April 2010 Update

God has been doing some wonderful things here in Albania, here are some highlights from the last several months.

NEWS FROM "NEW LIFE"
■ New Life Baptist Church – We are thankful for the faithfulness of God’s people. Paul the Apostle was very clear in his teaching the church to give, "but first gave their own selves to the Lord," 2 Cor.8:5. We are currently in our second month of stewardship training. We are teaching our people that God can take a small amount of money, a small amount of talent and use it in a mighty way. As we prepare to leave for furlough we are in the process of transferring the ministry responsibilities to the Brenenstauhls as well as several men in the church. We are praying God will do great things in our absence. ►Please pray with us for this time of transition.

■ New Life Spring Fellowship – The spring fellowship was a holdover Easter event at the camp in Priske with more than 50 in attendance. Pastor Justin brought a good challenge from God’s word followed by a great time of food and fellowship and games. It was a blessing to see several visitors including Anastasia’s sister whom we have prayed for many months.

■ New Life Christian Camp We have been able to repair all of the damage caused by the November break-in. We have also installed security bars around the first floor windows and a security system. A special thanks to our home church, Cleveland Baptist and Fellowship Baptist Church, Upper Marlboro, MD for their generous offerings toward this project. In addition, we have just installed privacy enclosures for all the toilet & shower areas as well as some new lighting, platform and painting. In the coming weeks we will be busy preparing the camp for the summer season. We pray God will continue to use this ministry to bring the lost to Christ and train future Albanian leaders for ministry.

Special Ministry Needs:
■ We need a portable sound system that we can take mobile for our summer VBS program. Cost: $400.00
■ The water system at the camp needs to be upgraded with several new additional water reserve tanks and a new pump. $850.00
■ We are now at the halfway mark for the payoff of the camp/church property in Priske. Would you please prayerfully consider helping us this year with a special offering or gift. Thank you so much for your support!

NEWS FROM THE FAMILY
These are very busy days for the Drust family as we prepare for furlough, graduation and ministry events. It is hard to believe that Ben will be graduating, where has the time gone. We are very proud of Ben and what God has allowed him to accomplish. He has been accepted with scholarship and will be attending the prestigious Pratt Institute in Brooklyn New York this fall. He will be majoring in writing with a minor in music. ►We would appreciate your prayers as he makes the necessary adjustments to college life in America. We are also thrilled to have Debby’s sister visiting us the third week of May, we are looking forward to a great time with her.

COMING EVENTS:

• New Life Youth Outing - Saturday, May 1st


• Tirana Christian High School Senior Trip - May 5-8 in Sarande, Albania


• 3rd Annual MK Paintball Camp – May 21-22


• TCHS Graduation – May 31


• Departure date to the U.S. – June 14
  

FURLOUGH UPDATE - This furlough will be the busiest one we have ever had reporting to 65 supporting churches and visiting 10 new churches. Our schedule is currently 85% booked but we still have some openings. If you have not contacted us and would like for us to come please contact us as dates are filling up fast. ►Please pray that God will use us as we share our burden for the Albanian people, and that we will be able to raise the additional support and project funds needed to further the work here.