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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
Learn More
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 Tom Bonner
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For more than a
year, the leaders of the church in Tirana, Albania
talked about starting a new church in Lushnja (pronounced "Loosh' nya"), a city of
70,000 people located approximately 50 miles southwest of Tirana. Several WEI students in the
Lushnja area have been baptized into Christ, but they have had no local
congregation with which to worship, study, and grow.
"About that time, 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."
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March 08
May 08
June 08
July 08
Aug-Sept 08
Oct-Nov 08
Jan 09
Feb 09
May 09
Sept 09
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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. |
A summer 2003 campaign
was conducted with 4 campaigners from abroad:
Dr. Bob Threlkeld (rrthrelkeld@aol.com),
Sharon Saenz (saesharon@aol.com),
Bob & Roxie Patterson (weibp@aol.com). Others have since
worked with Tom in his committed effort to plant the Word in Lushnja.
If you are looking for
an opportunity to meet wonderful students who need the Lord, talk with Tom...and GO to
Lushnja! |
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March 2008
The Way It Works
Once again, still, we see the hand of God in the work here in Lushnja.
Last report we shared with you regarding the baptism of
Sonila Rrapi and Lidjona Çela. Sonila,
you may recall, was encouraged by her friend
Silvana Eksarko to begin attending
worship with the church. Sonila had studied with us, but didn’t
participate with us in worship. But now she is our sister. Lidjona has
been one of our English-language students. If all
Christians would talk with their friends about Jesus, and show Jesus in
their actions, who knows what might happen?
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
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|
May 2008
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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June 2008
Family and friends -
Below you will find the link to the latest newsletter. It is such a
privilege to be able to serve God, period. But to be enabled by him and his
people to serve here in Albania has been an even greater blessing. Thank
you for your help, and your interest, in what is being done here.
In his arms,
Tom
http://lushnjanewsletter.blogspot.com/
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July 2008
Check Tom's Blog for the text below with photos.
http://www.lushnjanewsletter.blogspot.com/
Blessings Galore
The month of July saw us blessed with visitors from two of the congregations
that are providing support for the work here in Lushnja, as well as a
brother and sister from here in Albania. On July 10 we were blessed to have
in worship with us Woody & Gwen Byars and Charles
Dial from the Farragut church of Christ in Knoxville, TN. Woody
is an elder in this congregation, and has been to Albania several times,
working in summer teaching campaigns. This was the first trip for both Gwen
and Charles. After our worship together, and a meal, it was my privilege to
take them back to Tirana, where they were engaged in the teaching campaign,
and get to worship with the church in Tirana on Sunday evening. I regret
that I did not get a picture of them to share with you.
On July 22 a group came from Fier, the city to the south of us, where
Steve & Ruth Byrne labor in the kingdom.
Steve and Ruth are sponsored by the Slicer Street church in Kennett, MO, and
we in Lushnja are receiving support this year, also, through this
mission-minded church. In the group that came from Fier, in addition to
Steve and Ruth, were the following: Tim Byrne, son
of Steve and Ruth, who lives in the Denver area;
Kurtis Shaner, a friend of Tim’s, whose
father I have known for many years in the Northwest U.S.;
Elton Tanasi, a young member of the Fier
congregation, who is a medical student in Tirana;
Shawn Sando, deacon of missions with the Slicer Street church,
whom I had met in Little Rock, AR on my latest trip to the States;
Spencer Furby, preacher for Slicer
Street; and Britt & Beverly Burcham.
Britt is serving as an elder with Slicer Street. Several of our members (Alma
Kajdo, Maks Balla, Olti Mezini) came to the office and were able
to meet this group of Christians from the States, as well as renew their
acquaintance with Steve and Ruth.
Photo on Blog
Front row, l to r: Britt, Tim, Spencer, Olti, Elton
Back row, l to r: Steve, Kurtis, Shawn, Maks, Alma, Beverly, Tom
On July 25 we were blessed with a visit from Danah
Nelson. If you have been reading this newsletter for very long,
you have seen mention of Danah before. Danah is from Sacramento, CA and has
been to Albania many times working in summer teaching campaigns in Tirana,
Orikum, Lushnja and, this year, in Korça. Danah is one who has a great heart
for God and for the lost. While here in Albania this summer she put a short
visit to Lushnja in her schedule, which was a blessing to us. We informed
members of the church, as well as those who knew her only through the WEI
course, and had a short open house in her honor. You can see from the
picture below that she is well-loved, evident through the number that turned
out to visit with her. Danah is the lady reaching across the front row to
take the arm of Mikael, Alma Kajdo's
son.
