Thursday, November 4, 2010

TALES FROM ALBANIA

Well, the Proclaim tour to Albania is now history.  The 20-member Mercy Street team was strong and unified.  We came from Germany, France, Albania and the US with one purpose: to serve the church in Albania by providing a means of gathering people to hear and respond to the good news of God’s salvation.


And respond they did!  Many gladly heard and discussed this “new” message of hope.  A few responded immediately by accepting the gospel and praying to receive salvation right at the concerts.

Others indicated that they would like to have further contact with the local believers.  And a few others responded by walking out of the concerts as soon as the name of Jesus was declared.  This last response shouldn’t surprise us.  There is power in the name of Jesus and those who live in darkness are afraid of the light.  But those whom God had prepared for an encounter with the one true light responded by moving toward the light.


In 17 days we traveled to 6 cities performing before high school and university students, married couples, businessmen, diplomats and musicians and others. 
Our venues varied -- concert halls, opera houses cinemas and clubs.  We served those ministering on university and high school campuses.  We assisted the efforts of 7 different churches and church planting efforts.  In each case we were impressed with the boldness of the local believers to share their faith one-on-one after the concerts.  Much seed was planted, some new “plants” were harvested and the name of our Lord was spread further in the hearts of Albanians.


We came back very tired.  But it is the good kind of tired you get when you’ve worked hard and seen something really special accomplished.  We thank you all for your sustaining prayers!  May God richly bless you as you harvest in the fields God has placed you in!


See more photos of the tour:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=543665&id=544390283