A generous person will prosper;
    whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. Prov. 11:25

Who knew an extra hour of sleep would make such a difference in feeling refreshed?

From getting to sleep in a bit to a wonderful homemade lunch, to prayer with fellow believers, this weekend has been all about physical refreshment and spiritual fellowship.

We started the day with a breakfast filled with Nutella croissants, heart shaped banana pancakes, and fresh fruit and found out we were blessed to be able to visit Kujtim and Lauren Rushiti for lunch. Kujtim is one of the pastors at the church sent from The Orchard and he invited our team for some time of fun, good food, and fellowship.

From the moment we walked in their house, it was evident that God has given both of them the gift of hospitality and encouragement.  They welcomed us with a huge spread of taco choices and even had Coca-Cola to drink. To be a gracious host, Kujtim experimented with making ice coffee! It tasted great!

We were able to hear how God is working in their church and find out specific needs and prayer requests for the church and their family. I even got to hold their newest family member, “Baby Kate,” as she fell asleep on my lap. Lauren kept offering to take her, but I loved the chance to hold a sweet little one and give Lauren the small offering of an “unhindered lunch” which, as a mom, can be few and far between. The way she kept making sure I was okay with Kate was just another example of how Lauren serves others so beautifully.

When I hear of how much they love this church and how they are burdened for the people of their country, it makes me see the urgency of the gospel in a whole new way. It makes me excited to go home and describe to others the need they have for teachers, people to come to serve alongside of them, and for people to commit to pray for hearts to change. In the same way that they opened their home to us, we are praying that the church can be a place where people can be welcomed to the saving truth of the gospel. God is doing amazing things with this family and I am honored to have been able to join them and God in this mission of creating a place for campers to feel welcome and to hear the gospel.

I continue to be amazed at how the high school and college leaders are rising to the challenge of helping to lead this camp. Even on our day of rest and refreshment, they initiated the idea of creating Minute to Win It games for the campers. They are a hard-working group of kids and I have been blessed to be able to spend time serving with all of them. It has also been extra special to be able to serve alongside my daughter, Leah. I am so very thankful for this time to share the gospel of Christ.

Prayer Requests:

• Peace for the country of Albania in a time of political unrest
• Revival in the church to proclaim the gospel
• Young people in the church to use the gifts God has given them
• Teachers for the English School that is starting this fall
• Our team would feel refreshed and be able to serve with zeal for the gospel during this next week of camp

Angie