Matt 28:18-20

18 Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
NIV

John 20:10-16

10 Then the disciples went back to their homes, 11 but Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb 12 and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus' body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot.

13 They asked her, "Woman, why are you crying?"

"They have taken my Lord away," she said, "and I don't know where they have put him." 14 At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus.

15 "Woman," he said, "why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?"

Thinking he was the gardener, she said, "Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him."

16 Jesus said to her, "Mary."

She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, "Rabboni!" (which means Teacher).
NIV
 

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Lushnja, Albania

"About a year ago, Tom Bonner (part-time Singles Minister at the Metro congregation in Gresham, Oregon) felt a tug on his heart -- as though God were calling him to Albania. He couldn't get Albania out of his mind. He studied the map again and again and felt drawn to the city of Lushnja.

"While Tom was experiencing this internal tug, the Lord was also working on some people in Albania. In early July 2001, Bill Morgan (director of the WEI campaign in Tirana), Dr. Bob Threlkeld, and Jim Fox made a trip to Berat (in central Albania) to visit WEI students. On their way back to Tirana, they drove through Lushnja. As they passed through town, Bob felt an overwhelming burden and started praying for the people there.

"Later, in Tirana, Bob told us about his spiritual experience and urged us to join him in prayer. Every morning during our devotionals, the campaigners prayed for Lushnja. Every Sunday and Wednesday, the Albanian Christians prayed for Lushnja. We sensed that the Spirit of God was moving among us and stirring us to action."
 

March 08

Tom Bonner

Mailing Address:

Tom Bonner

Mail: Kutia Postare 138
Lushnja, Albania
Europe

From US: 011 355 69 2077084

Office phone:
011 355 35 24831

weilushnja@albmail.com

Mission contact
Gresham Church of Christ
1525 NW Division
Gresham, OR 97030
503-667-0773 USA

Archive

Campaign
Gallery

On Saturday, July 28, 2001, twenty-four Albanians and six Americans made a trip to Lushnja. These 30 participants broke up into small groups and walked through the city. As they walked, they prayed for the people, posted advertisements in store windows, and talked to people about studying English and the Bible by correspondence. The residents of Lushnja were very receptive.

Baptism of Lorisa Robo

A Grand Time
From time to time I find it beneficial to get with other Christians in a setting removed from the normal environment. Often such opportunities are presented in other places in Europe, and people come from all over to participate. In November it was a great privilege to attend the 44th Annual Churches of Christ Retreat, held in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany.
Other Americans working in Albania were able to attend, also. It was great to get to be involved with Ellen Walker, who works in Tirana; Steve and Ruth Byrne, who work in Fier; and Kevin and Allison Morill, who work in Korcë., in this time of renewal.

Lushnja ladies, Ruth Byrne (from Fier) in Germany

Three members of the church in Lusnhja were able to attend, also. Alma Kajdo, Silvana Eksarko and Sonila Rrapi had a wonderful time. It was the first time that any of them had flown, and they were pleased with that part of the experience. They also enjoyed very much getting to shop (what else?) outside of Albania, where the selection, and often the prices, are much better.

Twelve nations were represented at the retreat and it was a great privilege for us to sing together, pray together, and have fellowship in the Lord. The Albanian ladies were thrilled to get to meet Christians from so many places.

Normal Abnormalism
Albania continues to strive to move forward in many ways, often without success. It is a great desire of the country to gain admittance to the European Union, but it likely will not happen as soon as most wish that it could.

Sadly, Albania was recently identified as the 3rd leading government in the area of corruption, in all service sectors, in the world. The health system, justice system, police, utility services, etc., all are infected by this insidious problem. It is a great challenge to try to help people understand that participating in the corruption process, even at a minimal level, puts them in the same category as those in government who take bribes. All are responsible for the continuing presence of the problem.

One of the most troublesome things for the entire populace is the power situation. Until the middle of December the power in Lushnja had normally been off, in most places, from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. I left Albania to travel to the U.S. on December 18, and the power supply has been almost, if not, continuous since then. I will not allow that to cause me to conclude that I should stay out of Albania, for I know that it is likely that “this, too, shall pass”.

At the office/church meeting place, we have had a generator, for which we have been very thankful. However, the last week before leaving on furlough I had a repair specialist (who does not sell generators) look at ours because we had been having problems with it. His diagnosis is that the generator is on its last legs, and that we need to purchase a heavier duty unit. He recommends an 8–8.5 KW unit, and guess-timates the cost will be around 4,000 Euros. That translates into almost $6,000. Through the generosity of brothers and sisters, and the good graces of World English Institute, we do have a contingency fund which will make it possible for us to purchase a new generator, if necessary.

