Today there was a departure from the normal pace at which Albanians typically live. Most shops and small businesses were closed. Only one of the drivers I know was working out of Zogu i Zi today; typically there are about a dozen. I had forgotten that today was the Muslim holiday of Bajramin until Fatjon showed up at the job site because school had been cancelled for the day. In the States we don’t close school for holidays other than those recognized by the State or the Christian Church. I was surprised to learn that Bajramin, a holiday that happens both at the end of Ramadan and, apparently, near the end of October, are days when schools here are closed.
Fatjon invited Visi and I to his home for lunch, and we accepted. We began our visit with a small chocolate, followed by the serving of beverages. After a little while Fatjon’s mother brought out a hearty potato and beef stew, cold noodles with chicken, byrek, fresh bread and a bowl of peppers from the garden. Our conversation went beyond the normal table talk I’ve grown accustomed to. Fatjon’s parents both shared with me about experiences they have had with God via the Church and the Bible. I didn’t expect to have conversation around religion at all, but there I was, with two people I love and respect, whom I want to know God, sharing my experience and understanding with them.
Dardajan, one of my missionary friends to Macedonia, believes that the first conversions in that country will be of whole families. Please pray for the family of Fatjon, that they will continue to investigate the mystery of God for themselves. Sajmir expressed an interest in becoming more educated about the contents of the Bible before taking any definitive steps forward. I encouraged him to use me as a resource. Sometimes you can see the God in someone long before they find the Jesus within themselves. I have known many good people. I hope one day to travel to Mitrovica for a Church outreach and to have Sajmir and his family there beside me. In God’s time and by His design, this will happen.
albaniacalling 