January 26, 2013
Have you ever wondered why WEI teachers get so excited about teaching their students on the Internet? Ask Bob Hesselrode, of Smyrna, TN.
Bob writes, “In September, I began my study with Imena Kërpica, a 22-year-old college student from Berat, Albania. This study ballooned into a relationship that has accelerated through the months to a point that now she is like a daughter. She refers to Billie and me as second parents.”
“I am happy to say, she is our daughter in Christ. Imena’s thirst for God’s Word was evident. Receiving her first lesson in September, Imena was on lesson # 14 by the beginning of October, and she finished the Intermediate lessons a month later.
“In October, she moved from Berat to Tirana to enter her last year of college. This was a blessing. She met Ellen Walker, and they formed a close friendship. Soon, she was attending the meetings of the Tirana church where she met Bledi and Bona Valca. Many in the Tirana fellowship have had an impact on Imena’s journey of faith.
“In December, Imena told me she was going to be baptized. Every few days she said, ‘Don’t worry, Mr. Bob. I will be baptized. I just want to be certain that I am ready for that commitment.’ She said, ‘I am trying not to think about myself, what I want, but what God wants me to do.’ God was molding some very soft clay into an angel. On January 26, with her twin sister, her boyfriend, and several from the Tirana fellowship in attendance, Bledi immersed this sweet soul into Christ.”
Bob concludes, “Since entering the kingdom, Imena has attended every meeting of the church that she could. After studying with Imena, I feel like I am running on nuclear power! You know, working with someone like Imena is like watching a beautiful flower unfold from the bud under the warmth of the Son.”
