The Church in Fier, Albania

January, 2008

Dear friends,

2008 has begun with great promise for the Lord's church in Albania! Bonds of fellowship are being fortified. Mutual prayers for guidance, courage and strength are being delivered to God throne from throughout the Albanian brotherhood. Encouragement and vision are being shared. Unity of spirit and purpose is being sought and developed. Christians are being challenged by circumstances and one another to aspire to practical, spiritual leadership. And as foreigners who have been welcomed into this dynamic situation, Ruth and I are thrilled to observe as well as be a part of it.

Preacher's Get-Together

Left to right -- Skender Kola (Durrës), Deborah Stamatis (Durrës), Steve Stamatis (Durrës), Harilla Mandro (Kuçovë), Eduart Hoxha (Durrës), Steve Byrne (Fier), Kujtim
Mjftari (Poliçan), Shkelqim Kafexhiu (Durrës). Picture by Ruth Byrne (Fier).

One evidence of this commendable spirit was the first monthly (or bi-monthly, we haven't decided yet) preacher's get-together. This event was the brainchild of Çimi Kafexhiu, who preaches in Durrës, and was held here in Fier. Preachers, church leaders, missionaries and wives, from Durrës, Kuçovë, Poliçan and Fier, attended, and we expect the number to grow as word gets around. We discussed our various challenges and dreams, praised God in song, prayed, studied the Word, and enjoyed lunch together afterwards. Lord willing, we meet again next month in Durrës.

Another positive portent of things to come is the new class of IBIA students! The preacher training school recently relocated from Tirana to Durrës and is about to begin with its second batch of students in their 2-3 year training program. Having witnessed the marvelous results achieved by Steve Stamatis and his faculty with the first class, we can only believe that the continuing work of this school bodes well for the church not only in Albania, but for this whole part of the world.

On a different but no less significant scale, good things are happening in the Elbasan congregation, with whom Ruth and I are blessed to gather each mid-week. Not only are they enjoying a rekindling of unity, the Christians in Elbasan are also rising to meet the challenges of service in the kingdom. One great example for them in this regard is Ilir Kura, who has been a Christian for just over a year. Ilir preached for the first time at short notice this past Sunday on the occasion of their regular preacher, Mondi Gjoni being under the weather with the flu. By all accounts, Ilir did a great job, and Mondi's health is improving.

Ilir and Vera Kura

The church here in Fier demonstrated the spirit of the season at the end of this year by making gift baskets to be distributed to members of the community. This is apparently not a typical practice here, and thus a welcome surprise to the recipients, who seemed to appreciate the thought and effort involved. Ruth and I also enjoyed visiting the homes of numerous church members and friends over the holidays, and we sampled enough delicious, sweet baklava and other delicacies to tide us over easily until the next holiday season.

WEI student Risilda with Keti, making gift baskets

This month we are pleased to feature two of Ruth's WEI students, Albana and Albi Bani. They are a mother and son from the nearby village of Xharrez. Albana runs a restaurant with her husband there, and Albi is in his first year of high school. They are both highly intelligent and motivated, and often attend worship with us. Ruth and I were privileged to spend an evening in their home recently, with the rest of their family. We were introduced to them through our sister-in-Christ, Keti Tanashi who teaches in the village, and who is one of the most persistent and effective members of the church when it comes to bringing in friends and acquaintances.

Albi, with his grandmother, father, Albana, Ruth and Keti

As you can see, there is much to be thankful for here as 2008 progresses. We are particularly thankful that you a part of this and so much more with us, through your prayers and support. May God bless you in every way in the coming year.

In His service,

Steve & Ruth Byrne

February, 2008

Dear friends,

February finds Ruth and me continuing to enjoy God's goodness here in Fier. He has surrounded us with first-rate, open-hearted brothers and sisters in Christ, friends, students and teachers. Thus, we have been enabled to not only be instruments of His kindness in this part of His world, but also to be recipients of His comfort and support as we persist in striving and growing in His grace.

The essential elements of the work here are continuing as usual. We carry on Bible studies with as many students as we can handle. Ruth and my Albanian language lessons are slowly beginning to pay dividends, even after only a few months. The churches in Fier and Elbasan are always a huge encouragement to us. A recent Sunday visit to worship with the Vlorë congregation was also an occasion for joyful fellowship for a number of us from Fier. We are plugging along by faith, confident that God's Spirit is moving in His quiet, invisible way, as seeds are planted and watered daily in numerous lives.

If we had to choose a theme for this past month, I suppose it might be "things we have missed and enjoyed" as a particular result of being missionaries here. Being far from "home" entails both sacrifices and privileges. The former category, for instance, includes the recent death of my mother's husband, William (Bill) Laird.

William (Bill) Laird 1931-2008

Bill and Mom (JoAnn) were married for 14 years. During that time it was evident that Bill brought a great deal of cheerfulness, humor and zest to Mom's life. Even as he struggled with multiple serious health problems over the past 4 years, Bill was always concerned for those around him, and would express the positive outlook whenever possible. They traveled the world together, including more than one visit to us in Alaska, and Bill probably would have wanted to come to Albania as well, had his health allowed it. When Bill passed away quickly in late January, circumstances were such that it was not possible for Ruth and me to be there physically with Mom in time for his funeral. Thankfully our son Tim was available, and Ruth and I were able to send him in our stead. Bill was a good man whom we came to love and respect. We are thankful for the time he shared with Mom. We will miss him. We are also thankful to those of you who have expressed your condolences to her and to us.

