Missions are a vital part of the Church movement in the Balkans. Until 1991, missionaries were under the same restrictions here as they are in places like modern day China, or Iran. Christianity had to be practiced in secret, or not at all. The Protestant Church in Albania is the result of the work of God through missionaries from places like South Korea, Finland, the United States, Brazil, England and others. With its roots in missions, it is no surprise that the Albanian Christian Church has started to send out missionaries of its own to surrounding nations; much like the church in El Salvador, which currently has missionaries living and working in over 30 countries.
The Bible School in Sauk has had “Missions Week” for the past few years. This year it sent or is sending teams to Turkey, Kosovo/ Montenegro, and Macedonia. I was able to go as part of the Kosovo/ Montenegro delegation under Pastor Gezim from Durres. Gezim has been a source of encouragement for me since I first came to Albania. He is kind and very intelligent, with a rare aptitude for connecting with and leading people. His daughter Alta joined us on the trip. She will do great things for God.
I need only to look at what Gezim has accomplished for God to know what one man is capable of. Among his greatest achievements has been his part in the awakening of the Italian Church for missions outside of Italy. I would love to read a book about Gezim; to know how he thinks, to see as he sees for a moment. Our team was an international delegation; 6 Albanians, 5 Italians, a Brazilian and an American. Gezim was at home with any and all of us; he has a true genius for people. When you visit Albania, come to Durres and sit in on one of his services. I know you will grow to love him, as I have.
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