What an encouraging blessing to have such fellowship, and to be able to
introduce first-generation Christians here in Albania to brothers and
sisters who have made, and are making, sacrifices so people here can come to
know Jesus. I’m so glad I’m part of the family of God!
Seeing Visions And Dreaming Dreams
Please forgive me for borrowing these words out of context from the writings
of Joel and Luke. When the Holy Spirit was manifested in miraculous ways on
the day of Pentecost in Acts 2, Peter connected what was happening with
Joel’s prophecy in Joel 2; “…your young men will see visions, your old men
will dream dreams.” All of this was happening to turn the hearts of the
people to God, and Peter used the occasion to preach Jesus, after which
3,000 were baptized.
There are “young men” in the church of Albania who are seeing visions as to
how we can more effectively reach people here with the gospel. Though a
relative newcomer, as one of the “old men”, I am dreaming dreams of what
might be done to better glorify our Lord. Albania has been passed by and
walked over in so many ways in the past. Tradition says that the apostle
Paul passed through this area as he traveled proclaiming Jesus. In Romans
15:19 Paul states, “So from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum, I
have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ.” Illyria is the ancient name of
Albania, so it is likely that Christianity was present very early here.
However, it was pretty much snuffed out by five hundred-plus years of
servitude to the Islamic Ottoman Turkish Empire, followed by oppression from
many other power-and-land-hungry nations, and most recently, the fifty-year
reign of the most oppressive of the communist regimes.
In the May edition of this newsletter I talked about this idea of Christian
camping. I mentioned the powerful influence of Christian camp programs, with
which I was privileged to work for many years in the Northwest U.S., on the
lives of young people. I have seen the same dynamic at work in camps that
have been conducted here. The visions and dreams of many Christians here in
Albania are to see an ongoing program that can provide an avenue of interest
and hope for the inhabitants of this land. Recently I went to try to find a
young lady who was baptized here, and served as my translator for some time,
but whom we haven’t seen but a couple of times in the church over the past
couple of years. She has been away at university, but not attending the
church where she is going to school. When I asked her parents about her I
was informed that she was at a Christian camp near the Adriatic Sea,
operated by some other religious group. It would be much more desirable, in
my opinion, if we could be providing this kind of opportunity for the
people, young and old, of Albania.
I know this is a large undertaking, one which cannot be fulfilled with the
resources available among Christians here in Albania, and one which comes at
a time when economies all over the world are hurting. It also is an
undertaking that will continue to need influx of finances from outside
Albania for operating expenses. If you have an interest in, or share in,
this dream, please let me know. I take this step and make this suggestion
with great trepidation, since I know the great effort needed to sustain such
an effort. Together, let’s petition the Father that he give clear guidance
as to his will. In May I asked for feedback on this matter and received
none, except an encouraging heads-up about a camp being run in Lithuania,
where young people of all ages feel blessed to be able to participate in
such a program. In a report I read about that camp one young boy was quoted
as saying that he would now go the rest of the year without any connection
with God. That may have been an uneducated statement, but it certainly
reflects that boy’s perception of the role of God in his normal daily life.
Our Graduates
This year we have two graduates from university, and two who have finished
their high school careers. Julinada Meço graduated with a diploma in English
studies, focused on translation and interpretation, from the university in
Tirana. She is currently seeking employment.
Juli (pronounced Yuli), whose picture
appears to the left, wrote the following: “I graduated this year with the
help of the Almighty. If somebody would ask me ‘When is the most peaceful
moment in your life?’ I would say ‘ After a long talk (prayer) with my
Father God.’ If somebody would ask me ‘Who loves you more,? I would answer
‘My Father God’. I’m not good at words but all I know in this life is that
I’d be lost without my Father. Make him part of your life and be sure you
all will be happy and safer. Love you so much.”
