on the
dollar” is usually the measure of success, and the initiative for continuing involvement.
Since the beginning of the church, however, the Lord has called us to live by a different
standard than that by which the world lives, in every aspect of our lives.
Two individuals are coming from America to spend a bit of time with the work here in
Lushnja. Doug Davis, one of my most valued encouragers
over the past several years, will be one of those. The other is
Myrna Rockwell, whom I have come to appreciate very much over the past couple of
years. Both are from the Portland, OR area – Doug from the Metro church in Gresham, and
Myrna from the Eastside church in Portland. A good deal of my time of late has been spent
in preparing for their arrivals, Myrna on July 28 and Doug on July 30. Quality housing for
short term stays is hard to come by. The hotel in which I lived for a month after my
arrival here is no longer a hotel, but a kindergarten. The more decent hotels are pretty
expensive for more than one or two nights. In the past I have been able to find private
housing in vacant homes for those who came. It seems that now, though, people are getting
into the “market economy” mentality and are not wanting to rent for less than a year to
outsiders. Doug will be staying with me, but finding an acceptable place close in to the
center of the city for Myrna has been more difficult. Yesterday, however, I finalized that
quest, though it is not the ideal, by any means.
It is interesting, and encouraging, to walk through the city and have people speak to me
and call me by name whom I have never met face to face. I try to greet people as I walk,
and I do know enough people throughout the city that I guess my name has been shared from
person to person. One jovial older gentleman (who was a part of the communist government of
the past) delights in greeting me and checking on my progress in the Albanian language.
A good quantity of people spends most of their time begging, and training their children in
the same activity. Quite a number of the children have approached me, but I no longer give
them money. Many of the Albanians have discouraged me from doing so, and I have seen small
children take the money given them and go buy, and smoke, cigarettes. So I will only buy
something for them to eat, with instructions to the shopkeepers that they are not to
exchange with the children for cash what I buy. At times there are five or six of them
waiting for me as I go between my home and the office. Poverty has a whole different
meaning for me here than in America. I’m sure I was living in an “ivory tower” of sorts
throughout my life, and didn’t see a lot of what was around me. I am trying to learn to see
with the eyes of Jesus. I know that money or material things will not provide what people
really need, but some of those issues must be dealt with in order to have people’s
attention. Please pray that I will have wisdom in all ways as I seek to serve the Lord
here, or elsewhere.
Toward the end of the month the weather turned hot, with the high temperature for the
period registering at 104 degrees. Hotter than what I am used to, or can appreciate and
enjoy. Several other days approached the 100 degree mark, and it continues to be quite
warm. I certainly am appreciative of having been able to secure air-conditioning for both
the office and my home. Again, though, I am a bit embarrassed at my search for comfort when
compared with our Lord. He left heaven, with all that implies, to come to live at a time
and in a place where creature-comforts such as we now enjoy were all but non-existent.
Lord, forgive me when I complain!!
Appreciation
Thank you again, all of you, for you interest and participation in this ministry. I covet
your prayers above all else. I do not understand at all times what God is seeking to do in
and with my life. In fact, I’m not sure I ever really understand it, but I am trying to be
submissive to it. If we can learn to be submissive though we do not understand the “why”,
God can certainly do more with us, and we will be more at peace within ourselves. That is
knowing the “peace of God that passes understanding”. May God help us all in that endeavor!
Surrounded by His love,
Tom |
Life Today In Albania
In a previous newsletter I mentioned that elections were being held here. The controlling
party has changed, but none of the campaign-promised changes have taken place. I have read
several different accounts of Albanian political observers and they point out that some
really major changes must take place before Albania can move ahead much further than where
we are now. At the present time the big issue is that the state-owned electrical company is
all but bankrupt, reservoirs are all but empty, and for a good part of every day
electricity is all but non-existent. From 7 a.m. until 4 p.m. we are without power at the
office, and then again later it can go off for an hour or two. The last two nights the
electricity in my neighborhood has gone off just as I approach my house, and it stays off
for 1-2 hours. Many of our days are without electricity for twelve hours. I have learned to
get along pretty well with candles and a battery-powered lantern for the normal things, but
it is certainly different than living in the Northwest U.S. where ample power has been a
part of my life for so long. One writer observed that the two major political parties
(there are 133) will protest against one another regularly in the major square of Tirana,
the capital city, but neither party has ever protested against the lack of power, lack of
adequate jobs or corruption in the government. In Albania, a country of about 3.3 million
people, almost one-third of the population lives below the poverty level. Certainly we must
be praying about these conditions.
Other problems that must be dealt with before progress can be made towards joining the
European Union are: 1. The confiscation of illegally owned guns. Albanians shoot at or into
each other on far too frequent a basis; 2. Corruption at all levels of government,
including the police and school administrations; 3. Contraband goods; 4. Trafficking in
human slavery, usually for sexual purposes. All of these things exist everywhere in
Albania, and detract from the quality of life.
A Beautiful Body Forming
God is doing marvelous things here. It is such a blessing to see the church, small though
we are, really beginning to bond together in love and enjoy one another’s company. Please
pray that the relatives of our members may be impressed with what they see happening in
their loved one, and seek to have the same changes in their lives. “All men will know that
you are my disciples if you love one another.” (John 13:35) Pray that our love for
brothers and sisters, no matter where we are, will grow and others will see Jesus.
Lifting Jesus high,
Tom |
|
November 2005
The Passing Of Time
Too much time has passed since I last sent out a report. Many things have happened since
that time, including the blessing of having Doug Davis and Myrna
Rockwell (both from the Portland area) come to visit and work with me for a time
here in Lushnja. The fruit of their time is still being realized. Just today one of the
students with whom Myrna originally studied told me that she is thinking of being baptized.
There are some additional hurdles to get over, but her heart has been touched with the love
of God in Christ. The members of the church here were greatly impressed with Doug and
Myrna. Prior to Myrna’s leaving some of the members got together and bought her a memorial
plaque of Albania.
Myrna with Alma, Arten and Silvana
While Doug and Myrna
were here we shared some outings to see some of the Albanian historical sites. Travel in
Albania is not at all like in America, and it can be a real challenge getting from place to
place. Doug described the roads in Albania, including the major highways, as being somewhat
like the forest service roads of America. But to see buildings, or the remains thereof,
that date back over 2000 years stirs the imagination.Permission
Granted!
I did finally receive my Leje Qendrimi (permission to stay). But recently, when I made a
trip to Macedonia and Greece with the van, the border guards at both the place where I
exited and the place where I reentered Albania gave me some problems about the document. It
seems they felt it was not official-looking enough because the document was photo-copied,
and that I should get another one from the police here in Lushnja. I went back to the man
who issued it to me, explained what I had experienced at the borders, and was told by him
to have the border guards call the police secretary in Lushnja if they have any problems.
What that translates to is that if there are problems, I will be stuck at the border for
indefinite periods while things are straightened out. But it does feel very good to know
that I am in complete accord with the law. That, in turn, gives me more desire to see God’s
word spread here.
The Family Grows
What a joy it is when people say “Yes” to God’s message of love in Christ Jesus. Recently
two new sisters were added to the body of Christ, and they are both truly on fire for the
Lord. Atlanta Nezha was first introduced to me by
Altin Koçi, one of our members. He had asked Atlanta to
come for a coffee with the two of us. She accepted, but made it clear that she did not want
to talk about things religious, only wanted to talk to an American. We spent an hour
together on that occasion, and then she did come to our worship service. Gradually she
became pretty regular in attendance, and was bringing others, including her brother, with
her. On one occasion she brought two school friends, and in introducing me to them,
explained that she had wanted them to “come see what we do in (Can I say ‘our’?) church.”
Then one Sunday she walked in and informed me that she was thinking of becoming my sister.
We spent considerable time discussing the commitment involved in such a decision, and she
stated this was her heart’s desire. Since her baptism she has gone away to attend
university in Vlorë, a city to the south of us. Virgil Jackson,
the missionary there, tells me that she is in attendance every week, and usually brings
some friends with her. She misses the church here, but is glad to be in the kingdom.
At about the same time Bojkena Selmanaj also made a
decision to put Jesus on in baptism. Bojkena had been a
student in the World English Institute course with us a couple of years ago, and we
reactivated her involvement when Doug and Myrna were
here in August. She has been like a sponge in soaking up the truths about Jesus’ love for
her, and her heart is as tender and moldable as any I have ever encountered. She is only
fifteen years old, but has such a great desire to serve God, and to be right with Him in
all ways. She is continually bringing a number of others with her when she comes to
worship. She will be a great tool in the hands of our Lord. One of her dreams is to go to
America and study law at Harvard University, then come back to Albania. An ambitious dream,
but Bojkena might just be able to pull it off.
|
|
The
Lord’s Love For Lushnja
Tom Bonner
February 2005
My Apologies
You
will never know how many times I have tried to send a newsletter, and been thwarted in the
attempt. I could give you a long list of reasons, but you probably don’t want to hear
them anyway, so I won’t. Suffice it to say some of the very long delay
between reports has been partly due to technical things, and partly due to “Tom” things.
I hereby commit to doing better in the future. Many of you have supported this
ministry faithfully from the beginning, and you certainly deserve better communication
about the work than has been the case lately. I hesitate to make promises about
future frequency of communication, and resolutions often go amiss. But, please know
that I love and appreciate all of you, and your great patience.
The
van purchased for the work here continues to be a mixed bag of blessing/frustration.
It is certainly a blessing in the times when I must, or desire to, make trips into Tirana
or some of the other cities around. The air conditioning I had installed in Athens, Greece
has not functioned correctly from the beginning. The owner of the shop where I had
the work done seems ready to make things right, but that means that in the spring I must
take another long drive down to Greece. Anybody want to go along for the ride?
Labor on the van, when I need to have anything done to it, is relatively inexpensive.
Parts and other necessities have a larger price on them, however. Oil, for example,
is more than $6 per liter, which is a little over a quart. The van holds ten liters,
so when I change the oil it costs more than $60 just for the oil.
Most of my travel over the past several months has been into Tirana for
the purpose of working with a group of members there to learn to sing four-part harmony in
Albanian. Most singing in the church here is done in unison, as people just are not
that familiar with any other type of singing. The church in Tirana has a dream of
utilizing the group I have been working with to teach the church there to sing in harmony,
and then to use the group to make a CD which can be made available to the other churches in
Albania. One night as I was returning from a practice session, I was “kidnapped” by a
policeman. I was flagged down by this policeman, but when I stopped he did not come
to the driver’s side of the vehicle, but began trying to open the passenger door. The
door was locked, and all of my stuff was in the seat and floorboard on that side of the
van. He became very irate as I tried to talk with him through the closed door and
window, so I opened the door. He informed me he wanted me to take him to a village
near Lushnja, so I hesitantly transferred my things to the second seat and he climbed in
and began to make himself “at home”. He made 5 or 6 very angry phone calls, with
yelling and cursing, on his cellular, then insisted that I pull into a karburant
(service station) so he could look up another number. When we got over to the main
highway he tried to get me to drive faster than I was, sixty kilometers per hour, which was
the posted speed limit. I refused, telling him I would not drive over the speed
limit. Several times he tried to hurry me up, and I told him I would not drive
faster, but would let him out if he was not happy with my driving. Finally he had me
pull over and he got out. As he slammed the door he was muttering, “Gjashtëdhjetë,
gjashtëdhjetë,” which is the Albanian word for “sixty”.
continue to have excellent studies with the students, especially those
who are school teachers. They are telling me that when they complete the WEI
materials, they want to continue with me in some other study. I will have to evaluate
the wisdom of that, and the progress of the spiritual process. I would like to ask
you to pray for Ariana, Silvana, Alma, Anjeza, Erid, Marsel, Saimir and
Juxhin. We have many excellent discussions about spiritual matters, and I
pray that they will become members of God’s family at some time in the future.
A couple of them are involved with another church here in town, and some are from
Muslim families. There are some issues that have come up in our studies that have been
eye-opening for them. Alma, in particular, has expressed an interest in
being baptized. She is married, the mother of two children, a school teacher, and has
been of the Muslim faith all her life, as is her husband. There are some roadblocks
to her decision, and I ask that you will pray for the Lord to work in her heart to overcome
Satan’s efforts to discourage her.
Seeking Albanian Worker For Lushnja
One
thing that has been a goal since I came here is to get a competent Albanian to come and
work in Lushnja. This is not a “destination” city, and I have had little success
getting people interested. Not much goes on socially or commercially here, and people
have little to draw them into the area. I ask that you pray for the Lord to send
someone who can become a leader in the church here. I did have a conversation
recently with a young man from Albania (Tirana) who is a student at the Bible school in
Athens that is affiliated with the Sunset International Institute of Biblical Studies.
He finished in December, but has some problems with coming back into the country due to the
compulsory military service imposed on all young men. If it is to become a reality,
financial support will also have to be raised for him. Please keep this whole
situation in your prayers, as well.
Those of you who have known me over the years will be very familiar with
the name of Fran. I am saddened to have to share with you that she passed from this
life on September 16. She had been battling lymphoma for a number of years, enduring
chemotherapy and radiation treatments in an effort to try to eliminate the disease.
But, after a six-week stay in the hospital, she lost the battle. Thankfully, all of
our children were able to be with her at the time, and sang and prayed with her prior to
her departure. The children, as well as the elders of the Metro congregation,
encouraged me to come to the States for both my benefit and the benefit of the family.
The elders set about seeking to raise the funds to make this possible, and I was able to
make the trip. Many of you contributed to make that trip a reality, and I thank
you so very much. I also had to have some surgery (hernia repairs) while in
the States on this trip. I had some difficulties after my return to Albania, but all
that seems to have righted itself.
Young Preachers
It is
encouraging that two of our young men here are wanting to preach. I am trying not to
be too human in my evaluation of their personal motivations, and am willing to let the
Spirit of the Lord work with them about that. These two young men are Altin
Koçi and Besmir Bërboti. I will share more about them later,
but am attaching some photos of them, and of the group who met for worship on February 6.
Summer Campaign
One of the most effective ways of reaching people here has proven to be
helping them improve their English. Campaigns during the summer provide the
opportunity for much contact, especially with the younger people. I am contemplating
a campaign this summer, and am looking for four interested parties to join with me
in this project of teaching. It might be possible that you cannot come for four
weeks, but would be willing to come for two weeks. Your expenses will not
be paid, and it will be hard work. But it is also one of the most rewarding
experiences many people have ever had, and some teachers commit year after year to helping
spread the gospel in this way. If you are interested in helping here in Lushnja,
please contact me by email as soon as possible. We are looking, most likely, at the
month of August as the time for the campaign.
tommetro@comcast.net
In the
hands of Jesus,
Tom |
March – April 2005
Greetings in the name of him who carries us over the troubled waters of life, Jesus Christ.
Reflection
I read something recently that caused, and is still causing, a great deal of reflection in
my life. It had to do with recalling the challenging and disappointing times of life, and
the almost universal inclination to wish we had not had to face such things. The pain of
physical and emotional suffering is certainly never enjoyable. However, it is at such
moments that characters are built and strengths for the future trials of life are acquired.
It is certain that all of us can think of situations we would rather have not faced. In
that recollection, however, we can also think of ways in which we have been benefited,
perhaps in far greater degree than what we have suffered or lost. As I think back on my
life of the past sixty-plus years, painful memories return. As I think of the past two and
one-half years that I have spent in Albania, I can also identify things I would rather have
not gone through, and some of them are very current and present in my life. This much I
know, however. Our God does not allow his children to face unendurable temptations to turn
away from the path of life, but always provides escape routes. That does not mean we do not
suffer the things addressed above, but it does mean that always we can grow and glorify the
Lord if we will keep our focus on Him who gives us life. I don’t always do that, and I fail
to be who I should be in those times. But forgiveness, and strength for the battles of
life, is always available to us. Much of the technique of spiritual survival is acquired in
the most difficult events of life. Praise God for difficulties!!
Bridge Building
In March I made a trip to Zagreb, Croatia. The purpose of the trip was to help in the
effecting of communication between two elements of the church. The terms generally applied
to these two groups are the “mainline” church, and the former International Church of
Christ. I don’t like labels, and I also know the Lord grieves over the divisions we humans
create between ourselves. It is to be hoped that any attempts to build communication and
bridges between brothers and sisters in Christ can only be seen as positive by all. I was
pleased to find out when I got there that there was more communication and mutual
involvement already in existence than I had understood. I met some wonderful Christians
from both “sides”, and believe that there are many opportunities ahead for God to be
glorified by the acceptance in love, each group of the other.
While in Croatia I also got to reconnect with Tom and Sandra
Sibley. Tom and I served together on staff with the church in Vancouver, WA a
number of years ago. The Sibleys have been serving the Lord in Zagreb for six years now,
and feel as if it is where they will spend the rest of their years.
I also traveled by train to the other side of Croatia to visit with
Besmir Bërboti, the young man from here who is attending school with the goal
in mind to come back and work for the Lord with the church here in Lushnjë. He has some
real challenges ahead of him to complete this dream, so I would ask that you
include him in your prayers, especially that Satan would
be held at bay through this difficult time.
Not Far From The Kingdom
There continues to be hope and joy in my heart over the nearness to the kingdom of some of
those with whom I have been studying. Sometimes, when I don’t understand why they are
delaying, I find myself feeling that perhaps they really do not understand the commitment
part of this decision, though I have worked very hard to try to communicate it to them. I
certainly will not try to rush people into an action that their hearts have not led them
to. Then there are others, both since I have been in Albania as well as throughout my
ministry, who have chosen to be baptized but who have failed to follow through on living
for the Lord. I am reminded of the parable of our Lord which taught that saying “yes” but
failing to obey is useless; at the same time, when one says “no” but later does what was
asked, the Lord’s will is done. I pray not only for people to make the right choices about
entering the kingdom, but that those of us who are children of God through God’s grace and
our obedience will always say “yes” to the call we have received.