In the category of privileges, working in Albania this year has so far been stimulating on one level, due to events taking place in the region. As you are probably aware, Kosovo has just declared its independence this week. The population there is 95% ethnic Albanian, and there are many ties between these two countries. Ruth and I were invited to go there for this occasion by a businessman friend here in Fier who had hosted a large Kosovar refugee family during the crisis in 1999. Many things about our experience could be shared here, but suffice it to say that witnessing the birth of a nation is a remarkable thing. Also heartwarming to me was being recognized in a restaurant in Prizren by a woman who had been a refugee in Elbasan, Albania when I was there that year, helping Pete Hodge and the church to distribute food. Most important, Ruth and I were delighted to make some very good friends in our short visit to Kosovo, and we hope to have opportunities to develop those relationships for the cause of Christ in the future.

Friends at Albania - Kosovo Border

Awaiting the "declaration of independence" in Prizren, Kosovo

"NEWBORN" - The 1st day of independence, in Pristina, Kosovo (capital)

It would not be accurate to say that the novel experiences we enjoy here have compensated for the things that we miss. They are, each in their own way, simply missionary facts-of-life. We are thankful to be able to share about some of them briefly with you this month, so that you can have a taste of some of the incidental elements of the work here which have touched our hearts. Until next month, may God bless you richly!

In His service,

Steve & Ruth Byrne

March, 2008

Dear friends,

The month of March here in Fier saw a mother and son become brother and sister in Christ! Albana and Albi Bani were baptized into Christ on Sunday, March 16, just two days before the physical birthday they both share with Albi's grandmother. They live in the village of Xharrez just outside of Fier, and have been studying the WEI English and Bible courses with Ruth for several months. Skender and Vera Mejdiaj, leaders of the church in Orikum, about 50 kms south of us, kindly prepared the baptistery there for our use, as it is still a bit chilly here for using the sea. Albana and Albi had been reading ahead in their WEI lessons, and one day came to class expressing their desire to be baptized, long before the lessons on how to become a Christian were scheduled. After confirming their understanding and intentions, we were happy to comply with their desire. Our sister Keti Tanashi, who is a schoolteacher in Xharrez, was instrumental in bringing us in contact with the Bani family. We are also very thankful that Albana's husband, Bujar, is supportive of their decision. Like Albana, he also comes from a Muslim background, but speaks virtually no English. We pray that the influence of his wife and son will one day bring him to faith in Christ as well.

Albana and Albi's Confession that Jesus is the Son of God

Albi rises to a new life!

Ruth with her new brother and sister in Christ

March also witnessed the 2nd Church Leader's Fellowship, this time hosted by the church in Durres at the new IBIA campus. It was led by Çimi Kafexhiu. We were grateful to see a slightly larger number in attendance than at our first meeting in January. Our sincere hope is that this monthly-or-so occasion will continue to grow into an instrument for unity and encouragement for the Albanian brotherhood. Another reason for rejoicing this month was the return of Tom Bonner from an extended but well-deserved furlough. It's comforting to know we have this fine missionary just 30 kms north of us in Lushnje.

Steve, Skender, Keti, Albana, Albi, and Vera

Leader's Fellowship – Durres

The nation of Albania has been in the international headlines twice recently due to tragic circumstances. First, there were the recent drowning deaths of 16 members of a family in a lake near Tirana. Then there came the explosions on the 15th at a military base near the Rinas International Airport, currently considered accidental, but resulting in massive damage and undetermined casualties. Please keep Albania in your prayers, not only for the sake of our work here, but also for those here who see events such as these as confirmation of their pessimisms concerning Albania's prospects for the future. Albanians in general still do have many obstacles to overcome as they work to raise themselves to the standards of living to which they aspire. However, with time they also certainly have as much potential to rise above their current difficulties as any people Ruth and I have ever known. This is why we are thankful to be here among them, sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. In the final analysis, the gospel is the only 100% effective antidote to the temptation to despair. We thank God and you for enabling us to be here with good news.

In His service,

Steve & Ruth Byrne

April, 2008

Dear friends,

April greetings from Fier! Over the past month, God has provided Ruth and me with numerous opportunities to witness and enjoy the blessings of being citizens of His kingdom as it is growing and developing here in Albania.

At the end of every school session, the International Bible Institute of Albania (IBIA) in Durres has an International Day, at which time they focus on the status of the church in another part of the world. Recently, attention was given to the Philippines, where Ruth was born and we formerly worked. The IBIA faculty and students were presented with an overview of the history and current situation of the Filipino church, followed by an afternoon banquet of Philippine delicacies that included shrimp pancit, pork adobo, chicken afritada, and spicy beef with fried rice. Ruth expertly guided the culinary preparations to the acclaim of all present. The next occasion will focus on the church in Malawi.

IBIA chefs on "Philippines International Day"

Another opportunity for feasting and fellowship came with the church leaders' meeting, which seems to be growing in popularity. This month it was hosted by the church in Elbasan. More than 20 leaders were in attendance, and a new standard of excellence was set in that rather than having a dutch-treat meal afterwards as has been our custom, the church hosted everyone in the home of brother and sister Remzi and Mereme Islami for a full meal of delicious, homemade Albanian cooking. The camaraderie was extremely upbeat and encouraging.

Church leaders in Elbasan

A further welcome development from Elbasan is the enrollment of one of its leaders, Ilir Kura, into IBIA. Ilir has been a vital part of the church there since his baptism about a year and a half ago, and is scheduled to begin his formal studies in May. This will certainly stand him in great stead for being equipped to edify the body in Elbasan in years to come. We know he would appreciate your prayers.