Erges Toshkëzi, pictured below, also
attended university in Tirana, focused on mechanical engineering. He, too,
is seeking employment in his field. Good jobs, even when one is in
possession of a university education, are very hard to come by here.
Graduating from high school (called gjimnaz [jeemnahz] here) are Adriana
Murrizi and Oltion Mezini (below, below
right). Both Ana and Olti hope to attend
university, but that remains to be seen. Both openings in the system and
financial resources are limited, so not all get into the higher education
process. We will let you know more later about their situations.
At any rate, congratulations are extended to all four of these young people.
Off To The U.S.A.
As most of you know, a good part of my work is helping people learn the
Bible through helping them improve their English. The upside of that
situation is that often hearts are opened to the love of God. The downside
is that some of those who become Christians leave us and go away to study,
particularly to the U.S. Last year two of our students, one of whom was a
Christian, went to the U.S. on a student exchange program. That Christian
young lady was Bojkena Selmanaj. I told
Bojkena before she went that she had to find someone to replace her bubbly
spirit and love for God in the church here.
Our latest convert here is Inva Begolli
(below) who fills the bill for my instructions to
Bojkena. However, this year Inva is also going to be an exchange
student for her senior year of high school, along with three others who have
studied with us here. They will be in four different locations across the
U.S. As I said, this is the downside of our efforts, as a part of our hearts
go with those who have become part of God’s family. I have been successful
in arranging Christian contacts for Inva, and she is already in
communication with them. Please pray for her in this new, and somewhat
scary, chapter of her life. Also please pray that God will continue to be
with Bojkena, who finished high school in Washington State and was accepted
into a higher learning institution in the New York City area, where she is
now living with her two sisters.
Thank you for your continued prayers for and interest in the work God is
doing here.
Lifted by, and lifting high, Jesus
Tom
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August/September 2008
Brothers and sisters -
Below is the pasted-in link to the latest Lushnja Newsletter. I hope you
enjoy reading it, and rejoice with me in what God is doing here. In
addition, there is an attachment which has to do with the efforts that are
underway to establish a Christian camping program here. Please read it, and
if you can help in any way please respond as indicated in the attachment.
May God enable you to make it a good day for yourself and others.
Praise to his name,
Tom
http://www.lushnjanewsletter.blogspot.com/
Link to Christian
Camping Support
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October-November 2008
First Addition To The “Family” By Biological Birth
I mentioned Alma Kajdo in the last
newsletter. Alma has been serving as my translator, as well as working with
me in the teaching program, bringing students’ English level up to a
standard where I could work with them. Several months ago Alma shared with
us that she was pregnant, that it was a girl, and that the baby was due to
be born in October. I lobbied hard for naming the baby “Tomasina” if she was
born on October 14, my birthday. Alma began praying immediately that the
delivery date would not be the 14th. Amelja (Ah-mel-yah) was born on October
28th, and is greatly loved by everyone in her family;
Alma, Gramoz, Glenida and Mikael. Alma has been with us in
worship recently but, according to local tradition,
Amelja has made no public appearances as of yet.
photo
Amelja Kajdo
Kajdo Famiy
Mikael, Amelja, Alma, Gramoz, Glenida
Comings And Goings
Most of my focus is in Lushnja, but I do occasionally make excursions out of
the local area. There is a loosely-knit organization in Albania which
provides many services to those working with evangelical Christian
ministries of various kinds. The services include assistance in being aware
of the Albanian law, with its ever-changing face, as well as securing the
necessary documents to be 100% in harmony with the law. I was asked to
attend a conference in Struga, Macedonia, near the end of October, as a
representative for World English Institute. Struga is about a 3-hour drive
from Lushnja, so it was not a major travel outing.
As part of the conference we had the opportunity to travel to the city of
Ohrid, which contains some very old archeological remains, including a gate
of which parts date back to the 2nd century B.C. The excavation and
preservation of remains in Macedonia seems to be a jump ahead of the efforts
in Albania, and many fascinating sights greet the traveler there.
photo
Ancient amphitheater in Ohrid
photo
2nd Century B.C. gate
photo
Excavated baptistery with mosaic floor
In November I was blessed to be able to travel to Germany to attend the
Euro-American Family Retreat, an event I have attended a number of times in
the past. This is an event which draws attendees churches of Christ from
many countries in Europe, as well as from the U.S. and Guatemala. It is held
in various places around Germany, the last several times being presented in
Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Originally it was called The A.M.E.N. Retreat
(American Military Evangelizing Nations), but as the presence of U.S. troops
in Europe declined and European Christians became more prevalent, the name
was changed.
