Monday Madness

This morning we all woke up and got to breakfast excited, because we were headed to Durres! This is one of the same places the apostle Paul went! After another awesome breakfast we had a quick time of prayer to ready ourselves for the day. It had started to rain as we all piled on the bus. At least we were dry! 

We saw some friends along the way! 

(Yes, that is a bear) 

While we rode we got the packs of Jesus food ready to hand out once we got to the city! 

Once we got to Durres we had the chance to check out the ruins of an amphitheater built around 2 a.d.

We stopped a few minutes and did a couple songs of worship. This ground is the Lord's and we wanted to proclaim that! 

Then Dick felt we needed to take our worship outside to the outer courtyard. We stopped to pray for a woman along the way. She prayed to accept the Lord! 

We set up with our guitars and just started playing and then something amazing happened!

 High school aged kids just started flooding the courtyard. We had Hackeysacks, skateboards, music, Jesus food, and the gospel of course. The people just kept coming! 

We got to pray for so many people! It turns out that there was a local highschool nearby and there had been a few threats made, so to be on the safe side they let the students out almost 2 hours early and this would then lead them straight into us. While they were there the clouds cleared and it was sunny until everyone left. How awesome is that! It's so amazing to serve the Lord knowing He is in control and is going before us and preparing the way.

 Once we had said our goodbyes we walked down to see the shore. 

Then we headed to dinner. We needed a really big table. 

So many people at one table that would never have met nor have any reason for friendship had it not been for Christ and His grace. Thank you Jesus for fellowship! 

Then we took a long bus ride back to Tirana. We went on the old road which used to be the only way into Durres. So much history lies on that road and we got to hear some of Dicks testimony from the first time he came.  

We passed by a bridge that Dick told us was a place a man had been executed for His belief in Christ and it was sombering but stirring for us. This nation used to proclaim atheism nationally. Now we get to work to build His kingdom and reclaim this nation. Our God is faithful! 

Once we returned to Tirana we made a quick stop for gelato, and all agreed, this was a good decision. 

Lastly we had an hour or two of worship and prayer to gear us up for tomorrow. We're all so excited for the work the Lord has already begun and we know He has so much more in store! Let's just wait and see what He does tomorrow! 

-Emily 

 

Sunday Special

Today was our first whole day in Tirana and it was definitely full! We started with breakfast at the Stevens center. It was great!


I'm most assuredly a fan of their chocolate chip pancakes and coffee still.



After a delicious breakfast we walked down to Pastor Alex's church. We were able to be a part of the first service ever to be held in their new location! We worshiped with the church and then Dick and Tom were able to help dedicate the building alongside Alex. It was an awesome time of unity as the congregation all said their "amens."





Then Pastor Brian had a time to share as well.



It was great to see him uplifting and encouraging this congregation in Tirana.

After the dedication we witnessed a wedding at the church.



Once the wedding was over we had a short time to talk to people and meet some new friends. We were even able to pray for a few.






After church we stopped for coffee. It was a nice break from the cold as it had started to rain!



Well, coffee and Jesus.



After our little break we walked for a bit in the rain to the bus stop. We took the bus to Streha. (Tom's church)



Once we got to Streha we had a short time of worship together and a couple of us went to check out the roof. It's always one of the best views of the city.



Then we had our second church service for the day. We did worship and pastor Brian gave an awesome message! We also prayed over Gerald since he will be staying for the rest of the year. Afterwards we got to talk to and pray for people again.





Lastly but certainly not least we had dinner at one of my favorite restaurants here.




Fajitas and chimichangas are always a good way to end the day!
One more bus ride back to the Stevens center to wrap it all up..



And Goodnight to all! There will be more to read tomorrow!
-Emily

Safe and Sound

We have all safely arrived in Tirana! The Lord definitely blessed our travels and we were able to quickly go through customs. Now we find ourselves situated at the Stevens Center for a quick dinner before bed. We're all tired but super excited to be here! Thank you for all the prayers, they were greatly appreciated! Stay tuned for the next update!! 

Meet the Team-March 2015

The time is upon us again in which we find ourselves sending another team to Tirana, Albania. We know that we cannot meet all of you but you can, in a way, meet all of us! This way you can anticipate, pray and rejoice with us as we go along in our adventures these next few weeks! 