Happy IBIA diners

Albanian feast in Elbasan

It was also my privilege to participate briefly this month in a project to raise awareness among churches here of the problem of human trafficking in Albania. This involved a walk by concerned individuals from the north to the south end of the country. As I only found out about it shortly before it was to commence, I did not have time to get adequate footwear, and had to drop out due to foot problems after a couple of days of 25-30 kilometer walks. The walk itself is still underway, and I hope to be able to participate again to some degree when it passes through Fier and continues south.

Here in Fier, the church continues to be blessed. Albana and Albi Bani's enthusiastic presence as new Christians has provided a boost to all of us in the body of Christ. They have also provided a great positive example to a number of our other students and visitors. An additional cause for encouragement here this month was the presence this past Sunday of almost a dozen Christians from Durres, Tirana and Bartlesville, Oklahoma. Alfred Dimçi from Tirana preached for us, and we appreciated the treat of having the Word proclaimed in Albanian without translation from English.

Oklahoma visitors to Fier: Art Henley, Bob Seat, Ann and Larry Johnson

The church throughout Albania has so much potential! In our time here, Ruth and I have found ourselves limited only by our imagination and endurance in terms of the existing opportunities for service. We constantly pray for wisdom, guidance and strength to do that which will result in the most glory for our Lord, wherever He allows us to go. We are thankful for you who beseech Him on our behalf as well.

In His service,

Steve & Ruth Byrne

May, 2008

Dear friends,

May in Albania is the perfect time to be here. The temperatures hover in the low to mid 70's with 4-5 sunny days in a row and the occasional rainy one now and then to keep things fresh. Spring fever is hitting adults and children alike. Flowers are blooming everywhere and more competitively raucous wedding processions are beginning to wend their way through the city streets on the weekends.

Fier Flowers

The door to the season opened for Ruth and me with the recent National Youth Day, sponsored by the church in Tirana. With over 130 in attendance from close to a dozen congregations, the theme of the day was "O sa mir' ne qën' Kristian" (Oh how great it is to be a Christian). There were 5 of us from Fier, and the theme was expounded by Altin Koçi, Edi Hoxha, and Bledi Valca, all recent IBIA graduates.

Youth Day

Fier Youth

Our weekly Tuesday night class in Elbasan continues to be encouraging. The class there seems to alternate for a month or so at a time from having many younger visitors to many older ones, as is the present case. The discussions on I Corinthians continue to be lively and make the 1.5 hour drive each way more than worth it for Ruth and me. A special treat for the class this past week was the surprise presence of Ilir Kura, unexpectedly back from his 2nd week of classes at IBIA in Durrës for the occasion of his wife, Vera's birthday, which we celebrated with cake and soft drinks. Ilir reported that his studies were challenging but that all was going well.

Ilir and Vera

The church in Fier also continues to enjoy God's blessings. When we are all here, the attendance ranges in the high teens which is very encouraging to us. Another hopeful sign has been the presence of additional, younger school-agers in our midst, both visitors and new Christians. This is the answer to many prayers for the church here.

Fier Fellowship

Ruth's and my language training is also progressing. We are almost finished with the 1st phase, a 52-lesson "introduction" to Albanian grammar. While we certainly haven't mastered it, we feel good as we anticipate expanding our vocabulary in the next phase, and beginning to put the rules to work.

As a side note, our language instructor, Drina, also teaches in a public school in Fier. A little over a week ago a 13-year old girl shot another student in the foot with a pistol she had brought there. Drina had to disarm the 1st girl, carry the victim to the hospital, and then bear the undeserved brunt of having the media blame her for not preventing the situation in the first place! She was teaching other students in another class at the time. All is well now, but she had a very rough few days. Drina said that she was amazed by the inner strength she discovered, and gave the credit to God for getting her through it. She has been considering baptism, and is deserving of your prayers.

Another surprise for us was the visit of some of the friends we made during our visit to Kosovo for its Independence Day. Three of them decided to take a short vacation from their construction business in Pristina and drive down to Fier. We went out with them on a Saturday and visited the ancient ruins of Byllis and Apollonia, which are very extensive and range in origin from 300-600 BC. It was a great day to be out and about, exploring historical hilltop fortresses with friends. Also, among the delicacies we've recently enjoyed with our friends on such special occasions have been lamb's head (brain and tongue), giblet-stuffed intestines, and frog legs.

Fine food

On a personal note, our two sons are each going through big transitions at this time. Dan has recently finished his studies at Oklahoma Christian University and is staying with Steve's brother Rick and family in Wisconsin until he starts Air Force basic training in July. Tim, on the other hand, is receiving his Master's Degree in Counseling in Denver on May 17, and shortly thereafter is hoping to participate in a Mission trip to Germany with members of his local church. As you can imagine, it is a bit difficult for Ruth and me not to be with them for these life events. We're thankful that Steve's Mom will be with Tim for his ceremony. We're also thankful for your prayers as we, and our loved ones, manage these kinds of sacrifices which come with working on the mission field.

In His service,

Steve & Ruth Byrne

June, 2008

Dear friends,

Last month we solicited your prayers for our Albanian language teacher, Drina, who had just undergone some traumatic experiences and who was also considering obeying the gospel. Apparently you responded, and your prayers were effective. On Saturday, May 24, Drina was baptized. Prayers answered! Accompanying her to witness the cheerful event were two of her friends and fellow school-teachers, Jonida and Vjosa. Once again we were also blessed to use the baptistery at Orikum, and to enjoy some time there with Skender and Vera Mejdiaj. Drina turned 25 two days later.

