SPIRITUAL OPPRESSION

Spiritual Oppression is not something we like to talk about, however it is a reality. It is often magnified to a much greater degree on the mission field. Missionaries, pastors, and evangelists are on the front lines facing this oppression, not just here, but everywhere. Many times in our prayer letters and updates you only hear about the good things that are happening, but it is evident to us every day the spiritual battle that we are in here in Albania. Pagan religion, superstition and materialism are the "rule" and not the exception. Latest statistics show that the Albanian Christian population is shrinking, churches are closing. Why? Because of the lack of leadership, because there is little to no proper training available, in simple terms, there are not enough missionaries. I once heard someone say; "no one really cares about Albania". But that is simply not true, God cares! We care! That is why we are here, why we have stayed for going on 8 years now.

This past year has been one of the most difficult years in ministry. We have felt the attack of Satan on our lives and ministry. It has been said that you know when you are doing something right when everything seems to be going wrong. Our church ministry has been met with great opposition. I am reminded of what Jesus said in Matthew 16:18 "…and upon this rock will I build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." The church, God’s church, will go on. We may be a little smaller than we were a few years ago, but we are going forward. Some personal difficulties that have taken place in our family with God’s help have been overcome. Old friends, that were not really our friends to begin with, they have been replaced with wonderful loving friends. Church members that left with a mean and wicked heart have been replaced with faithful people that truly have a desire to serve God without the attitude "of what’s in it for me". So yes, spiritual oppression is all around us, but we must fight it. The Apostle Paul said we must gird our selves with the armor of truth and righteousness. Our God is greater than any oppression, problem, discouragement we will ever face and that my friends is the true victory over spiritual oppression.