Sharing God’s Word in Albania
I was invited by Pastor Genc Zeka of the Evangelical Church Assembly of God Bathore to come for four days and speak with both his leadership group and the congregation. This was a great opportunity to minister the truth of God’s Word in Tirana, the capital of a Muslim country. The Republic of Albania has undergone some very significant changes since 1992, when communism officially ended with the election of a democratic government. Under communism, no religion was allowed in Albania, as the communists promoted atheism. So, the Assemblies of God only came into existence after the fall of communism. Pastor Genc started his current church just 13 years ago. It has been challenging since Albania still has a Muslim majority and is generally a poor country.
Paul visited Albania:
Famous Krujë Castle, Northern Albania, where Skanderbeg rebelled against the Ottoman Empire
The history of the Albanian people goes back to ancient times and was one of the locations visited by the Apostle Paul. In Romans 15:19, it says, “in the power of signs and wonders, in the power of the Spirit; so that from Jerusalem and round about as far as Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.” Illyricum was the ancient name of the region of the Illyrians or modern Albania. Over their history, the Illyrians have fought bravely for their freedom, first against the Romans and then against the Ottomans. In fact, when the Ottomans were expanding their empire into Europe, the Illyrians defeated them in the early 1400s and stayed a free people for a generation. Albania still has its own distinct language, which is not closely related to any modern language.
Albania protected the Jewish people in WWII:
Another important and fascinating fact is that in World War II, Albania refused to hand over their Jewish population to the Nazis. They bravely hid them and were the only country in Europe with a larger Jewish population after the war than before the war. After the war, the communist dictator Enver Hoxha isolated Albania and, in the words of the Albanian people, made the country like a prison camp. Inside the country, there was extreme poverty and suffering, and those who tried to leave were shot. This history made my visit there feel very important, as we know God’s truth will set people free (John 8:32).
Leaving Israel under Iranian attack:
I left Israel to fly to Albania early in the morning on Monday, June 8th, when Iran was firing missiles toward Israel. I was trusting in God’s safety for the flight. He answered, and all went smoothly without incident. Upon arriving at 7:00 AM in Tirana, it was wonderful to meet Pastor Genc, his family, a member of his leadership team, and to see Pastor Patti Mariano (who arrived Saturday). Pastor Genc Zeka is a leader among Abania’s Assembly of God churches and pastors. This was a special time of sharing our hearts and faith with each other. From the first day, I felt the love of Christ with Pastor Genc and his leadership group. It reminded me of I Thess. 2:8, and I believe these relationships in Christ can be important to accomplish the Lord’s purposes.
Meeting with the church leadership:
Pastor Genc Zeka
On Monday evening, it was time to meet with the entire leadership of the church. This leadership team is a relatively young group of adults who are very strong in their faith, willing to share their faith with the Muslim people in Albania, and the church is growing rapidly. Although Christianity was not allowed under communism in Albania, and it is still a Muslim country today, Christianity is growing significantly due to young people like these who are not afraid to share their faith and the love of Christ. Sharing scriptures and talking about Israel and the purpose and goals of the AMI Center to reach the world with God’s scriptural truths was the key focus of the evening. Everyone in this leadership group was very attentive and received the teachings with open hearts.
Understanding the Albanian people:
Tuesday morning, Pastor Genc introduced an important museum in a historic castle. There, he talked about both the history and heart of the Albanian people. I am believing that God will move in such a way for us at the AMI Center to have a relationship with the people in Albania. Therefore, it is also important that we have a deep understanding of the people and their history.
Answering questions about Israel:
Evangelical Church Assembly of God Bathore
On Tuesday evening, a very special meeting was held with the church congregation and other Assembly of God pastors. There were many very good and well-thought-out questions regarding Israel and the Scriptures. There was also a wonderful open atmosphere to talk freely from the heart regarding the truths in God’s Word and the exposing of Satan’s lies concerning Israel.
Sharing God’s Word with Muslim families:
Young woman, Aurela, gives her testimony of receiving Christ while living in a Muslim family.
Wednesday morning was spent visiting with Muslim families in their homes, reading scriptures, talking about the love and truth of God, and praying together. These families were very open to hearing God’s Word and thankful for the prayers.
Worship, prayer, and God’s Word:
Wednesday evening, I spoke to the congregation, sharing with them the depth of God’s love and power as we read together Eph. 3:16-20. I also ministered to them from II Cor. 5:14-20 and confirmed their ministry to reconcile the people of Albania to God. This service was a wonderful time of worship to the Lord, prayer, sharing God’s Word, and blessings.
Coming to Israel:
Pastor Genc expressed his desire to come to Israel with his wife and his leadership team. Of course, Albania is still a very needy country, and at the present time, this would be financially impossible. During Shlomo’s time, the AMI Center would sponsor young people to come to Israel from places such as the Soviet Union, Africa, Ukraine, and other nations of the world. These young people would be so greatly impacted by coming to the land of the Bible, studying God’s Word here, and having a real personal spiritual experience, that they would return to their countries and have a tremendous impact on their church communities. Please pray with us that we may continue this vision of our Founder and provide opportunities for some key young adult church leaders to come to Israel.
Prayer:
Every day while in Albania, prayer groups from throughout the world kept in contact, and I am grateful for their faith and prayers for all that was being accomplished for Zion’s sake. Let’s continue to pray for our new friends in Albania that the Word of God will bear fruit, first with Pastor Genc’s congregation, and throughout the entire nation of Albania.