Dirna's Baptism

On Saturday, May 31, the International Bible Institute of Albania hosted one of its popular "Expanding the Kingdom Seminars (Encouraging Evangelism and Edification)." The topic was "The Process of Developing a Heart for God (Studies from Matthew)." The location was the Lushnjë church of Christ building, where Tom Bonner works. There were brothers and sisters present from Lushnjë, Kuçovë, Magjat, Ure Vajgurore, Poliçan, Durrës and 5 of us from Fier. Steve Stamatis, with Altin Koçi translating, enhanced our understanding of God's mission, utilizing 5 texts from Matthew's gospel.

Korcë Meeting

June 1 saw the birth of a new congregation in Tiranë. Alfred Dimce reports that this constitutes both the culmination and commencement of long-held desires for the Lord's kingdom in Tirana. Understanding that Satan never rests and that births are always accompanied by pangs, we pray that God's will would be done and His Name glorified as a result of this new development. All of our brethren in Tirana are beloved by us, and most importantly, by our God.

Ruth was blessed to be able to attend the "Come Before Winter" ladies' renewal time in Bosnia-Herzegovina during the first week of this month. This was a time for mission workers to be encouraged and equipped for effectiveness in their respective fields. Other attendees from Albania were Allison Morrill, Deborah Stamatis and Ellen Walker. Ruth relates being especially well-fed, both physically and spiritually during this "much-needed" (her words) event.

Albania missionaries masquerading as Mexicans in Bosnia

On June 14, Kevin and Allison Morrill, missionaries in Korcë, hosted the church leaders' get-together. 20+ Christians from half-a-dozen congregations made the trip over the mountains to the eastern Albanian city, where we shared thoughts and ideas on increasing our effectiveness in church growth. Ruth and I drove up a day ahead of time, and stayed over on Sunday to worship with the church there. It was also a pleasure to see Roger Michael again.

A side-benefit of our participation with the church in Elbasan this month was getting to spend some time with Gerry Cowan, a preacher from Illinois who has long been involved with the work in Elbasan. During his two-week stay there were two births. One was the new birth of Berti, a man in his 50's who has been paralyzed since an accident in his teens, who was baptized into Christ. The other was the arrival of the 2nd son of Mondi Gjoni, who preaches at Elbasan on Sundays. Our congratulations to both families! And thanks to Gerry for his encouragement and assistance to the church there.

Gerry Cowan & Steve Stamatis in Lushnje

Albi Bani, the young man who was baptized recently with his mother, has been a real encouragement to the church here in Fier. His enthusiasm for participating in worship has resulted in our beginning to train him for prayer and song-leading. We expect him to begin to serve in these capacities soon. He is an outstanding 16-year-old, and we are blessed to have him as a young brother-in-Christ.

Albi Bani

As always, your prayers and support have had a great impact on our mission and on the lives of people here. We are thankful for God's blessings, of which you are a significant part.

In His service,

Steve & Ruth Byrne

July/August, 2008

Dear friends,

Although Ruth and I did not take our furlough in July this year, the summer months have proven to be as busy as ever. Additionally, the old proverb about Mohammed and the mountain has proven to be true. Rather than being visitors elsewhere this summer, we have been blessed to be visited here by a number of beloved individuals.

From our sponsoring congregation, the Slicer Street church of Christ in Kennett, MO, came Shawn Sando (missions deacon), Spencer Furby (preacher), and Britt (elder) and Beverly Burcham, arriving on July 18-19 respectively. The next day saw the arrival by ferry from Italy of our son Tim and his friend Kurtis Shaner. We were the final stop on their tour of Europe after Tim's participation in a summer mission project to Hildesheim, Germany. (Our sincere thanks to those of you who supported Tim in that effort!)

Kurtis, Elton and Tim at Fier potluck

The additional presence of Art Hitt and Steve Merryman from Oregon rounded off what was to be a wonderful Sunday, July 20. The Fier church responded to the presence of all these visitors with a potluck that featured a whole roasted lamb, as well as many other local delicacies.

Lamb (before)

Lamb (after)

The "Kennett Four" along with Tim and Kurtis were able to accompany Ruth and me on visits to a number of the churches in central Albania, meeting brethren in Tirana, Orikum, Lushnje and Elbasan. We also had time to see some of Albania's amazing historic sites in Llogora, Berat, Apollonia and Kruje. What a blessing it was to have each of them become more acquainted with our life and work at this time, and to have them develop personal relationships with the people here who mean so much to us.

The "Kennett Four" (Spencer, Beverly, Britt and Shawn)

A little more than a week later we were also graced with a visit from Danah Nelson, who has been helping the church in Korca this summer, and who was taking time to make some visits to Christians in our part of the country. Danah has consistently been a blessing to the church in Albania over the years.

Visiting Lushnje

On a more mundane note, Ruth and I recently applied in Vlore for our next Leje Qendrimi (Permit to Stay), which is more or less a resident visa. Because we have had two successive 1-year LQ's, we are now entitled to apply for the 5-year version. Please pray that this goes smoothly, as it will save us a fair amount of hassle in the future.

Another prayer need involves an apparent large-scale trend in Albania. From a recent article -

"In 2007, Albania registered its largest suicide rate in more than two decades, with 216 people taking their own lives and hundreds of attempted suicides, a good part of which remain unregistered.

