Sayonara Saturday

The Today was our last day in Tirana Albania. Although it may have been slightly sad, it was once again led and blessed by the Lord. We did less today so we could get to bed sooner because we have to rise very early in the morning tomorrow. The Albanian time change is tomorrow so we lose an hour of sleep as well! That's ok though because we have a long flight ahead of us that we can sleep through. (Hopefully) 

The day started out with breakfast at the Stevens center. After, we split in half for our children's events. Half of us went to Streha and the other half went to Pastor Alex's church. We had crafts, games, skits and music ready for the kids at each group and the gospel was shared at each as well. 

Matt and Gerald gave an opportunity to share Christ at each event and many children raised their hands to asking Jesus into their hearts. 

Some got tuckered out from all the fun. 

After the events were over we all met up back together for one last meeting of prayer and worship. Half way through Jeremy felt we should take worship to the roof and then we all prayed over the city. 

Afterwards some of us took a walk to see the city one last time before leaving 

We were able to minister to a girl we passed by. Even though we didn't plan on it God put her in our path. Then we made our way to dinner. It was so good and we had the largest table yet. 

Afterwards we went to the skytower for a view of the city lights. 

Then we had to say our goodbyes to Sadi and Rudina. They have blessed us so much on this trip. All of our translators did! Thank you all! You did an amazing job and God completely used you. Both for the people in Tirana and for us. 

And we just had to group hug little Hopie 

We will miss everyone that we've met here dearly. What an awesome work our God has done! Tomorrow we have a long day of travel but what great memories we have to reflect on from these past 9 days. Thank you Lord for all you've done!! Goodnight and prayers for our safe travels would be appreciated! 

-Emily 

Friday's Feedback

The rain was back today with a vengeance but it at least held off until after our walking was done. 

We had breakfast and as usual we took up most of the restaurant.  

After breakfast the whole group walked down to a center not far from the Stevens center. 

From here we split into three groups. 

The first group went to a refugee camp. They brought them food and the hope of Jesus. 

The second group went to a home for the elderly. They were able to pray for them, and talked with them. 

The third group went to another Roma community to play games, sing songs and hand out food. The children here were absolutely precious. They definitely stole my heart personally and I know that God has amazing plans for their lives. It was hard to leave them but it makes it easier knowing that we are leaving them in the care of a Heavenly Father who gives far better gifts than we ever could

Afterwards we all met back up for a coffee break 

 After our daily caffeination we took taxis over to Streha. From here we would get every thing set up for the young adults event we were hosting that afternoon. We did take a couple naps in between though.

After we had set up everything the young adults started showing up. We had a pretty good turnout and it was a great time. We played games and played songs. Zach got to share his testimony and give an opportunity to accept Christ. Several young men raised their hands! Praise the Lord for new family members in the body of Christ! 

Once the event was over we cleaned up the room and then took a bus back to the Stevens center. From here we had dinner and then a meeting for prayer and worship. 

We all got fired up about what God is going to do tomorrow in our last day here.

 I cannot believe we are down to our final days in Tirana but what a work that Lord has done already. I know that He has still more to do tomorrow so let's wait and see what He will do.

-Emily

Thursday's Thoughts

Today we finally had sunshine! We all love the rain, but the break in the clouds was welcomed. After our breakfast at the Stevens center we left for the university to invite the young adults to our event tomorrow night and pray for them. 

We had so many conversations and several people accepted Jesus into their hearts. We played music, hacky-sack, football and brought the skateboards along. 

There were so many people to talk to. We ran out of time and had to pull ourselves away. 

After the university we had lunch. 

From there we took the bus to Streha. At this point we split in half and some went to the Roma communities while the rest stayed to help set up for the English club.

 Those that went to the Roma community shared songs, Bible verses, and they were able to play with the children. There were lots and lots of smiles to be found on the kids faces. Loving on these people truly is an honor. 

The rest that stayed at Streha then split again. One group went out to give fliers and the other cleaned and set up. Only 3 guys showed up but it was great because some of the young men in our group got to minister to them and hang out with them while giving them their full attention

 They all said they were coming tomorrow! 

Once we all got back together we walked to a different Roma community to hand out Jesus food and play music. 

We did a couple of children's songs and got the kids dancing. 

We also ran into two other missionaries that are there ministering to that community! 

Praying for people there and bringing the hope of Christ was exhilarating, because we were doing things that will last. Gods kingdom is being built in this place! Hallelujah! 

Then we met back at the church to pray a prayer of thanks for all that God has done and is doing. 

After this we had dinner. 

We again, needed a a rather large table. 

Then we headed back to our hotel to call it a night. We are all so thankful that God is preparing the way for us to minister here and He is most certainly ministering to us as we go. Tomorrow is another big day! Thank you for reading! 

-Emily