ALBANIA Tirana

The Assembly

In September we had our three-day annual retreat with the assembly. Together we considered the Epistle to the Philippians, “The Lord Jesus our example” being our main theme. This year we were delighted to extend an invitation to the believers from the small assembly in Prizren, Kosovo, to join and were thrilled that a number of families were able to make the journey down for fellowship. Hearing our brethren pray and seeing them enthusiastically absorb the teaching was a real joy.

Last month, we were able to recommence outreach in the form of English classes twice a week. The purpose is solely to create new contacts with whom to share the glorious news of the Gospel. There are around a dozen young people availing of the opportunity and some of our own young believers are also attending to befriend and arrange followup conversations. Over the next few weeks, we will be arranging further outreach activities that we can invite them to and hopefully engage with them more. We have seen blessing in salvation as a result of the English classes in the past, with one young woman and her husband coming into fellowship, so do prayerfully remember this effort that the Lord will be pleased to bless further in salvation. Last week we were present once again at the Tirana International Book fair with our stall. We distributed hundreds

Book Fair

of 2023 calendars along with other Christian literature to those who visited, with many showing an interest in spiritual matters. One young man who engaged in conversation at the book fair a few years ago visited to tell me that he had subsequently got saved and now attends a local church in his area. Another young teenage boy from a village 2 hours away stopped by and shared his story of conversation also. Unfortunately, his parents do not allow him to attend a church or discuss spiritual matters so it was nice to be able to encourage him on his journey, having experienced restrictions as a young teenage convert myself, and to give him a selection of written material home to read. A good number of the believers from the assembly were involved in helping out this year, with a desire to stand against the tide and witness for their Saviour.

Emigration

Emigration continues to be a real challenge to the country in general and to the assemblies. Many have left and others plan to leave for a better life abroad. Two of our young believers left this academic year to pursue their studies abroad, in France and Italy. They are both committed Christians and were actively involved in the assembly activities here so are greatly missed. Another lady has applied to leave for Sweden with her family and is awaiting an answer. After 30 years of a fragile democracy, people are tired of the political and economic situation and no longer see a future for themselves or their children in Albania. Thousands have made the perilous journey across the English Channel for a new life in England and most feel it was a risk worth taking.

ABC Christian Clinic

Sylvia continues to support the palliative side of the clinic at present with medical supplies and mentoring. The numbers attending have tripled in the last year and many opportunities present themselves for sharing the Gospel.

Children’s Home - The Hiding Place, Gjirokaster

The children are all well and looking forward to the Christmas holidays. Dan, the oldest, is almost 14 and having teenagers brings its challenges and added responsibility with decision making. The electrical system which had been causing a number of issues has now been entirely replaced and repairs completed. We are thankful to the Lord who has so faithfully provided for this ministry since 1998. Many children who have passed through the doors have trusted Christ and only eternity will reveal the full extent of this work.

With Christ

In September our dear brother Salvatore Corcelli went to be with the Lord. Salvatore was used by God to begin the assemblies in Albania and was a father figure to many of the believers, having had a distinctive influence also in Enris’ life. Our prayers are with his wife Beatrice and the wider family circle as they mourn their loss.

Our sincere thanks once again to you all for your prayful and practical support during the last 15 years. The Lord’s saints have been faithful. Marana-tha!

ENRIS & SYLVIA NASE