Even more troubling, the age of those attempting to take their own lives, and often succeeding, is dropping with every passing year. Sociologists say the rate of suicides among teenagers and even children is worrying.

According to the World Health Organization, WHO, the suicide rate in Albania almost doubled from 1987 to 2003 from 2.4 cases per 100,000 people to 4.3.

From 2003 to 2007, meanwhile, the number of suicides almost doubled again, from 126 a year to 216. Last year, suicides accounted for the second largest number of premature deaths in Albanian after traffic accidents. Among teenagers and young adults, it is the leading cause of premature death."

Although in Christ we possess a number of resources against despair that society in general does not have, we also know that societal trends affect even the church in numerous ways. Let's pray not only for the progress of the church in Albania, but also for the situation here in general. A lack of hope is a terrible obstacle to face in life, and it seems that in Albania, this very thing is presently an escalating problem.

Finally, the summer break from school has provided Ruth and me with lots of new students, especially with the WEI Bible and English courses. These are mostly high-school and university age, although we have a few older individuals as well. We hope to be sharing about them and their progress in future reports. As always, your prayers in this regard are vital. And again, thank you for this and every other way in which you support us.

In His service,

Steve & Ruth Byrne

September, 2008

Dear friends,

The month since our last report has been one of many meetings with beloved brethren and friends in and from numerous places. As Fier is not a destination spot for many people, it is always an encouragement for Ruth and me to enjoy fellowship with brothers and sisters in Christ from elsewhere, and to be able to develop and deepen those relationships.

Among the longest-running of those friendships is the one we enjoy with Bill Morgan of Loudon, Tennessee. Bill was an elder in our home congregation in California when we were missionaries in the Philippines, and he has invested himself considerably in the growth of the church here in Albania though the years since, especially in Tirana. Ruth and I were blessed to spend time with Bill along with a number of summer-campaigners there, and we took advantage of the opportunity afforded by his presence to garner his wisdom about missions, ministry and life in general. What a blessing for us! We were also thankful to be with him and other Christians from around Albania when he conducted a leadership seminar in Lushnje. Bill's legacy in Albania will be an enduring one.

Steve, Artan, Altin, Harilla, Bill, Kujtim and Dick at the Leadership seminar in Lushnje

As icing on the cake during that time, Dick Ady was also back in Albania this summer, and we were thankful to be able to visit with him in Tirana, Lushnje and Durres. Though Ruth and I didn't get to spend as much time with him as we would have liked, our brief visits with this dear brother were both productive and encouraging. God has used Dick in a mighty way for the growth of the church literally throughout the world, and he has been a great example to us over the past two decades.

Ruth, Dick Ady, and Steve

An unexpected development for Ruth and me has been the making of contacts with a number of Filipinos here in Albania recently. They are working here in jobs as diverse as bank manager, chef, aid worker and physical therapist. It's been a real treat for Ruth to dust off and use her repertoire of dialects, as well as to empathize with fellow countrymen about life far from home, culture and extended family. A couple of them have already gotten connected with the church in Tirana!

Steve, Ronnie, Roy and Ruth in Tirane

The first week of September provided Ruth and me the opportunity to spend a week in Durres, where I taught my 5-day Christian Ethics seminar at IBIA. Among the enjoyable aspects of that time were our first visit to an assembly of the Adriatik church where Alfred Zike and Eduart Hoxha are ministers. We were also thankful to get to see the current AIM workers in Durres, as well as other brethren who dropped in on occasion. The view of the Adriatic Sea from the Stamatis's balcony was not bad either! Steve and Deborah returned from their summer furlough to the U.S. about mid-week in good shape, and they were enrolling more students even while recovering from jet-lag! I got hit with a flu-bug on Friday morning, but managed to make it through the final class sessions.

Altin, Eri, Amaro, Ilir and Ari (standing), Antonetta and Steve (seated) at IBIA

Rounding up the list of meetings in the past month was the church leader's meeting in Lushnje. (Yes, Tom Bonner's hospitality has been top-notch!) It was the biggest such meeting so far, with close to 30 in attendance. The 2 topics for formal discussion were James 4, and Christian camps. A smaller working group was formed to research the future potential for the latter. The spirit was very positive, and we are looking forward to the next meeting, scheduled to be in Tirana.

Leaders' meeting in Lushnje

Here in Fier, Ruth and I are switching gears to the back-to-school mode yet again. This will mean less contact with our university-aged students especially, since most of them study in other cities. More of our remaining students will be trying to have classes with us during the weekends. You can help us by praying for the germination of seeds that have already been planted.

Airman 1st Class Daniel Byrne

Please also pray for the Bani family. Albana - who was baptized earlier this year with her son Albi - and her husband Bujar, with whom she worked running a local restaurant, both lost their jobs this past week. They went in one morning as usual, only to discover other workers there. The owner had sold the business and the new one brought in his own relatives to work there. This was how they found out they were both unemployed, effective immediately. You can imagine their devastation. Ruth and I picked the three of them up that day and we drove to a resort outside of Elbasan, just to give them a change of scenery. Then we went on to the Tuesday evening Bible class in Elbasan together. This was Bujar's first direct contact with the church as such. Please be praying that these events would lead them all closer to God in the long run.

This, we believe, is God's purpose in all the events of life, both good and bad, to draw us closer to Him. Ruth and I have certainly experienced that in the past month, and are thankful for His providential working in everything that happens. Thank you for being a positive part of that as well.

