“Today I like God.”

Our ministry here in Albania has many facets. One of our areas of focus though, is reaching out to high school youth in the community. We have been providing them with an English club where they can come practice their English with us, we've been hosting youth nights for them to come hang out and hear about Jesus, and we've been meeting up with them during their P.E. class and joining in on the fun. In our first week here I often asked God the question, "Who do you want me to really pour into this month, Lord?" And it didn't take long for him to answer.

It was Friday night and we were hosting our first youth night here at the church. Our host and pastor, Ermal, gave a message on trusting Jesus, and my team and I led worship- two Albanian songs we learned and one English. Of the 20 or so teens in the room, there was one girl who spoke excellent English: Xhilda. She often translated for us and her friends during conversation. I knew that spiritually pouring into this young girl would make sense, but she didn't seem interested in Jesus in the least, so I dismissed the thought.

Following the message and worship, we all headed upstairs to the youth room for games and coffee. As I reached the top of the stairs and removed my shoes, I felt a gentle tap on my shoulder. I looked up to see the watery eyes of Xhilda asking me if we could talk alone. As we walked down the hall, her softened voice explained to me the miracle that had just happened in her heart. She said " I have never liked God, but today I like God." This young girl of 17 had truly heard the gospel for the first time and was deeply moved. Desperate for more, she sought me out. In that moment I was able to share some of my own testimony with her. I told her of the vision God gave me when I was 19 years old. The vision in which he picked me up and embraced me, promising his love and care for me. Assuring her that he felt the same for her, tears streamed down her cheeks.

So there we were, two girls from opposite sides of the world with little in common, now connected by the Spirit of God; now having all things in common. I prayed over Xhilda with everything in me. To me, she was hope; hope for this village, hope for this country, hope for the Body of Christ. I feel so blessed and honored to be a part of her life, especially in this season. And I feel overwhelmed by the goodness of God in crossing our paths and answering my prayers. Please join me in prayer for my new friend!

Love,

Kara