             

                       AMBER

Hi! My name is Amber Erlandson, and I am so stoked to go on this trip! Since I re-dedicated my life to the Lord three years ago He has given me such a heart for missions, and for international missions in particular. When the opportunity to go to Albania came up, I was so excited to join the team, and I can't wait to see the incredible things God does in and through all of us.  I know the Lord wants to do an amazing work in Albania and beyond, and I am so blessed to be a part of it! 

                    MATT & ANGELA

We are Matt and Angela Andrews. When we signed up to be on the Albania missions team we knew the faith building and growth would begin that very day, and we were right! God has already began a great work and we know the growth will continue as we board the plane on March 20. Matt is the Pastor in Training over the 4th-6th grade ministry at Wildwood, and Angela is a Sr. Sales Director with Mary Kay. We have been married just over three years. We couldn’t be more thankful that God has provided for us both to go on this missions trip. There is no way to go on a trip like this and not come home changed and we are anxious for the growth, the deepening of faith, a greater love for God’s people and the lessons we will learn. What a privilege that we, as filthy imperfect beings, can be used by God to share his Holy word to His beloved people across the world. United by the Holy Spirit and His Love, no language barrier can stifle what God has planned for Albania and the people on this missions team. We pray that we can go and make disciples in the name of Jesus, in Albania and continue here in the United States

                       ASHLYNN

Hey, my name is Ashlynn Burson. I am a junior and I attend Arrowhead Christian Academy. I absolutely love taking pictures, eating frozen yogurt, and watching Pirates of the Caribbean and the Lord of the Rings! This will be my first mission trip and I am so excited! I know the Lord is going to amazing things during this trip and I can't wait to be apart of it! Jesus is my passion and I am blessed to have this opportunity to serve him in a new and exiting way... I know this trip will definitely be a step of faith 

and I look forward to seeing what the Lord is going to do!

                        AUSTIN

My name is Austin and first I'd like to say thanks to everyone who prayed and helped get me to Albania. My name is Austin Selby, the Lord has blessed me with the ability and opportunity to help lead on, the worship team. I hope and pray the Lord will reveal some new spiritual gifts.

                           

                      BRIANNA

Growing up in the Church I never thought that the Lord would call me over seas to do His work, but always had a passion to be on the streets and share the gospel with everyone I possible could! Last year when Pastor Chris asked me to go to Albania I was almost confused, but after praying about it the Lord gave me an overwhelming peace that I was called to go. Coming home from that trip I was absolutely changed and knew that I wanted to do more mission work! I'm so excited to see my Albanian friends again, to make some new friends and to share the Love of Christ!! 

                         BRIAN

My name is Brian.  I am an administrative pastor at Wildwood Calvary. I am a Jesus loving, nature enjoying, bible toting husband of an amazing wife and father of two incredible girls! I am really excited about having the opportunity to go to Albania with this team, to experience the people and culture of this region of the world, and to share the love of Christ with the people in Tirana!  I also feel really blessed to be able to experience this trip with my oldest daughter, Ashlynn!   I can't wait to see what the Lord is going to do in and through this team as we all launch out together in this venture of faith!  Tirana, here we come! 

                      BRITTANY

Hello everyone! My name is Brittany Shaw and I am currently getting my Masters in Social Work. God lead me to this field and created a passion in me that I didn't know I had. I have a huge heart for kids and plan to use my degree to help fight for the kids who don't have anyone on their side. I know God will work through me in this field and I can't wait! But for now, I am beyond excited to go on my first missions trip! I grew up in a christian home and was told from a young age what it meant to be a follower of Christ. I've had some amazing examples of christian men and women in my life setting the way for me. But it wasn't until just a few years ago when I really took my faith on as my own and realized that giving my heart completely to God in every aspect of my life is the most important thing I will ever do. This last two years I've strived to be in the center of Gods will in every area of my life. And I believe fully that this trip is him pushing me out of my comfort zone in order to completely lose myself in him. There is no greater purpose on this earth than spreading Gods word and I can't wait to be apart of such a powerful experience. I know what God is capable of and I can't wait to see him move mountains and change not only the people of Tirana's lives but also ours!

                    CHRISTINA 

Hello! The name's Christina Chavez! I am a 25 year old, Jesus loving, llama adoring, coffee enthusiast! I've been walking with the Lord since I was 22 and it's been the grandest adventure! In the three years of my life with Jesus, He has done amazing things and He isn't finished yet! Last year I was able to go to 

Albania and I knew that some day God would call me back. I'm definitely stirred up to do the work of God in

there and I anticipate seeing how God will move this time. I adore how God doesn't work in the same ways as we're used to. This tells me that this time around will be much different than before and I'm ever so eager to see how He will move this time around. To God be the Glory for He has done and 

will continue to do great things! Praise Him!

