Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering. Hebrews 13:1-3
As if by these words alone the ministry schedule in Albania was formulated. Not only was my team to meet and develop friendships with strangers but work with children, visit several prisons in the city, and spend time with women who were victims of sex trafficking.
Pastor Erion, his family, and his church family welcomed us into their lives. Such warm and friendly people, full of life and energy. It was very easy to go out and love others when we all felt so loved by our ministry host. The plan for our first week in the country was to gather people together for English classes at the church. Everywhere we went Albanians welcomed us. When it was our objective to offer hospitality to strangers, to love our Albanian brothers and sisters we found ourselves on the receiving end. Albanians love Americans, so it was nice to be surrounded by such kindness. As it turned out we were also tasked with painting a mural at the preschool in the neighborhood. We were provided with every sweet blessing while we worked. Cookies and tea, coffee and soda, a lot of helping hands and many gifts when we were sent off at the end of the month.
The prisoners could not have been a more fun group. We were there to be an encouragement, to share our stories, to play cards and uplift spirits. Pastor Erion taught about the basics of Christianity, each visit another lesson in a series that introduced Christ to the prison community. We were there to fellowship, to answer questions about our faith…but mostly our presence just increased the number of participants in the program. As I gave my testimony they attentively listened and a few expressed gratitude afterwards, letting me know they were hopeful after hearing how I have overcome various struggles. It blessed me to know I helped to make a difference. The card playing, joking, and laughter brightened the atmosphere and we always left knowing their moods were much improved. Please pray they continue to improve their lives by making choices that glorify God.
Although not often enough for how wonderful they were to spend time with, my team got to share our lives with ladies in recovery from trafficking. As they could identify with aspects of our stories, they held back the tears but were encouraged in knowing all that God can get us through. I prayed with several women, we wept and held our embraces, smiling at all the possibilities for the future. They didn’t tell us much but in the span of a few short weeks we could see the improvement from catatonic to engaged in what we were saying and ultimately enjoyment in our friendship.
These are some of the precious people that carried me through a month of personal struggle. There are moments on this journey when the ministry that you are to bring life to brings you to life. Thank you Albania!
