Merry Christmas! Gezuar Krishtlindjen!!

  Merry Christmas to all and a Happy New Year!

Gezuar Krishtlindjen dhe Vitin e Ri te gjitheve !

This week has been a busy week preparing for Christmas. On Wednesday we went to the old home and delivered our socks, hats, and gloves. The residents were very excited to get them from us. Stefanie also played Silent Night and Angels we have heard on High on the flute as all sang. The residents said thank you to all and God bless. On a sad note we lost two residents this past week. The lady I wrote you about that was in the hospital passed away and also her roomate. We are glad that they aren't suffering anymore but we will greatly miss Nene Tana and Nene Mereme!

After our visit to the Old home we went to the children. The children were so excited to worship God today! Qamili was even raising his hands as he sung! Arian also read them the story by Max Lucado called The Crippled Lamb, about the lamb who was one of the first to welcome Jesus into the world. The children were in awe of the story and excited about the message of Christ. At the end of our lesson we were able to give the children things that we have collected. McDonough Christian Church sent socks and First Christian Charlottesville, VA sent stuffed animals for them all. We thank you for your donations for them! We also had collected used clothes and some shoes. They loved picking out things for themselves and their family. With your donations we were also able to buy the families food for Christmas. On Christmas eve they will be able to go to the local market and pick up bread, meat, cheese, fruits and vegetables for their families. We are thankful for the local market owner Lira who is able to work with us to make this happen! 

Member Spotlight: 

Marsida is one of our precious children from the kids club who is 9 years old. She is one of 4 girls in her family. Last week she asked if she could have a bible. When she was walking home she was so excited that she read the bible all the way home. This week we gave her some Christian books for children for her to study and read. We are excited about her enthusiasm for Christ! We hope that more children will follow her lead. Pray for the Holy Spirit to open her eyes to Baptism. 

Update: We have a new video showing lots of pictures and all aspects of our ministry on youtube. You can view it at:  http://youtu.be/ip0aNPNrFOk

Praises/ Prayers: 
* Pray for the residents of old home during this cold winter.
* Continue to pray for Klara as she waits for surgery. 
* We thank God for growth in the Church, four new people in the last month!
* Pray for continual spiritual growth in the church. 


We would love to hear from you! God bless!
Serving in His name, 
Arian & Stefanie Kosta
kkdurres@gmail.com
Address: L3 Rr Skenderbej AP:1043 Durres, Albania

Winter is Here!

Every Wednesday we visit an old home in Kavaje.
The residents live there because their family lives far away or that they don't have any children to take care of them. It is Albanian culture to take care of your parents so there aren't many old homes in Albania and people come from miles around to live here. In this home there are about 50 men and women. Winter is especially hard for them. They have no heat in the building or in their rooms. Today in Kavaje it is 3 Celsius (37 F).  Last Wednesday when we went one of them were in the hospital and we went to visited her. The residents wear many layers of clothes and wrap up in thick blankets but it is still very hard for their old bodies. We have found support for them for Chistmas. We will be able to buy them all thick socks and a hat for the winter. They will be very grateful for these things. Please pray for the old home and that God will give them the strength to make it through the winter. 

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you! We had a some responses from our blog last month about food for the children of Kavaje. Thank you for your help! If you would still like to donate to help feed the children and their families for Christmas please email us. God bless! 


Member Spotlight:
This week I would like to tell you about a very faithful member of the church. Her name is Shpresa which means Hope. Last year Shpresa lost her mom and was without a home. We prayed hard to help Shpresa and found her somewhere to live. Shpresa is a very active helper in the ministry. She comes to every bible study, helps with the youth, worship and even helps us in the ministry of Kavaje. Shpresa leads a bible study for Sabina and Lina. Shpresa loves being around people and talking to them about God. Shpresa is always laughing and full of joy. She is happy no matter what the circumstance. Her birthday is at the end of the month on the 30th. Shpresa is looking for what God wants her to do next. She currently is without a job. Please pray for Shpresa and some kind of income for her. 


Praises/Prayer: 
*Klara goes to the doctor on the 19th and will have surgery on January 9th. Pray that all goes well to help her. 
*Juli will be home for Christmas Dec. 22nd. He is very encouraged and having a great time at school. 
*Stefanie's mom's surgery went better than expected and she is doing great! 
*Pray for all to know the true meaning of Christmas around the world.


We would love to hear from you! God bless!
Serving in His name, 
Arian & Stefanie Kosta
kkdurres@gmail.com
Address: L3 Rr Skenderbej AP:1043 Durres, Albania

Happy 100th Anniversary Albania!

This week has been a great week of celebrating Albania's independence. We started off on Sunday with a dreke (lunch) at the church. We had lots of great food and fellowship. We even had some new faces at the church this Sunday that stayed and ate with us. It is amazing to see the patriotism of Albania. The buildings and apartments are littered with Albanian flags! I wish that all Christians would have the same pride in their God as they do in their country.

Rudina and Laura

Arian, Shpresa, Vito and Vangjeli

Limani

We are asking for a special request. Every year for Christmas Arian buys food for the children and their families in Kavaje. This year it is especially hard for the children and their familes because the governement has moved them. They have had to leave their homes and start over from scratch. They are building their houses of whatever they can find cardboard, scrap wood, rocks, etc. They don't have electricity, water or bathroom. We are looking for $10 sponsors. $10 will give food for 10 people. All total we need to raise enough for 160 people ($160). Please consider helping a family have food for Christmas. Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me. Matthew 25:40 If God has blessed you to help please email us. God bless!

