AUGUST 2016

ALBANIA STORIES

OF YOUNG AND OLD

Sunday School in the

In our ministry in Albania, we find it a joy and a privilege to serve both the
young and old. Now and again, I (Vita) get a chance to assist, encourage,
hills above Korca
and help young moms with breastfeeding their newborns. It has been my
passion since weve had our firstborn, Eva. The future will show if itll
become my full-time occupation (once Eva asked me, if Ill ever go to work). As I often enjoy the
beauty of seeing new life, Sean often comforts and comes alongside those who see their beloved
ones pass on to Eternity.
In this brief newsletter wed like to share about the ministry to the elderly and our churchs youth
ministry. A local foundation, Mission Emanuel (founded by the late pastor and founder of our
church) among other social and aid projects, has opened two day centers for the elderly. The seniors
and there are many in Korca, whose children and grandchildren live abroad, as far away as the
U.S. and Australia, gather for a cup of coffee, a game of dominos, or to reminisce about the good
old days. Once a week they have a social hour, when various believers visit and share a message
of encouragement and hope in Christ. Our church has been asked to adopt one of the centers, so
twice a month Sean shares his heart with men and women twice his age, and listens to their stories.
Sometimes, Eva and Oliver accompany him. Their favorite visits are birthday celebrations of the
elderly, followed by cake!
In the Bible, apostle Paul says he boasts not in people, but in the Lord working through them. As of
lately, weve been taking pride in Gods workings in our youth ministry. After years of push-and-pull
by Sean, small attendance, little interest, and minor commitment, we now have two young and
passionate leaders Klaudja and Wilson. They are dedicated, energetic, and full of creative ideas!
The youth group is growing in numbers, growing closer together, and most important new and
older believers are growing in faith through weekly gatherings, discipleship and mentoring. Even
more, we are excited to see their desire to share the love of the Lord! In June and July the youth

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AUGUST 2016

ALBANIA STORIES

have organized a series of fun evangelism meetings in the village

of Goskova (where weve been working as a church for several
years now). While we have been away in the U.S., the news has
reached us that about 20 youth in the village have expressed their
desire to follow Jesus!
One seldom finds such committed young leaders as these two,
therefore we really want to help encourage and resource them to
pursue their God-given dream. They have just gone to Bulgaria to
volunteer at a youth camp run by the ministry Young Life, and
both have a strong desire to attend Bible school. Their families are
poor and expect Vilson and Klaudja to work and support them. Yet
finding a decent paying job that would allow time for them to serve
in the church is nearly unheard of. Therefore we hope to employ
them with a monthly salary (approx. $300 each), so that they
could devote themselves to the ministry full time. We feel strongly
that this is the right step for us to take as a church. (If you would
like to support one or both of the youth leaders with either a one
time or monthly gift, simply send your check to New Life
Foursquare (or donate online) making sure to notate that it is for
the Korce Church or Korce Youth Leaders so as to not be
confused with our personal monthly support.)

Wilson helping Sean

baptize

Klaudja

In the meantime, our family has been having a relaxing holiday on

the other side of the Atlantic with our American family and friends.
Eleonora started walking on her own while visiting her great
grandmother, whereas Eva and Oliver have been enjoying their
time with grandparents, cousins, and new friends!
Once again, thank you for reading, praying, and giving. You are a
part of Gods work in Albania as much as we are!
Sean, Vita, Eva, Oliver, and Eleonora

In the center for the elderly

For support you may:

send checks with Albania or
a specific project in the
memo line payable to:
New Life Foursquare Church
2350 SE Territorial Rd.
Canby, OR 97013
or donate online through
canbyfoursquare.com

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