This event is always a blessing of both input of spiritual food and
association, as well as a little “down time”. Last year three members of the
Lushnja church were able to attend with me, but it is a difficult thing for
Albanians to secure the necessary documents, as well as being quite
expensive for them. So this year I was the lone representative from Lushnja.
There continues to be an every-other month gathering of church leaders and
workers from around Albania, which is an important bridge for relationship
building. To this point in time we have never been able to get
representation from every congregation, but we are getting closer. In
November we met at the central congregation in Tirana.
An Opportunity To Serve
Some of you who are somewhat familiar with the Lord’s church in Albania may
be puzzled by my reference to “the central congregation” in Tirana. Another
congregation has begun in the capital city led by
Alfred Dimçi and Kristofor Findiku, and they are having some
success in reaching out in the neighborhood around the main hospital in
Tirana. A black cloud has come into the picture, however, as the wife of
Kristofor, Antoneta, has been diagnosed
with ovarian cancer. She, in her own right, has been a very productive part
of the kingdom work, as she has worked with the I.B.I.A. (Sunset’s Albanian
satellite school) since its inception. She was able to go to an American
hospital in Turkey for treatment. Turkey does not require a visa for
Albanian citizens, so there is less red tape than in going to other European
countries for treatment. This was, nonetheless, quite an expensive
undertaking ($25,000 minimum), $10,000 of which has been secured as of this
writing. If you would care to participate in this need you can send your
donation to: c/o Bob Seat, Mission Chairman, Adams Boulevard church of
Christ, Bartlesville, Oklahoma 74006.
Antoneta has returned from Turkey, and
it is hoped she will be able to receive the follow-up treatments here in
Albania, rather than having to go out of the country. Part of that depends
on the availability of the necessary medicines.
Albania Christian Camp
Last newsletter I mentioned the efforts to revive the very worthwhile
project of providing a program and facilities for a camp that would have at
its center Christian teachings and values. Everywhere in the world
Christians have found this kind of endeavor to be a valuable, upbuilding
tool in kingdom-work. Through the generosity of brothers and sisters around
the world approximately $4000 has been received or committed toward this
project. Some of that ($1500) came from FaithQuest, which is a twenty-year
old ministry to the teens of the NW United States, co-sponsored by the Metro
church of Christ in Gresham, OR and the Vancouver church of Christ in
Vancouver, WA. Each year a contribution is taken among the teens and staff
at this event, often by as many as 500 people, with missions as its
designated purpose. The appeal letter was shared with the leaders of this
ministry and the amount mentioned above was forwarded to us for Albanian
Christian Camp. Praise God!! It is hoped that arrangements can progress to
the point that camping sessions can be held in the summer of 2009.
View Of The Future, Near And Long-Term
It has been my practice to have a campaign every other year here in Lushnja,
using the World English Institute materials. Some have a campaign every
year, but it has not seemed the wise thing for that to be the practice here
in Lushnja. The primary reason for this has been that there is no way I can
adequately follow up on the new students generated through such a campaign.
Alma Kajdo does partner with me in this work, but her focus is in bringing
new students to an English proficiency level that enables me to proceed with
the lessons that include teaching the word of God. In my experience in the
States, as well as here, I have seen so many cases of people expressing
interest, but not being considered for the teaching process until much
later, and by that time having become disillusioned. We have never had to
advertise for students publicly since my arrival here over six years ago. We
have more than we can follow up on by just word-of-mouth advertising of our
current students, and we have a waiting list that is growing every month.
Three who have come from the U.S. to work with us in the past have expressed
an interest in coming again this summer, and one of those plans to bring
along a fourth individual.