Issues Of Concern
I have been waging some “red tape” wars with various elements of Albanian documentation
processes. I still am try to secure my leje qëndrimi (permission to stay), which would be a
lot more comfortable than being an “illegal alien”. I have had no difficulties of any kind
as a result of this status, but I want to be in full compliance with the requirements of
Albanian law. In addition, I have been trying to secure non-profit status for the World
English Institute office, so that taxes are not imposed. It seems we will have to pay a
cleaning tax for streets and garbage collection (about $400 per year) and a sign tax (about
$15 per year). In addition, I have been trying to get the church registered as a
foundation, that status under which all churches have fallen until now. The Albanian
government, however, is now trying to draft a new law governing all religious
organizations. The exact reasons for this are not clear, but could involve a number of
things. First, Albania wants eventually to gain admittance to the European Union, and this
kind of law will likely be a prerequisite to that taking place. Secondly, there have been a
number of suicides in recent months within the religious community, mostly young people.
This is causing some concern in all quarters. Thirdly, four groups are recognized by the
government as religions, and they might be putting some pressure on the government to step
in and try to regulate the numerous groups that have come here that are not officially
recognized. My own endeavors for the foundation status are hampered by the fact that only
one of the active members of the church here is of “accountable age” (18) and thus able to
sign legal documents. Please keep all of this in your prayers in the days and months ahead.
The “Close To Macedonia” Call
In Acts 16:9 the apostle Paul had a vision during the night. It was “of a man from
Macedonia standing and begging him, ‘Come over to Macedonia and help us.’” In New Testament
times it is thought that what is now Albania was a part of Macedonia.
I am still looking for people to come and work in teaching Bible and English here in
Lushnja during the month of August. At this point, I know of two who are
planning to come, one for two weeks, and one is going to try to be here for three weeks. I
do not come to you in a vision, as in Acts, but I am in effect
begging for workers. Dick Ady, one of the elders in my sponsoring congregation
and the author of the World English Institute materials, is working with me to try to
secure workers. Would you answer the Albanian call? Who knows who might be in heaven
because of your decision to do so? May God bless you as you contemplate this request, and
the potential for eternity if you accept. If you are interested in answering the call,
please email either Dick Ady or me. Dick’s email address is weiady@aol.com. Mine, of
course, is tommetro@comcast.net.
God’s Blessings
May God be with you as you seek to serve in your own ministry, whatever that may be. If you
do not have a ministry, find one! God did not call us all to the same task, but he did call
us all to serve in the kingdom. Teaching children, preparing meals, visiting the sick,
etc., are all ministries. However God has given you talents, use them to his glory.
Because we are loved from above,
Tom |
May-June 2005
A Growing Family
I am pleased and thrilled to tell you that we have two new sisters in Christ. On May 29
Silvana Eksarko and Alma Kajdo were baptized into Christ
in the Adriatic Sea. Both have been studying with me for more than a year, and have become
my friends even before they became my sisters. They are sisters-in-law to each other (Alma
is married to Silvana’s brother), and were both raised as nominal Moslems. Prior to their
baptisms I asked each to share who Jesus was and what he meant in their lives. Both had
beautiful statements, summed up in the words of Alma: “I had known about God, but I did not
know about Jesus. Now I know that He is my Savior.” The ladies are both school teachers,
and Alma has two children (see attached pictures). Silvana’s husband works in Greece and is
seldom in the country. Much zeal and enthusiasm is brought to our small body here with the
addition of these two ladies.
Silvana Eksarko and Alma Kajdo
Also in the “growing family” category is my own physical
family. Ava Faith was born June 1 in Vancouver, WA to
Trey and Jenn. This brings to an even dozen the number
of grandchildren I have, divided equally gender-wise. “Cheaper by the dozen” is really true
when spread out between four families.
Looking To The Future
It has always been my desire that the work here have Albanian leadership. Such has been
hard to come by. All of our members are young in the faith, and most of them are in their
teen years. There is a possibility that there is a young Albanian man, a graduate of the
Sunset International Bible Institute school in Athens, who might be available for the work
here. Of course, the church would have to approve of him and he would have to desire to
work here in Lushnja. When those two items are dealt with, there is then the question of
support. I am beginning now to look for churches or individuals who would be willing to
commit to helping in the support of a full-time national worker for the
church here. Would you be one of those people or congregations? I believe God wants to do
great things here, if we are willing to cooperate with Him. May we join hands in this
effort?
This And That
The first part of May I made a quick trip to Athens to secure service on the AC I had
installed in our van. It had not been working properly since it was installed, and I had to
take it back to the point of origin to see if we could improve it. It is better now, but
still not up to the standards of what one would normally expect for an AC system. Oh, well!
The process for securing the “permission to stay” document is moving along quite nicely
now, thanks to the efforts of the local police commissar who is in charge of such things
for the Lushnja district. Hopefully within a week or two I will have been granted the
permit.
We are in the “election season” here in Albania, with July 3 being the projected date of
national elections. I do spend a lot of time, even in America, thinking about politics.
Here in Albania many people have the same perspective. There is here a general distrust of
anything to do with national politics, and charges of corruption flow back and forth
between the major political combatants and their parties. I have been unable to verify the
exact number of political parties in Albania, but I have been told that there may be as
many as ninety. Some time back I heard the figure sixty-five, which in itself boggles the
imagination in a country one-third the size of the US state of Oregon. With the run-up to
the elections significant things happen.
The electric power situation here has been vastly improved for the past 1 ½ to 2 months. We
have gone from being without power for six hours per day, to having power twenty-four hours
per day. We are also once again seeing much activity in road improvement, etc., both in our
district and throughout the country. I am told that all of this is predicated on the
upcoming elections. We’ll see what things are like after the elections.
I have been asked by the church in Tirana to meet with them each Sunday evening during the
summer and help them learn to sing in four-part harmony. Traditional singing in parts here
usually means virtually identical notes sung in different octaves, so it is a real
challenge to transition into singing four-part harmony. I was sure to make clear as we
began the project that God listens differently than we do. He listens to the hearts first
and the voices second.
On one of my trips into Tirana I was involved in a small “fender bender”. I won’t go into
detail, but found myself taking the blame, though I was not at fault. Everything is fine,
the van is repaired, and the insurance worked (to the surprise of some of my Albanian
friends).
I was asked by the US Embassy to serve in a “warden’s” capacity for the Lushnja district,
helping to identify US citizens and verify information they previously shared with the
Embassy. I was glad to assist, and may be called on to serve in a somewhat permanent way in
the capacity of district warden.
On June 12 I took a group of eleven from here to meet with the church in
Fier for their worship. They meet in the afternoon, so we
were able to worship here in the morning before going down to Fier. It was a good
experience for all. Our group outnumbered the ones from Fier 2 to1, and it gave our people
a good feeling to be able to encourage the group there in this way.
Mirupafshim Për Tani (Goodbye for now)
Thank you so much for your interest in what God is doing here in Lushnja, Albania.
Sometimes it gets frustrating that we have not seen more progress in the almost three years
since this work began. That sentiment is put in perspective, however, by a comment shared
with me which was made by a missionary in Africa concerning his work there: “About the only
thing we accomplished in the first five years is that we stayed.” My plan when I came here
was to stay at least five years, and at this point that goal has not changed. If God wants
me here longer, or elsewhere sooner, I am open to that. In the meantime, please pray that I
will glorify only God and not myself in the work attempted.
In Jesus’ arms,
Tom |
July 2005
Correction And Observations
I was looking back over the last newsletter and discovered an incorrect statement I made
therein. In reporting on the fact that we were coming up to elections here in Albania, I
offered my perceptions of that event. I intended to say “I do not spend a lot of time, even
in America, thinking about politics.” However, I left out the “not” in what I wrote. Like
most people anywhere in the world, I don’t think much about politics unless the political
situation is having a direct negative effect on me. Having made that correction, allow me
to give some observations about the elections here in Albania. The party in power did not
win the election nationally, and the district of Lushnja voted in majority for the major
challenging party. Yet, almost everyone with whom I speak here is unhappy with the outcome
of the elections. Sounds a bit like the “silent majority” issue of a few years back in the
U.S., doesn’t it? Only time will tell what effects the change in government will bring
about.
Comings and Goings
Early in the month we were invited to attend a lecture at the church in Tirana dealing with
the subject of sexuality from a Christian standpoint, presented by a visiting American sex
therapist. Its intended audience was teenagers, and the goal was to encourage abstinence.
Nine young people from our area went, including two young men whom I had not met before.
They were friends of one our members, and he invited them along. I discovered very quickly
that inappropriate concepts on this subject are not confined to Americans alone. I was very
glad, however, to see that the young people involved with the church here agreed, for the
most part, with the perspective of the presenter.
The Leje Qëndrimi (permission to stay) saga continues. I received a visit from the police
commissar, telling me that I needed to come see him at police headquarters. I learned that
three of the documents presented in this process needed to be changed in some way, either
updated or notarized. I have updated the documents and delivered them to the commissar. We
will see now what the time line is, as the documents must go from here to Fier, then to
Tirana, yet again.
My primary perspective in my work here has been to “make disciples”, not necessarily create
a big church. I believe strongly that this is the way to establish an ongoing body of
believers anywhere. It is encouraging to me to see that there are a number of leaders in
the church who are beginning to rethink the “mega church” concept, and focus more on
building Christ into the individuals. I realize that such focus is not always what
financial supporters want to see. If one is putting money into anything, “return on the
dollar” is usually the measure of success, and the initiative for continuing involvement.
Since the beginning of the church, however, the Lord has called us to live by a different
standard than that by which the world lives, in every aspect of our lives.
Two individuals are coming from America to spend a bit of time with the work here in
Lushnja. Doug Davis, one of my most valued encouragers
over the past several years, will be one of those. The other is
Myrna Rockwell, whom I have come to appreciate very much over the past couple of
years. Both are from the Portland, OR area – Doug from the Metro church in Gresham, and
Myrna from the Eastside church in Portland. A good deal of my time of late has been spent
in preparing for their arrivals, Myrna on July 28 and Doug on July 30. Quality housing for
short term stays is hard to come by. The hotel in which I lived for a month after my
arrival here is no longer a hotel, but a kindergarten. The more decent hotels are pretty
expensive for more than one or two nights. In the past I have been able to find private
housing in vacant homes for those who came. It seems that now, though, people are getting
into the “market economy” mentality and are not wanting to rent for less than a year to
outsiders. Doug will be staying with me, but finding an acceptable place close in to the
center of the city for Myrna has been more difficult. Yesterday, however, I finalized that
quest, though it is not the ideal, by any means.
It is interesting, and encouraging, to walk through the city and have people speak to me
and call me by name whom I have never met face to face. I try to greet people as I walk,
and I do know enough people throughout the city that I guess my name has been shared from
person to person. One jovial older gentleman (who was a part of the communist government of
the past) delights in greeting me and checking on my progress in the Albanian language.
A good quantity of people spends most of their time begging, and training their children in
the same activity. Quite a number of the children have approached me, but I no longer give
them money. Many of the Albanians have discouraged me from doing so, and I have seen small
children take the money given them and go buy, and smoke, cigarettes. So I will only buy
something for them to eat, with instructions to the shopkeepers that they are not to
exchange with the children for cash what I buy. At times there are five or six of them
waiting for me as I go between my home and the office. Poverty has a whole different
meaning for me here than in America. I’m sure I was living in an “ivory tower” of sorts
throughout my life, and didn’t see a lot of what was around me. I am trying to learn to see
with the eyes of Jesus. I know that money or material things will not provide what people
really need, but some of those issues must be dealt with in order to have people’s
attention. Please pray that I will have wisdom in all ways as I seek to serve the Lord
here, or elsewhere.
Toward the end of the month the weather turned hot, with the high temperature for the
period registering at 104 degrees. Hotter than what I am used to, or can appreciate and
enjoy. Several other days approached the 100 degree mark, and it continues to be quite
warm. I certainly am appreciative of having been able to secure air-conditioning for both
the office and my home. Again, though, I am a bit embarrassed at my search for comfort when
compared with our Lord. He left heaven, with all that implies, to come to live at a time
and in a place where creature-comforts such as we now enjoy were all but non-existent.
Lord, forgive me when I complain!!
Appreciation
Thank you again, all of you, for you interest and participation in this ministry. I covet
your prayers above all else. I do not understand at all times what God is seeking to do in
and with my life. In fact, I’m not sure I ever really understand it, but I am trying to be
submissive to it. If we can learn to be submissive though we do not understand the “why”,
God can certainly do more with us, and we will be more at peace within ourselves. That is
knowing the “peace of God that passes understanding”. May God help us all in that endeavor!
Surrounded by His love,
Tom |
July 2005
Correction And Observations
I was looking back over the last newsletter and discovered an incorrect statement I made
therein. In reporting on the fact that we were coming up to elections here in Albania, I
offered my perceptions of that event. I intended to say “I do not spend a lot of time, even
in America, thinking about politics.” However, I left out the “not” in what I wrote. Like
most people anywhere in the world, I don’t think much about politics unless the political
situation is having a direct negative effect on me. Having made that correction, allow me
to give some observations about the elections here in Albania. The party in power did not
win the election nationally, and the district of Lushnja voted in majority for the major
challenging party. Yet, almost everyone with whom I speak here is unhappy with the outcome
of the elections. Sounds a bit like the “silent majority” issue of a few years back in the
U.S., doesn’t it? Only time will tell what effects the change in government will bring
about.
Comings and Goings
Early in the month we were invited to attend a lecture at the church in Tirana dealing with
the subject of sexuality from a Christian standpoint, presented by a visiting American sex
therapist. Its intended audience was teenagers, and the goal was to encourage abstinence.
Nine young people from our area went, including two young men whom I had not met before.
They were friends of one our members, and he invited them along. I discovered very quickly
that inappropriate concepts on this subject are not confined to Americans alone. I was very
glad, however, to see that the young people involved with the church here agreed, for the
most part, with the perspective of the presenter.
The Leje Qëndrimi (permission to stay) saga continues. I received a visit from the police
commissar, telling me that I needed to come see him at police headquarters. I learned that
three of the documents presented in this process needed to be changed in some way, either
updated or notarized. I have updated the documents and delivered them to the commissar. We
will see now what the time line is, as the documents must go from here to Fier, then to
Tirana, yet again.
My primary perspective in my work here has been to “make disciples”, not necessarily create
a big church. I believe strongly that this is the way to establish an ongoing body of
believers anywhere. It is encouraging to me to see that there are a number of leaders in
the church who are beginning to rethink the “mega church” concept, and focus more on
building Christ into the individuals. I realize that such focus is not always what
financial supporters want to see. If one is putting money into anything, “return on the
dollar” is usually the measure of success, and the initiative for continuing involvement.
Since the beginning of the church, however, the Lord has called us to live by a different
standard than that by which the world lives, in every aspect of our lives.
Two individuals are coming from America to spend a bit of time with the work here in
Lushnja. Doug Davis, one of my most valued encouragers
over the past several years, will be one of those. The other is
Myrna Rockwell, whom I have come to appreciate very much over the past couple of
years. Both are from the Portland, OR area – Doug from the Metro church in Gresham, and
Myrna from the Eastside church in Portland. A good deal of my time of late has been spent
in preparing for their arrivals, Myrna on July 28 and Doug on July 30. Quality housing for
short term stays is hard to come by. The hotel in which I lived for a month after my
arrival here is no longer a hotel, but a kindergarten. The more decent hotels are pretty
expensive for more than one or two nights. In the past I have been able to find private
housing in vacant homes for those who came. It seems that now, though, people are getting
into the “market economy” mentality and are not wanting to rent for less than a year to
outsiders. Doug will be staying with me, but finding an acceptable place close in to the
center of the city for Myrna has been more difficult. Yesterday, however, I finalized that
quest, though it is not the ideal, by any means.
It is interesting, and encouraging, to walk through the city and have people speak to me
and call me by name whom I have never met face to face. I try to greet people as I walk,
and I do know enough people throughout the city that I guess my name has been shared from
person to person. One jovial older gentleman (who was a part of the communist government of
the past) delights in greeting me and checking on my progress in the Albanian language.
A good quantity of people spends most of their time begging, and training their children in
the same activity. Quite a number of the children have approached me, but I no longer give
them money. Many of the Albanians have discouraged me from doing so, and I have seen small
children take the money given them and go buy, and smoke, cigarettes. So I will only buy
something for them to eat, with instructions to the shopkeepers that they are not to
exchange with the children for cash what I buy. At times there are five or six of them
waiting for me as I go between my home and the office. Poverty has a whole different
meaning for me here than in America. I’m sure I was living in an “ivory tower” of sorts
throughout my life, and didn’t see a lot of what was around me. I am trying to learn to see
with the eyes of Jesus. I know that money or material things will not provide what people
really need, but some of those issues must be dealt with in order to have people’s
attention. Please pray that I will have wisdom in all ways as I seek to serve the Lord
here, or elsewhere.
Toward the end of the month the weather turned hot, with the high temperature for the
period registering at 104 degrees. Hotter than what I am used to, or can appreciate and
enjoy. Several other days approached the 100 degree mark, and it continues to be quite
warm. I certainly am appreciative of having been able to secure air-conditioning for both
the office and my home. Again, though, I am a bit embarrassed at my search for comfort when
compared with our Lord. He left heaven, with all that implies, to come to live at a time
and in a place where creature-comforts such as we now enjoy were all but non-existent.
