Dear Praying Friends,
ALBANIA IS ONCE AGAIN ON THE BRINK OF VIOLENCE The Dangers of Albania's Disputed Election, 20 May 2011 Albania’s second disputed election in three years threatens to push the country over the edge. Almost two weeks after local elections, preliminary results have yet to be announced. The Economist is not exaggerating when it writes that, Albania today stands “on the brink" of a return to violence”. A tight mayoral race in Tirana, a highly polarized environment that contributed to four deaths in January, and divisions within the security forces make bloodshed an unnerving possibility unless legal procedures are fully respected. Albania has a history of disputed elections, parliamentary boycotts and political violence. There are political demonstrations being held all over the country with many roadblocks creating an over all sense of insecurity in the country. (taken from the Balkan Regatta) ►Please pray for safety and peaceful political resolve during this time.
THE MINISTRY OF FURLOUGH
Our spring schedule is winding down and God has blessed with some wonderful meetings. We are thankful for those who have accepted Christ and those who have committed to full-time service. As we report to churches it is a time of rejoicing with us at what God is doing as a result of our partnership together. As the Apostle Paul said so clearly in Phil 4:17 “…I desire fruit that may abound to your account.” Your part in our ministry is most certainly fruit to your account! The church in 2 Corinthians 8 was willing to give their own selves to the Lord first. Because they had a heart for God their poverty and afflictions did not keep them from giving out of what they had. Our prayer for God’s people is that they are not only missions minded, but also more importantly, missions hearted.
FAMILY NEWS
During a missions conference God spoke to Heather’s heart about taking a missions trip to China, so she signed up to go. It has been amazing to see God provide the needed money for the trip. Now after many months of hard work and planning she and a group of young people will leave for three weeks on July 14th. ►Please pray for her safety and that God will use her for His glory. Mikayla is doing well with the piano. God is using her in church offertories and specials. She will be playing her first recital in May.
THE MINISTRY OF FURLOUGH
Our spring schedule is winding down and God has blessed with some wonderful meetings. We are thankful for those who have accepted Christ and those who have committed to full-time service. As we report to churches it is a time of rejoicing with us at what God is doing as a result of our partnership together. As the Apostle Paul said so clearly in Phil 4:17 “…I desire fruit that may abound to your account.” Your part in our ministry is most certainly fruit to your account! The church in 2 Corinthians 8 was willing to give their own selves to the Lord first. Because they had a heart for God their poverty and afflictions did not keep them from giving out of what they had. Our prayer for God’s people is that they are not only missions minded, but also more importantly, missions hearted.
FAMILY NEWS
During a missions conference God spoke to Heather’s heart about taking a missions trip to China, so she signed up to go. It has been amazing to see God provide the needed money for the trip. Now after many months of hard work and planning she and a group of young people will leave for three weeks on July 14th. ►Please pray for her safety and that God will use her for His glory. Mikayla is doing well with the piano. God is using her in church offertories and specials. She will be playing her first recital in May.
SUMMER IN ALBANIAMay 25th I will be flying back to Albania for the summer. While I am there I hope to accomplish three goals.
National leadership. ► Please pray for Gazi, Genci and Adi, it will be up to these three men to take the church forward. We are still praying about the pastoral position, God’s leading and commitment of the membership of the church. This will be a big transition and Satan will certainly work to divide the people.
Summer VBS and Camps. In June we will have our annual New Life VBS. In addition we also have several youth camps planned at the camp in Priske. ►Please pray for our workers as well as children and adults to be saved.
Sarande survey trip. We have been praying for several years for God’s leading regarding ministering in the area of Sarande, which is in southern Albania. I plan to spend some significant time surveying the area, talking to people, looking at places to rent. ►Please pray with me for wisdom and God’s leading.
NEVER GIVE UP!
The beginning of May we received some wonderful news. Eva, the wife of one of our men accepted Christ. We have been praying for her salvation for many years. Eva comes from a Muslim family and each time she would hear the gospel she would come close but would not get saved. Her husband Gazi, was very burdened for her. Every week Gazi would ask the church to pray for Eva’s salvation. I remember one time in conversation Gazi told me that he would never give up on Eva. Praise the Lord for the power of prayer and for Gazi’s persistence ►Please pray for Eva’s discipleship and baptism.
CAN YOU HELP? We have several special needs that we are raising funds for. If you would like to help please send your gift indicating which need to Cleveland Baptist Missions, thank you in advance for your help. For Youth Group – We are in need of some sports equipment, volley balls, soccer balls, Air Soft guns & gear and Nerf gun sets - $450.00
For the church - Video projector - $500.00
Albania for Christ, Mike, Debby, Heather & Mikayla
Acts 26: 18
FIELD ADDRESS:
Fondacioni "Misionar Baptiste”
Kisha Baptiste "Jeta e Re"
Kutia Postare Nr. 119
AEP Box 29
Tirane, Albania
Home Phone: 011-355-42-343448
Cell: 011-355-0693427607 or 011-355-0683179328
STATESIDE ADDRESS:
60 Cambridge Dr.
Charles Town, WV 25414
Cell: 216/789-7747
e-mail: mdalbania@gmail.com
SENDING CHURCH & MISSION AGENCY:
Cleveland Baptist Church
Dr. Kevin Folger - Pastor
4431 Tiedeman Rd.
Cleveland, OH 44144
216/671-2822
www.clevelandbaptist.org