Normally I travel to the States every one and one-half years. It appears
that I will not be able to follow that schedule, as the time for that visit
would fall next summer, as well. If plans continue for the summer camp, my
presence will likely be required here to help facilitate that, as I have had
much experience in directing camps. One of my brothers and my remaining
sister will both celebrate their fiftieth wedding anniversaries in June,
which I will probably miss, much to my regret. My last visit to the States
was at Christmas last year, and it appears that it will be Christmas next
year before I am able to make that trip again.
As to long-term involvement, I do not see it as wise for me to leave Albania
anytime in the foreseeable future. The problem is having leadership in place
to carry on the work. In the church here in Lushnja there is one mature man.
However, some of his circumstances indicate that he will not be able to be a
stable presence and active leader, at least from what I am able to
ascertain, and at least for a period of time. One of the young men who has
been baptized here, as reported in other postings, has graduated from the
satellite school for Sunset International Bible Institute, and is now
working for the school in the city of Durrës. Another of our young men is
hoping to be able to attend the same school beginning with the new class in
2010. Many of those young men who might develop into leaders for the church
here leave for university and/or work, and that scenario will not likely
change soon. I have made a commitment to the church here that I will not
make the decision about what person (or when) will be the one to work on a
more permanent basis with the church. That is a church decision. Resentment
can run deep if someone is given a position of "authority" when others do
not have the respect for that person.
To sum up, in the short-term it will probably be another year before I can
return to visit my family and my friends and my supporters. In the
long-term, I believe God put me here and until I am shown otherwise, I
believe I must remain faithful to what he called me to.
Thanksgiving
Once again I must offer my thanksgiving and appreciation to all of you who
have sacrificed to make it possible for me to be used by God in the work
here. I have been blessed at least as much as I have been able to bring
blessings into the lives of people here, especially in helping them to know
the saving love of our Savior. Please continue to partner with me, as I
explore new and better ways to reach out to this largely Muslim culture. The
partnership I seek is first that of your prayers, and then of your financial
support.
Another cause for thanksgiving is the continued, largely uninterrupted,
supply of electricity. The nationalized power company is in the process of
being sold to a company from the Czech Republic. Perhaps that fact (to
present a "good face") has kept the power flowing. Perhaps the new owners
will be more adept at sustained provision of this needed utility, or perhaps
they will do so only at greatly increased cost. Who knows? In the meantime,
it is nice to be able to light and heat effectively.
Lifted by, and lifting high, Jesus,
Tom
http://www.lushnjanewsletter.blogspot.com/ (photos are on Tom's blog)
Link to Christian
Camping Support
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January 2009
http://www.lushnjanewsletter.blogspot.com/ (photos are on Tom's blog)
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February 2009
THE LONG AND THE SHORT OF IT
Six and a half years can seem like a long time, or it can seem short. That's
the amount of time I have been living in Albania, and in some respects it
seems like an eternity. The sense of time being extended during these years
comes not from boredom or frustration, but from the vast amount of change
that has taken place within the country, within the lives of the people God
has led me to, and within me. So much new construction here in Lushnja gives
the impression of prosperous development, though one wonders who can afford
to buy, or even rent, all these new sites. Corruption in all aspects of life
is being confronted, though not necessarily eliminated. In the long term I
know I must wait until this existence comes to an end before the effects of
the gospel in Lushnja can be measured.
The sense of delayed time plays off of the same set of circumstances.
Albania is striving hard to be a part of the 21st century, which is not an
easy undertaking, given its history. The past has a strong hold on so much
of the culture here, and some are very reluctant to release their hold on
that aspect of their lives. Tradition is not necessarily a bad thing, and
can be a good thing, unless it keeps us from doing what is the best thing.
In the sort term, we are looking for God to continue to lead us to souls
that are thirsty for the water of life. As Jesus said "The harvest is
plentiful but the laborers are few".
CHRISTIAN CAMP
I have shared before regarding the efforts being made to rekindle the
Christian camping program initially begun by Virgil and Jackie Jackson.
Things are progressing, but much more remains to be done. Though I have a
lot of experience in the camping scene, I have chosen to defer to the
Albanian brethren, wherever possible. I have stated since I first arrived
here in Albania that it is my desire to create an Albanian church, not an
American transplant. That carries over into all the activities done in the
name of the Lord, and to the glory of the Lord, such as this camp setting.
