Seeing God in the Everyday

 Seeing God in the Everyday

Sometimes we forget to see God in the day to day life. Yesterday I was talking a stroll on the coldest day of the year and saw a man taking time to feed the birds. Everyone calls him grandpa (gjyshi) his pockets are filled with candy for the children and he loves feeding the pigeons bread crumbs. I stopped to talk to him and was amazed by the mass amount of pigeons surrounding him. He puts a few bread crumbs on the ground but then he keeps some of the bread crumbs in his hand. As soon as he says come the bird almost fight to jump up in his hand. They aren't afraid of him at all.They know him. They trust him and they eat from his hand. Learned a lesson and asked him if I could take his picture.

A couple of things popped into my mind. First off Matthew 6:26 Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather in barns, and yet your heavenly father feeds them.

Secondly the thought that God calls all of us to come. Do we listen and come to him? Are we afraid? Do we trust him? God has a great things for us all we have to do is trust and obey.

May we be more like this gjyshi!

Several years ago I started a MOPS group. It has transitioned over the years. Durres is filled with lots of foreign families now. They are in an unknown without knowledge of the language. These moms are desperately needing interaction with other moms. We rely on each other so much from asking simple questions like where do you buy this to what are you doing with your kids about this. We have become a close knit group.  I love these moms!!! Our moms group is filled with encouragement, helping each other, laughing until we cry, and big smiles! We talk and do simple crafts together, from painting rocks to making Valentine's day candy poppers from toilet paper rolls. It isn't about what we make or do but the amazing bond of motherhood we are building with each other!!

Thank you for praying for our outreach for Christmas! We had a full service and 4 new families came! We were able to give out food boxes and gifts to the children. Abby even played the violin in front of everyone. We sang and Arian gave a short message. We were glad to have a nice turnout from the community. 

Every week we go to the nursing home in Kavaje. For Christmas we bought hats and winter socks for them. We even bought a couple pairs of gloves to those who requested them. When we go Arian does a short Bible study to the residents who are interested. Two weeks ago the nursing home caught fire when a resident was smoking in her room and the blanket caught fire. Thank goodness the fire was contained to one room. There was smoke damage throughout the entire nursing home and the one resident did get burned but is healing. Please pray for the residents this week temperatures have dropped in the 30's and without heat it is very difficult for them. 

Service also continues in Luz i Madhe. We have two families that are very poor that we visit and encourage and usually take them food. They live off the land. One family celebrated the one year anniversary of the death of their husband/father. Another family is without electricity and has to do everything manually. They both live off whatever crops they plant. Even though they deal with such hardships they are always happy to see us and hear about God. Our friend Cleo from Germany was visiting for Christmas and he got to go with Arian to Luz i Madhe to encourage them! 

As for us, Abby has started violin lessons and is doing rather well. She is quick to pick up music skills and is also singing in the choir at school. She is doing great in 1st grade and loves school and is becoming quite a little reader. She is getting used to eating without her front teeth! Maybe they will grow back soon. (1st grade problems). David is doing well in 4th grade. He loves Math and and is reading very well in both Albanian and English. We are very thankful for these to blessings in our life. 

Please pray for: 

* Growth and revival of spirits and hearts in 2023! 

* Dr. Nikolla is 85 and starting to feel the effects of his age. Pray for his health and stamina. 

*People of Albania to be warm during this extremely cold week. 

*Salvation of the moms in the moms group. 

Thank you for all! We appreciate all your prayers and support for us! You are all a blessing! We'd love to hear from you anytime! 

God bless, 

The Kostas

Arian, Stefanie, David and Abby

L3 Rr Egnatia Ap 1043

Durres, Albania

kkdurres@gmail.com

Fb: Kisha Kristiane Albania

Sea Tumbled Rocks

 

God is our refuge and strength always ready to help us in times of trouble. Psalm 46:1

This past weekend I (Stefanie) attended a MOPS conference to encourage the MOPS leaders in Albania. Before the conference I had some alone time to walk along the beach. Other people on the beach were taking selfies and doing polar plunges while I was staring at the smooth, shiny rocks washing up on the shore.  These rocks did not start out smooth but after many years have been tumbled in the water. Rocks start out jagged and rough. I started thinking about how we start out jagged and rough with bitterness, anger, lack of self control. Even though we start out jagged God is tumbling us to make us perfect and smooth. Through trials we become more patient, loving and kind. No one is free from trials in their life, so know that God is with us tumbling us and shaping us into what He wants us to be! 

