Europe Update 2 - Transitions & Meeting Needs

Last week, the Europe team partnered with “Together for Z”, the youth and young adult ministry, at a local church in the capital of Albania. We primarily engaged in street ministry in the city center, with many people stopping to watch our performances, and many of our students having gospel conversations and praying with those gathered. We talked with people from all over Europe and declared the name of Jesus in every conversation. This is powerful ministry, knowing that God is using our efforts to spread seeds of the gospel.

We then transitioned from the big city to the village and are partnering with a ministry center led by a Royal Servants Alumni. Last year was our first time here and many of the village children whom we met have returned this week for Kids Club. The theme has centered on the fruits of the Spirit with teaching, crafts, games, and snacks. Our team has done well to work through their feelings of discomfort and the instability of change, and step with faith being intentional, patient, and kind as they love on these children and teens. It is a very different ministry - powerful for the same reasons - but planting and gardening seeds that will continue to grow in the context of this ministry long after we leave.

Before the week began, we challenged our students and staff with this verse in Matthew 19:14 “but Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the Kingdom of heaven.’ And he laid his hands on them and went away.” We were surrendering to be the hands and feet of Jesus in this small Albanian village, choosing to extend kindness, gentleness, joy, and peace as we chose to be present each day and be the light of Jesus to the children who attended. It has been amazing to watch our students show up and let God show off. The smiles on the faces of both our children and the students has radiated a joy that we know only comes from a good God to his creation.

From art to football (soccer), hugs to handshakes and jokes our team has loved well, leaning in to a strength that comes from God and a capacity only explainable by the power of the Spirit. Continue to pray for endurance and joy as we wrap up this week in the village. We have been privileged to discover some of the ancient Christian history of this area as well, which dates back to the first century and churches planted by Paul himself (see Romans 15:18-21, Illycrium was ancient Albania). God has a special plan for the people of Albania, as he does for all the nations on the earth. Pray also that a fire of awakening would begin in the Albanian church, that the blinders would fall from the eye of those currently following Islam, and the people would become alive and responsive to the love of Jesus.

Till next time…

Jeremy

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