A board meeting of the camp was held, and a preliminary budget was outlined.
Admittedly, it has some "fluff" in it, but that can easily be removed. The
biggest unknown is individual camper fees, since so many here cannot afford
the cost of a week at camp. Encouragement will be given to each church to
assist young people from their congregation to attend the camp, but even
that is a stretch. So the budget has been planned not reliant on the camper
fees, and is thus seemingly large. The budget is $31,300 for this initial
year, and that amount will hopefully far exceed the need, and can be lowered
for subsequent years. At this time approximately $6,160 has been raised
toward this project. We understand that the world's economy is in very bad
shape right now, but if you as individuals or congregations can assist in
getting this project off the ground, it will be a great blessing to the
struggling young church in Albania. If you care to participate, make a
notation on the checks "Albanian Camp", and send the donations to:
Metro church of Christ
Albanian Christian Camp
1525 NW Division Street
Gresham, OR 97030
SUMMER ACTIVITIES
The summer season is a very busy time here, as in many places. This summer
the camp will take a good bit of my attention. The summertime is when
teaching campaigns are usually held, as well. In addition, it is one of the
few times of the year when out-of-country excursions can be planned to which
church members can be invited.
The teaching program, using the World English Institute materials, is a
year-round program for which we never lack for students. It is a good thing
to provide opportunities for Christians from the States to come here and
experience interaction with the Albanian Christians. I normally have tried
to have a summer campaign every other year, and this year would be the "on"
year. However, given the activities mentioned above, plus some others I will
relate to you in future newsletters, I have made a decision to not have a
campaign this year. I regret this development especially because it
negates the wonderful opportunity for cross-culture Christian friendships to
begin and be nurtured.
"OUR" BABY
You have seen in a previous report a picture of
Gramoz and Alma Kajdo's new little one,
Amelja, now four months old. She has been a
pretty sick little girl recently, having been battling bronchitis, but seems
to have "turned the corner". I am including a photo of Amelja, complete with
a tube protruding from the top of her head through which the medicines were
administered while she was hospitalized.
This was a new "look" for me, and I don't know if is done that way in the
States, but I have since seen many young children on TV with similar
"adornments". This has been a pretty bad flu season here, especially for the
very young and the elderly, and the TV reports on the status regularly.
GOD AT WORK
While we can always want, work, and plan for greater results, we leave the
control in the hands of God. I am thankful that those who sent me here, and
provide for me to stay here, do not have a specified agenda, complete with
numbers and quotas. Every day God allows me to speak for him, in many ways.
I have students with whom spiritual matters are discussed regularly, and I
meet people in the course of my daily life to whom I can show Jesus.
Currently, we are averaging about twenty in our worship on Sundays. Very
often (usually, in fact) there are more non-members present than members. So
many of those who have been converted here are now in other places, and we
pray they are seeking to stay in touch with the body. We know from
experience that such will not be true of all of them, but I "prod them from
afar" from time to time. Only eternity will tell the true results of the
labor of any of us. I am working to build on the only true foundation, Jesus
Christ (I Cor. 3:10-15), and I am praying that the work will result in a
building that will stand in the day of judgment, so our God can be
glorified.
CONTINUED APPRECIATION
Again I must thank God for his wonderful provision through his wonderful
saints. It is such a blessing to partner with so many of you in telling the
story of God's matchless love to the people of Albania. Many have sacrificed
much to enable this ministry to be a reality; many more pray often for the
gospel to have free course in the lives of people here.
We must always be aware that Satan is never happy when this story is told,
and will do whatever he can to undermine its effectiveness. It is my
constant prayer that I will not allow Satan to use me to undermine the very
message I am proclaiming. May our God be glorified in my life, and in yours,
the praise of his wonderful name.
Held in his arms of love,
Tom |
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May 2009
Brothers and sisters -
Below is the link to the latest, somewhat delayed, newsletter. I pray that
you will continue to lift us up before the Father, asking for His guidance
and strength for what we are doing here. Thanks to so many of you for
"coming alongside" in the this work.
Your brother
Tom
http://www.lushnjanewsletter.blogspot.com/
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September 2009
Tom's report is on his blog.
http://www.lushnjanewsletter.blogspot.com/
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