 

During this conference we learned that through all we have to be "ALL IN" for Jesus. He wants us to do a polar plunge into all that he has for us. We don't need to do the hokey pokey being in and out of the world and what God wants for us. We laid down our fears and what is holding us back from being all in at the altar. This was a blessed time and full of encouragement from other like minded sisters in Christ! 

God has laid on my heart to go into the maternity ward at the hospital in Durres to speak to new moms and encourage them. Please pray for the door to be opened for me to be able to do this.

Also pray for the Albanian people. Fear is evident here in Albania.We have had our share of challenges over the past three years. From earthquake to a hard lock down and Covid-19 pandemic, and now to the war in Ukraine being way too near to us. People are worried about how to survive. Just this month alone gas has gone up to $10 a gallon and eggs are 40 cents a piece. That really brings a big fear to the people when they only make $300 a month. Please pray for the people of Albania. God also promises in Psalm 34:18-19 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.The righteous person may have many troubles,but the Lord delivers him from them all.

 
We are certain that God is the God of Albania and that he is near to us so we continue on with His promises and strength. We are having some changes in our ministry as well. Denisi that worked with Arian helping in Kavaje is no longer with us. Arian is continuing to serve in Kavaje with the church, nursing home and kids club. Pray for Arian for strength and direction. 

 

As for us for our family, we are enjoying the warmer days and sun. We enjoy getting out more as a family! The kids are doing well in school. 

Thank you for all your prayers and support! We appreciate you and thank God for you all!

Serving in His name,

 Arian & Stefanie Kosta

Stateside address: 148 Wolfe St.  Cohutta, Ga 30710

Albanian Address: L3 Rr Egnatia AP:1043 Durres, Albania

email:kkdurres@gmail.com

Peace from God

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

Peace is the only way I (Stefanie) can describe these last few months. I have never felt so much peace in comfort in my life. Sorry for the lack of updates but since October life has been chaotic to say the least. In October dad was diagnosed with stage 4 liver and pancreatic cancer. I prayed about what to do and I decided to come home for a couple of months to be with my parents. Arian was having problems renewing his visa and we thought he wouldn't be able to come for Christmas but God provided and he was able to come for a month. Dad was doing ok and then on Christmas day stopped eating and passed away on Decemeber 28th. I was so grateful that we were all together as a family during this. I feel like God's hand was with me the whole time. I was able to speak at dad's funeral as a witness to the Godly life that dad led.  Two weeks after dad's death mom had to have a pacemaker put in. Life never stops! All is getting back to normal now and I have just returned to Albania. Without God I know that I wouldn't have had this peace. God is with us and never leaves us especially in the tough times. 

Ministry during Christmas: Christmas is a very busy time for the ministry. Arian was able to give 40 pairs of socks to the nursing home residents, 50 food bags to the poor community we work with in Kavaje, and 50 Christmas boxes to the children of Kavaje. We also combined Christmas service with the church in Durres, Kavaje, and Elbasan. They had a great time together and enjoyed a meal of bbq'd goat. 

 

Kids club and Youth group: Things have been going very well with the kids club and youth group. Many are coming and learning.  

Denisi joined us in the ministry in September. He has been a huge blessing in the ministry and a great help in Kavaje. He has started beginning German classes with some youth as well. 

Dr. Nikolla also came to Kavaje to do a medical clinic and saw 15 people who were needing a Doctor. We are glad that we could also use him in Kavaje! 

Arian and Denisi have also been going once a month to visit two families that live in another town called Luz. They live too far to come to church in Kavaje. Pray for these families that are hungry to learn more! 

 

Prayer needs:
* Pray for Stefanie's family as they continue to adjust.
* Pray that we will be able to start a MOPS (Moms of preschooler's) group in Durres.
* Praise that Denisi joined us on Staff!!! 
* Pray for growth of the church in Durres. 

Thank you for all your prayers and support! We appreciate you and thank God for you all!