Lord, forgive me when I complain!!
Appreciation
Thank you again, all of you, for you interest and participation in this ministry. I covet
your prayers above all else. I do not understand at all times what God is seeking to do in
and with my life. In fact, I’m not sure I ever really understand it, but I am trying to be
submissive to it. If we can learn to be submissive though we do not understand the “why”,
God can certainly do more with us, and we will be more at peace within ourselves. That is
knowing the “peace of God that passes understanding”. May God help us all in that endeavor!
Surrounded by His love,
Tom |
|
Doug and Myrna at Berat Apollonia
Tom at Butrint Medieval baptistry at Butrint
|
|
November 2005
The Passing Of Time
Too much time has passed since I last sent out a report. Many things have happened since
that time, including the blessing of having Doug Davis and Myrna
Rockwell (both from the Portland area) come to visit and work with me for a time
here in Lushnja. The fruit of their time is still being realized. Just today one of the
students with whom Myrna originally studied told me that she is thinking of being baptized.
There are some additional hurdles to get over, but her heart has been touched with the love
of God in Christ. The members of the church here were greatly impressed with Doug and
Myrna. Prior to Myrna’s leaving some of the members got together and bought her a memorial
plaque of Albania.
Myrna with Alma, Arten and Silvana
While Doug and Myrna
were here we shared some outings to see some of the Albanian historical sites. Travel in
Albania is not at all like in America, and it can be a real challenge getting from place to
place. Doug described the roads in Albania, including the major highways, as being somewhat
like the forest service roads of America. But to see buildings, or the remains thereof,
that date back over 2000 years stirs the imagination.
Tom at Butrint
Medieval baptistry at Butrint
|
|
Permission Granted!
I did finally receive my Leje Qendrimi (permission to stay). But recently, when I made a
trip to Macedonia and Greece with the van, the border guards at both the place where I
exited and the place where I reentered Albania gave me some problems about the document. It
seems they felt it was not official-looking enough because the document was photo-copied,
and that I should get another one from the police here in Lushnja. I went back to the man
who issued it to me, explained what I had experienced at the borders, and was told by him
to have the border guards call the police secretary in Lushnja if they have any problems.
What that translates to is that if there are problems, I will be stuck at the border for
indefinite periods while things are straightened out. But it does feel very good to know
that I am in complete accord with the law. That, in turn, gives me more desire to see God’s
word spread here.
The Family Grows
What a joy it is when people say “Yes” to God’s message of love in Christ Jesus. Recently
two new sisters were added to the body of Christ, and they are both truly on fire for the
Lord. Atlanta Nezha was first introduced to me by
Altin Koçi, one of our members. He had asked Atlanta to
come for a coffee with the two of us. She accepted, but made it clear that she did not want
to talk about things religious, only wanted to talk to an American. We spent an hour
together on that occasion, and then she did come to our worship service. Gradually she
became pretty regular in attendance, and was bringing others, including her brother, with
her. On one occasion she brought two school friends, and in introducing me to them,
explained that she had wanted them to “come see what we do in (Can I say ‘our’?) church.”
Then one Sunday she walked in and informed me that she was thinking of becoming my sister.
We spent considerable time discussing the commitment involved in such a decision, and she
stated this was her heart’s desire. Since her baptism she has gone away to attend
university in Vlorë, a city to the south of us. Virgil Jackson,
the missionary there, tells me that she is in attendance every week, and usually brings
some friends with her. She misses the church here, but is glad to be in the kingdom.
At about the same time Bojkena Selmanaj also made a
decision to put Jesus on in baptism. Bojkena had been a
student in the World English Institute course with us a couple of years ago, and we
reactivated her involvement when Doug and Myrna were
here in August. She has been like a sponge in soaking up the truths about Jesus’ love for
her, and her heart is as tender and moldable as any I have ever encountered. She is only
fifteen years old, but has such a great desire to serve God, and to be right with Him in
all ways. She is continually bringing a number of others with her when she comes to
worship. She will be a great tool in the hands of our Lord. One of her dreams is to go to
America and study law at Harvard University, then come back to Albania. An ambitious dream,
but Bojkena might just be able to pull it off.
|
|
Atlanta’s Joy In The Lord
Bojkena In The Birth Process |
Life Today In Albania
In a previous newsletter I mentioned that elections were being held here. The controlling
party has changed, but none of the campaign-promised changes have taken place. I have read
several different accounts of Albanian political observers and they point out that some
really major changes must take place before Albania can move ahead much further than where
we are now. At the present time the big issue is that the state-owned electrical company is
all but bankrupt, reservoirs are all but empty, and for a good part of every day
electricity is all but non-existent. From 7 a.m. until 4 p.m. we are without power at the
office, and then again later it can go off for an hour or two. The last two nights the
electricity in my neighborhood has gone off just as I approach my house, and it stays off
for 1-2 hours. Many of our days are without electricity for twelve hours. I have learned to
get along pretty well with candles and a battery-powered lantern for the normal things, but
it is certainly different than living in the Northwest U.S. where ample power has been a
part of my life for so long. One writer observed that the two major political parties
(there are 133) will protest against one another regularly in the major square of Tirana,
the capital city, but neither party has ever protested against the lack of power, lack of
adequate jobs or corruption in the government. In Albania, a country of about 3.3 million
people, almost one-third of the population lives below the poverty level. Certainly we must
be praying about these conditions.
Other problems that must be dealt with before progress can be made towards joining the
European Union are: 1. The confiscation of illegally owned guns. Albanians shoot at or into
each other on far too frequent a basis; 2. Corruption at all levels of government,
including the police and school administrations; 3. Contraband goods; 4. Trafficking in
human slavery, usually for sexual purposes. All of these things exist everywhere in
Albania, and detract from the quality of life.
A Beautiful Body Forming
God is doing marvelous things here. It is such a blessing to see the church, small though
we are, really beginning to bond together in love and enjoy one another’s company. Please
pray that the relatives of our members may be impressed with what they see happening in
their loved one, and seek to have the same changes in their lives. “All men will know that
you are my disciples if you love one another.” (John 13:35) Pray that our love for
brothers and sisters, no matter where we are, will grow and others will see Jesus.
Lifting Jesus high,
Tom |
|
December
’05 – February ‘06
Cultivating Fruit
Paul’s statement in I Corinthians 3:6-7 is: “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God
made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes
things grow.”
I get upset with myself sometimes when I detect the attitude of thinking that I am building a
great church here in Lushnja. It is God’s work! We don’t have great numbers or “great” people
from the community, but we do have a great fellowship of believers who are learning more and
more to love the Lord and each other. Recently I have been focusing on the fruit of the
Spirit, that which God desires to put into us so that we will be like him, like Jesus, as we
go about our lives here on the earth. For too much of my life, as I read and thought about the
passage in Galatians 5 that enumerates the fruit, I have found myself being convicted of the
lack in my life of certain fruit (a good thing), but deceived into thinking that by my own
determination and strength I could bring about what needed to be added (a bad thought). In a
study of the fruit of the Spirit with the church here, we have focused on the fact that what
God wants to do in every Christian is create His character. That is what the fruit is, God’s
character delineated. The problem is that we start with the last of the fruit (self-control)
and think that by exercising it we can bring about the other eight fruit. Paul (God) builds on
the other fruit, which is all the result of denying self, and self-control follows naturally
when we are other-oriented.
Please pray that the Christians here will allow the Holy Spirit to produce God’s character in
them. I am included in that request. It is really a blessing for me to watch the interaction
of the new Christians in Lushnja with one another. There is genuine concern and love for each
other, and a desire to help in whatever way possible. As I have stated on previous occasions,
if my work here results in a body of people, regardless the size, who rely on God and are
focused on one another, I will feel something great has been accomplished. Again I emphasize
that it is God who gives the increase.
Prayer and Wisdom
One of our newest Christians, Bojkena Selmanaj, has a very
dear friend who has become dear to the rest of us, as well. Denisa
Pirra is a beautiful fifteen year-old young lady whose smile can melt the hardest
heart. And when one comes to understand the circumstances of Denisa’s life, her smile becomes
even more radiant.
The first time I met Denisa was when she joined us for an
overnight trip to one of the cities in the south of Albania. It was obvious that she had some
problems, as she walked with a decided limp. Only later did we learn that she has been
diagnosed with cancer of the bone, and has had two surgeries on her left leg, plus radiation
and chemotherapy. Her hair was missing when we first met, but has now grown back in. I became
quite alarmed when I learned that recommended action now was amputation of the leg. This was,
of course, quite disturbing to Denisa and her family. With the encouragement and approval of
other members of the church I took Denisa, her father, and two of our members to Tirana to
visit with her doctor. I asked the doctor if he would be willing
to refer Denisa to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, in Memphis, TN. He
said he thought it would be a good thing, and promised me he would do so the next day (I had
provided him with the required procedure). I have learned that no such referral was sent, and
it causes me to be quite upset. We are seeking some alternative options for Denisa.
Medical practice in Albania is, for the most part, socialized. People are not supposed to have
to pay, but the standard understanding and practice is that if you want the doctor’s full
attention and best care you must give him money on a regular basis.
Denisa’s situation is very serious! I ask that you pray for her, her family,
all the medical personnel involved, and for me as I seek to be a resource to find adequate
help. In addition, please pray that I will have wisdom to speak of Jesus in the right way to
Denisa and her family, presenting Him as the answer to the problem with which we are all
afflicted, sin.
The Pirra family
Denisa Pirra
A Step Forward
As is emphasized by so many who have been on the mission field, or who are the “experts” in
that regard, one thing is particularly important for the sustained existence of the church
after the departure of the missionary(s). That “thing” is people trained in the Bible and good
leadership skills. To that end many have sought for many years to have a training school here
in Albania to prepare people for kingdom work. Far too often, when people go away
(particularly to America) for such training, they do not return to their homelands. Thus,
particularly promising workers are lost to their native churches.
After much thought, prayer and hard work on the part of a lot of people, such a training
school now exists here in Albania. This is a cooperative effort between Sunset International
Bible Institute, based in Lubbock, Texas, and World English Institute, based in Gresham,
Oregon. The school is located in the facilities of the church in Tirana, the capital city.
Steve Stamatis, whose father was the director of such a
school in Athens for a number of years, is serving as the dean of the school in Albania. The
school is in its first month of operation, and many “bugs” are still being worked out, but we
praise God for making this a possibility.
I am particularly pleased to tell you that one of our young men,
Altin Koçi, is a student in that school. I have mentioned Altin in my reports in
the past as one who has been particularly active in bringing others to visit with me, and in
bringing people to worship. Altin’s father enrolled him in
a training school in Tirana to learn the art of prosthodontics (artificial teeth). Altin is in
his second year of that two year program, but he has also entered the International Bible
Institute of Albania. He attends classes at the other school in the mornings, and at the
Bible Institute in the afternoons. The school is providing housing and meals for the students
who need it, which is a real blessing to Altin and his family. When he finishes the other
program at the end of this school year, he will become a full-time student of the Bible
Institute.
Ideally, we would like to encourage people to support themselves as they work in the Kingdom
here. That is very difficult, since jobs (particularly in Lushnja) are hard to find. When
Altin finishes both schools, if we could find start-up funds
for him to open a prosthodontics clinic here, it would go a long way toward providing some
added stability to the church. Think and pray about it, and if you can provide some help for
that project, please let us know.
In addition to Altin, one of our other young men has been
pursuing further Biblical training. Besmir Bërboti
attended an evangelical seminary in Croatia for one year, and is now in America seeking to
further his education. I cannot tell you at this time where he is, or what school he is
attending, but I am thankful that he has a heart for God. I will share more with you as I know
it.
Christian Camp
For several years Virgil and Jackie Jackson, missionaries
in Vlorë, have taken on the great challenge of organizing a Christian camp for the youth of
Albania. In fact, there have been some who have attended from Kosovo, as well. The camp has
been conducted on rented property in southern Albania, at a spot called
Llogora. It is a wonderful undertaking, and much of the work
has fallen on the Jacksons. In recent months others have expressed interest in Christians from
throughout Albania working more closely together to bring about this worthwhile event. Some
brethren have even begun to dream about a time when we might have our own property and not
have to deal with the great amount of politics involved in securing a rental contract, and the
many hoops through which such an effort involves.
Representatives from the churches in Vlora, Elbasan, Kuçove, Poliçan, Durrës, Tirana and
Lushnja met to discuss our intentions about the camp effort. Then a number went to look at a
piece of property north of Durrës, on the Adriatic Sea. It is a bit frightening to think of
spending $200,000+ for a 6,000 sq. meter piece of property, plus the cost of developing it.
Whether it will be done or not depends first, of course, on God’s will. All who are involved
are seeking to do the best for the cause of Christ in Albania. As humans we, of course, have
differing opinions about various aspects of this project. Please pray for us that we may make
decisions only after the will of God has been sought in prayer, and only in accordance with
His guidance.
Unto the Lord be all the praise,
Tom
|
March 2006
Time’s Treasures and Tolls
I first came to reside in Albania something over three and one-half years ago. With the
passing of that time I have been impressed anew with the fact that God is at work, and that he
works in his time and in his ways.
Treasures abound for me in seeing how faithfully God works in the lives of those who will
surrender themselves to him, and I rejoice to watch the growth in some of those who have
become Christians in these past three and one-half years. I wish I could say that such growth
is a part of every person who has said they would follow Jesus, but it is not the case. People
here are just like the people in Jesus’ day (or in today’s America), whom He described in the
parable about the different types of soil. (Mt. 13) With some, the word never takes hold at
all because Satan takes it away prior to the coming of comprehension; with others, trouble and
persecution cause an early departure from the way of the Lord; still others allow the worries
of life and the deceitfulness of wealth to choke true life out of them; and, glory to God,
some produce varying degrees of abundant spiritual crops. All kinds of soil have been
encountered here, just as in America, but I focus on the abundant growth in the lives of some.
I am so grateful that God placed me here to share the Word, and be able to watch as he gives
the increase. There is cause for joy, and there is cause for concern, in the lives of the
spiritual babies in the church here in Lushnja.
Time takes a toll, also. We all know that our lives will not physically last forever, and we
who are Christians rejoice to think about the reward we will receive when we cross the river
of death. However, when death lays its cold hand on someone we love, someone close to us, we
want to fight against the inevitable. I have shared previously about
Denisa Pirra, the beautiful fifteen-year-old girl who was diagnosed with cancer not
quite one year-and-a-half ago. The cancer has spread so aggressively that the doctors now say
that there is no more they can do for her. I have taken her several times back and forth to
the doctors in Tirana, the capital city, and have felt the growing frustration with the
inadequacy of human means. I have prayed diligently to God that, if it is his will, he remove
all the cancer from Denisa. I know that such an action would certainly show his presence and
his power, at least to some. I have been careful to pray within the will of God, as did our
Lord Jesus regarding his crucifixion. Now I am trying to help the family maintain some
semblance of order and hope in their lives, and am trying to share with Denisa about spiritual
matters. We of the small church here have given several hundred dollars to the family to help
with their needs, but more could be used. If you are able to help in any amount for their
needs, please send what you can to:
Metro church of Christ
Denisa Pirra Fund
1525 NW Division
Gresham, OR 90303
Another toll of time, and human frailty, is the passing of my oldest sister, Bonnie Gourgon,
from this life the last week in March. She was only sixty-eight, but had had health problems
for a number of years. Many years ago she had suffered an aneurism, then was involved in an
automobile accident, and was largely paralyzed on one side of her body. She had heart bypass
surgery a few years ago, and recently went in for gall bladder surgery, which was to have been
done by scope. The problem, however, was larger than anticipated and a major incision had to
be made. As it turns out, her heart was just not strong enough to sustain her through the
recovery process. Please pray for my family, and her family, over her loss to us.
Traveling Time
My last visit to the States was in October of 2004. I have a new granddaughter who just turned
ten months old whom I have not yet seen, and a two-year-old grandson whom I have seen for less
than ten hours in his life. I am planning a trip to the States for this month (14th) and my
elders (Metro church of Christ, Gresham, OR) have expressed that they feel I should make this
a three-month furlough. I will be returning to Albania, the Lord willing, on July 12. This
amount of time will enable me to travel to each of my children’s homes, visit with my siblings
(Bonnie was to have been the first in this regard), visit friends all across the U.S., visit
financial supporters, and seek additional supporters for the ministry here. Part of my
original personal support was committed on a five-year reducing scale, and we are nearing the
beginning of the fifth year. Several original supporters have had to divert their funds
elsewhere, and death has taken some of the supporters.Therefore, I will be all over the
U.S., and would welcome an opportunity to visit with any of you, if it is possible. If you, or
someone you know, would be interested in hearing more about the work here, please let me know,
and provide me with contact information. I will be in the Northwest for the first phase of
this visit, with my son and his family, in Camas, WA (Trey & Jenn Bonner), and getting some
needed dental work done. I plan to attend the Pepperdine Lectures the first week in May, and I
will be staying with my daughter and her family (Jack & Tami Williamson) in Thousand Oaks.
June 1 I will be attending the HS graduation of my oldest grandchild (Michael) and staying
with his family (Troy & Candace Bonner) in Westminster, CO. My youngest son and his family
(Todd & Julie Bonner) live in Martinez, GA, and I plan to visit there. I also plan to try to
visit in the homes of all my siblings, who live in CA, ID, and GA. So, as I said, I will be
all over. Please let me know if it is possible for us to connect when I am in your area, or
give me an opportunity to come into your area.
