Pershendetje! (that means “hello” in Albanian),

We have just finished our first, full day of ministry in Albania. We are exhausted, but extremely in encouraged.

Being a bit jet-lagged, I woke up at 3 am (Albanian time). I laid in bed for about an hour and could not fall asleep so decided to wake up, drink espresso and put some finishing touches on the sermon I was going to preach at two churches. I was sitting outside, in front of our hotel. At 5:22 am a Muslim prayer went out on loud speakers from the mosque near by. During this time I prayed to the God of the Universe. I prayed that his church would grow and they would add to their numbers daily those who are being saved. I prayed that the believers here would be encouraged and challenged as we worship around God’s word today, and that people would understand and believe the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

We got to worship at two churches today. First, we went to Sukth. This is a small, country church (so I felt right at home!) It was amazing to meet new friends and so encouraging to instantly bond with other believers in Jesus Christ, even though we do not speak the same language.

This evening we gathered at DEC (Durres Evangelical Church), with our good friend, Kujtim, and other brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ. It was absolutely amazing to see all the work that has been done to the ministry center in Durres. To actually worship at that church and be in this place we have praying for! We had an amazing time worshipping Jesus together. After both church services, we ate meals with the church family, enjoyed fellowship and made new connections.

These churches need prayer. Pray that they will grow. Right now, they are small. Albania is mostly Muslim, a little Roman Catholic and we have even run into some Jehovah’s witnesses already. This country desperately needs the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. So pray that the Lord of the Harvest will send workers to Albania!

Jared