Serving in His name,

Arian & Stefanie Kosta

Stateside address: 148 Wolfe St.  Cohutta, Ga 30710

Albanian Address: L3 Rr Egnatia AP:1043 Durres, Albania
email:kkdurres@gmail.com

 

Will of God

For I have come down from heaven to do the will of God who sent me, not to do my own will. And this is the will of God, that I should not lose even one of all those he has given me, but that I should raise them up at the last day. For it is my Father’s will that all who see his Son and believe in him should have eternal life. I will raise them up at the last day.” John 6:38-40

I (Stefanie) have been thinking a lot about the will of God lately. What is his plan and am I on the right road. In May my dad wasn't doing so well. He had to have emergency gallbladder surgery upon other things and Arian and I decided that it was the plan of God for me to go home for three weeks. So I packed up and left my husband and children behind in Albania and went to see about dad. I am 100% sure that the will of God for me is to be in Albania but circumstances occur that put you on a different road and for now it was to go home. So in my mind of thinking God was sending me home to see about dad. When we have a narrow view of God's will we miss out on other things that He is doing. While I was home I was able to serve in VBS with Hickory Valley Christian Church and also serve one day at the Next Door Chattanooga that helps women in prison. Bloom where you are planted comes to mind. To me it just means that where ever you are let God use you. You don't have to go around the country to serve. Just open your eyes and be flexible to what God is doing and Follow! 

 

We are very excited to announce to you a new brother in Christ! Tani was baptized by Arian in April. He lives in Tirana but comes to help Arian in Kavaje about once a month. We excited to see how God is using him! This past Wednesday he was even going around praying with the old home residents! Thank you for having such a kind heart Tani! 

At the end of April we were also able to go visit our sister church in Athens, Greece. Grandfather Spiro is 94 years old! It was lovely to worship with them. Even though we didn't know the Greek language we could feel the spirit and their hearts!  

 

We are very excited about a couple of youth Petriti and Dorian (left side) that are growing in Christ in the church in Kavaje. They are very faithful to be at all church services because they are hungry for the word of God. Pray that God will continue to use them and grow the church in Kavaje! We are also praying for Denisi (right side next to Arian) to join us serving full time in the ministry. 

My first Sunday back to Albania from visiting my dad the church of Kavaje had prepared a banquet for me. I was very surprised! All the guys in the church had prepared it all! I felt very blessed! What a great day and time of worship together we had! 





 
Prayer needs:
* Pray for Stefanie's dad to continue to heal and get the catheter out soon! 
*We are still praying for help in Albania. The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few! 
* Pray for Denisi to join us on staff in Kavaje. 
* Pray for new youth to come to the church in Durres. 

Thank you for all your prayers and support! We appreciate you and thank God for you all!

Serving in His name,

Arian & Stefanie Kosta

Stateside address: 148 Wolfe St.  Cohutta, Ga 30710

Albanian Address: L3 Rr Egnatia AP:1043 Durres, Albania

email:kkdurres@gmail.com

 

Old and New

 Then they (older women) can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children,  to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.    Titus 2: 4-5

In a world that is constantly changing and modernizing it is hard to hold on to the "old". We live and serve in Durres, Albania. It is the second largest city in Albania and getting bigger by the day. The city is filled with 7-12 story apartment buildings, traffic and new development. In under all that hustle and bustle are the remains of something so old and beautiful. Walking around the city you can find old Roman ruins and architecture from hundreds of years ago. 

I (Stefanie) teach women's Bible study every Thursday morning and I am the youngest one there. We have 6-7 faithful older women in their 60's-80's who come and listen to the word of God. I love taking this time to teach them but also listen to them to teach me from their years of wisdom. I think we all should respect our elders and spend time learning from them. Let us not assume that they have nothing left to give! God's not finished with them yet! 

 

Arian also spends every Wednesday morning doing a Bible study with the orphaned in the old home. Their faces light up like children when he comes to visit. The residents have been complaining a lot lately about their care and the quality of the food. We pray that the director will listen to their complaints and do better. In the picture is Drita and Muli. 

 

We have had a very hard winter and are praising God that it has finally gotten a little warmer. For a month our household fought some nasty sickness. The motor also blew in the car and after 4 mechanics and 7 weeks we finally got the motor replaced. We are very thankful that God provides and helps when we need it most! 

 

We had a blessed Easter! We took members from the church in Durres and Kavaje to join with Mondi Gjoni and his church in Elbasan. We had a great service and time of fellowship. Thank you Mondi for inviting us!

Thank you for your prayers please keep them coming! 

Prayer needs: 

*Pray that in 2018 the ministry will grow and lives will be changed. Albanian people act like they don't need God, so for God to change their hearts. 