Looking Ahead
I will be doing a lot of discussion with many different, and different kinds of, people while
I am Stateside. I made an initial commitment of five years to the work here in Albania. When I
return from the furlough approximately one year will remain on that initial commitment. Now I
must begin to think, discuss, pray and plan for what God’s desire is for me beyond August
2007. Obviously, there are many competing things, or people, drawing me in one direction or
the other. I certainly feel God has more work for me to do, since he has blessed me with good
health and a reasonably sound mind. Certainly, part of me would like to be closer to my
children and grandchildren; another part of me has difficulty envisioning leaving my
“children” here. Perhaps there is even something else to which God would lead me. I just don’t
know!! At this point in time, I am submitting everything in this regard to God, for him to be
the one who in some way determines direction for me.
Above all, please pray for me that I will continually seek, and follow, God’s direction. I
seek only to be used by him in the best way possible for the remainder of my years. I have
voiced that desire often throughout my life, but never have I felt as open to his guidance in
whatever direction he chooses. May the God who is the giver of all good gifts give us ability
to allow ourselves to be used to the glory of the Holy One in ways that we cannot even
imagine.
"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to
his power that is at work within us, to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus
throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." Ephesians 3:20, 21
Tom |
April-May 2006
A Busy Time
Well, I have now been on U.S. soil (a lot of it) for a bit over 1½ months.
I am currently on the last stop of connecting with all my children and
grandchildren and will be returning to the Portland area within the next
week or so. I have been able to reunite with many long-time friends and
fellow Christians in many places. The last weekend in June I will be able
to connect with additional relatives at a family reunion which will be
held in the Northwest at Camp Yamhill. I have driven from Washington to
southern California, across the southern part of the country all the way
to the eastern border of Georgia, and am sitting in my son’s house in the
Denver area as I write this. I have been blessed with good weather and
relatively little difficulty of any kind. The greatest blessing, of
course, has been in getting to renew my connection with loved ones,
physical and spiritual family. I regret to report I have had no success in
the fund-raising I have been attempting on the same journey, but some
people have taken into consideration the work being done in Lushnja and
Albania and are contemplating the possibility of helping financially.
Sad News
I have reported in this newsletter regarding Denisa Pirra, the fifteen
year-old young lady who was battling bone cancer. Denisa’s condition
continued to deteriorate, and she was pretty much confined to bed from the
beginning of March. I visited with her the last four days I was in Lushnja
before coming to the States. A couple days after my departure I got word
that she had left this life the day after I left on my trip. I am saddened
for a number of reasons. First, though I had secured permission to do so
from her father, I never got to study the scriptures with her. Secondly,
she and I had become quite close through the sharing in her needs and
hurts, and I will miss her as a friend. Thirdly, her family (whom I have
not seen or communicated with since her death) is surely suffering through
her loss. I am at the same time overjoyed that the church in Lushnja, in
my absence, was present to provide support in a number of different ways
to the family. Please pray that on my return the doors will still be open
for involvement with the family.
Great News
In my absence the preaching in Lushnja is being shared. The churches in
Tirana and Durres are sending men to preach, and our own Altin Koçi has
been participating in this as well. Altin continues to be involved in two
schools – the Sunset International Bible Institute and a dental technician
school. I am still attempting to find funding to help Altin set up his own
dental lab in Lushnja when he completes the school, which would add a
great deal of stability to the work of the Lord there. There is little
work to be had in Lushnja, and having a member of the church who is a
business owner in the community would be a true blessing, both from the
status angle, as well as providing some financial stability for the
on-going growth of the kingdom
Also, rejoice that there are other members of the church in Lushnja who,
though young in the faith, have taken responsibility to keep things going
with the church while I am away. I am so glad that God is faithfully
maturing Christians as they cooperate with him, providing leadership for
now and the future.
Can You Help, Please?
In almost all cases mission efforts depend on funding from outside the
mission area. That has been true of the work in Lushnja since the
beginning. God has been faithful to his promise, and has used many of you
to effect that faithfulness. Neither I nor the ministry has ever had to do
without anything that was needed for the ongoing of the work. My personal
support initially came equally from the Metro church of Christ in Gresham,
OR (my sponsoring congregation) and the Bell Trust Fund. The arrangement
with Bell Trust is almost always on a reducing schedule, with the
intention that the sponsoring congregation will take up the slack as Bell
Trust reduces their involvement. Metro has not been able to follow this
plan, though it has not created a big problem to this point. Crunch time
is coming, however, and additional funding needs to be secured. I receive
contributions from a number of you, with no specific designation as to how
it is used, and I have allocated some of those monies to be used in the
personal support area. But this leaves less funds available for the
working fund, and as the work progresses in Lushnja, more funding will be
required.
Additionally, there are two other projects for which funding is needed. I
have mentioned above the efforts to raise funds to help Altin get
established in business. In addition, many of the Albanian churches have
discussed the need and desirability of purchasing property for the
establishment of permanent facilities for a Christian camp. We do not have
any specific plans set at this time, but have looked at some property, the
cost of which would be around $240,000. Whether or not this is the most
desirable property has not been determined, but it does give us some idea
of what we need to expect. Then, of course, there is the matter of
development and upkeep costs. A board consisting of members from the
various congregations in Albania will be established to oversee the
activities required to make this project come to fruition.
THE NEEDS
· 1. Monthly contributions toward Tom Bonner’s personal support
· 2. One-time or ongoing donations to help Altin Koçi establish a business
· 3. Donations to help with the purchase of property for a Christian
campground
|
Altin Koçi Preaching
|
Men viewing potential camp property |
Albanian Christian teen camp |
My dear brothers and sisters, you have been more than faithful in your
support of this ministry through your financial and prayer offerings. May
I ask you once again to consider the possibility of helping with the needs
listed above? God is being glorified, and lives are being changed. I stand
ready to provide any input you may desire to help you reach a decision in
this regard. Any amount, toward any of the needs listed, will be greatly
appreciated. Funds may be sent to the Metro church of Christ, my
sponsoring congregation. Please indicate on the envelope and check for
what purpose the funds are intended. The address is:
Metro church of Christ
Albanian Fund
1525 NW Division St.
Gresham, OR 97030
Lifting Jesus high in Albania,
Tom
|
|
June-August 2006
Turn Again Home
I returned to Albania on July 13, and made it back to Lushnja on the
fourteenth. Immediately I began work on documents for the government, some
having to do with the functioning of World English Institute in Lushnja,
and some having to do with renewing my leje qëndrimi (permission to stay).
It is true that bureaucracy exists everywhere in the world, but it is
especially frustrating when one is struggling to understand the language
and deal with the bureaucracy at the same time. I believe I have things in
hand now, after receiving help from some wonderful friends.
The three months that I spent in the States were good for me, especially
in that I got to see all my children and grandchildren, along with a host
of wonderful friends. My oldest grandchild, Michael, graduated from
high school on the same day that the youngest, Ava Faith, turned
one year old, June 1. I was able to attend Michael’s graduation in
Colorado, but didn’t make it to Washington to share in Ava’s birthday
cake. Everyone seems to be doing well, and they all seemed to appreciate
seeing me as much as I did them.
The bad thing about such a long stay is living out of a suitcase for that
period of time. I spent the most time with Trey, Jenn and Ava in
Camas, Washington. They are close to the Portland/Gresham area, and there
were many connections for me to make in that vicinity. While with them, I
was able to hang some clothes, which eased the “on-the-road” syndrome
somewhat.
I drove my eleven-year old car about twelve thousand miles in my travels.
It served me well and kept me cool. It is about the only material thing I
still own of any value, and it is likely that Trey and Jenn will
sell it now, since they have adequate transportation without it. To just
let it sit until my next trip to the States doesn’t seem to make much
sense, so they will decide what needs to be done with it. That impacts me
nostalgically a little bit, but I will live through it.
One of the things I enjoy most about trips back to the States is getting
to see the beauty of the Northwest, in particular. I know many of you see
it often, but I am going to include here a picture of Mt. Hood, the beauty
of which always strikes me when I see it. And just think!! What we know
here does not begin to compare with what God has prepared for us In
heaven.
To The Future And Beyond
Where do we go from here? When I came to Albania in August 2002 I made a
flexible commitment to spend five years here. On August 7 I will have been
here for four years. Analyzing the situation, and after much discussion
with many people, I have come to the conclusion that it does not seem
likely that it will be time for me to leave at the end of the next year of
my stay here. The church in Lushnja is young in time of existence, and
young in age chronologically. There are very encouraging signs of growing
maturity among the members, but leadership continues to be an area of
concern. Therefore I have verbally committed to another flexible five-year
period, which can be altered if there are indications that such is not
necessary, or would be detrimental to any facet of the work.
What does this mean in practical terms? It means that the requests
(sometimes pleas) of some family members, and others, for me to return
sooner (read that now) will not be honored at this time. It means I will
have to honor a commitment I made to the church here to work harder on
learning the language.
It also means that I will have to honor a commitment I made to the church
here. I told them before I went to the States that if it was decided that
I was going to stay beyond the five-year original time commitment, I would
make it a priority to work harder on the Albanian language. I really do
covet your prayers in that regard. The language is difficult, and I am
old!
I truly believe God put me here!! I truly believe God is at work here!! I
truly believe there can be a vibrant and effective body of Christ in
existence here when I am gone!! If you share in these beliefs with me,
please join in praying that God would provide guidance, and wisdom to
follow that guidance.
Answered Prayer
You will recall, if you have been reading the previous newsletters, that I
told you of our interest in, and work with, Denisa Pirra. She is
the young lady we had tried to help with securing better medical
attention, either here or abroad, for the cancer she was battling. You
will also recall that she passed from this life the morning after I left
for my furlough in America.
When I returned from the furlough, I learned that Denisa’s younger
sister, six-year old Sara, was in the hospital in Tirana, and had been
for three weeks. I enlisted the help of a sister from the church in
Tirana, who works at the hospital, and thus knows its workings. She met
the mother and father of Sara there at the hospital, and together they
spoke with the doctor and discussed the scan that had been done on Sara.
The concern of the parents was, of course, that Sara had the same
condition that had taken the life of her sister. Such is not the case,
praise the Lord! Sara has no life-threatening condition.
Sara is home now, and being a six-year old girl. When I was
visiting with her sister prior to going to the States, Sara and I had
become good friends, and she would relate with me much better than with
any of the others who went to visit from the church. However, when I
called to make an appointment to go visit in the Pirra home, and take them
some financial help, Sara kept asking her father, “Why is Tom coming? Why
is Tom coming?” When I went to the home, she reluctantly gave me a hug,
but then was quite withdrawn. In thinking about it later, I wondered if
maybe she equated this visit with my visits in their home as a prelude to
her sister’s death. And now that she had been ill as well, perhaps she was
afraid that my coming would mean her demise, also. I don’t know if I will
ever know the answer, but my heart certainly goes out to that little girl.
Christian Camp
Again this year some of our young people attended camp sessions in the
mountains of Llogora. This is a beautiful setting, and much work goes into
making the camp happen each year. Many Christians from around Albania are
still interested in the possibility of securing land on which we can build
a permanent facility, which can be used for many different activities
throughout the year. This will be a very costly project, and the average
Albanian income (as of 2003) is the equivalent of $1230. Please remember
this possibility if you find you have more cash than you need.
Bible Bowl Competition
Each year since my arrival in Albania the church in Durrës has hosted a
competition regarding knowledge of a particular section of the Bible. One
time before we had competed, but had not “placed” among the top finishers.
This year we fielded a team of four, ranging in age from twelve to
twenty-one years, and ended up in second place. The young people were
elated, as the picture attests.
Xhulia, Bojkena, Altin, Hoze
Growing Preachers
I have mentioned often in these pages Altin Koçi who is a student
in the I.B.I.A. (International Bible Institute of Albania), associated
with Sunset International. I have mentioned also Besmir Bërboti,
who is currently in North America pursuing Biblical training, I am told.
Now I am glad to share with you that another of our young men, Hoze
Davidhi has stepped into the same shoes. He is in his last year of
high school this year, and has decided that he needs to take more
responsibility in the church. Therefore, he volunteered to preach a few
weeks ago, largely without any input from me. He still has some way to go,
but the fact that he is willing thrills my heart, as I’m sure it does
God’s. On August 20, Hoze spoke for us in Lushnja as we met to
worship God. On the same day, we took a group to Fier to worship with the
church there in the afternoon, and Altin spoke at that time. The
church in Fier has some new American missionaries,
Steve and Ruth Byrne. Our purpose in
the visit was to encourage them, as well as the rest of the church in
Fier.
Thanks Again!
God is faithful, and the added support that we were trying to raise has
been secured! I am grateful for those who have been faithfully involved
financially for a long time, as well as those who are more recently
committed to helping us. Together may we bring glory to God through the
efforts here in Lushnja.
Held in Jesus’ arms,
Tom
|
September 2006
What It’s All About
On August 1, 2005, Adriana (Ana) Murrizi became a student with
World English Institute here in Lushnja. Her first teacher was Myrna
Rockwell who had come from Portland, Oregon to work here in a campaign
for about two weeks. Myrna and Ana developed a close bond, and enjoyed one
another’s company.
When Myrna returned to the States, Tom Bonner took over as Ana’s
teacher. One year and one month after beginning with Myrna,
Ana was baptized into Christ. She had
spoken often of her desire to become a Christian, which was realized in
her new birth on September 3. The baptism took place in the Adriatic Sea.
Ana’s mother and brother were able to be present to be part of this great
event.
Adriana (Ana) Murrizi
Some might feel that a year is a long time to devote
to any one student, but believe me, both Ana and the church (as well as
heaven, I believe) are now rejoicing with her well-thought-out decision.
This sixteen year-old young lady will be an important part of the Lord’s
church here in Lushnja. She continues in her studies with WEI, and in the
growth of her love for the Lord.
The Gift Of Encouragement
You have read in previous newsletters about Alma Kajdo, one of our
sisters in the church. Alma has been a real encouragement to me as I have
observed her love for the Lord and her desire to continue to learn and
grow.
I am glad to share with you the news that Alma has agreed to work
on a part-time basis with me. She will be teaching students in the
afternoon five days a week, as well as helping me with legal processes
that require a greater level of Albanian proficiency than what I possess.
In addition, she is translating for me on Sundays. She had already been
voluntarily teaching students whose English ability and my Albanian
ability did not match up. Her aim is to bring them along to the point that
I can work with them, and then have me work with them in the WEI
materials. She has a beautiful spirit, and the students all seem to love
her. She is a great addition to the work we are trying to do here.
Alma is a school teacher at the kindergarten level, professionally.
This year she has fifty students in her care, though she would like to
reduce the number. I can’t imagine trying to corral and hold the attention
of fifty 5/6 year-olds unassisted. It should be good training for her
working with me, don’t you think?
Intended Improvements
We have been in our present location for three years, and feel it is a
good site. Therefore we have decided to make some improvements in the
facility. We have not had hot water to this point in time, so we recently
had a hot-water heater installed, as well as a larger sink. This will be
an especially welcome addition in the colder winter months ahead.
In addition, we would like to add a baptistery and changing room. Often
people have delayed being baptized for quite some time, due to the fact
that we either had to go to the sea (not a good option for about ½ the
year), or to the church in Tirana, about 1 ½ hours away. We want to do
everything possible to assist people in their decision to put on Christ.
Resumption Of Singing Practice
For about a year in the past I had been traveling to Tirana once a week to
work with the church on learning to sing in four-part harmony. This was,
of course, quite a commitment of time. I informed the church in Tirana
that I wouldn’t be coming for this purpose any more, feeling that perhaps
the time could be better used in developing some programs here in Lushnja.
This decision was met with an appeal from the church in Tirana for me to
reconsider, and at least commit to a lesser amount of time. Initially, I
held my ground and adhered to my decision. Then, I committed to once a
month, but now (with encouragement) I have decided to make the trip twice
a month. There is much evidence to the fact that the results of this
effort are indeed fruitful.
One thing I had thought to do with the time not used in this endeavor was
to have a program of Bible study in the evening on Sundays here in
Lushnja. This is very problematic, as most of our members are yet in
school, and during the majority of the year do not venture out after dark,
especially the young women.
Please pray that God will guide in making decisions about the use of time
that are best for the church of our Lord, both here and throughout the
country.
The Truth Goes On
At the present time I am studying with ten different people each week,
both English and Bible. Alma has six students with whom she is
working on English. I believe that even though she is not specifically
dealing with Bible subjects, she is teaching about Christ.
Let me explain. One of my students is Alma’s twelve year-old daughter,
Glenida. Glenida’s English and my Albanian do not always connect, and
I shared with Alma that I wasn’t sure how much I would be able teach her
regarding spiritual truths at this time. Alma’s response was, “That’s OK,
but I want her to see Jesus in you.”
In the same way, I believe that the students with whom
Alma is working are
seeing Jesus in her, and that presence is growing continually. Please pray
that all of us in the church here in Lushnja may allow Jesus to be seen in
us as we go about our activities in the community.
Other members of the church are bringing their friends to worship with
them. Some of our visitors are as, or more, regular in attendance than
some members, and they are bringing friends with them. One young lady,
from a Moslem family, knows the songs we sing better than I do. This week
she and I visited and she shared that she really wants to be sure in her
heart, and make a full commitment to Jesus before she is baptized. I
praised her for that attitude, and encouraged her to keep seeking the
Lord.
There will be more Christians here in the days and years ahead. May it be
to the praise of his glorious name.
Looking Ahead
Over the coming months I have planned to make a couple of trips out of the
country. In November I plan to attend the Euro/American Retreat in
Berchtesgaden, Germany. This is intended more for relaxation and
fellowship. Then in January it is my intention to attend, in Cologne,
Germany, an advanced study seminar presented by the Ministry for
Theological Education. Bill Wilson, the missionary in Cologne, is
the host for this event.
