This month we are in Albania for ALL SQUAD month and it’s gonna be awesome! Albania has a interesting historical past. For instance, the first time the gospel was preached here was by a man named Paul… The Apostle Paul that is. At that time however it was known as a part of “Illyricum” (Romans 15:19). Unfortunately today the country is predominately Islamic/secular. 60% of people here claim to be Muslim, but the vast majority of those claiming to be Islamic are non practicing. The reason behind this is because of past communist regime. In 1944 Albania adopted communism. When this happened a great deal of persecution amongst Christians and Muslims took place the next 40 years. It reached it’s peak in the 1960s, particularly 1967. In 1967 government authorities launched a campaign to eliminate religious life in Albania. Every religious organization in the state was closed down and turned into either a gymnasium or warehouse. Albania was the first country to claim atheism as it’s primary religion. Many religious leaders were incarcerated, tortured or executed. There was even a point when officials tried to entrap Christians and Muslims during religious fasts, such as Lent and Ramadan, by distributing dairy products and other forbidden foods in schools and at work and arresting those who refused the food. It wasn’t until the 90s that Albania became a republic and allowed religious freedom. Albania has had a difficult past… But God is still shedding his love and life to the people of Albania!
So your probably wondering where we are living and what we will be doing…
We are living just outside the city of Lezhe, at a beautiful camp called “Light House International”. There’s a soccer arena, archery range, climbing wall, gaming room, volleyball court, obstacle course, a pig farm, a lot of flys, a few chickens a heard of sheep and the smell of fresh manure. The owner of this beautiful compound is a British man named George. I’ve had the privilege of getting to know him over the last few days and he’s definitely a man of BOLDNESS. In other words, if you don’t follow orders he will make sure you know them in a firm, yet loving tone. George has a BIG heart for the people of Albania and everyone in this community knows exactly who he is. I’m really encouraged by the way God has used George to impact this lost country. He has received plenty of persecution for developing a Christian ministry here over the years. Much of that persecution has to do with Albania’s historical past as I mentioned above.
Therefore, since we are living at a camp… The Ministry this month with involve hosting multiple youth camps. While we are here the camps this month will actually be lead by Peace Corps. Our work will particularly involve everything behind the scenes. Cleaning up pig/sheep poop, mowing grass, working in the kitchen, cleaning bathrooms, gate security, facilitating camp activities and much more! It’s gonna be a lot of hard labor and I look forward to getting my hands dirty this month!
Blessings to you all and thank you for your prayers! I will inform you on everything God is teaching me next week!
With love,
Ryan