                         DANIEL

My name is Daniel and I can't wait to see what God will do through this trip that I get to share with my daughter Yasmine. Simply put, I hope to share the good news of the Gospel to the Albanian people

                         DICK

Dick has been on many, many trips to Albania and he is always excited and ready to go on another. He started the ministry we find ourselves in now in Tirana. He took his son in-law Pastor Chris Fraley several years ago and God then gave Pastor Chris a heart for the city as well. Dick believes that God most certainly has a special plan for the city of Tirana and we do too! 

                          EMILY

Hello! My name is Emily and I am so excited to be joining the Albania team for a third time! With each trip the Lord is doing and reavealing more in the church plant and people in Tirana. To God be the glory for all that has already happened and all that will be as we go! I love traveling to Tirana and I'm so privileged to be a part of something so big! 

                         GERALD

In March 2014 I had the blessing of going to Tirana with the Church Plant team to help Tom begin the church. I went on this trip expecting God to do something awesome and sweet, but what happened was something that only God could have planned. On this trip I saw many things, but the Lord kept reminding me of the need for Christ in the hearts of the people. Now the Lord has prompted my heart to take a step of faith, trusting in God in being a part of the ministry in Tirana, to serve alongside the Grimes family, and to (God willing) live there. I am stoked to be a part of and see what the Lord is doing! Please pray for the church and the people it serves, for the neighborhood, for an apartment, partner in ministry/roommate,language, for God’s continual guidance, wisdom, love, and provision.  

                          JEREMY 

It is amazing to see so many people ready to go serve in Albania. We have had our church plant for a year now and this will be the third team to go. I believe that this trip we will be laying some foundations of ministry that can open the floodgates for God to take over the city of Tirana with the gospel. This trip we are expecting God to move with great power!

 

                      MADISON 

It is an honor to be a part of this team. I am blessed to go to Albania and serve God. I am so excited!

                          MADI

Hello, I’m Madison. I love Jesus, and that’s really all you need to know but I will tell you more anyway. I just turned seventeen years old, am graduating high school in June, and have been attending Wildwood’s high school ministry for… well, basically since I was in high school. I grew up in a Christian home, but didn’t really apply my faith to any aspect of my life until late middle school/early high school and have been a born-again Jesus-freak ever since. I can remember that when I first met Claire Grimes and was told she lived in Albania, I honestly thought it was a joke. When I was assured it was true, then I was just jealous. I have had a heart for missions for a while, especially towards the Europe/Asia continents, and am blessed beyond words that I have the awesome opportunity to be a part of this trip and share the amazing love of God with Tirana. I am so excited for all the awesome things that will take place and to watch how the Lord is going to move on this trip!

                          MIKE

My name is Mike Gordon and I have attended Wildwood Calvary for over four years. I currently work as the Director of Inland Leaders Charter School. I am married to my wife Terah and have four kids. I am excited to be taking my two oldest kids to Albania to experience the Lord's work together. 

                        NICOLE

My name is Nicole Gordon and I'm an 8th grader at Inland Leaders. I am  looking to use my spiritual gifts to reach out to the people of Albania and experience the work of God in my own life. 

                        TAYLOR

My name is Taylor Gordon and I'm a freshman at Yucaipa High School and I enjoy playing on the school basketball team. I can't wait to see how God is going to use me in Albania! 

                        YASMINE

My name is Yasmine and I'm excited to go serve alongside my dad and see what God will do. Mainly, I just want to do what JESUS did, serving others and making His name known! 

                            ZACH

My name is Zach Hafner and I'm a Pastor In Training here at Wildwood where I oversee the High School Ministry. I'm super stoked to be heading to Albania with this team of Jesus and people loving individuals, especially because I had the opportunity to be a part of the initial team last spring that went out. I'm pumped and believing God for a radical move of the Spirit in Tirana as well as in the hearts of every member of our team! There was an amazing work that begun in Kisha Streha last year, and the promise of God's word is that He's going to see it through to completion, and i'm just stoked and blessed to play a small role in that!

There's the team! We hope you enjoy reading of all God is doing in these next days and we would so appreciate your prayers! Until next time!- Emily