In His service,

Steve & Ruth Byrne

P.S. – Ruth and I hope you'll join us in congratulating our son Dan on his recent graduation from Air Force basic military training, and be praying for him as he continues on through his tech school and future service to God and America in these challenging times.

October, 2008

Dear friends,

"Where will we be buried?" was the question posed recently by our sister Albana, who was baptized earlier this year together with her teenage son Albi. The rest of Albana's family is nominally Muslim, and in this part of the world Muslims and Christians have separate cemeteries. So the question of ultimately being "together" has become a significant one in their family discussions lately, and has opened doors for her to share her faith.

Albana's family

Albana has likewise been sharing her faith by beginning to offer private English lessons in her home to local students. At last count she has 5 students, and she has already brought several of them to church on Sunday. Albana has also been a real encourager to some of the older students from her village who've been baptized in years past, to renew their commitment to Christian fellowship.

Last month, Ruth and I told about the loss of Albana's and her husband's jobs. Thanks to a heartfelt response from the brethren at the Slicer Street church in Kennett, MO, some of whom met the family this past July, their immediate financial crisis has been greatly alleviated, and they are able to pursue training and employment opportunities without being in "panic mode." Albana's family is highly appreciative.

One villager who has recently been "renewed" is Sonila, a 24-year-old schoolteacher. Five of her cousins have recently started studying and spending time with the church as well. Sonila was recently awarded the opportunity to immigrate to America, and though we will miss her, her influence will continue to be felt through those whom she has brought our way.

Another schoolteacher that has been a source of joy to Ruth and me recently is Edlira. Edlira teaches in the village but lives in Fier. She has been studying with Ruth and faithfully attending our assemblies with her two young children, Enis and Eva. She is seriously contemplating the prospect of baptism, and like the others, is deserving of your prayers.

Edlira and her Children

Other events of the past month include the wedding of our sister Kresi Mullaj, and an invitation to preach in Tirana. As in times past, Ruth and I enjoyed the hospitality of Ellen Walker there, who was celebrating a birthday, and also of Sokol and Stela Haxhiu and their daughter, with whom we shared a wonderful lunch. Another highlight of the visit was meeting John Massie, who is in Albania to do a seminar on the Holy Spirit and to speak at the national Men's Day in Durres.

Ellen - Center - Happy Birthday!

Sokol and Family

In our absence, Erik Qirjaqi of Tirana was scheduled to preach in Fier, but due to the death of his uncle, Artan Xhaferi took his place at the last moment. We are thankful to both of these brothers for their willingness to serve the cause of inter-congregational unity. Another loss was suffered by the family of our sister Perse here in Fier, whose brother passed away a few weeks ago. We solicit your prayers for both of these families.

Steve preaching in Tirana with the assistance of Bledi Valca

Apparently, some folks took our words last month that Fier was not a popular destination spot to heart, as we have since been blessed with several visitors! First were Ilir and Vera Kura from Elbasan, who spent a night with us, and then Tom Bonner, who graced us with his presence for a while on his birthday! Ruth and I are always thankful to be able to have beloved brethren spend time with us in our home.

Finally, while in Tirana Ruth and I were able to purchase the airline tickets for our upcoming furlough, which will span Christmas and New Year's. We look forward to visiting with brethren, supporters and family at that time. Also, we recently received the approval of our leje qendrimi(s), which are "permits to stay" in Albania. This time they are for 5 years, so we won't have the annual hassle of renewing them. Thank you for your prayers in that regard, and for all that you do to encourage us as we seek to serve in the Lord's kingdom here.

In His service,

Steve & Ruth Byrne

November, 2008

Dear friends,

Last month Ruth and I requested your prayers for Edlira, a mother of two and schoolteacher with whom we have been working for some time. We are thankful to report that Edlira was born of water and the Spirit on the 1st of November! In attendance were her husband Alexander, her children Enis and Eva, and her mother Dhurata, as well as Keti, who first brought Edlira to us. All present were supportive and excited about Edlira's decision. Edlira had requested baptism at the beach in Vlora, but it being a cool and very windy day, we once again availed ourselves of the baptistry at Orikum, and were thankful for the opportunity for fellowship with the brethren there.

New sister, Edlira

Edlira and family

The past month also afforded Ruth and me an opportunity to spend some much-appreciated extra time with the brothers and sisters in Elbasan, where I teach a I Corinthians class on Tuesday evenings. The church there invited me to preach for a special Sunday morning reunion assembly, and then to stay for an enjoyable potluck meal afterwards. We got to meet a number of individuals with whom the church there has had contact over the years. For the past few weeks Ruth and I have also been over-nighting there on Tuesdays due to the earlier onset of darkness and the increased difficulty and stress of driving home on the dark highways between Elbasan and Fier. We are especially thankful for the hospitality of Vera and Ilir Kurra in this regard.

Elbasan Fellowship

The regular church leaders' meeting was hosted by the church in Tirana this month, and enjoyed a good attendance as well as inspirational sharing. Representatives of the various congregations were given time to talk about and compare what was working and not working in their respective ministries. It was beneficial to Ruth and me to have fellowship with brothers and sisters from around Albania, as well as to be both reinforced with positive principles and warned about potential pitfalls, and to be reminded that we all face similar challenges.

Men's Day in Durres

Ruth and I will be departing Albania on December 1 to begin our furlough. Major stops will include Kennett, MO; Livermore, CA; Denver, CO; and Stafford, VA where the annual Romania/Albania Missions Workshop will be held. We were extremely gratified to find half a dozen capable brothers from around Albania who were ready and willing to fill the pulpit here in Fier during our absence. Our only regret is that we will not be here to hear them!

