In September, we had our three-day annual retreat with the assembly. We considered the Epistle to the Philippians, "The Lord Jesus our example," our main theme. This year we were delighted to invite the believers from the small assembly in Prizren, Kosovo, to join. We were thrilled that some families could make the journey down for fellowship. Hearing our brethren pray and seeing them enthusiastically absorb the teaching was a real joy.
Last month, we were able to recommence outreach in the form of English classes twice a week. The purpose is solely to create new contacts with whom to share the glorious news of the Gospel. Around a dozen young people are availing of the opportunity, and some of our young believers are also attending to befriend and arrange follow-up conversations. Over the next few weeks, we will organize further outreach activities to invite and engage with them more. We have seen blessing in salvation as a result of the English classes in the past, with one young woman and her husband coming into fellowship, so do prayerfully remember this effort that the Lord will be pleased to bless further in salvation.
Last week we were present again at the Tirana International Book Fair with our stall. We distributed hundreds of 2023 calendars and other Christian literature to those who visited, with many showing an interest in spiritual matters. One young man who engaged in conversation at the book fair a few years ago called to tell me that he had subsequently got saved and now attends a local church in his area. Another young teenage boy stopped by and shared his story of conversation also. Unfortunately, his parents do not allow him to attend a church or discuss spiritual matters, so it was nice to encourage him, having experienced restrictions as a young teenage convert myself, and to give him a selection of written material home to read. A good number of the believers from the assembly were involved in helping out this year.
Online teaching materials
The online Bible training has commenced. Six students study the life of the Lord Jesus through the Gospels, and three others study the Old Testament. Others have requested to join, and we are encouraged by the interest expressed, especially among the young. Work continues translating and sourcing good material for additional subjects.
"Can we trust the Gospels?" is another book we just printed in time for the Book fair. It is about the reliability of the Gospels! The book gives a clear answer to several objections that Islamic and Atheistic worldviews raise about the truthfulness of the Gospels. Living between these two main world views in Albania, we consider it essential to help the believers answer any who asks for a reason for the hope in them.
ABC Christian Clinic
Sylvia continues to support the palliative side of the clinic with medical supplies and mentoring. The numbers attending have tripled in the last year, and many opportunities present for sharing the Gospel.
Spring 2023
Written by Enris and Sylvia Nase - Albania