This month has been our biggest month of oppression (Prolonged cruel or unjust treatment or control). Since this is a highly Muslim country it has been hard to feel the joy of the Lord. Our whole team has been hearing lies in their head, tired, in a funk, extra irritable, on edge, and some are having more problems back home than usual to distract them from ministry. It has been obvious that we need to be more intentional with our time with God and bathe ourselves in prayer more than we do. We looked to Ephesians 6:10-17 to shield ourselves and it says,
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”
Today, we got up early as a team and prayed specifically for our day and asked for God surround us with his presence and be in our every action, thought, and relationship. When I think about how God carries these burdens for us, I am so thankful. I also think about these people here and they are having evil come after them all the time. They are never released from it and that makes me want them to know God EVEN more than before. There is a need to Jesus here and we have been in prayer for this place and I hope you at home can pray for Albania. They need Jesus and we are here to tell them about our savior!
Our ministry with the Albanians this month is living in the dorms to make relationships, volleyball, American nights, bible study night, and coffee dates. We recently went and talked with an English class and they asked us questions about the American culture and it was really interesting to see how they think about us. Today, I have two coffee dates with girls and I will get to hear their story and they will hear mine.
Volleyball started out great..Pray that is an effective ministry..
Please be in prayer for the oppression here and the relationships that we are building. Be in prayer that God is glorified in all things and that God puts people in our path that He wants us to talk to!
In Christ Alone,
Linsey