Thank you for your interest and your help. God is being glorified. May
your lives and your ministries provide as much fulfillment for you as you
are enabling me to experience here in being able to serve the Lord here in
Albania.
Tom
|
October/November 2006
Education Continues
My time in Albania is into the fifth year now, and I am daily continuing
to learn about life here. Some of my more important education has gone
wanting, since I have not worked very hard for some time now on the
Albanian language. I could provide some reasons, but suffice it to say I
am working on my attitude in this regard.
But other facets of my existence continue to provide opportunity for
learning about the daily life in Albania. I have pondered often about the
difficulties I encounter as a foreigner here. I have remarked to my
Albanian friends that my life is more difficult here than in America, but
still my life is not as difficult as that of most Albanians. Recently, I
have acquired even greater appreciation for what goes on regularly for the
citizens of Albania, as I have sought to work my way (with help) through
some of the legal requirements for what we are doing here. It is an
understatement to say that there is much confusion existing within the
various government offices, and one can get four different answers to a
question if one talks to four different people.
Alma Kajdo and I have spent quite a
bit of time with the Policia Tatimore (tax police) in trying to get things
ironed out about our obligations, due to the fact that we have secured
business licenses for both the church and World English Institute. Since
Alma is now considered an employee of World English Institute, we are
obligated to pay into the social security system for her. But there has
been an issue for some time in the country over whether foreign people
working in the country, but paid from without, are subject to paying in to
this fund as well. The education continues.
Progress
I have said from the beginning of my work here that God is in control, and
that he will determine our direction and results. I am not a great
organizer, and many people might have a difficult time working with me.
But I am firmly convinced that sometimes we plan things so completely that
we plan the Holy Spirit out of what we are doing. As we go about our
activities from day to day God is bringing more people into our path, and
some of them are seeking us out to come and worship with us. I won’t spend
time here naming names, but I will ask you to keep the church here, the
people being contacted, and me, personally, in your prayers. God is the
God of the harvest in this and all endeavors.
Conference In Germany
In the last newsletter I mentioned that it was my intention to attend the
EuroAmerican Family Retreat, which was to be held in Berchtesgaden,
Germany. This did come about, and I traveled to and from Germany with
Ellen Walker, a worker in Tirana for
the better part of ten years, as well as with
Steven and Ruth Byrne, who have recently moved to work with the
church in Fier, from Anchor Point, Alaska.
The retreat was a great blessing, as several
different speakers had been engaged to come and share with us:
Adrian Teo, from Singapore;
Steven Allison, from ACU;
Ralph Gilmore, from Freed-Hardeman;
and Mladen Jovanovich, from Zagreb,
Croatia. Both European and American brethren were present, and the
fellowship was very uplifting. I found myself with a cold, congestion and
coughing, and had to spend a couple of days in bed. I was able to fulfill
a long-time desire, though in a very limited way, of visiting Hallstatt,
Austria. I have a picture of Hallstatt on my computer screen-saver and it
has drawn me to visit. We didn’t arrive in Hallstatt until late in the
afternoon, when the light was almost gone, but still I was pleased to have
made the trip.
Now And The Future
In my absence Altin Koçi did the
preaching here in Lushnja. His involvement with the IBIA, a satellite
school of Sunset International Bible Institute, has borne wonderful fruit
to this point. He has matured a great deal, and will be a great blessing
to the church in years to come. I plan to try to arrange for others of the
students from the school to come on a rotating basis to preach here. It
will be a blessing for the church, and good experience for the young men.
I have been trying to get a man whom I met previously, a graduate of
Sunset’s satellite school in Athens, to come and see about working with
the church in Lushnja. I was very impressed with him, and felt that he
would be a great asset for the work here. He is an Albanian, and his
family lives in Tirana, so this would be a very good location for him. But
my efforts in this regard have been totally unsuccessful, so I must forget
about him and pray that God will provide as only he can.
It has been my stated, and heartfelt, purpose since first I came here, for
this to be an Albanian church. I know that it is better for me to try to
work myself out of a job, than to create a niche for myself here. I will
gladly stay as long as God desires for me to, doing whatever I can to help
in building up the church. I will also gladly go wherever God can use me
best. I do not want to become so accustomed to being here that I am not
observant of other things or places in which I could more effectively
serve. Please pray for me in this regard.
God’s Gracious Provisions
When I first made the decision to come and work here my biggest concern
was regarding fund-raising. God’s hand was present! I made the decision to
come here in April 2002, and by August I had all my support in place. Not
once in the intervening four-plus years have I personally, or the
ministry, lacked what was needed. To the contrary, God has “opened the
windows of heaven” to pour out his blessings. I have tried always to be a
good steward of what God, through you, has provided, and we always have
had a surplus. Contributors have gone, and come. I will be losing another
$300 per month toward my personal support at the beginning of the year,
but I have no doubt that God will fill the need.
Most all of you are aware, I am sure, that the dollar is taking a beating
in devaluation relative to most other currencies in the world. The news
recently reported “a new two-year low” in the euro/dollar relationship.
The Albanian currency is in on that parade as well. When I first came here
the exchange rate was 135.5 leke per dollar. The latest rating is 93 leke
per dollar which is about a 31% decline, if my math isn’t failing me
(which is a distinct possibility). At any rate, “less bang for the buck”
is definitely an accurate statement. Please pray for continued wise
stewardship on my part as I labor here in Albania.
Lifted by, and lifting high, Jesus
Tom |
|
December ’06 – February ‘07
New Beginnings
As with most people, this time of year is a time of reflection for me.
Many questions come to my mind about my life and my activities. I know of
many things that I want to change so that I will be a better person.
Thinking of them, and putting them into effect, are two entirely different
issues. I pray that God will give me the wisdom to continue to look at
myself through eyes that are his, and seek the strength that is his by
which the needed changes can be brought about.
As I think about God graciously granting me the privilege of being here in
Lushnja, Albania I am challenged. I came with no missions experience, per
se. I came with circumstances that most experts would have said were not
the best: no existing body of the church, no co-workers, and no ability
with the Albanian language. Yet, God has blessed the efforts, and a small
but close family of people meet every week to praise God. As with any
ministry with which I have been involved over the past forty-four years,
there have been (and continue to be) disappointments. I guess the thing
that says best what I am attempting to say are the words contained in a
Christmas card given me by the church here, penned by
Bojkena Salmanaj, a fifteen year-old
young lady: “We are thankful to God who united us together in one body.
Now we have to continue to grow in Christ, as God wants.” Now that’s what
it is all about, isn’t it!?
New beginnings, but building on the same message: God loves you, as is
seen in the atoning gift of his son, Jesus. May God give us strength and
wisdom for the wonderful gift of ministry to which he has called us.
There are new beginnings in other ways, as well. I have mentioned before
that Alma Kajdo is now working with me
on a part-time basis. I am very thankful for her presence, as she has
truly been a blessing. Another new beginning is that I have purchased a
lap-top computer for Altin Koçi to use
as he attends the Biblical Institute in Tirana, preparing himself to be a
leader in the church. I am also providing some support for him as he
attends the school. None of us knows what the future holds when he
finishes the school, but he has put everything else on hold while he
completes the schooling. You may recall that he was attending two
different schools for a while, the IBIA and a dental lab school. It
remains to be seen just how helpful the dental lab training will be for
him in seeking to secure employment when he finishes IBIA. There have been
many changes in Altin since he became
a Christian about 3 years ago. Let’s pray for the Lord to use him in a
powerful way here in Albania.
Conference In Cologne, Germany
I had the opportunity to attend a seminar hosted by the Institute of
Advanced Theological Studies, in Cologne. I have attended this event
before, and knew I would be challenged by it, which proved to be true. I
am very far from being an academician, but do look for opportunities to
grow in my thinking and understanding. One of the great blessings of such
an activity is getting to see those whom you have known and worked with in
years past. In this case, I was blessed to see
Tom and Sandra Sibley, who served the church in Vancouver, WA
at the same time I did through the 1970’s. They have now been living in
Zagreb, Croatia for a number of years, where Tom is the director of a
Biblical Studies Institute.
I made the decision to drive from Albania to Germany for this event, since
I have seen little of Europe in the 4½ years that I have been here. On
this trip I traveled through, and got to see some of the ancient
buildings, in: Monte Negro, Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia, Italy, Switzerland,
France, Luxembourg, Austria and, of course, Germany. This was a very
expensive way to travel, since I was traveling alone, but hopefully I grew
through the experience. I drove about 4600 kilometers (2800+ miles) with
no negative incidents.
As an American who has seen very little of our own nation’s past through
buildings, etc., it was fascinating to walk on stone streets where people
walked more than two thousand years ago. Next year I hope to take with me
some members from the church here, most of whom have never been out of
Albania. I might be approaching you to help with the expenses of such for
the members, but that will come later.
Planting, Watering, Harvesting
Opportunities continue to arise every week to present Christ, in various
ways. I pray, and ask that you pray, that God will give the wisdom to
respond in every situation in a way that best fits the circumstances, and
will bring glory to his name.
How have we done over the past 4½ years in participating with God to build
the church here? By my count, and by God’s grace, sixteen have been
baptized. I regret to say that not all of them have been fruitful in their
Christian lives, and some few have been seldom present with the others to
worship and serve God. In addition, two have come from other fellowships
which practice baptism by immersion for the forgiveness of sins, and they
have become part of the church family. Of the total number, ten are not
normally in Lushnja, but are either attending school in another city, or
have moved out of the area. Two of those are in America and one is in
Italy. In addition, one is only verbally a part of the church (voicing a
desire to be a part, but never attending without some special effort being
made to bring them to meet with us), while two have chosen not to be
involved with us. One of the new converts is now attending the extension
school of the Sunset International Bible Institute, while another is
studying “theology” somewhere in the States, though he refuses to tell me
where.
At the present time there are at least seven who have expressed interest
in being baptized, but whose decision is being weighed carefully, or who
need further teaching to understand the meaning of a total commitment of
their lives to Jesus. Please pray, also, that God will work in these
people’s lives to bring them into the kingdom. And we also have at least
three who have begun attending with us, coming from some other church,
with whom I have not yet had the opportunity to communicate about their
Biblical understanding of salvation.
All in all, we could wish for better results, and will continue to attempt
to find better ways of lifting up Jesus. At the same time, however, those
who have understood their commitment and followed through on it, are
telling others about the kingdom. The harvest will increase as more people
involve themselves in sharing the message of salvation in their
environments.
Recently, a mature husband and wife (Maks and
Mira Balla) have begun to worship with us. He has served as a
deacon in the church with which they were previously involved, and they
both have expressed a great desire to be of assistance in the church here.
The last Sunday in February Steve and Ruth Byrne,
missionaries in Fier, Albania, joined us to worship, along with 9 others
from their area. Steve preached for us, and we enjoyed wonderful
fellowship.
Changes, Positive And Challenging
Since I came to Albania 4½ years ago, many changes have taken place. I
know that it is not nearly so stark a difference as seen by those who came
into the country soon after the fall of communism, but different it is,
nonetheless. There are many improvements in roads, buildings, etc. There
are still many metaphorical miles to go before life here even begins to
compare with the comfort enjoyed by most Americans, but the direction is
forward.
Recently elections at the local levels were conducted throughout Albania.
A side benefit of the election process here in Albania is that, whatever
political party has national control at the time of elections, the power
problems seem to magically disappear! A week or two prior to the
elections, the pattern changed dramatically. We had been experiencing 5-8
hours per day without electricity, but the elections were held early in
February and power supply has remained almost constant. If the pattern of
past years holds true, we can expect a return to the old schedule any day
now. It is good to not have to schedule showers, computer work, etc.,
around the availability of the electrical power!!
The difficulties with the local tax office continue. I have always striven
to be in full compliance with the laws and requirements of living and
doing work in Albania. For some time now I have been having a “go-around”
with the local tax officials, and am told that, to everyone’s knowledge
with whom I have spoken about the situation, only we are experiencing this
difficulty. I do not know what the outcome will be or why this has come
upon us only. But I do know that God is the God over all governments, and
our direction is to be subject to them. Please pray that God will give me
wisdom and patience. I must confess to have fallen prey to some depression
over this situation, and I certainly know that does not glorify the
Father, creator of all things.
Late Start
I have a standing joke with my family relative to getting birthday cards
and gifts to them on time. It has gotten to the point that I now tell them
that I am afraid to send things on time, lest they think that I am ill in
doing so.
In the same vein, it is past time for getting things organized for a
campaign here in Lushnja this summer. Several have already committed to
being with us for this effort, July 16 – August 17. For some it will not
be possible to stay the full time, but their presence will be appreciated
for the time they are able to be here.
Housing will not be in a 5-star hotel, but likely in a private home. There
might be some costs incurred relative to the housing and meals, but
nothing exorbitant. You will find the Albanian people warm and friendly,
for the most part, and very appreciative of what you are doing for them.
The young people have a great deal of respect for their elders, and
display it in many ways.
If you would like to come for all or part of the campaign time, please let
me know. I promise that your work will be appreciated, both by the
students you teach and by me. The nature of the campaign is that we help
people improve their English, and at the same time teach them Bible, using
the World English Institute materials. The biggest part of the job is just
listening, while building a friendship with your students.
While Albania is not one of the world’s primary “vacation destinations”,
there are some very interesting things to see here. For those who come we
will attempt to arrange some excursions to see some of the ancient sites
in the area, as well as visit the Adriatic Sea shoreline.
If you are interested, let me know as soon as possible, and I will
provide you with more information.
Apology
Once again I must apologize for the length of time between reports. I
always have every intention to be more punctual, but it doesn’t seem to
happen as I plan it. Perhaps I am falling victim to the Albanian cultural
environment, where it is very difficult to begin anything on time. But I
fight against that mindset in myself, and will strive to do better in the
future.
Lifted by, and lifting high, Jesus
Tom
|
March- May 2007
Tragedy And Glory
I have been shocked in recent days by the terrible things that we humans
can inflict on one another! You are all probably all too aware of the mass
shooting at Virginia Tech University on April 17, in which over thirty
people lost their lives. Then on April 18 three Christian believers in
Turkey were methodically mutilated, the last element being a
near-decapitation of them all.
I live in a country that is said to be seventy-five percent Moslem, this
figure being based primarily on the surnames that people have. While under
the control of the Turkish Ottoman Empire many people “converted” to Islam
in order to be able to pay less in taxes. It is my great joy to tell you
that I have seen none of the kind of radicalism that has led to so many
tragic deaths, even of our own loved ones, in Iraq; none of the hatred
that motivated the young men in Turkey in their slaughter of innocent
people. Thank God that the event at Virginia Tech University, while a
tragedy, is not an approach that all disturbed people take.
The “glory” part of this picture is that everywhere in the world, in spite
of danger and hardship that accompany their decisions, many people are
choosing to follow Jesus. I am pleased to share with you that
Oltion (Olti) Mezini, was baptized
into Christ in the Adriatic Sea on March 18, one day before his eighteenth
birthday. Recently Olti traveled with me as I went to Tirana to work with
the church on their singing. On the way home he asked me to turn off the
radio, then asked if we could sing some of the songs we sing in our
worship services. Needless to say, my heart was thrilled. It was
interesting to me that Olti knew the songs by heart better than I did, in
spite of his short time in the faith.
Oltion Mezini's Baptism
The majority of our congregation has, to this point, been made up of
teenagers. This is because the primary tool we are using in evangelism is
geared to help people improve their English (the WEI materials) as well as
learn the gospel message. Most of the more mature Albanians did not have
the opportunity to study English under the communist system, thus they do
not have skills in English on which to improve. But now a door has been
opened for others to come into our fellowship. Three have asked to be
identified with us, having come from another church in town. I have talked
with them all at length, and am convinced that they were immersed for the
remission of their sins. I find no basis, therefore, to exclude them from
involvement with us. There are some differences of understanding on some
points, but I share that condition with even some of you reading this
newsletter.
The first to visit with us, then invite others, was
Merjeme Çela. Merjeme is a widow, whose
children are grown and out of Lushnja. Right now she is visiting for a
month or so with her son in Italy. Merjeme definitely has a heart for God,
and I pray that her spirit will continue to have a positive influence on
us.
Merjeme Cela
One of the first people Merjeme invited to attend
worship with her was Mira Balla. They
had been members together in the previous congregation. Mira is desirous
of organizing a time for the ladies to meet together to pray, and get to
know one another better. The week after her first visit Mira brought with
her husband, Maks Balla. Maks had been
a deacon in the other church, and has a great spirit. Several to whom I
have spoken in the community about Maks have praised him very highly as a
good, solid, Christian man. God is building His family here!!
Mira & Maks Balla
I would ask you to pray for us in regard to these,
and potentially others who will come because of them. I have had a visit
from their “pastor” and he is not happy with their decisions to leave his
church. I do not want to be a troublemaker, but I will not turn people
away from the church if I believe they are my brothers and sisters. Ask
God to grant me wisdom to know how to deal with this issue.
An Opportunity For Service
Recently the church was approached by the new director of the closest
kindergarten about the prospect of us helping the school. In particular
the needs were toys for the children, and closets/shelves for the storage
of their coats and personal items. The cost per unit, and four were
needed, was 25,000 lekë (something over $250) each. From the contribution
of the church we were able to fund all four units. The director asked if
we wanted to be on television, which I declined. I have seen some of the
other churches in town clamoring for attention, and did not want to join
in that parade. I asked that she inform the parents about who had made the
shelves possible, in the name of Jesus.
