W hy would any sane and peace-loving person choose to spend his or her life in a battle zone? This is the question that can cross a missionary’s mind in times like these. Simultaneously, missionaries are both peacemakers and warriors. This paradox can create dissonance if we lose sight of the big picture—the great controversy. We need always to remember that a battle is going on, and we’re on the front lines.
Once again, just as we anticipated a major victory for God, the enemy has launched brutal attacks on many levels. We like to think we’re prepared to fight the good fight, but sometimes the blows still knock the wind out of us. We are repeatedly reminded of our insufficiency for the great task before us. Thankfully, it drives us to our knees and reminds us to look to God and not ourselves for the victory.
We were basking in the glow of apparent success, and that should have been a warning sign to us. Our group of believers was moving forward. They had become committed to serving the community and to outreach in gratitude to God. Enthusiasm was growing as members got involved in planning for a center of influence in the community and a place of worship. We were anticipating an outdoor baptism as soon as the weather warmed. Several candidates had decided to take this step, including two teen boys who had been introduced to Jesus by one of our members.
One of the first signs of trouble was a health scare resulting from some medical tests, and my return to Albania was delayed for more tests and treatment. The day of my return trip to Albania, my mother fell down a flight of stairs and broke her hip. I stayed with her until she was able to return home.
Soon after returning to Albania, we discovered that a church member had been under great financial stress and had returned to his old smoking habit. Then we returned from a conference to find that two of our baptismal candidates had quit coming to church functions. They were avoiding church members and didn’t reply to messages. After some investigation, we found that they have become deeply involved in demonism and were unable or unwilling to escape the spiritual bondage. It broke our hearts and those of our members to see this change in them. How could this happen to people who knew the truth and once loved Jesus? Had we failed them somehow?
There have been several other attacks, but I’ll mention just one—a major obstacle that threatens our ability to work here. We have experienced a gradual drop in donations to our project since returning from furlough, dragging our fund balance to its lowest point ever. This is serious because if we don’t meet our costs, we can’t remain in the field. If we don’t remain in the field, there won’t be an active AFM project in Albania.
We have already seen some of our problems relieved by divine intervention. My health has dramatically improved, and the latest medical test results have been amazing. My mother has recovered better than expected and is getting around just fine. Our friend admitted his smoking problem and has asked for prayer and help. He is recovering and hasn’t had a cigarette in more than a week. Praise God for His goodness!
We are not out of the woods yet, though. We ask your prayers that God will break the demonic bonds holding our two baptismal candidates and that He will bless the others with courage and faithfulness. Our members are facing many pressures. The economic situation in Albania is grim.
Also, we want to remain at the post of duty where God has placed us until He calls us somewhere else. Please pray that our project support base will be blessed and strengthened. We are confident that God will see us through, and we invite you to play a part in reaching more Albanians with the everlasting Gospel.
