More than a year ago, when we were interviewing Albanian people to gain insight into the major influences in Albanian life, Beni and his friends talked about one major factor—image. “Public opinion is the strongest influence of all, even more than family members,” they said. “The shame that comes from the community’s whisperings is the greatest fear for most Albanians. It controls not only your actions, but even your thoughts. You can’t think about what is the right thing to do, you must make decisions based on what others will think and say. The only escape is to emigrate out of the country or maybe move to the capital city where this mentality is not so strong. We Albanians aren’t free to act independently. It’s hard to explain what it is like.”

A few months later, Beni made a choice to face negative public opinion. He bravely stood up to it and surprised everyone, even himself. Here is the story.

Last summer while we were was in the States on furlough, Beni called me. His voice was uncharacteristically excited. “I’ve won the U.S. Diversity Lottery! I will get a visa and a green card! I will become an American citizen!” he exclaimed. For most Albanians, that is a dream come true. Now his children would have access to a good education. Now they would have a future.

Although I was happy for my friend, I also felt a twinge of sadness. I was afraid that Beni’s growing interest in eternal things would fade away as he chased the American dream. Beni’s thoughts and questions tended to run deeper than those of his peers, and I could see God drawing his heart. Little by little, in quiet ways, Beni had been stepping away from the expectations and opinions of others. His choices showed a concern for morality and for the development of his children’s characters. Though they were of Muslim heritage, Beni and his wife and another couple met weekly in our home for Bible readings and discussion. Beni was cautious, but he had the heart of a truth-seeker.

Many of our American friends joined us in praying that God would guide Beni in this big decision about going to the States. To turn down this opportunity would be madness in the eyes of his peers. Though it seemed impossible that he would stay in Albania, we continued praying.

As months went by, Beni became increasingly tense, and he began missing Bible studies. The deadline for the final interview was approaching, and his thoughts were often on America. But he also spoke doubtfully about things like the negative influence of the entertainment industry. My usually calm friend became more restless and agitated. We continued to pray.

Finally one evening, Beni asked me directly what I thought he should do. Should he go to America like nearly everyone said he should, or should he pass up this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and stay in Albania? We talked about the pros and the cons. I reminded him that only God knew the future and what was best. I prayed for him and encouraged him to pray and ask God for direction and for courage. He agreed, and then he asked me to meet him alone.

When I met with Beni the next day, he told me he had decided to stay in Albania. He asked me not to tell others about his decision until the deadline had passed so they wouldn’t pressure him to change his mind. “They will think I am crazy when they find out,” he said.

I told Beni that many people had thought we were crazy for moving to Albania, but we had peace in our hearts knowing God had chosen this place for us. “It doesn’t matter so much if we don’t have the comforts and conveniences of America,” I said, “as long as we have that peace.”

Just the other day, Beni’s closest friend told me, “You have a big influence on Beni. He has decided not to go to America. His father wants to thank you because he really didn’t want Beni and his family to leave.”

“It wasn’t really me who convinced him,” I said.

“Who else then?” he questioned.

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