The power company has petitioned to be able to increase the rates, since they are providing it 24/7 now. That request has been turned down, so now they are saying that they will perhaps return to the non-continuous provision status that existed before. Likely the power situation will be much the same as before, and the people will have to endure the negative consequences.

On The Go
I have now returned to Albania, after a 2 ½ month absence. My time in the U.S. was truly a “moving experience”. I landed in Portland, OR on December 19. On December 21 I got in my thirteen- year-old car and began traversing the U.S. I drove a bit over 11,000 miles, going as far as North and South Carolina. My “home” in the Dallas, TX area was in the home of my dear friends in Garland, TX, David and Martha Davy. They are members of the Saturn Road church which David served as a deacon when the church supported me to attend the Preston Road School of Preaching in the mid-1960’s. Now David is an elder at this 2,300 member congregation, and the church is continuing to reach out to the community, having baptized 199 persons locally last year.

I did get to visit with my brother and his wife, Terry and Kay, in Midvale, ID, spend five days in the Denver area with my children and grandchildren around Christmastime, and visit with my sister and her husband, Dale and Alta Friedman, in the Stockton, CA area. In addition, I was blessed to be hosted in the homes of numerous brothers and sisters across the U.S.

The primary purpose of my visit to the States at this time was to report to supporters and friends of the ministry, and to seek additional support. I have received commitments for the year 2008 which will make it possible for us to continue to reach out the lost here in Albania

Tragedy has struck the small country of Albania twice since my return. At a recreation area in the capital city of Tirana sixteen people were drowned when an overloaded boat capsized, many of them being children. The outing was a birthday party, and it turned tragic. Then this past Saturday there was an explosion at a munitions depot, which contained about 100 tons of armaments from the Communist era, manufactured in Russia and China. As of this writing, 9 are known dead and over 300 were injured. The depot is near some villages, and the homes of many people were destroyed, in addition. Albania is a country one-third the size of Oregon, with a comparable population (3.5 million). A heavy emotional burden for a small, very poor, country.

Mixed Blessings
My primary tool for evangelism has been teaching English and Bible together. Most of the students have been young people, the majority in their teens. Many have asked me to help them go to the U.S., which I have explained is not my purpose, and I do not know how to make it happen.

I am finding out, however, that I am helping them make that transition simply by teaching them English. Many students with whom we have studied, as well as many acquaintances from the city, have left for the U.S., some with student visas, some having “won” the U.S.-sponsored “green card lottery.” It is puzzling to so many why I am staying here, when they are wanting to leave and go to the U.S. The lifestyle differences certainly make that a pertinent question.

However, it is a blessing for me to work in a place where the gospel is relatively unknown, and to see the transformation that takes place in people’s lives when they truly understand the freedom that is theirs in Christ Jesus. The work in Lushnja will likely never produce hundreds of conversions in a year’s time. And that is not even my intention, necessarily. I want to leave a church, when God decides my time here is finished, which is founded and grounded in Jesus. I would love for there to be hundreds of members of the Lord’s body in Lushnja. My work, however, is to plant and water the seed, and leave the harvest to God. I never cease to thank God for whatever the number that gather to worship, as I see his mighty hand in their lives, as they love and interact with each other, and bring friends and family to worship with us.

So, I am helping prepare people for greater blessings in eternity, and in this life. I don’t want them to leave Albania, but I certainly understand that they have a desire to do so. Many who do go to the U.S. do not come back, but people from Albania go many different places, looking for some improvement in their lives. Twenty-five per cent of the Albanian population lives outside the country, and send money back to family members who remain in the country. Without this money, 42% of those who receive it would be living below the poverty level. Life is very hard for most people in Albania. My goal is to help prepare them for the truly better place, heaven.

A Tough First Week Back
I landed in Tirana, the capital city, around midnight on the 4th of March, where I was met by Steve and Deborah Stamatis and Altin Koçi. I had left our van with Steve, to be used in moving the I.B.I.A from Tirana to Durrës. I.B.I.A. is a satellite school of the organization that used to be known as Sunset International, and Steve is its director here in Albania. Altin is the young man converted to Christ here in Lushnja, who graduated from I.B.I.A. in December. Now he is working for the school as a translator/recruiter.

