Our second day here in Albania we had a meeting with our host in which they gave us the background of Albanian History and how it has shaped them as a country as well as their attitudes as individuals.
Albania was under foreign or communist rule up until 1991. 1 9 9 1 people!! This is a country who has had to answer to others for its entire existence. As Claus and Marie were talking The Lord captured my heart and opened my eyes to the vision of their ministry. In addition, the Lord was giving me ideas for other ways to bless this country. Claus was talking about how moving here was a challenge in many ways because their idea of leadership and the operation of an organisation is completely different. They do not hold the same American view of weighing opinions, or listening to someone else point of view. Their view of leadership is modelled, understandably, after the majority of leaders that they have had. The Ottoman empire, a king (briefly), the Germans during WWII, and then a communist dictator make up the list of examples they have to follow. So it makes sense that their leadership style is different from what we are used to. This had me thinking about my dad and all the young men he has impacted through the BSA.
He has been able to teach men of all ages and backgrounds leadership and character. I haven’t been in Albania that long, but I can wager a guess this country could REALLY use something like that here.
Having the history of the country and the history of Christianity here helps to put the vision of Christ For the Nations into context. Albania has been evangelised since the time of Paul. Albania is actually in the Bible, just as a different name. In Romans 15:19 in refers to Illyria. That is modern day Albania! Then the Ottoman Empire influenced the region by bring in Islam. Then the Orthodox Church crusaded into the area. Then, during the communist area, there were no religions allowed. Consequently the people here are hungry for spiritual food. There is a smattering of Orthodox, Muslim and evangelical beliefs. There is a deep need for discipling the Christians here and encouraging them to walk their faith daily. There is a need here to teach what the Bible really says and how there are tangible applications other than sacraments. CFN exists to meet than need. They exist to teach the word through a bible institute and mentor the students through discipleship, getting them plugged into the local church as well as partnering with outside ministries.
I am so excited to partner with CFN and the amazing vision they have for Albania and the Balkans as a whole. What a blessing!!
