Albania is a nation composed of parts of ancient Illyria, and ancient Greece. Modern Albanians will be the first to tell you that parts of Montenegro and Croatia used to be under the control of their ancestors; few will explain how the southern lands of Albania were first settled by Greeks. Fier is within a few kilometers of one of those ancient Greek settlements. Fier is a living city in an area of the world which has been held or controlled by the Greeks, Illyrians, Romans, Byzantians, and Venetians to name those whom history has left us the names of. Coming into the city via Highway 4 there is no evidence that this city was ever more than a communist oil mining town.
This ancient center of mining and mineral exploration, a place which appears in the annals of Pedanius Dioscorides, is in some of the most secure hands in all of Albania. Few men have a presence and understanding of God and His word than that of Pastor Fatjon. This man would be a pillar in any community he chose to settle in, but he is not alone. Matched, if not exceeded in both drive and intelligence by his wife Miranda, the church of Fier is headed by a power couple of rare caliber. Their children, Grace and David, are wonderful little blurs of brain-rich energy.
The last time I had the opportunity to sit down with Fatjon and Miranda I missed the experience for what it was. I was so blessed to see them again and to see from a fresh perspective who it is that they are. Both of them work regular, 40+ hour a week jobs, raising two children. As volunteers, they lead a thriving church of believers who are in every stage of their walk beside Jesus. It is with excellence that they do everything they set their hands to. My Aunt Nancy and Uncle Norman are like this. Pouring all of themselves into their passions. And why do this? Why participate in the building of God’s Kingdom? Because they can, because they love it, because service is what brings them closest to God. Fier is well provided for.
albaniacalling 