After returning from a few days sabbatical we returned to find a new hunger in the people we had been working with. As we began to resume ministry several of the ladies told Kathi they would like more time and training in “Kingdom living”. This was a great encouragement as they all committed to meeting together to develop their relationship with Jesus and learn to live in His Kingdom and not that of the world. They have a desire to become true disciples and daughters.
Each “Roma” neighborhood has what they call a director. This man is the lei sane between the people and the local government. Al met with the director of the neighborhood we are working in. As we talked I asked him “What is the greatest need in this area?” He said that 80% of the people in all Roma areas were unemployed. When I asked why, he said there is no work available. At one time Gjakova had many factories and everyone who wanted to work could. After the war factories were no longer open and remain closed today. Please pray for an influx of jobs in this area.
After several months of counseling and encouraging, Arton decided to take a job. Back in March God had spoken to him about getting a job. He had struggled with discouragement since getting out of prison and feeling as though no one would trust him to work for them. Most employers here want you to work 12 hour days 7 days a week for 200 euro ($300) per month. This week, after praying through all of this, he got a job offer with exactly those terms, but was believing for something that would allow him his time for church. He got another offer. The job he took gives him that time he desired for church, as well as teaching and training times, and provides a decent income. In a land of 65% unemployment he and his wife both have jobs. Praise God!
To update you on Berati, he has been told he is too old to repeat middle school, and he must go to a private school to catch up on his studies and qualify for high school. This “private school” will cost 100 euro ($140) each year, and he will need to complete two years. Please pray God will provide for his needs in this area. His desire is to qualify to work in the government police force.
Yesterday, Saturday, the children from one of our families were at the FLC early as it was their mom’s day to help serve. I was prompted by The Lord to give the children some of the children’s Bibles we have. They are full of easy to read Bible stories Old and New Testament with bright colored pictures in the Albanian language. One of the brothers, an 8 year old, went around behind the house to be alone with his new gift. Kathi just happened to glance out the window to see this young soul, sitting on the ground, with his Bible opened to the place where it shows Jesus on the cross. He was looking intently at the page and without prompting closed his eyes, threw his head back and raised his hands in worship. A little later he was in the “Great room” which we use for children’s services as well as corporate gatherings, worshiping to the music we have playing constantly while there. When I walked in he looked up at me and said, Pastor, while I was singing and worshiping I cried two times. Kathi later asked him if he was sad or happy when he was crying and he said happy! God is touching those with a yielded heart. Thank you Jesus that you don’t look at the age of the person but the openness and purity of the heart! This same boy and his brother, who always wants to lead prayer before the meal, cried when their DVD of “The Jesus Film” broke. They loved to watch and hear in their own language the story of their Redeemer. I am currently trying to find a replacement.
I found out this week that these same children, 3 of them who should be in school, are not in school because they do not have the proper clothing, book bags, pencils, notebooks or shoes. Their father is currently struggling with an alcohol addiction and spends what little money he makes on that instead of feeding the family.
Very often our heart is broken over the lack of supply for the children here. It seems that the cycle of poverty continues to rage on. We know that the blood of Jesus can break this cycle. Today we feed them as we can, make provision as God supplies and love them with the Love of Jesus. The need is great and we know God has the funds ready to be released. Please pray and ask The Lord what part is yours in helping with these situations.