December 18, 2001
In their November newsletter, the Durrës team reported that “three souls were added to the Lord’s body. Danjela Bashllari and Arta Kola were baptized on Sunday, 11/24/02. Danjela is a WEI student that was taught by summer campaigners Leslie Winebarger, Donna Light, and Charlotta Baird. Allison Morrill has been working with Danjela this fall.
“Arta is the wife of Skender Kola who was baptized last March. Arta was taught and baptized by her husband. What a joy it is to see the Albanians reaching out to their families and loved ones with the Good News of Christ. It was difficult to tell whether Arta or Skender was more excited about the event.
“Kristela Bushkolaj was baptized on 11/3/02. Kristela is one of Patrick’s students that found it necessary to convince her family of her need for baptism. Coming from a family with a mixed marriage (Catholic and Muslim), her parents were not initially supportive of her decision. Kristela has proven to be an encourager to the congregation and has taken an active role reaching out to those around her.”
On January 12, Patrick Smith wrote, “Today was a wonderful day. We had the opportunity to assemble with the Church and to enjoy our monthly potluck afterwards. We also celebrated the baptism of one of Fredia’s students — a baptism that occurred yesterday on Çimi’s birthday. We are so blessed to be able to work with the Christians here and to teach so many about God’s will for their lives.”
The church in Durrës has been a beehive of activity during the past year. Patrick Smith reports that “over 100 one-on-one WEI classes are taught weekly” and WEI is “the primary tool for reaching out to the community.”
God is at work in Durrës.