Kindergarden's New Shelves
Fellowship
We have had several opportunities to be on outings together recently. On
April 14, I took a van load of young people into Tirana where the church
was hosting a national “youth day”, an annual event.
Steve Byrne, the missionary in Fier, was the speaker and did
a good job of challenging the young people. On April 28, I took a van load
of ladies/girls to Elbasan for the same kind of event, but with a
different target group. I will try to attach some photos from those
events, as well.
Ladies' Day In Tirana
All in all, God is building a good basis for the
church here. I sometimes have trouble in remembering that all things are
“in his time”. I know full-well he desires that all would come to him. I
also know that it is his desire, in fact a necessity, that we come to him
with our head and our heart fully committed to being true disciples. There
is far too much shallow religion in the world. It is our desire to work
with God to build disciples who are sold-out and on fire. There are real
roadblocks to accomplishing such here, much more so than in America.
Please pray that whatever else may result from my time here, a body which
understands the need for commitment will be in place when it is my time to
leave, either for another place on earth, or for my home in heaven.
Summer Campaign
I have written previously of the intention to have some of you come and
work here for a period of time during the summer. As of this writing,
three have committed themselves for some or all of the time of the
campaign. If you are interested in helping in this way, teaching
English/Bible to those with basic English ability, please let me know. The
dates of the campaign are set for July 16- August 17.
End Of Story, Maybe
It may be foolish of me to so state, but I believe that we have gotten
past the difficulties with which we have been struggling with the tax
police here. It is very hard to tell whether there have been real, or
concocted, problems. The most recent encounter had the director of the
local office apologizing to me for the actions of one of his employees. We
will see if it is long-lasting.
Improved Electricity Situation
I have written in previous newsletters concerning the difficulties with
the electricity situation here. Last time I mentioned that the election
season had provided impetus for improved availability, but that I was not
holding my breath regarding its continuing to be a constant presence. With
trepidation (lest I change the situation) I write now that for four months
we have been blessed with basically uninterrupted service. Please thank
God on our behalf, and ask for continued service.
Looking Ahead
I continue to work toward making myself non-essential (my perspective, not
God’s) in the Lord’s kingdom here. I do not know when that status will be
reached, but I do not believe we are yet at that point. There are many
positive signs for the future, but things move slowly.
Altin Koçi will, the Lord willing, be
finishing his studies with the International Bible Institute of Albania (a
satellite school of Sunset International Bible Institute), in December.
The school has helped Altin mature and grow in the knowledge of the Word
greatly. At this point in time it is not clear just what the future holds
for Altin. He has, however, informed his parents that he doesn’t believe
that he will work in the dental lab field in which he received training,
as well. He has a great desire to see the kingdom spread.
I have frequently stated to the church here that when it is time for
another worker to come in, it will not be my decision alone that
determines who that person is. I believe that for a person to be effective
in working with a church, the church must have trust and confidence in
that person. Therefore, I ask that you please include this situation in
your prayer requests, also.
Trip To The States
It is a bit premature, perhaps, but I wanted to let you know that I am
planning a trip to the States for Christmas/New Year this year. In the
five years I will have been in Albania at that time, I will have been to
the States only once during the holiday season. I have communicated with
my children, and we are planning a family gathering in the Denver area,
where my oldest son and his family live. All have said they will plan to
be there. It will be the first time in 21 years that we have all been
together during the holiday season.
In planning for the trip, I want to plan enough time to get around to
visit with all who would desire such a visit, especially churches and
individuals who are helping support the work here. If you fall into that
category, please let me know now so that I can plan accordingly. Last time
I was in the the States I drove 12,000 miles, and still did not get to see
everyone I would have liked to see. I won’t have to travel as far to see
all my children, given the fact that we will be together for Christmas.
But I do want to get around to see all who would like to have such a
visit.
Lifted by, and lifting high, Jesus
Tom |
June-October 2007
Apologies, Again
I know, I know! I said I was going to do better about getting the
newsletter out. I fully intended to, and still intend to do better. I will
not try to offer explanations here, but there are reasons why things move
slowly for some things, and at some times. I hope what you read in this
newsletter will help you have a better understanding. I do covet your
patience in the future, as there are some additional considerations that
must be given to things that are before me.
Sowing The Seed
Three ladies from America came, at their own expense (and then some), and
assisted by their home congregations, to share in the work here in Lushnja
for a period of time. Returning for her second stay in Albania was
Myrna
Rockwell of the Eastside church of Christ, in Portland, OR. She was here
for a period of six weeks. Coming from the Tyler Street church of Christ
in Sacramento, CA were Gena Weeks and Danah Nelson. This was Gena’s first
time out of the U.S. and her first time to participate in teaching with
the WEI materials. She was able to be with us for only two weeks, but says
that she would like to come again. For Danah, this was her seventh visit
to Albania. During her previous visits she has worked in Orikum and
Tirana. Her stay was five and one-half weeks in length.
There were no baptisms during the campaign, but much seed was sown. All of
the ladies were greatly loved by those with whom they worked, and their
departure was a matter of much sorrow for most of their students.
Alma Kajdo and I will now be attempting to incorporate the
students these ladies worked with into our schedules. Alma has gone back
to work as a school teacher, and many of the students have likewise
returned to school. My schedule is therefore light in the morning hours,
but full in the afternoon and evening. The seed that was sown by the
ladies, will not be to no purpose. If I understand correctly Isaiah 55:10,
11, we can rest assured that the word sown will bring forth fruit. Please
pray for a harvest from the work these wonderful ladies did here in
Lushnja.
Harvest Time
Beginning in June of 2003, and continuing through March of 2004,
Sonila Rrapi was a student with us, using
the WEI materials. She studied with three different teachers, ending with
me. Always, she knew the answers to the questions, and expressed a strong
faith in God. Her upbringing had been in the Orthodox church, and I could
never get her to attend worship with us. When she finished the course
material, we didn’t see much of her for a very long time.
Then, one of her friends and fellow-school teachers,
Silvana Eksarko, was baptized. Sonila
began attending worship with Silvana, and was here nearly every week. This
past summer she expressed an interest in coming back and studying some
more, so she became a student of Danah Nelson
during our campaign this past summer. She began calling me “brother,” and
I would gently remind her that she had not yet been born into the family.
That is no longer true, for she was added to the kingdom on September 16,
as she was baptized for the forgiveness of her sins in the Adriatic Sea.
The joy that she feels in her new relationship with God, and with the
church, cannot be hidden. She exudes her feelings of happiness, and we
delight in calling each other “brother” and “sister”.
On October 14, another new birth to our family occurred.
Lidjona Çela has been studying with Alma,
primarily only English, since November 29, 2005. Throughout this period of
time she has been very faithful in her attendance at our worship and
church activities. Lidjona is seventeen years old, the youngest of three
daughters, and in high school. It is almost impossible for Lidjona not to
smile, and when she does so she lights up the room.
During the summer campaign she was one of those students who had
progressed well enough in her English to study with one of the Americans.
She was assigned to Gena Weeks, who
taught her using the WEI materials.
Praise God for these new sisters in Christ!
Return To The Status Quo
I should have know better than to even mention the improved situation
regarding the availability of electricity in the last newsletter. We have
now returned to the normal situation, i.e., regular outages for several
hours per day. In fact, we are in what is being called an “energy crisis”.
I am so thankful that, at the office at least, there is a generator. The
temperatures during the stay of the ladies were quite high, reaching 42
degrees Celsius (109 Fahrenheit). The infrastructure for adequate services
of all kinds is greatly lacking here, and charges of corruption abound.
I remember a quote from Marshall Keeble in which he defined “staus quo” as
“Latin for ‘the mess we are in.’” This definition seems very appropriate a
lot of the time.
In Appreciation
I feel I must say something in the way of appreciation to my sponsoring
church, Metro church of Christ in Gresham, OR, and its elders. This is my
first venture as a foreign missionary, and I did not know what to expect
in any way. I had read horror stories about missionaries who were
virtually forgotten, or, conversely, were micro-managed by the sponsoring
church. I feel truly blessed that God, in his wisdom, connected me with
Metro. I receive support financially from the church, and from individual
members. I receive encouragement from the elders regularly, and from time
to time from members of the congregation.
In my attempts to secure support beyond what Metro can provide I have met
with many different attitudes, and try to be understanding of them all.
One of the most discouraging comments made to me while seeking additional
support was “We are looking to get the most bang for our buck.” I
understand that mindset from a business standpoint, but it doesn’t make
much sense to me when we are contemplating the salvation of souls. Some
cultures, and environments within each culture, are going to be less
“bang-producing”. I guess Lushnja, Albania is one of those. But when I
look in the faces of those who did not know Jesus and now do, or hear
prayers being offered by young men who only relatively recently became
Christians, I am thankful to God: thankful he put me here, and thankful
that he gave me the Metro church with which to work.
I read something very recently that sums up what I am trying to say.
“Let’s not count conversions, but conversations.” God is the one who
brings the results, not us. If we will just be faithful in speaking Jesus
in our lives, wherever we live, the results belong to God.
Thank you, Metro!!
Out And About
In July a group of us from here in Lushnja, were blessed to make a trip to
Montenegro, the country just to the north of Albania, for five days.
Several in the group had never been out of Albania, and this was an
especially wonderful experience for them, as well as for the rest. This
trip was made possible by a donation from someone who wishes to remain
anonymous. This person grew up under Communism and recalled how often as a
young person he had wanted to just be able to go somewhere out of his
country, but had not been able to do so. He wanted to make it possible for
the young people of the church to have such an opportunity, and all who
participated are very grateful.
I am attempting to facilitate connections for fellowship within the body
of Christ with other congregations. There are once-a-year meetings here in
Albania, on a national basis, for the men, the women, and the teens. We
always have good participation for such events. In addition to the events
within the country, I am trying to make it possible for members to
interact with churches in surrounding countries. To that end there are a
couple of situations on which I have been working.
The Omonia congregation in Athens, Greece hosts a ladies day each year
that is attended by ladies from a number of European countries. I have
been trying to secure the necessary documents to be able to take a group
of ladies for this event, but made the decision recently that we must wait
for another year before participation in Greece. Documentation for
Albanians to enter Greece is, at most times, very difficult to secure.
Another reason for the decision not to attend the event in Athens has to
do with a new law in Greece requiring both a valid country-of-citizenship
drivers license, plus an international driving permit. I can only secure
this through the mail to America, which is very slow, and there are only
two weeks before the event.
Secondly, there is every year, somewhere in Germany, a Euro-American
Family Retreat. This year it will once again be held in Rothenburg. I plan
to attend this event, and want to take with me the lady who works with me,
Alma Kajdo. Obviously, that is not
such a good idea if we travel alone. Two other ladies from Lushnja have
expressed an interest in going, as well. The plan is to drive up using our
van, with Steve and Ruth Byrne
(missionaries in Fier) and Ellen Walker,
(longtime missionary in Tirana). Again, the big problem is visas for the
Albanians. Ask God to bring about the possibility for this trip to be a
reality, and to ultimately glorify him.
Five Years And…
Lushnja, Albania has been my home now for just over five years. I do not
know what the Lord’s plans are for me in the future, but it is my desire
to continue working in the kingdom for as long as I am able, wherever and
in whatever capacity that may be. I just passed the sixty-five year mark
of life, and my body and my mind (at least in my opinion) both seem to be
in reasonably good condition. I have some of the normal aches and pains
that accompany the aging process for most people, but by and large I am in
pretty good shape. I do admit to having some bulges here and there that
shouldn’t be. Maybe I will find the determination to “pare down”, for
health’s sake, if not esthetics.
I am asked often how long I plan to stay here in Lushnja, or in Albania,
for which I do not have an answer. There is certainly a great deal of need
in the churches here, and if I can help fill some of that need, I am
willing to do so. I really do not believe that now is not the time for me
to leave, as there is still a great lack of converted, dedicated, mature
leadership from among the Albanians. Sometimes I forget that it is God who
is in control, and I try to plan every little detail. At other times, my
perspective is that far too often we try to do all the planning, and don’t
leave much room for God to work his will. For my own peace of mind, I am
looking for the middle ground in this mental debate. It is my conviction
that God put me here, and he will let me know when it is time for me to
leave.
My being in Albania does have some ac-companying sacrifices, none of which
are significant in comparison to the sacrifices of others, especially the
sacrifices made by our Lord, who left the glories of heaven to come to
earth on our behalf. The thing that most people refer to regarding
sacrifice, if they approach the subject with me, is that I am missing the
blessings of my children and grandchildren. This is not insignificant to
me. Especially at this point in time is it telling on me, as both a son (Trey,
34) and a grandson (Brendin
Williamson, 16) are experiencing troubling health issues. As of
this writing we are waiting for a test and its results to determine if my
son has cancer, and my grandson has a condition that may be related to his
heart.
I would not be able to participate on a much greater level with my family
if I were in the States, as the family is scattered all across the U.S. My
oldest son and his wife (Troy and Candace)
live in the Denver, Colorado area. Two of their four children are now in
college. (I know it seems impossible that as young as I am I have two
grandchildren in college.) My daughter and her husband (Jack
and Tami Williamson) live in Thousand Oaks, CA with their three
children. My third child and his wife (Trey and
Jennifer) live in Camas, WA. Two daughters make up the rest of
their family. The youngest and his wife (Todd and
Julie) live in Martinez, GA with their three children. So, as
you can imagine, even if I were living in the States, my personal
connection with all of these wonderful blessings to my life would be
limited, at best.
As always, please just pray that I may listen to the voice of God. There
have been far too many times in my life when I did not do so, and for
which I am regretful and repentant. In the years I have left, however many
that may be, I desire to be truly faithful in following God’s direction.
In the grasp of his love,
Tom
|
March 2008
The Way It Works
Once again, still, we see the hand of God in the work here in Lushnja.
Last report we shared with you regarding the baptism of
Sonila Rrapi and Lidjona Çela. Sonila,
you may recall, was encouraged by her friend
Silvana Eksarko to begin attending
worship with the church. Sonila had studied with us, but didn’t
participate with us in worship. But now she is our sister. Lidjona has
been one of our English-language students. If all
Christians would talk with their friends about Jesus, and show Jesus in
their actions, who knows what might happen?
A Grand Time
From time to time I find it beneficial to get with other Christians in a
setting removed from the normal environment. Often such opportunities are
presented in other places in Europe, and people come from all over to
participate. In November it was a great privilege to attend the 44th
Annual Churches of Christ Retreat, held in Rothenburg ob der Tauber,
Germany.
Other Americans working in Albania were able to attend, also. It was great
to get to be involved with Ellen Walker,
who works in Tirana; Steve and Ruth Byrne,
who work in Fier; and Kevin and Allison Morill,
who work in Korcë., in this time of renewal.
Lushnja ladies, Ruth Byrne (from Fier) in Germany
Three members of the church in Lusnhja were able to
attend, also. Alma Kajdo, Silvana Eksarko and
Sonila Rrapi had a wonderful time. It was the first time that
any of them had flown, and they were pleased with that part of the
experience. They also enjoyed very much getting to shop (what else?)
outside of Albania, where the selection, and often the prices, are much
better.
Twelve nations were represented at the retreat and it was a great
privilege for us to sing together, pray together, and have fellowship in
the Lord. The Albanian ladies were thrilled to get to meet Christians from
so many places.
Normal Abnormalism
Albania continues to strive to move forward in many ways, often without
success. It is a great desire of the country to gain admittance to the
European Union, but it likely will not happen as soon as most wish that it
could.
Sadly, Albania was recently identified as the 3rd leading government in
the area of corruption, in all service sectors, in the world. The health
system, justice system, police, utility services, etc., all are infected
by this insidious problem. It is a great challenge to try to help people
understand that participating in the corruption process, even at a minimal
level, puts them in the same category as those in government who take
bribes. All are responsible for the continuing presence of the problem.
One of the most troublesome things for the entire populace is the power
situation. Until the middle of December the power in Lushnja had normally
been off, in most places, from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. I left Albania to
travel to the U.S. on December 18, and the power supply has been almost,
if not, continuous since then. I will not allow that to cause me to
conclude that I should stay out of Albania, for I know that it is likely
that “this, too, shall pass”.
At the office/church meeting place, we have had a generator, for which we
have been very thankful. However, the last week before leaving on furlough
I had a repair specialist (who does not sell generators) look at ours
because we had been having problems with it. His diagnosis is that the
generator is on its last legs, and that we need to purchase a heavier duty
unit. He recommends an 8–8.5 KW unit, and guess-timates the cost will be
around 4,000 Euros. That translates into almost $6,000. Through the
generosity of brothers and sisters, and the good graces of World English
Institute, we do have a contingency fund which will make it possible for
us to purchase a new generator, if necessary.
The power company has petitioned to be able to increase the rates, since
they are providing it 24/7 now. That request has been turned down, so now
they are saying that they will perhaps return to the non-continuous
provision status that existed before. Likely the power situation will be
much the same as before, and the people will have to endure the negative
consequences.
On The Go
I have now returned to Albania, after a 2 ½ month absence. My time in the
U.S. was truly a “moving experience”. I landed in Portland, OR on December
19. On December 21 I got in my thirteen- year-old car and began traversing
the U.S. I drove a bit over 11,000 miles, going as far as North and South
Carolina. My “home” in the Dallas, TX area was in the home of my dear
friends in Garland, TX, David and Martha Davy.
They are members of the Saturn Road church which David served as a deacon
when the church supported me to attend the Preston Road School of
Preaching in the mid-1960’s. Now David is an elder at this 2,300 member
congregation, and the church is continuing to reach out to the community,
having baptized 199 persons locally last year.