*Pray for us to get some help. We are seeking long term, short term, interns and small groups to come and help us. 
*Pray for Salvation for Arian's parents. They are doing a little better but still need help. 

Thank you for all your prayers and support! We appreciate you and thank God for you all! 

Serving in His name,

Arian & Stefanie Kosta

Stateside address: 148 Wolfe St.  Cohutta, Ga 30710

Albanian Address: L3 Rr Egnatia AP:1043 Durres, Albania

email:kkdurres@gmail.com

Clear Vision

I lift up my eyes to the mountains where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.

Psalm 121:1-2

Not to long ago on a trip to Elbasan, Albania we encountered a bad storm. Normally this isn't too big of a problem but that day it was. As Arian was driving the car through the storm, the windshield wipers broke. That is when you realize the true value of a part of the car that you don't use daily. Looking through the rain filled window was quite blurry and very difficult to see. What a difference it makes when your vision is clear! I think this is true in our Christian walk as well. We allow things of life to blur our vision. We really need to stop and focus on our Lord Jesus Christ! This year I want to take more time looking to him and less time focusing on problems that this life brings! 

This past year has been very difficult for us but we are looking forward to the blessings that God is going to provide in 2018. 

Mac Preaching in Kavaje

Right before we were ready to come home for furlough we lost Shpresa, Romi, and Juli on our staff. We were amazed that several people stepped up in the church and also Mac and Diane McClintock were able to come to Albania for a couple weeks as we were serving in America. We appreciate all of this extra help while we were visiting churches. 

October 2- December 6 we had a roller coaster ride visiting churches! We covered 4 states and 8 churches in 8 weeks! We were so grateful to be with each church sharing with them all. We felt the outpouring of encouragement and prayers. Thank you McDonough Christan Church, Hickory Valley Christian Church, First Christian Dalton, First Christian Keswick, Crosspoint Christian church, Colonial Heights Church of Christ, Horsepasture Christian Church,  and Live Oak Church of Christ. We are also very thankful for all of you who invited us to spend time with you in your home, for a meal, or a coffee!

Another praise is that Arian's parents are doing better. They spent time in Athens, Greece with Arian's sister Linda while we were in the states. We pray for continued good health for them in 2018!

Since we have been home we have hit the ground running getting ready for Christmas!  We were blessed by Mission without borders again with food boxes for everyone in the church. We have been giving those out as well as Christmas boxes from Team Hope in Holland for the kids. We were also able to have a lunch together with the ladies of the Women's Bible study in Durres. 

On Christmas Eve we combined the churches from Durres, Kavaje and Mondi Gjoni's church in Elbasan and had a great church and fellowship time with over 50 people! There wasn't much room but we had a wonderful time. Thank you so much Mondi for bringing your church all the way from Elbasan. We hope to cooperate more with Mondi and the church in Elbasan.

On Wednesday before Christmas Arian visited the old home and gave them all thick socks for Christmas. They are always happy when we remember them even if it's only a pair of socks. 

Arian and I went to Kavaje for the day of home visits and to the old home as well. On the way to the old home we kept seeing lots of police. We wondered what was going on. During our visit to the old home came the Albanian president Ilir Meta. We were able to see him. They didn't let us stay for long but we were able to visit some ladies there. We are sad to say that

one of our favorite old home residents died last week Nene Bedria. I (Stefanie) was very sad that I didn't get to see her before she died. She had been very sick and Arian had spent some time with her the week before. We are glad she isn't sick anymore and hope to meet her in Heaven! 

We need your prayers! Please commit to praying for us in 2018! 
Prayer needs: 
*Pray that in 2018 the ministry will grow and lives will be changed. Albanian people act like they don't need God, so for God to change their hearts. 
*Pray for us to get some help. We are seeking long term, short term, interns and small groups to come and help us.
*Pray for David. He has been sick for over a year and needs to have his tonsils and adenoids removed. Even though that is a simple procedure it isn't so simple here in Albania. 


Thank you for all your prayers and support! We appreciate you and thank God for you all! 

Serving in His name,
Arian & Stefanie Kosta
Stateside address: 148 Wolfe St.  Cohutta, Ga 30710

Albanian Address: L3 Rr Egnatia AP:1043 

Durres, Albania
email:kkdurres@gmail.com