Transforming lives in Albania!

How can you feel at home at once – perhaps there are similarities with India where I lived for a couple of years and admittedly I have traveled a lot in southern Europe but still quite strange that you can immediately feel so at home. It is enriching to belong to the same faith family.

At the end of February, I had the privilege of accompanying Ingrid Lilja, one of the church’s experienced Bible teachers, to Tirana, Albania. A trip that leaves deep traces of godliness and a wonder of God’s goodness and tremendous power! It becomes clear how important Albania’s history is and that the country has played a key role in the spread of Christianity in Europe. As many know, the country is home to both Skanderbeg and Mother Teresa. However, Albania today faces major challenges. Many young adults of working age are looking outside the country for work and a better life. There is pressure from many quarters to make Islam the dominant religion in the country and thus a Muslim country. In the midst of this reality, I met young people whose lives and life goals have been completely transformed by meeting and believing in Jesus. One young man told me that before he was saved he looked for ways to leave the country. He could imagine working at almost anything as long as he got out to another country. But when he came to faith in Jesus, he experienced a calling to stay and build the Kingdom of God. It redeemed him when he shared this. How beautiful when men and women stand up for God in their local context. There were also many great meetings with Bible school students, they had different backgrounds, had come different far in their faith walk but all had in common that they were hungry for more of God and to know the Holy Spirit. In His goodness, God met these students with His manifest presence and several were baptized in the Spirit. Wonderful!

“For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. You have done a foolish thing, and from now on you will be at war.”” -2 Chronicles 16:9

Dela inlägget:

LOBC-Team: Healing and restoration in Bolivia

It was Wednesday morning when we arrived, exhausted after a dramatic 36-hour journey and running on barely two hours of sleep. A kind man from a local church picked us up and welcomed us into his home. As we sat together making small talk, he began to sing a Swedish worship song, sharing from his time as a missionary there. In that moment, the weight of the journey caught up with us, and we began to cry. Questions filled our minds: what was going to happen on this trip, could God really use us like this, and did we even have the strength to be there? He gently encouraged us to rest, and after a short nap we were picked up by the pastor and reunited with the rest of the team. After breakfast and several hours of sleep, we felt more alive—still tired, but ready. We were reminded that in our weakness, God is our strength.

Läs Mer

It is time for Laos!

So wonderful to be back in Laos. I was here the first time 25 years ago, and ever since that visit, something in my heart has remained connected to this beautiful nation. I have always wanted to come back—and now, finally, I am here again. Walking these streets, meeting the people, and sensing God’s presence so strongly reminds me that His timing is always perfect.

Läs Mer