Steve and Ruth

The day before we head out, the Fier church will have its first ever Thanksgiving potluck to celebrate our gratitude to God for the blessings of 2008. Ruth and I look forward to seeing many of you during our furlough, and we celebrate your fellowship with us in prayer and in actions, as we have worked here in Fier over the past year. May God bless you always.

In His service,

Steve & Ruth Byrne

January, 2009

Dear friends,

The end of 2008 brought showers of blessing upon Ruth and me as we enjoyed several weeks of furlough travel and fellowship with brethren and family from Albania to Oahu!

Holidays with family

It began on December 1st, the day after the Fier church's first Thanksgiving potluck. As in America, this type of event can draw a crowd! We were thankful for the 30-40 Christians and friends of the church that were on hand to worship God in gratitude and enjoy the "fellowship of the table" together.

Fier church Thanksgiving

That last phrase could well summarize a major portion of our furlough, which, if properly recounted, would take several of these reports to contain. May Ruth and I be forgiven for not mentioning by name here all the deserving cooks, hosts and hostesses, loaners of vehicles and airport picker-uppers, etc., for whom we are extremely grateful! You beloved folks in Kennett, MO, Oahu, HI, Livermore, CA, Denver, CO and Stafford, VA know who you are, and we have not forgotten! Thank you so much!

We must take a bit of space though, to thank by name the gifted brothers here in Albania who joyfully accepted our request to serve and edify the Fier church by preaching in our absence. A big faleminderit shumë ("thank you very much") to Erik Qirjaqi, Sokol Haxhiu, Altin Koçi, Artan Xhaferaj, Ilir Kurra, Alfred Dimci and their families! The brothers and sisters in Fier were delighted by the gift of your presence and the love and unity in Christ amongst the churches of Albania that it evidenced.

The guys of Fier

New Christians of Fier

Finally, Ruth and I must conclude this report with news of a development that can only be described as "bittersweet." Our visit to Hawaii has resulted in our being offered and having accepted an invitation to work with the Pearl Harbor church in Honolulu, beginning, Lord willing, on May 1, 2009. While we are excited about this next phase in our life of service to God, it will be very difficult to physically distance ourselves from the many precious relationships that have been formed over the past few years here in Albania.

It has truly been an honor to have been allowed and enabled to plant, water, and reap in the harvest-field of Albania. Ruth and I are confident that God will continue building up His church here, whether in our presence or absence. We also trust that whatever good He has managed to accomplish in and through us in Albania, will live on in those whom we've been privileged to touch.

Romania-Albania Missions Conference with brothers from Kennett

May God also continue to bless you richly, for you have been, through your prayers and support, a very real part in His work here as well.

In His service,

Steve & Ruth Byrne

February, 2009

Dear friends,

February greetings from Fier! Dark winter days together with more power outages in a month than in all of 2008 combined have not dampened our spirits in the least. The effort of packing our worldly possessions into boxes, hauling several hundred books to the Fier public library for donation, and more books as well as bookshelves from our apartment to the Fier church meeting-place, has kept Ruth and me physically warmed up. On the other hand, treasured relationships have served to keep us spiritually radiant as well.

Fier church library – a beginning

A visit to Steve and Deborah Stamatis in Durres, who were each in the final stages of recovering from a bad bout of the flu, was a welcome event for Ruth and me. It is always a blessing to be able to spend some time in the presence of the Stamatis's refreshing sense of humor as well as their broad view of the opportunities and challenges of the work of the Lord's kingdom in Albania. We also enjoyed meeting their new canine apartment-mate, Pixie!

Additionally, it was our pleasure to attend a morning devotional at the International Bible Institute of Albania in Durres. Eduart Hoxha, an IBIA graduate now working with the Adriatik church in Durres was the speaker. It was a great encouragement to hear Edi deliver in English a comprehensive and thoughtful exposition and application of a portion of one of the Psalms.

Eduart

Ruth and I also found ourselves in Tirana for a day or so this month. There it was our privilege to have coffee together with Artan Xhaferi, whom we have known for almost a decade and a half since the early days of the church there. Artan, his wife Rumira and their children will be moving to Tennessee this summer. Although it feels like a loss for the church here, especially in Tirana, we are sure that they will continue to be a blessing for the kingdom wherever the Lord takes them.

Also in Tirana, Ruth and I were able to share a meal with Wayne and Brenda Speer, former missionaries there (as well as to England, Greece, South Africa and the U.S.A.), along with Ellen Walker, with whom they were staying for a month. This extraordinary servant-couple have also worked with the church in Kailua, Oahu, and thus were able to give us some insights into the work there.

Ruth and I could not have gone to Tirana without checking in on Antoneta and Kristofor Findiku. As you may recall, we passed along information a few months ago about Antoneta's cancer and need for surgery. We are delighted to report that she has come through a very successful surgery in good shape, and is handling her subsequent chemotherapy treatments with a positive and joyful attitude, serving as a true inspiration for all of us who know her. They also report being in good shape financially for her continuing needs due to the generous help of brethren and friends from all over.

Kristofor and Antoneta

Back in Fier, Kresi, our sister-in-Christ and former translator, and her husband Agron have been blessed by the birth of a baby girl (name still unknown to us) this past week. Mother and daughter are both said to be in good shape. We are also looking forward to this Saturday, when Enis, the son of our relatively new sister Edlira, is planning to be baptized. We are thankful here in Fier for the blessings that God continues to grant His church!

