As the Albania team reflects on Monday’s events, we see more and more evidence of God’s work here in Durres. The team split in the morning to buy project tools and share invitations to church outreach activities later this week. Some team members walked and prayed in the area surrounding the church building. God brought several groups of Albanian students in contact with the Americans, enabling many conversations about the new church and fun hangout opportunities later in the week. We all eagerly anticipate opportunities to build relationships with these students!

Even when the team focused construction tasks in the church building, God continued to direct our conversations to Christ. Several Albanians popped in to say hi and learn about what was going on. A couple of these brief exchanges turned into longer conversations, in which Gospel seeds were planted. The team hopes these budding relationships turn into deeper connections.

Construction progress advanced rapidly as the team installed a TV in the church sanctuary/meeting room to display song lyrics and sermon slides, as well as enable movie night outreaches to the community. Parts of the ministry center were painted, and many people worked to sand and paint the metal legs on the center’s numerous chairs and tables. One goal of these projects is to create an inviting environment for people and students in the community, as this church seeks to establish roots in the neighborhood.

We have several specific prayer requests for today and the rest of the trip. We need your prayer support! Please pray that God would:

• Work in many students’ hearts and bring them to the ministry center this week
• Give the team energy and insight as we follow His direction for this week
• Enable gospel conversations frequently this week
• Continue to give Arvid and his family strong relationships in the community
• Pour blessings onto Arvid and his family as they lead this church long-term

For the whole team here in Albania,

David Andrew