August 11, 2003
This was an exciting summer in Lushnja, Albania.
Tom Bonner (local missionary), four American teachers, and a young Albanian brother joined forces in a four-week WEI teaching campaign—a campaign that resulted in nine people being born again of water and the Spirit.
On Sunday, July 27, I shared in the excitement. That morning, thirty-nine people came together for a heartwarming worship service, and three people (Gëzim Killoli, Julinada Meço, and Hoze Davidhi) asked to be immersed into Christ. Gëzim and Hoze had been studying with Dr. Bob Threlkeld of Knoxville, Tennessee. Julinada (Juli) had been studying with Tom.
Following the morning worship service, we hired four vans and headed for the Adriatic Sea, located a few miles to the west. There, in the surf, Bob and Tom baptized their students into Christ.
I wonder how many people the apostle Paul baptized in the Adriatic Sea when he preached in Illyricum and western Macedonia (Albania) in the first century (Romans 15:19).
During the final two weeks of the campaign, six more people were added to the kingdom of Christ: Altin Koçi, Erselda Xhumari, Arten Dyrmishi, Erges Toshkezi, Orieta Llupo, and Marsella Nesha. Some campaigners sowed the seed. Others watered, and God gave the increase (1 Corinthians 3:6).
In his September newsletter, Tom wrote, “We made two trips to the Adriatic Sea, with four rented vans, to baptize three people each time. Another trip required only one van due to the lateness of the hour. Two others have been baptized in the bathtub at my home, which is not a very satisfactory arrangement.
“At today’s service (8/17), eight of the nine previously baptized brothers and sisters were present, and the tenth was baptized today. This was quite remarkable considering that the temperature today hit 40 degrees Celsius, about 105 degrees Fahrenheit, and the tendency is to head to the beach under such circumstances.
“Please be praying for these new brothers and sisters, for their faithfulness, growth, and their influence on their families.
“In addition, we have two young ladies who were previously baptized by immersion for the forgiveness of sins who have asked to be a part of our ministry. They are Irena Gogu and Ermira Bano.”
When the campaign began in July, the new church in Lushnja consisted of three members: Tom Bonner, Eriona Çuko, and Besmir Bërboti. Now, their number has grown to thirteen.
Praise God for the wonderful things he is doing in Lushnja.