I did get to visit with my brother and his wife,
Terry and Kay, in Midvale, ID, spend five days in the Denver
area with my children and grandchildren around Christmastime, and visit
with my sister and her husband, Dale and Alta
Friedman, in the Stockton, CA area. In addition, I was blessed
to be hosted in the homes of numerous brothers and sisters across the U.S.
The primary purpose of my visit to the States at this time was to report
to supporters and friends of the ministry, and to seek additional support.
I have received commitments for the year 2008 which will make it possible
for us to continue to reach out the lost here in Albania
Tragedy has struck the small country of Albania twice since my return. At
a recreation area in the capital city of Tirana sixteen people were
drowned when an overloaded boat capsized, many of them being children.
The outing was a birthday party, and it turned tragic. Then this past
Saturday there was an explosion at a munitions depot, which
contained about 100 tons of armaments from the Communist era, manufactured
in Russia and China. As of this writing, 9 are known dead and over 300
were injured. The depot is near some villages, and the homes of many
people were destroyed, in addition. Albania is a country one-third the
size of Oregon, with a comparable population (3.5 million). A heavy
emotional burden for a small, very poor, country.
Mixed Blessings
My primary tool for evangelism has been teaching English and Bible
together. Most of the students have been young people, the majority in
their teens. Many have asked me to help them go to the U.S., which I have
explained is not my purpose, and I do not know how to make it happen.
I am finding out, however, that I am helping them make that transition
simply by teaching them English. Many students with whom we have studied,
as well as many acquaintances from the city, have left for the U.S., some
with student visas, some having “won” the U.S.-sponsored “green card
lottery.” It is puzzling to so many why I am staying here, when they are
wanting to leave and go to the U.S. The lifestyle differences certainly
make that a pertinent question.
However, it is a blessing for me to work in a place where the gospel is
relatively unknown, and to see the transformation that takes place in
people’s lives when they truly understand the freedom that is theirs in
Christ Jesus. The work in Lushnja will likely never produce hundreds of
conversions in a year’s time. And that is not even my intention,
necessarily. I want to leave a church, when God decides my time here is
finished, which is founded and grounded in Jesus. I would love for there
to be hundreds of members of the Lord’s body in Lushnja. My work, however,
is to plant and water the seed, and leave the harvest to God. I never
cease to thank God for whatever the number that gather to worship, as I
see his mighty hand in their lives, as they love and interact with each
other, and bring friends and family to worship with us.
So, I am helping prepare people for greater blessings in eternity, and in
this life. I don’t want them to leave Albania, but I certainly understand
that they have a desire to do so. Many who do go to the U.S. do not come
back, but people from Albania go many different places, looking for some
improvement in their lives. Twenty-five per cent of the Albanian
population lives outside the country, and send money back to family
members who remain in the country. Without this money, 42% of those who
receive it would be living below the poverty level. Life is very hard for
most people in Albania. My goal is to help prepare them for the truly
better place, heaven.
A Tough First Week Back
I landed in Tirana, the capital city, around midnight on the 4th of March,
where I was met by Steve and Deborah Stamatis and
Altin Koçi. I had left our van with Steve, to be used in moving
the I.B.I.A from Tirana to Durrës. I.B.I.A. is a satellite school of the
organization that used to be known as Sunset International, and Steve is
its director here in Albania. Altin is the young man converted to Christ
here in Lushnja, who graduated from I.B.I.A. in December. Now he is
working for the school as a translator/recruiter.
I opted to drive on to Lushnja, rather than spending the night in Durrës,
and arrived home about 2 a.m. on the 5th. On the second day back, I had an
older man on a bicycle pull directly into my path from behind a stopped
car, and I hit him with the van. Thankfully, he was not seriously injured.
I was found faultless in that situation, but had left my driver’s license
at home, so the van was impounded until I appeared before a “hearing
commission” later that afternoon. In the course of that activity the
documents for the van and the insurance came under question (both of which
had been renewed since my return), and I had to make several trips back
and forth to get it all cleared up. In the end, I paid a fine of about $16
for not having my license with me.
Then, on Sunday night, someone broke a window in the van in order to steal
the CD/radio. Evidently it was difficult to extract from the dashboard,
and they ended up taking a good portion of the dashboard. Then I
discovered that the approximate $665 I had paid for insurance does not
cover theft. As the saying goes, “Live and learn”.
Looking Ahead
What does the future hold? As human beings, we certainly cannot know for
certain any details in this regard. We can commit to remaining within the
will of God, by doing what we know he desires, and learning more about him
as we walk with him.
From my perspective, the 5 ½ years I have invested here have been a great
blessing to my life, and an opportunity for others to come to know Jesus,
or know him in a deeper way. How long will I stay? I cannot answer that
question, though it is often asked. I can say that it is my desire not to
leave until there is mature leadership in place within the body here. That
does not now exist. Please pray that God will help us to develop such for
the church here, so that it can be a group that is able to stand on its
own, rooted in Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Tom Bonner – for “newcomers”
I have reached the 65 year mark in my life,
and we humans certainly begin to feel our mortality at this age. I am
still told by the Albanians that I do not look like a 65 year- old, but I
know what my birth certificate says and how my body feels. I am thankful I
have been blessed in all the ways I have by the hand of God. Please pray
that all my days will be used to glorify and praise our Father and our
Savior.
Lifted by, and lifting high, Jesus
Tom
|
|
May 2008
MOVING FORWARD?
Did you hear that scream? It was me being pulled into the present, as I
attempt create a blog and post my newsletters thereon. It has been suggested
as the way to go to make it easier for people to read and to share with
others. I did all of this setup once, and posted the newsletter, only to
find that the format I had set up was not retained, and everything came out
a complete jumble. So, with input from some great brothers and sisters, I am
trying again on a different blog page.
SADNESS FOR ME
When I was working as a singles minister with churches in the Portland, OR
area, Clinton Witter was one of the most
consistent participants in things we were doing, though he was over eighty
years old. When I made the decision to come to Albania, Clinton committed to
helping financially, and has been doing so ever since. But last month,
Clinton went home to be with the Lord. He had not long ago moved to Las
Vegas, NV where he could be closer to his son and his family. Clinton had
been a decorated soldier in WW II, his eyesight being greatly diminished as
a result of his activities, and he was legally blind as a result. Though he
always downplayed the heroics part, he is remembered fondly in his hometown
of Gresham, OR. Clinton lived to the age of 89, and was studying spiritual
subjects up until the hour of his passing. I will miss Clinton!!
NATIONAL YOUTH DAY
On April 26 the church in Tirana hosted the annual youth day for churches of
Christ in Albania. We were able to take an almost-full van for that
activity. The brothers and sisters in Tirana did a wonderful job of planning
and carrying out the activities of the day. The three young men who
graduated from the Bible training school in December were asked to do the
speaking, and did a great job of it. Screen-printed T-shirts were given to
all in attendance with the message "O sa mir' ne qën' Kristian" ("Oh how
great it is to be a Christian"), and the church was given a banner with the
same message on it. In excess of 130 people were in attendance. On the way
home I challenged our youth to wear their shirts to school the next week.
They were a little uneasy about committing to do so, but on Sunday some said
that they would. Now I must educate myself on how to insert pictures of the
group and event into the text. (Loooong pause)
Tom's photos are on his blog at
http://www.lushnjanewsletter.blogspot.com/
The group, the shirts, the banner
Part of the group present for the youth day
Whew, made it through that. Now we'll have to see it it comes out right!
CHURCH LEADERS MEETING
On April 19 the church in Elbasan hosted a meeting of leaders and workers of
the churches from throughout Albania. Twenty-two were present, and good
fellowship was enjoyed by all. The ladies of the church provided a full
Albanian meal for all present, and it was wonderful. Please pray that there
can continue to be meetings of this sort, and that peace and harmony will
prevail in the young church in Albania.
http://www.lushnjanewsletter.blogspot.com/
Church leaders and workers meeting in Elbasan
TIME TO REJOICE
Though it is an May event, I want to include here the wonderful news about
the birth into the kingdom of God of Inva Begolli.
She has been studying English/Bible with me for some time now, and accepted
the Lord's gift of forgiveness as she was baptized in the Adriatic Sea on
May3. Inva is a truly wonderful young lady, with a sensitive and teachable
heart. We have talked often over the past months about this decision, and
those discussions and her decision now bring joy to her heart, my heart, and
the heart of God.
Inva, sadly, plans to leave in August to
participate in a student exchange program in the U.S., if she secures her
visa at the interview next week. She is assigned a host home in Woodland,
WA. I have been in touch with the church in that area, and we hope to get
her firmly and quickly connected. Currently, one of our other members,
Bojkena Selmanaj, is finishing her last
year of high school as she resides in Edmonds, WA. As a matter of fact, four
young people who have been students with us are attempting to get visas to
go to the U.S. at this time. That produces mixed feelings in me. I truly
want to help the Albanian people improve their lot in life, and a chance at
schooling in the U.S. seems to be a positive way to do so. Too often,
however, the strangeness of their new situations makes it uncomfortable or
difficult for them to search out involvement with a church in their area.
Please pray that I will be given wisdom as I interact with my students of
the future.
http://www.lushnjanewsletter.blogspot.com/
Preparing for the new birth
Covered in waves of love
Enjoyable Outing
Also during the month of April I was able to serve, and be blessed in doing
so. Ellen Walker, who has been working with the church in Tirana for about
ten years, called and asked if it would be possible for me to do a favor for
her. An American couple, who have been here to work with the church at least
two times, were again in Tirana for a few weeks, and
Ellen wanted to make it possible for them
to see some of the ancient ruins in the south of Albania. Her request was
that I take our van and accompany them on this outing. So
Ellen, Mike and Diana Folertz (from
Michigan) and I made a trip to the Saranda area, spent two nights, and were
able to see some of the historical buildings in that area. At Butrint (Buthrotum
is the more ancient name) we were able to spend several hours looking at the
remains of buildings, some of which date back to the 4th century BC. We all
enjoyed ourselves, in spite of the not-so-good road conditions as we
returned up the coast route. I have to admit that it is awe-inspiring for me
to stand in buildings that pre-date the formation of America by four
millenia. Sacrifice has its blessings, and I am privileged that I was able
to experience this.
http://www.lushnjanewsletter.blogspot.com/
5th Century AD baptistery
Ellen and Diana walking Ancient path
The Ongoing Saga Of The Sag
For those of you who have been readers of this newsletter for a period of
time, you know that I have had occasion to write about the declining value
of the dollar, particularly in relation to the Albanian lek. Having just
spent a couple of months in the U.S. I am aware that things are tightening
up there, also, especially in regard to gas prices, from my experience. The
van that we have for use with the church here has a diesel engine, and
diesel fuel here is less expensive than gasoline. I did not know what to
expect on my return to Albania, either in regards to the value of the dollar
or the cost of fuel. As of today the dollar commands only 77 leke on the
dollar. Five and a half years ago it was 135 leke to the dollar. I did some
mathematical calculation (not an easy undertaking for me) and have arrived
at the conclusion that diesel fuel here is now costing $7.66 per gallon.
OUCH!! Thanks to all of you who are helping support the work here, but you
may hear more OUCHING from me in the future. God is in control, however, and
will provide for the things he feels are necessary. Thank you for your
willingness to be used by our Lord in this ministry.
Where Do We Go From Here?
A real problem in planting a self-sustaining ongoing church in Albania, at
least in Lushnja, is the lack of good jobs that pay a living wage. I spoke
this week with a lady) not yet a member of the church) whose husband has
worked on the same job for twelve years. He is actually doing three
different jobs on his one job, and his pay is about the equivalent of $200
per month. He works seven days per week, ten-plus hours per day. One of our
men in the church has been without work for some time, and cannot find any.
The question arises "How then can people give of themselves or their
finances to the church?" If they have work, it keeps them from involvement
with the body. If they have no work, they have no means with which to
support the work of the church.
What is the solution? I do not know, and I am open to suggestion. If we do
not want to provide American dollars for support for men to work with the
church, then it seems that we must figure out some way to provide them with
marketable job skills. With the job market so weak, it is likely that they
will need to have some help in getting a business of some sort started with
whatever skills they obtain. It is a dilemma, and one to which we need to
give some serious thought.
Once again, I thank you for your support in all the ways you give it, the
most important of which is your prayers. May God be glorified as we partner
together to bring the gospel back to this land through which the apostle
Paul is said to have traveled.
Lifted by, and lifting high, Jesus
Tom |
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June 2008
Family and friends -
Below you will find the link to the latest newsletter. It is such a
privilege to be able to serve God, period. But to be enabled by him and his
people to serve here in Albania has been an even greater blessing. Thank
you for your help, and your interest, in what is being done here.
In his arms,
Tom
http://lushnjanewsletter.blogspot.com/
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July 2008
Check Tom's Blog for the text below with photos.
http://www.lushnjanewsletter.blogspot.com/
Blessings Galore
The month of July saw us blessed with visitors from two of the congregations
that are providing support for the work here in Lushnja, as well as a
brother and sister from here in Albania. On July 10 we were blessed to have
in worship with us Woody & Gwen Byars and Charles
Dial from the Farragut church of Christ in Knoxville, TN. Woody
is an elder in this congregation, and has been to Albania several times,
working in summer teaching campaigns. This was the first trip for both Gwen
and Charles. After our worship together, and a meal, it was my privilege to
take them back to Tirana, where they were engaged in the teaching campaign,
and get to worship with the church in Tirana on Sunday evening. I regret
that I did not get a picture of them to share with you.
On July 22 a group came from Fier, the city to the south of us, where
Steve & Ruth Byrne labor in the kingdom.
Steve and Ruth are sponsored by the Slicer Street church in Kennett, MO, and
we in Lushnja are receiving support this year, also, through this
mission-minded church. In the group that came from Fier, in addition to
Steve and Ruth, were the following: Tim Byrne, son
of Steve and Ruth, who lives in the Denver area;
Kurtis Shaner, a friend of Tim’s, whose
father I have known for many years in the Northwest U.S.;
Elton Tanasi, a young member of the Fier
congregation, who is a medical student in Tirana;
Shawn Sando, deacon of missions with the Slicer Street church,
whom I had met in Little Rock, AR on my latest trip to the States;
Spencer Furby, preacher for Slicer
Street; and Britt & Beverly Burcham.
Britt is serving as an elder with Slicer Street. Several of our members (Alma
Kajdo, Maks Balla, Olti Mezini) came to the office and were able
to meet this group of Christians from the States, as well as renew their
acquaintance with Steve and Ruth.
Photo on Blog
Front row, l to r: Britt, Tim, Spencer, Olti, Elton
Back row, l to r: Steve, Kurtis, Shawn, Maks, Alma, Beverly, Tom
On July 25 we were blessed with a visit from Danah
Nelson. If you have been reading this newsletter for very long,
you have seen mention of Danah before. Danah is from Sacramento, CA and has
been to Albania many times working in summer teaching campaigns in Tirana,
Orikum, Lushnja and, this year, in Korça. Danah is one who has a great heart
for God and for the lost. While here in Albania this summer she put a short
visit to Lushnja in her schedule, which was a blessing to us. We informed
members of the church, as well as those who knew her only through the WEI
course, and had a short open house in her honor. You can see from the
picture below that she is well-loved, evident through the number that turned
out to visit with her. Danah is the lady reaching across the front row to
take the arm of Mikael, Alma Kajdo's
son.
What an encouraging blessing to have such fellowship, and to be able to
introduce first-generation Christians here in Albania to brothers and
sisters who have made, and are making, sacrifices so people here can come to
know Jesus. I’m so glad I’m part of the family of God!
Seeing Visions And Dreaming Dreams
Please forgive me for borrowing these words out of context from the writings
of Joel and Luke. When the Holy Spirit was manifested in miraculous ways on
the day of Pentecost in Acts 2, Peter connected what was happening with
Joel’s prophecy in Joel 2; “…your young men will see visions, your old men
will dream dreams.” All of this was happening to turn the hearts of the
people to God, and Peter used the occasion to preach Jesus, after which
3,000 were baptized.
There are “young men” in the church of Albania who are seeing visions as to
how we can more effectively reach people here with the gospel. Though a
relative newcomer, as one of the “old men”, I am dreaming dreams of what
might be done to better glorify our Lord. Albania has been passed by and
walked over in so many ways in the past. Tradition says that the apostle
Paul passed through this area as he traveled proclaiming Jesus. In Romans
15:19 Paul states, “So from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum, I
have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ.” Illyria is the ancient name of
Albania, so it is likely that Christianity was present very early here.
However, it was pretty much snuffed out by five hundred-plus years of
servitude to the Islamic Ottoman Turkish Empire, followed by oppression from
many other power-and-land-hungry nations, and most recently, the fifty-year
reign of the most oppressive of the communist regimes.
In the May edition of this newsletter I talked about this idea of Christian
camping. I mentioned the powerful influence of Christian camp programs, with
which I was privileged to work for many years in the Northwest U.S., on the
lives of young people. I have seen the same dynamic at work in camps that
have been conducted here. The visions and dreams of many Christians here in
Albania are to see an ongoing program that can provide an avenue of interest
and hope for the inhabitants of this land. Recently I went to try to find a
young lady who was baptized here, and served as my translator for some time,
but whom we haven’t seen but a couple of times in the church over the past
couple of years. She has been away at university, but not attending the
church where she is going to school. When I asked her parents about her I
was informed that she was at a Christian camp near the Adriatic Sea,
operated by some other religious group. It would be much more desirable, in
my opinion, if we could be providing this kind of opportunity for the
people, young and old, of Albania.
