Last Official Day at Dushk: by Kasey!

Friday June 26th, 2009

Today we spent some time “cleansing” Lushnje of their trash. Unlike America, Albania does not have any laws against throwing trash on the ground. They do have garbage dumpsters, but the dumpsters are not emptied regularly, resulting in tremendous overflow into the streets, public places, and pretty much EVERYWHERE around town. The whole time we were picking up dirty trash and throwing it away, it reminded me of how God throws away all the dirt in our lives and purifies us with His precious blood. Jesus took on flesh, humbled himself by taking on the nature of a servant, and basically threw all of our own “personal dirt and trash” away by taking it all upon Himself when he died on the cross for our sins. So although today’s “trash” time was dirty and gross, it was humbling and a good reminder of how much Christ hates our dirt and is willing to throw it away if we allow him to purify us. Amen?? Amen!

In the afternoon, we also had the opportunity to split the team up into a guys’ mission and girls’ mission. The ladies of the team hosted a women’s meeting for the young single women in Albania and the men of the team got to play football (Albanian soccer) against some young, ferocious Albanian guys! We said a lot of prayers before we got started…concerning the women we would be meeting and also for the American guys’ protection….for them not to get slaughtered during the Albanian soccer game and also for opportunities to share the gospel!

God definitely heard our prayers, and we were able to talk freely about Jesus and the Albanian women were responsive. In order to gain trust from any Albanian, a close relationship must be formed before they trust you. We played several “ice-breaker” games and taught the ladies a craft to help build their trust. Then Jessica shared her testimony, which was filled with the gospel! It was our hope and prayer that we may have planted a seed. We hope that it may also help build closer relationships with some of the women in Lushnje, so that Tim and Jamie may continue sharing the Bible and Jesus’ love with them.

God also answered our prayers with the guys’ soccer game too. No one was hurt too badly, maybe just their pride…hehe! The Albanian guys seemed to respond well and male-bonding occurred, which was what we were praying for! A few of the guys went for coffee afterwards, as a casual segue way to share the gospel.

Anyways, it was another awesome day in Albania. Thanks for taking the time to read this blog and for your prayers! We all love and miss you…whoever is reading this!

In Him I put my trust,

Kasey & the Albanian team