I opted to drive on to Lushnja, rather than spending the night in Durrës, and arrived home about 2 a.m. on the 5th. On the second day back, I had an older man on a bicycle pull directly into my path from behind a stopped car, and I hit him with the van. Thankfully, he was not seriously injured. I was found faultless in that situation, but had left my driver’s license at home, so the van was impounded until I appeared before a “hearing commission” later that afternoon. In the course of that activity the documents for the van and the insurance came under question (both of which had been renewed since my return), and I had to make several trips back and forth to get it all cleared up. In the end, I paid a fine of about $16 for not having my license with me.

Then, on Sunday night, someone broke a window in the van in order to steal the CD/radio. Evidently it was difficult to extract from the dashboard, and they ended up taking a good portion of the dashboard. Then I discovered that the approximate $665 I had paid for insurance does not cover theft. As the saying goes, “Live and learn”.

Looking Ahead
What does the future hold? As human beings, we certainly cannot know for certain any details in this regard. We can commit to remaining within the will of God, by doing what we know he desires, and learning more about him as we walk with him.

From my perspective, the 5 ½ years I have invested here have been a great blessing to my life, and an opportunity for others to come to know Jesus, or know him in a deeper way. How long will I stay? I cannot answer that question, though it is often asked. I can say that it is my desire not to leave until there is mature leadership in place within the body here. That does not now exist. Please pray that God will help us to develop such for the church here, so that it can be a group that is able to stand on its own, rooted in Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Tom Bonner – for “newcomers”

I have reached the 65 year mark in my life, and we humans certainly begin to feel our mortality at this age. I am still told by the Albanians that I do not look like a 65 year- old, but I know what my birth certificate says and how my body feels. I am thankful I have been blessed in all the ways I have by the hand of God. Please pray that all my days will be used to glorify and praise our Father and our Savior.

Lifted by, and lifting high, Jesus
Tom

 

MOVING FORWARD?
Did you hear that scream? It was me being pulled into the present, as I attempt create a blog and post my newsletters thereon. It has been suggested as the way to go to make it easier for people to read and to share with others. I did all of this setup once, and posted the newsletter, only to find that the format I had set up was not retained, and everything came out a complete jumble. So, with input from some great brothers and sisters, I am trying again on a different blog page.


SADNESS FOR ME
When I was working as a singles minister with churches in the Portland, OR area, Clinton Witter was one of the most consistent participants in things we were doing, though he was over eighty years old. When I made the decision to come to Albania, Clinton committed to helping financially, and has been doing so ever since. But last month, Clinton went home to be with the Lord. He had not long ago moved to Las Vegas, NV where he could be closer to his son and his family. Clinton had been a decorated soldier in WW II, his eyesight being greatly diminished as a result of his activities, and he was legally blind as a result. Though he always downplayed the heroics part, he is remembered fondly in his hometown of Gresham, OR. Clinton lived to the age of 89, and was studying spiritual subjects up until the hour of his passing. I will miss Clinton!!

NATIONAL YOUTH DAY
On April 26 the church in Tirana hosted the annual youth day for churches of Christ in Albania. We were able to take an almost-full van for that activity. The brothers and sisters in Tirana did a wonderful job of planning and carrying out the activities of the day. The three young men who graduated from the Bible training school in December were asked to do the speaking, and did a great job of it. Screen-printed T-shirts were given to all in attendance with the message "O sa mir' ne qën' Kristian" ("Oh how great it is to be a Christian"), and the church was given a banner with the same message on it. In excess of 130 people were in attendance. On the way home I challenged our youth to wear their shirts to school the next week. They were a little uneasy about committing to do so, but on Sunday some said that they would. Now I must educate myself on how to insert pictures of the group and event into the text. (Loooong pause)

Tom's photos are on his blog at
http://www.lushnjanewsletter.blogspot.com/

The group, the shirts, the banner

Part of the group present for the youth day

Whew, made it through that. Now we'll have to see it it comes out right!

CHURCH LEADERS MEETING
On April 19 the church in Elbasan hosted a meeting of leaders and workers of the churches from throughout Albania. Twenty-two were present, and good fellowship was enjoyed by all. The ladies of the church provided a full Albanian meal for all present, and it was wonderful. Please pray that there can continue to be meetings of this sort, and that peace and harmony will prevail in the young church in Albania.
 

http://www.lushnjanewsletter.blogspot.com/

Church leaders and workers meeting in Elbasan

TIME TO REJOICE
Though it is an May event, I want to include here the wonderful news about the birth into the kingdom of God of Inva Begolli. She has been studying English/Bible with me for some time now, and accepted the Lord's gift of forgiveness as she was baptized in the Adriatic Sea on May3. Inva is a truly wonderful young lady, with a sensitive and teachable heart. We have talked often over the past months about this decision, and those discussions and her decision now bring joy to her heart, my heart, and the heart of God.