I know this is a large undertaking, one which cannot be fulfilled with the
resources available among Christians here in Albania, and one which comes at
a time when economies all over the world are hurting. It also is an
undertaking that will continue to need influx of finances from outside
Albania for operating expenses. If you have an interest in, or share in,
this dream, please let me know. I take this step and make this suggestion
with great trepidation, since I know the great effort needed to sustain such
an effort. Together, let’s petition the Father that he give clear guidance
as to his will. In May I asked for feedback on this matter and received
none, except an encouraging heads-up about a camp being run in Lithuania,
where young people of all ages feel blessed to be able to participate in
such a program. In a report I read about that camp one young boy was quoted
as saying that he would now go the rest of the year without any connection
with God. That may have been an uneducated statement, but it certainly
reflects that boy’s perception of the role of God in his normal daily life.
Our Graduates
This year we have two graduates from university, and two who have finished
their high school careers. Julinada Meço graduated with a diploma in English
studies, focused on translation and interpretation, from the university in
Tirana. She is currently seeking employment.
Juli (pronounced Yuli), whose picture
appears to the left, wrote the following: “I graduated this year with the
help of the Almighty. If somebody would ask me ‘When is the most peaceful
moment in your life?’ I would say ‘ After a long talk (prayer) with my
Father God.’ If somebody would ask me ‘Who loves you more,? I would answer
‘My Father God’. I’m not good at words but all I know in this life is that
I’d be lost without my Father. Make him part of your life and be sure you
all will be happy and safer. Love you so much.”
Erges Toshkëzi, pictured below, also
attended university in Tirana, focused on mechanical engineering. He, too,
is seeking employment in his field. Good jobs, even when one is in
possession of a university education, are very hard to come by here.
Graduating from high school (called gjimnaz [jeemnahz] here) are Adriana
Murrizi and Oltion Mezini (below, below
right). Both Ana and Olti hope to attend
university, but that remains to be seen. Both openings in the system and
financial resources are limited, so not all get into the higher education
process. We will let you know more later about their situations.
At any rate, congratulations are extended to all four of these young people.
Off To The U.S.A.
As most of you know, a good part of my work is helping people learn the
Bible through helping them improve their English. The upside of that
situation is that often hearts are opened to the love of God. The downside
is that some of those who become Christians leave us and go away to study,
particularly to the U.S. Last year two of our students, one of whom was a
Christian, went to the U.S. on a student exchange program. That Christian
young lady was Bojkena Selmanaj. I told
Bojkena before she went that she had to find someone to replace her bubbly
spirit and love for God in the church here.
Our latest convert here is Inva Begolli
(below) who fills the bill for my instructions to
Bojkena. However, this year Inva is also going to be an exchange
student for her senior year of high school, along with three others who have
studied with us here. They will be in four different locations across the
U.S. As I said, this is the downside of our efforts, as a part of our hearts
go with those who have become part of God’s family. I have been successful
in arranging Christian contacts for Inva, and she is already in
communication with them. Please pray for her in this new, and somewhat
scary, chapter of her life. Also please pray that God will continue to be
with Bojkena, who finished high school in Washington State and was accepted
into a higher learning institution in the New York City area, where she is
now living with her two sisters.
Thank you for your continued prayers for and interest in the work God is
doing here.
Lifted by, and lifting high, Jesus
Tom
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August/September 2008
Brothers and sisters -
Below is the pasted-in link to the latest Lushnja Newsletter. I hope you
enjoy reading it, and rejoice with me in what God is doing here. In
addition, there is an attachment which has to do with the efforts that are
underway to establish a Christian camping program here. Please read it, and
if you can help in any way please respond as indicated in the attachment.
May God enable you to make it a good day for yourself and others.
Praise to his name,
Tom
http://www.lushnjanewsletter.blogspot.com/
Link to Christian
Camping Support
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October-November 2008
First Addition To The “Family” By Biological Birth
I mentioned Alma Kajdo in the last
newsletter. Alma has been serving as my translator, as well as working with
me in the teaching program, bringing students’ English level up to a
standard where I could work with them. Several months ago Alma shared with
us that she was pregnant, that it was a girl, and that the baby was due to
be born in October. I lobbied hard for naming the baby “Tomasina” if she was
born on October 14, my birthday. Alma began praying immediately that the
delivery date would not be the 14th. Amelja (Ah-mel-yah) was born on October
28th, and is greatly loved by everyone in her family;
Alma, Gramoz, Glenida and Mikael. Alma has been with us in
worship recently but, according to local tradition,
Amelja has made no public appearances as of yet.
photo
Amelja Kajdo
Kajdo Famiy
Mikael, Amelja, Alma, Gramoz, Glenida
Comings And Goings
Most of my focus is in Lushnja, but I do occasionally make excursions out of
the local area. There is a loosely-knit organization in Albania which
provides many services to those working with evangelical Christian
ministries of various kinds. The services include assistance in being aware
of the Albanian law, with its ever-changing face, as well as securing the
necessary documents to be 100% in harmony with the law. I was asked to
attend a conference in Struga, Macedonia, near the end of October, as a
representative for World English Institute. Struga is about a 3-hour drive
from Lushnja, so it was not a major travel outing.
As part of the conference we had the opportunity to travel to the city of
Ohrid, which contains some very old archeological remains, including a gate
of which parts date back to the 2nd century B.C. The excavation and
preservation of remains in Macedonia seems to be a jump ahead of the efforts
in Albania, and many fascinating sights greet the traveler there.
photo
Ancient amphitheater in Ohrid
photo
2nd Century B.C. gate
photo
Excavated baptistery with mosaic floor
In November I was blessed to be able to travel to Germany to attend the
Euro-American Family Retreat, an event I have attended a number of times in
the past. This is an event which draws attendees churches of Christ from
many countries in Europe, as well as from the U.S. and Guatemala. It is held
in various places around Germany, the last several times being presented in
Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Originally it was called The A.M.E.N. Retreat
(American Military Evangelizing Nations), but as the presence of U.S. troops
in Europe declined and European Christians became more prevalent, the name
was changed.
This event is always a blessing of both input of spiritual food and
association, as well as a little “down time”. Last year three members of the
Lushnja church were able to attend with me, but it is a difficult thing for
Albanians to secure the necessary documents, as well as being quite
expensive for them. So this year I was the lone representative from Lushnja.
There continues to be an every-other month gathering of church leaders and
workers from around Albania, which is an important bridge for relationship
building. To this point in time we have never been able to get
representation from every congregation, but we are getting closer. In
November we met at the central congregation in Tirana.
An Opportunity To Serve
Some of you who are somewhat familiar with the Lord’s church in Albania may
be puzzled by my reference to “the central congregation” in Tirana. Another
congregation has begun in the capital city led by
Alfred Dimçi and Kristofor Findiku, and they are having some
success in reaching out in the neighborhood around the main hospital in
Tirana. A black cloud has come into the picture, however, as the wife of
Kristofor, Antoneta, has been diagnosed
with ovarian cancer. She, in her own right, has been a very productive part
of the kingdom work, as she has worked with the I.B.I.A. (Sunset’s Albanian
satellite school) since its inception. She was able to go to an American
hospital in Turkey for treatment. Turkey does not require a visa for
Albanian citizens, so there is less red tape than in going to other European
countries for treatment. This was, nonetheless, quite an expensive
undertaking ($25,000 minimum), $10,000 of which has been secured as of this
writing. If you would care to participate in this need you can send your
donation to: c/o Bob Seat, Mission Chairman, Adams Boulevard church of
Christ, Bartlesville, Oklahoma 74006.
Antoneta has returned from Turkey, and
it is hoped she will be able to receive the follow-up treatments here in
Albania, rather than having to go out of the country. Part of that depends
on the availability of the necessary medicines.
Albania Christian Camp
Last newsletter I mentioned the efforts to revive the very worthwhile
project of providing a program and facilities for a camp that would have at
its center Christian teachings and values. Everywhere in the world
Christians have found this kind of endeavor to be a valuable, upbuilding
tool in kingdom-work. Through the generosity of brothers and sisters around
the world approximately $4000 has been received or committed toward this
project. Some of that ($1500) came from FaithQuest, which is a twenty-year
old ministry to the teens of the NW United States, co-sponsored by the Metro
church of Christ in Gresham, OR and the Vancouver church of Christ in
Vancouver, WA. Each year a contribution is taken among the teens and staff
at this event, often by as many as 500 people, with missions as its
designated purpose. The appeal letter was shared with the leaders of this
ministry and the amount mentioned above was forwarded to us for Albanian
Christian Camp. Praise God!! It is hoped that arrangements can progress to
the point that camping sessions can be held in the summer of 2009.
View Of The Future, Near And Long-Term
It has been my practice to have a campaign every other year here in Lushnja,
using the World English Institute materials. Some have a campaign every
year, but it has not seemed the wise thing for that to be the practice here
in Lushnja. The primary reason for this has been that there is no way I can
adequately follow up on the new students generated through such a campaign.
Alma Kajdo does partner with me in this work, but her focus is in bringing
new students to an English proficiency level that enables me to proceed with
the lessons that include teaching the word of God. In my experience in the
States, as well as here, I have seen so many cases of people expressing
interest, but not being considered for the teaching process until much
later, and by that time having become disillusioned. We have never had to
advertise for students publicly since my arrival here over six years ago. We
have more than we can follow up on by just word-of-mouth advertising of our
current students, and we have a waiting list that is growing every month.
Three who have come from the U.S. to work with us in the past have expressed
an interest in coming again this summer, and one of those plans to bring
along a fourth individual.
Normally I travel to the States every one and one-half years. It appears
that I will not be able to follow that schedule, as the time for that visit
would fall next summer, as well. If plans continue for the summer camp, my
presence will likely be required here to help facilitate that, as I have had
much experience in directing camps. One of my brothers and my remaining
sister will both celebrate their fiftieth wedding anniversaries in June,
which I will probably miss, much to my regret. My last visit to the States
was at Christmas last year, and it appears that it will be Christmas next
year before I am able to make that trip again.
As to long-term involvement, I do not see it as wise for me to leave Albania
anytime in the foreseeable future. The problem is having leadership in place
to carry on the work. In the church here in Lushnja there is one mature man.
However, some of his circumstances indicate that he will not be able to be a
stable presence and active leader, at least from what I am able to
ascertain, and at least for a period of time. One of the young men who has
been baptized here, as reported in other postings, has graduated from the
satellite school for Sunset International Bible Institute, and is now
working for the school in the city of Durrës. Another of our young men is
hoping to be able to attend the same school beginning with the new class in
2010. Many of those young men who might develop into leaders for the church
here leave for university and/or work, and that scenario will not likely
change soon. I have made a commitment to the church here that I will not
make the decision about what person (or when) will be the one to work on a
more permanent basis with the church. That is a church decision. Resentment
can run deep if someone is given a position of "authority" when others do
not have the respect for that person.
To sum up, in the short-term it will probably be another year before I can
return to visit my family and my friends and my supporters. In the
long-term, I believe God put me here and until I am shown otherwise, I
believe I must remain faithful to what he called me to.
Thanksgiving
Once again I must offer my thanksgiving and appreciation to all of you who
have sacrificed to make it possible for me to be used by God in the work
here. I have been blessed at least as much as I have been able to bring
blessings into the lives of people here, especially in helping them to know
the saving love of our Savior. Please continue to partner with me, as I
explore new and better ways to reach out to this largely Muslim culture. The
partnership I seek is first that of your prayers, and then of your financial
support.
Another cause for thanksgiving is the continued, largely uninterrupted,
supply of electricity. The nationalized power company is in the process of
being sold to a company from the Czech Republic. Perhaps that fact (to
present a "good face") has kept the power flowing. Perhaps the new owners
will be more adept at sustained provision of this needed utility, or perhaps
they will do so only at greatly increased cost. Who knows? In the meantime,
it is nice to be able to light and heat effectively.
Lifted by, and lifting high, Jesus,
Tom
http://www.lushnjanewsletter.blogspot.com/ (photos are on Tom's blog)
Link to Christian
Camping Support
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January 2009
http://www.lushnjanewsletter.blogspot.com/ (photos are on Tom's blog)
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February 2009
THE LONG AND THE SHORT OF IT
Six and a half years can seem like a long time, or it can seem short. That's
the amount of time I have been living in Albania, and in some respects it
seems like an eternity. The sense of time being extended during these years
comes not from boredom or frustration, but from the vast amount of change
that has taken place within the country, within the lives of the people God
has led me to, and within me. So much new construction here in Lushnja gives
the impression of prosperous development, though one wonders who can afford
to buy, or even rent, all these new sites. Corruption in all aspects of life
is being confronted, though not necessarily eliminated. In the long term I
know I must wait until this existence comes to an end before the effects of
the gospel in Lushnja can be measured.
The sense of delayed time plays off of the same set of circumstances.
Albania is striving hard to be a part of the 21st century, which is not an
easy undertaking, given its history. The past has a strong hold on so much
of the culture here, and some are very reluctant to release their hold on
that aspect of their lives. Tradition is not necessarily a bad thing, and
can be a good thing, unless it keeps us from doing what is the best thing.
In the sort term, we are looking for God to continue to lead us to souls
that are thirsty for the water of life. As Jesus said "The harvest is
plentiful but the laborers are few".
CHRISTIAN CAMP
I have shared before regarding the efforts being made to rekindle the
Christian camping program initially begun by Virgil and Jackie Jackson.
Things are progressing, but much more remains to be done. Though I have a
lot of experience in the camping scene, I have chosen to defer to the
Albanian brethren, wherever possible. I have stated since I first arrived
here in Albania that it is my desire to create an Albanian church, not an
American transplant. That carries over into all the activities done in the
name of the Lord, and to the glory of the Lord, such as this camp setting.
A board meeting of the camp was held, and a preliminary budget was outlined.
Admittedly, it has some "fluff" in it, but that can easily be removed. The
biggest unknown is individual camper fees, since so many here cannot afford
the cost of a week at camp. Encouragement will be given to each church to
assist young people from their congregation to attend the camp, but even
that is a stretch. So the budget has been planned not reliant on the camper
fees, and is thus seemingly large. The budget is $31,300 for this initial
year, and that amount will hopefully far exceed the need, and can be lowered
for subsequent years. At this time approximately $6,160 has been raised
toward this project. We understand that the world's economy is in very bad
shape right now, but if you as individuals or congregations can assist in
getting this project off the ground, it will be a great blessing to the
struggling young church in Albania. If you care to participate, make a
notation on the checks "Albanian Camp", and send the donations to:
Metro church of Christ
Albanian Christian Camp
1525 NW Division Street
Gresham, OR 97030
SUMMER ACTIVITIES
The summer season is a very busy time here, as in many places. This summer
the camp will take a good bit of my attention. The summertime is when
teaching campaigns are usually held, as well. In addition, it is one of the
few times of the year when out-of-country excursions can be planned to which
church members can be invited.
The teaching program, using the World English Institute materials, is a
year-round program for which we never lack for students. It is a good thing
to provide opportunities for Christians from the States to come here and
experience interaction with the Albanian Christians. I normally have tried
to have a summer campaign every other year, and this year would be the "on"
year. However, given the activities mentioned above, plus some others I will
relate to you in future newsletters, I have made a decision to not have a
campaign this year. I regret this development especially because it
negates the wonderful opportunity for cross-culture Christian friendships to
begin and be nurtured.
"OUR" BABY
You have seen in a previous report a picture of
Gramoz and Alma Kajdo's new little one,
Amelja, now four months old. She has been a
pretty sick little girl recently, having been battling bronchitis, but seems
to have "turned the corner". I am including a photo of Amelja, complete with
a tube protruding from the top of her head through which the medicines were
administered while she was hospitalized.
This was a new "look" for me, and I don't know if is done that way in the
States, but I have since seen many young children on TV with similar
"adornments". This has been a pretty bad flu season here, especially for the
very young and the elderly, and the TV reports on the status regularly.
GOD AT WORK
While we can always want, work, and plan for greater results, we leave the
control in the hands of God. I am thankful that those who sent me here, and
provide for me to stay here, do not have a specified agenda, complete with
numbers and quotas. Every day God allows me to speak for him, in many ways.
I have students with whom spiritual matters are discussed regularly, and I
meet people in the course of my daily life to whom I can show Jesus.
Currently, we are averaging about twenty in our worship on Sundays. Very
often (usually, in fact) there are more non-members present than members. So
many of those who have been converted here are now in other places, and we
pray they are seeking to stay in touch with the body. We know from
experience that such will not be true of all of them, but I "prod them from
afar" from time to time. Only eternity will tell the true results of the
labor of any of us. I am working to build on the only true foundation, Jesus
Christ (I Cor. 3:10-15), and I am praying that the work will result in a
building that will stand in the day of judgment, so our God can be
glorified.
CONTINUED APPRECIATION
Again I must thank God for his wonderful provision through his wonderful
saints. It is such a blessing to partner with so many of you in telling the
story of God's matchless love to the people of Albania. Many have sacrificed
much to enable this ministry to be a reality; many more pray often for the
gospel to have free course in the lives of people here.
We must always be aware that Satan is never happy when this story is told,
and will do whatever he can to undermine its effectiveness. It is my
constant prayer that I will not allow Satan to use me to undermine the very
message I am proclaiming. May our God be glorified in my life, and in yours,
the praise of his wonderful name.
Held in his arms of love,
Tom |
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May 2009
Brothers and sisters -
Below is the link to the latest, somewhat delayed, newsletter. I pray that
you will continue to lift us up before the Father, asking for His guidance
and strength for what we are doing here. Thanks to so many of you for
"coming alongside" in the this work.
Your brother
Tom
http://www.lushnjanewsletter.blogspot.com/
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