Maybe it’s never occurred to you to go to Albania to do cross-cultural evangelism? Or Scotland, or France, or Estonia, or Germany or Austria or the Czech Republic? It has occurred to Alongside Ministries International, and indeed they’ve been going for over 20 years, providing prayer, people and practical help to partner churches in those countries. Lots of information about Alongside is available at their website, click HERE, but this Feature will explore the Albanian story.

Map of Albania 

(from http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/cia02/albania_sm02.gif)

Albania has a long and rich history, but our story will begin in 1948 when Albania became a communist country. Its leader, Enver Hoxha, abolished all the tribes, religions and cultural institutions. He systematically severed diplomatic relations with all other countries until by 1968 Albania was completely isolated from the rest of the world. For 22 years the country was shut up tightly; the economy disintegrated into bankruptcy. Finally in 1990, as the result of a student-led rebellion the doors to the country began to open. 

For the first time in almost 45 years, Christian missionaries entered the country. There they found just 5 old men whose faith had withstood the communist regime and remained intact. The missionaries found a deep spiritual hunger amongst the Albanian people and began to share the gospel. In 1992, teams from several churches, under the sponsorship of Alongside, went to the city of Korce (see map above). They went door-to-door handing out Albanian Bibles. They conducted a Christian children’s program. They fanned out to towns and villages around Korce, including Ersekë and Bilisht, to continue their work.

As a result of this short-term work, Alongside sent a young missionary couple to plant a new church in Ersekë. Young people in their teens were the most open to the good news of the Gospel in this area and became the active congregation of this new church. Over the last ten years, the Ersekë Church has also opened Crossroads Camp.  This Christian camp served some 1000 youth last summer, youth ranging in age from junior high to high school to college aged.

In addition to the ongoing ministry in Ersekë, another church was planted in Bilisht.  After the initial outreach in 1994, a native Albanian responded to God's call to move there and pastor this growing church.  

Every year or two, whenever it is invited and can form viable teams, Alongside leads short-term mission teams from the United States to Albania.  These teams go to encourage and disciple the new Albanian Christians in the growing churches. The activities of these teams are prayerfully planned and directed the local congregations.  Team members have traveled to outlying villages with local church members. They have passed out more Bibles (donated by The Gideons).  When villagers are curious about the "foreigners" and invite them into their houses, the native Albanians then have the opportunity to share the Gospel with them.  Another time, team members helped build a ropes course for the Crossroads Camp—probably the only ropes course in all Albania!  They have also led children’s programs, supported women’s ministries, conducted Bible studies, and worshiped with the native congregations.

Who? Members and friends of PBPC who sense God's call to share the Gospel, to serve, and to adapt willingly to the culture of this predominantly poor, post-communist country.  a commitment of prayer and training will be required.  

PBPC recently sent these 6 members to support Alongside Ministries in Albania.

They are inviting others to go back with them this summer!

Those remaining at home will support them in prayer and practical ways. 

Why? To come alongside Pastor Arjan  and his wife, Mimoza Larashi, to strengthen the Evangelical Church in Bilisht by providing support in their work of evangelism, discipleship, and outreach in southern Albania.

What? The Evangelical Church of Bilisht was planted in 1994, following the collapse of communism, and has grown numerically and spiritually, reaching out with the love of Christ to nearby villages and towns. land has been purchased and drawings completed for the construction of a new building, hopefully to commence this summer.  Mission team members will participate in home visitation, discipleship of new believers, worship, and Bible studies.  Support in construction will depend upon the availability of funds and materials.  Additionally, we will have the opportunity to connect with the team working in Ersekë in support of Alongsiders Mark and Ruth Stoscher.

When? July, 2008.