Inva, sadly, plans to leave in August to participate in a student exchange program in the U.S., if she secures her visa at the interview next week. She is assigned a host home in Woodland, WA. I have been in touch with the church in that area, and we hope to get her firmly and quickly connected. Currently, one of our other members, Bojkena Selmanaj, is finishing her last year of high school as she resides in Edmonds, WA. As a matter of fact, four young people who have been students with us are attempting to get visas to go to the U.S. at this time. That produces mixed feelings in me. I truly want to help the Albanian people improve their lot in life, and a chance at schooling in the U.S. seems to be a positive way to do so. Too often, however, the strangeness of their new situations makes it uncomfortable or difficult for them to search out involvement with a church in their area. Please pray that I will be given wisdom as I interact with my students of the future.

http://www.lushnjanewsletter.blogspot.com/

Preparing for the new birth

Covered in waves of love

Enjoyable Outing

Also during the month of April I was able to serve, and be blessed in doing so. Ellen Walker, who has been working with the church in Tirana for about ten years, called and asked if it would be possible for me to do a favor for her. An American couple, who have been here to work with the church at least two times, were again in Tirana for a few weeks, and Ellen wanted to make it possible for them to see some of the ancient ruins in the south of Albania. Her request was that I take our van and accompany them on this outing. So Ellen, Mike and Diana Folertz (from Michigan) and I made a trip to the Saranda area, spent two nights, and were able to see some of the historical buildings in that area. At Butrint (Buthrotum is the more ancient name) we were able to spend several hours looking at the remains of buildings, some of which date back to the 4th century BC. We all enjoyed ourselves, in spite of the not-so-good road conditions as we returned up the coast route. I have to admit that it is awe-inspiring for me to stand in buildings that pre-date the formation of America by four millenia. Sacrifice has its blessings, and I am privileged that I was able to experience this.

http://www.lushnjanewsletter.blogspot.com/

5th Century AD baptistery


Ellen and Diana walking Ancient path

The Ongoing Saga Of The Sag
For those of you who have been readers of this newsletter for a period of time, you know that I have had occasion to write about the declining value of the dollar, particularly in relation to the Albanian lek. Having just spent a couple of months in the U.S. I am aware that things are tightening up there, also, especially in regard to gas prices, from my experience. The van that we have for use with the church here has a diesel engine, and diesel fuel here is less expensive than gasoline. I did not know what to expect on my return to Albania, either in regards to the value of the dollar or the cost of fuel. As of today the dollar commands only 77 leke on the dollar. Five and a half years ago it was 135 leke to the dollar. I did some mathematical calculation (not an easy undertaking for me) and have arrived at the conclusion that diesel fuel here is now costing $7.66 per gallon. OUCH!! Thanks to all of you who are helping support the work here, but you may hear more OUCHING from me in the future. God is in control, however, and will provide for the things he feels are necessary. Thank you for your willingness to be used by our Lord in this ministry.

Where Do We Go From Here?
A real problem in planting a self-sustaining ongoing church in Albania, at least in Lushnja, is the lack of good jobs that pay a living wage. I spoke this week with a lady) not yet a member of the church) whose husband has worked on the same job for twelve years. He is actually doing three different jobs on his one job, and his pay is about the equivalent of $200 per month. He works seven days per week, ten-plus hours per day. One of our men in the church has been without work for some time, and cannot find any. The question arises "How then can people give of themselves or their finances to the church?" If they have work, it keeps them from involvement with the body. If they have no work, they have no means with which to support the work of the church.

What is the solution? I do not know, and I am open to suggestion. If we do not want to provide American dollars for support for men to work with the church, then it seems that we must figure out some way to provide them with marketable job skills. With the job market so weak, it is likely that they will need to have some help in getting a business of some sort started with whatever skills they obtain. It is a dilemma, and one to which we need to give some serious thought.

Once again, I thank you for your support in all the ways you give it, the most important of which is your prayers. May God be glorified as we partner together to bring the gospel back to this land through which the apostle Paul is said to have traveled.

Lifted by, and lifting high, Jesus

Tom

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