Enis

One final update - the community of Kennett, MO is still recovering from the ice-storm disaster of late January. They report about 60% residential power restored in the region, with some rural areas possibly having to wait for several more weeks. By all accounts, our sponsoring congregation, the Slicer Street church, was literally a light to the community, providing warmth, shelter and meals to hundreds and hundreds of citizens and emergency personnel, right up until this very week! We are both thankful and proud to be associated with a group of Christians like Slicer Street, who rise to the challenges of life and turn them into opportunities.

May we all be blessed in following their example.

In His service,

Steve & Ruth Byrne

March, 2009

Dear friends,

As our time in Fier draws to a close, Ruth and I have many reasons to thank God, not the least of which is each of you who have been with us in spirit and in prayer over the past three years. Your support and encouragement have been vital to any successes we may have achieved here. Our prayer has been that with God’s help we will be leaving this place better than we found it, and we have reasons to believe it to be so.

Among those reasons is a new brother in Christ! Enis, about whom we shared last month, was indeed baptized on February 21. A number of us from Fier including Enis’ family met together at the church building in Tirana in order to use their baptistry. Also with us were our friends, the Licaj family, who recently moved from Fier to Tirana, as well as several brothers and sisters from the church there. After Enis’ new birth, we celebrated at a local pizzeria.

Enis

Enis draws a Crowd

Just as exciting is a recent development that bodes very well for the Fier church! It has always been a dream of ours to have Albanians preaching for the church in Fier. With that in mind we initiated an agreement with the International Bible Institute of Albania a couple of years ago to have students come to Fier on a monthly basis to preach. (Niri Pellumbi, with his wife Lindita, pictured below, was with us this month.) Among those students were Eduart Hoxha and Altin Koci, who came regularly.

Edi, Steve, and Altin

We are very pleased to announce that upon our departure, both Edi and Altin will be moving to Fier to work full-time with the church here! A working agreement has been formulated between them and our sponsoring congregation, the Slicer Street church in Kennett, MO, which will be supporting them.

Edi and Altin are single men in their mid-20’s, and have had formal training as well as practical experience in various aspects of ministry; Edi having been mentored for the past year by Alfred Zike at the Adriatik church in Durres, and Altin having worked with Steve Stamatis and the next class of students at IBIA.

Edi and Altin

We believe that Edi’s and Altin’s vitality will both supplement and be tempered by the chronological maturity of the Fier church in many positive ways. The church here is also enthusiastic about this prospect. As you might imagine, it gives Ruth and me great comfort to see a part of how God will continue to work with and through the church in Fier as we move on to other fields. We are thankful to have such good hands into which we can turn over our responsibilities.

Niri and Lindita

Ruth and I are scheduled to depart Albania on April 2. Most of that month will be devoted to travel, visiting brethren and family in Europe and across America on our way to Hawaii. The arrangements for shipping our personal effects have, not surprisingly, stretched out until the very last days, and we solicit your prayers that it all goes smoothly. We are leaving here with about half of what we brought physically, but we take with us hearts overflowing with gratitude for the wealth of blessings that we will carry with us forever as a result of the privilege of serving our Lord in this amazing nation. Please continue to remember the church in Albania in your prayers in the time to come. And thank you for remembering us. God is good!

Ruth and Steve

In His service,

Steve & Ruth Byrne

P.S. – Once we’ve had a bit of time to settle in Honolulu, we’ll send you a final update.

From Altin Koci - March 09

A Calling to a Different Field
It has been a year and three months, that school IBIA is training Leaders, as the most of you know this is the second year. And now students are being challenged from God’s word daily. As days goes by, challenges get harder and harder because it is God Word and it cuts till the depths of the souls every behavior, attitude, desire that is not in Christ’s Likeness. Hebrews 4:12. And the purpose of the school is to train Leaders to be always alert and humble Leaders ready to serve.

I Was…
Right now I am serving as translator at the school, am saying serving because I never saw as job, because if I saw on that way poor me. I did finish the same training that these students are having right now, I learn English in private courses and I have progressed a lot in English for it is a skill that God has blessed me with. Till now am serving as translator. I did use this skill as it was necessary for His purposes. And has a come to the point where I have to use the others skills that God has blessed me with.

I Will Become ….
Leaders are trained to be Leaders, time is short, we never know when Jesus will come and we don’t have to worry for physical things Matthew 6:25. But we are to focus ourselves our whole being to the service of God. Matthew 9:37-38 Jesus said pray for workers for the harvest is plentiful. It has been presented a harvest in Fier Steve & Ruth Byrne have served there, God called them in a different place where they can use their God given capabilities better and in a better productive way. Somehow somewhere brothers in Christ have prayed for workers there. And through God providence, God provided two workers for there. Altin Koci and Eduart Hoxha by cooperating together to work in the field that God is already at work! We both have been trained for the same purpose to be Leaders for God’s people leading them to Christ. Eduart has been served in Durres Church of Christ in beach area, with Alfred Zike, Alfred is still serving and teaching God’s Word there. We will be serving on that field on the first April, when the Byrnes will leave.

A great gratitude for all those has been supporting me this period of time spiritually and financially. Now I am going to different field with different partners with brothers in Christ from the Church of Christ in Kennet Missouri. It is still for God’s purposes and for God’s glory. Please pray for us, that we may be strong as Christ’s Soldiers Fighting the darkness.

In All Things Striving to Bring God Glory

Altin Koci

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