Day Two - Shkoder & Durres

We went up to Shkoder and then back to Durres today. I met my first OM business which opened just a week prior. It was a barber shop. Beautiful and clean and I could tell he was excited about his new venture. He was a musician and Muslim who came to Christ a few years before. His wife was still Muslim, but he was active in the local church.

Up at Shkoder, I finally felt like I was back in a more recognizable and developed Europe, but soon found that just one block away was the Albania we left this morning. Many more people, but even more mosques. The back streets were run down and reminded me that I was still in a developing country.

After lunch we went up to the Castle that overlooked the city and lake. As I stood there I felt overwhelmed and prayed “God, make this city a stronghold for Christ.”

OM Need:

In Durres we met with the OM Country Leader Eunchell. From Korea, he has moved to Albania 18 years before following a detour from seminary to a call to Missions in Albania. He shared his changes and vision since leading up OM Albania and how he brought the team together as a unit, but allowed for autonomy in their individual ministries. He shared his hope that I would not only help the Albanian Christians with their businesses, but also help OM Albania with a business that would help them offset expenses and eventually become sustainable operationally.

The confirmation verse: Galatians 6:10

I felt a little deflated and tired from the day. Worried about the drastic changes that my family faces. As we got back to the room, Jessi started her devotions and the verse of the day was Galatians 6:10 – Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone – especially to those in the family of believers.

This was the confirmation verse among the fear and among the uncertainty. This is why we are to come to Albania; it is to be here for the family of Christ.