“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10

Time moves quickly and much work remains. Our time in Albania has been fruitful and the team is committed to continuing the kingdom work laid out in front of us from the Lord. Our days are becoming familiar to us, simple but challenging. Each morning we gather at the church for a time of devotion, prayer, encouragement and direction with our brothers and sisters. This morning we concluded our prayer time with the singing of Amazing Grace. It was a sweet time in the Lord for sure.

But our days are not without challenges. The challenge is the same as with any other place in the world:  share the gospel and build a church in a community of people with minimal interest in God. The good news is that though the soil is hard the seeds are being spread daily and our prayer is that many will take hold. God’s church is being built in the Balkan region.

It was a busy day. Some of us handed out the remaining invitations or went on a prayer walk, while others stayed behind to clean the church and register people for English class. Kujtim and Jared laid down some sweet music in the worship center in preparation for Worship Night on Thursday. The church is alive with activity.

This evening the church hosted a Youth Ministry Activity Night which featured games, worship in song, food and a powerful, well-articulated presentation of the gospel through Brad’s testimony. Fun was had by all. Both the Orchard team and our Albanian counterparts were pleased with the results. With all of this in mind, please pray for continued strength and good health for the Balkans STM team, perseverance and stamina for the Albanian churches and their leadership and the God grants the increase of His children in the Balkans. Peace and blessings to all of you!

Doug