Greetings from Albania!
After a 20-hour bus ride, through Macedonia, Bulgaria, and Kosovo, we finally made it to Albania!
Our squad is scattered throughout the country; my team is smack-dab in the center of the capital, Tiranna, serving alongside Church of God Ministry.
This ministry is a huge blessing from the Lord; while we will have various ministry opportunities here (church growth, prison ministry, and evangelism), the primary goal within our Albanian ministry is letting the Lord lead us in our daily ministry however the Spirit moves our hearts. Tiranna is packed with fun, cute coffee shops, filled with friendly people—perfect for this opportunity!
While this freedom in ministry could pose a challenge for many teams, I believe our team is meant for this ministry in this season for several specific reasons:
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Opportunities for relationship-building and evangelizing with the locals
“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” 1 Peter 3:15
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A season of rest, rejuvenation, healing, and growth with the Lord
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
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Opportunities for world ministry—through writing and intercessory prayer
“With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints,” Ephesians 6:18
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A season of learning to sit in the presence of Jesus and listen to his Holy Spirit
“And he said, ‘He who has ears to hear, let him hear.’” Mark 4:9
The freedom of our ministry here will be beautiful and testing.
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free.” Luke 4:18
Thank you, Lord Jesus, for this divine opportunity to serve in my favorite kind of ministry; to be led by your Spirit is such a beautiful thing. Please allow me to bring up your name to all the people I meet so that everyone might have the opportunity to know you and know your love.
Victoria thanks for keeping us in the loop of all God is sharing with you on your world race. I haven’t written every time but have been reading your posts and praying for your influence and growth. I’ve been through Macedonia and Kosovo and bordered Albania. You are directly where the LORD wants you today. God bless all your conversations.
Love you sweet friend!
Cannot wait to hear of the amazing ways God uses you guys in Tirana !
Incredible! I can’t wait to see the fruit that comes from this divine opportunity to serve with the Church of God Ministry!