Today we got the amazing opportunity to attend Pastor Alex's church in the morning and the Grimes church, "Streha"(meaning refuge) in the evening. It was so good to see God working in these congregations and to be able to encourage and uplift our fellow brothers and sisters here in Tirana.
Starting with Alex's church, we got there and were able to help out in worship.
We sang some songs in English and Tom sang some songs in Albanian. Jason and I even tried our hand at singing them and although it wasn't perfect it was great getting to worship together as one body!
We sang some songs in English and Tom sang some songs in Albanian. Jason and I even tried our hand at singing them and although it wasn't perfect it was great getting to worship together as one body! Then, Alex and a couple of our pastors had the opportunity to share a message. A few of us got to minister to the children and play with them while they spoke. 
After the message from God's Word we got to pray over the people for healing and restoration. 
The smiles seen on their faces were so worth any hardships we may have or will experience on this trip. God was moving through us and there were even times that the language barrier was broken down through His spirit. Hallelujah!
The smiles seen on their faces were so worth any hardships we may have or will experience on this trip. God was moving through us and there were even times that the language barrier was broken down through His spirit. Hallelujah! After church we stopped for some fellowship and of course some coffee. 
After this we took a taxi to a place called the Kristal Center and decided to minister to the groups of people there through music and simple conversations.
We all left the center with hearts full of joy and love for these people and some children agreed to come to the events we have planned for them coming up next week! From there we walked to the Grimes house for a time of rest before the evening service. Emphasis on the rest. 
From here came the evening service held at Streha and it was an awesome time delving into God's word.
We read through 2 Chronicles 7:14 "If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land." We all got fired up for the cities we live in. How crazy the plans our God has for the land we live in and the people he has created!
Directly following, a few of our guys had an all out nerf war with a junior higher who attended. Jake, Geoff and Rion all fit right in. They were most certainly created for such a time as this. 
We also can all proudly say (well, mostly) we now know how to Albanian line dance! A few women from the congregation along with Claire and Hope Grimes taught us some traditional dances. Although we may not have been graceful we danced with gusto. That was super exciting, at least, I thought so.
We also can all proudly say (well, mostly) we now know how to Albanian line dance! A few women from the congregation along with Claire and Hope Grimes taught us some traditional dances. Although we may not have been graceful we danced with gusto. That was super exciting, at least, I thought so. It was such a sweet day of fellowship, rest and rejuvenation by God's Word. I cannot wait to see what work Christ has for our hands, feet and hearts to complete tomorrow!
- Emily
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