No matter how they try to hide it behind swagger and bravado, Albanians have lived in fear for many generations. High walls, barred windows and guard dogs protect them from their fellow men, while they sprinkle blood from sacrificed animals and hang up strings of garlic, animal skulls and horns, effigies, and dolls to repel the supernatural.

Foreigners, especially Americans, bring mixed feelings. On one hand, the U.S. has been a very influential friend to Albania. On the other hand, the former communist dictator convinced his people that America was their greatest enemy and every person connected with America in any way was likely a spy. Simple missionary activities, like studying Albanian culture and taking photographs, could easily spark rumors that we work for the CIA. The very fact that we left the States to live and work in Albania is cause for suspicion. Why would we leave the land of plenty? Even our family’s light-colored eyes frighten some people. Some believe that people with blue, green, or grey eyes are more likely to posses the power of the evil eye, bestowing curses with a mere look.

Fear is the basis of prejudice, and many Albanians are afraid of Roma gypsies. In return, the gypsies fear them and all other gaja (non-Roma). On both sides, exaggerated tales have added icy bricks of distrust to the wall of fear and prejudice. However, in a few places, this wall is crumbling under the power of compassion and love.

Our daughters, Megan and Moriah, have opened their hearts to the Roma children, and the whole Roma community has responded. Even Albanians have responded favorably to their ministry. We’ve been noticing more shafts on sunlight shining through widening gaps in that old wall. More and more, our Albanian friends are trusting and confiding in us. Some have told us we are the only ones they can really talk to. Some have even asked us to pray for them in difficult situations and when facing important decisions. Some tell us that we are their family now.

One morning a couple of weeks ago, some Roma children called to us from our gate. Sean went out to see what they wanted. Three adorable little brown faces with shining eyes and wide grins looked up at him. “Jaddy!” one sang, jumping up and down with excitement. (Jaddy is the name the Romas have given Sean, probably because they heard our girls calling him Daddy.) Sean noticed that each of the children was holding a bundle of sticks. Roma children have to look long and hard to find enough sticks for their family cooking fires. “Jaddy, we’ve brought you these! Now your family can cook breakfast!” they squealed. Needless to say, Sean’s heart melted right there.

A few days ago, two little girls brought a bouquet of wildflowers to our door as a gift. Nothing could have brought more cheer to our home than that beautiful little love offering.

There are still many barriers to overcome in Albania. We hope you will join us in praying that the enemy’s stronghold will melt away under the sunshine of God’s love.

• Twitter