Church at Vlorë                                              Church at Fiër

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

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

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

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

Your servants for Him, Virgil and Jackie

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

            Your servants for Him, Virgil & Jackie Jackson

Brethren,

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

Albert Shahini                                   Luan Hassenbeliu

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

Love in Christ,

Doug
 

Brethren,

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

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

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

space	Luan Hassenbelliu & Brent Parr		Bujar Mallakaj, Preaching	space

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

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

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

Love,

Doug
 

October 11, 2002

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

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

In service to the kingdom among the Albanian people,

Doug
 

Zharrez, October 20

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

The Zharrez church attendance is growing by the "dozen". Last Sunday we had 48 in attendance. Brent taught a lesson on the Prodigal Son. These young people listen intently to all we say. They are very well behaved and are learning some English, as well. Through songs we are teaching them about Jesus. There are NO churches or mosques in the entire village. There are over 700 students in the school where we meet. We have a unique opportunity to be the first and only church in this community. When the parents get the message that we care about their children, we think God will move their hearts toward Jesus.

In service to the kingdom among the Albanian people,

Doug

Greetings,

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

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

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

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

Anxiously yours,

Doug
 

Bill Morgan Reading Scripture

Fatmir and Doug

Burial in Water

Raised to a New Life

Fatmir, Brent, Doug, and Toto

July 2006

Dear friends,

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

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

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

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

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

In His service,
Steve & Ruth Byrne

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

 

Dear friends,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In His service,
Steve & Ruth Byrne
 

Dear friends,

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

Matilda  (on right) with her college roommate Marcida

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you for your interest and your prayers!

In His service,
Steve & Ruth Byrne


 

Dear friends,

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

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

Esmeralda - baptized in Nov. 2006

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

Matilda  (on right) with her college roommate Marcida

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In His service,
Steve & Ruth Byrne

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

Dear friends,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Dear friends,

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

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

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

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

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

In His service,
Steve & Ruth Byrne

 

Dear friends,

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

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

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

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

Ruth and Liliana at our Bible Study Center

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

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

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

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

In His service,
Steve & Ruth Byrne

Ruth and Liliana at our Bible Study Center
 

Dear friends,

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

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

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

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

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

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

In His service,
Steve & Ruth Byrne

Pics:

Steve preaching in Lushnje with Kresi translating
 

Dashnor, Rita and their beautiful family
 

Ladies’ Class in Fier

New Doorway

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

Office Upgrade

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

Steve & Sokol

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

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

Upbeat Youth!

In His service,
Steve & Ruth Byrne
 

Ladies' Day 07

Rumira, Ellen & Ruth

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

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

Ornela

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

Liliana

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

Alba

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

Barbara & her Mom

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

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

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

In His service,
Steve & Ruth Byrne
 

Jackie Jackson & Ruth

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

Mira Meminaj

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

Eduart, Altin, Bledi & Steve

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

Steve at the Ignatian Way Bridge

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

Art Hitt & Student

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

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

In His service,
Steve & Ruth Byrne
 

Steve, Dan and Ruth in Missouri

Tim Byrne in Missouri

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Alba with her Oxford acceptance packet
 

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

In His service,

Steve & Ruth Byrne

 

Steve teaching at IBIA

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

Allison, Kevin, Sokol, Steve & Ruth

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

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

In His service,

Steve & Ruth Byrne


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


Pics:

1. Steve lecturing at IBIA.

2. Allison, Kevin, Sokol, Steve, Ruth


 

Drina and Ruth

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

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

Gjyshe (Grandma) Burbuqe

Gjyshe (Grandma) Mira

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

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

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


In His service,

Steve & Ruth Byrne