Magdalena

Member Spotlight: This week I want to tell you about a member of our church. Magdalena is 91 years old and the oldest member of our church. She is still full of the joy and spirit of our Lord! Magdalena was one of the first teachers in Durres and she loves to read and teach people Italian. She tells Arian every Sunday that she will see him the next Sunday unless God takes her home. We are very glad that Magdalena is a part of our church because she is a blessing to us!



Prayer/Praises: 
* Continue to pray for Klara and her family as they wait for surgery.
* Praise: Juli is doing great in school. Continue to pray for him. 
* Pray for continued growth in the church more are asking about baptism. Praise the Lord! 
* Please be in prayer for Stefanie's mom, she will have surgery today on her throat. 

We would love to hear from you! God bless!
Serving in His name, 
Arian & Stefanie Kosta
kkdurres@gmail.com
Address: L3 Rr Skenderbej AP:1043 Durres, Albania

Sabina's Baptism!

Sunday was a blessing! One of our youth who has been growing in Christ was baptized. We were very excited that Sabina confessed Christ as her Lord and Savior! Sabina is such a cheerful girl and now she has the joy of our Lord. Arian baptized Sabina in the bathroom at church where all could see. The whole church rejoiced in this blessed event! Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:38

Every Wednesday we go to the old home in Kavaje. I (Stefanie) enjoy this time very much. The old people are so sweet and loving. We get lots of kisses by the residents of the home. I have been adopted by a new grandmother. Now I have an Albanian "gjyshe" grandmother. She calls me her "besa" granddaughter. She always gets so happy when we come to visit her. She is in her 80's and she is always working on something that she is knitting to give to others in the old home. Sabina was able to go with us this week to the old home as well. She made some fast friends with the residents. Sometimes I am hard on myself because I don't speak the language very well even though I am learning. I know that a smile goes a long way and the joy of Jesus in my heart shows more than I could ever speak! 

Prayer Requests/Praises: 
* Praise: We heard from Klara and she is doing well and waiting for surgery the beginning of January. Continue to pray for her and her family.
* Pray for Juli while he is in school and support for him to join the ministry when he gets out of school in May. 
* Pray for continued growth in the church. 
* Praise: Stefanie went to the Doctor this week and all is going great with the pregnancy. Praise God! 

We would love to hear from you! God bless!
Serving in His name, 
Arian & Stefanie Kosta
kkdurres@gmail.com
Address: L3 Rr Skenderbej AP:1043 Durres, Albania

Bloom where you are planted!

When I (Stefanie) was a child my family moved around a lot because of my dad's job. It seemed as if every time I got comfortable with school and friends, we would move again. My mom would always tell me "bloom where you are planted". I very quickly learned that no matter the circumstances I had to make the best of it. Now we have a scripture above our bed that helps us to remember that God is with us no matter what we are going through. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. Isn't it amazing that Paul didn't say give thanks in only good circumstances! I realize that the harder you work for God, the more Satan tries to destroy the work that you are doing. Be controlled and alert, your enemy, the Devil walks around like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour. Resist him, stand firm in your faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brothers in the world. 1 Peter 5:8-9. I know that we have a very strong prayer support here and around the world that helps us every day! Thank you! 

The Devil will not defeat us! Great things are happening here every day! 

Men's Bible Study

God placed it on Arian's heart to recently start a men's Bible study on Friday mornings. They have started studying about the faithful men of the Bible. For three weeks now 8-10 men have been coming. We are very glad to see Ismail a new man in the church who is from the muslim faith coming to Bible study and asking questions. We pray that God will help Ismail to grow and understand the word of God. 

Sabina, Shpresa, and Lina

Shpresa one of our faithful volunteers at the church has been mentoring two teen girls, Lina and Sabina. On Friday they have a Bible study and a time of fellowship. The girls are confiding in Shpresa and being open to the word of God. This week Sabina started asking about being baptized. If the Lord wills Sabina will be baptized next Sunday. Hallelujah for this blessing! 

Shpresa and Arian Praising God for the Car!

We are very excited about our new (used) car that God has blessed us with! After much praying and searching and with the help of Charlottesville Christian Church and McDonough Christian Church we were able to purchase a van for the ministry of Kavaje. Kavaje is about 25 minutes from Durres and lots of walking from the Nursing home to the children on Wednesday. Now we have a mini van to transport people and get back and forth from Kavaje in the rain and cold! Thank you for your support! It is a great blessing to us! 

We are also very thankful for a group of fourth grade girls lead by Mary Jane Fitzsimons from Fruit Cove Baptist Church in Jacksonville, Flordia who sent hand written letters of encouragement for Klara. Thank you Kensey, Emily, Leighanna, Karley, Abigail, Lindsey, and Izabella! Klara will be excited to know that there are girls her age praying for her in the United States! 

Prayer Requests: 
*Continue to pray for Klara as she is getting treatment in Italy. 
*Pray for continued growth in the church. 
*Pray for Ismail to grow and believe in Christ Jesus as his Lord and Savior. 
*Tani one of our believers who needs a job. 
*Baptism of Sabina. 
*Stefanie's pregnancy (due May 27th). 

Thank you in advance for your prayers! We are also in need of financial support for the ministry. If you or your church would like to support us please email us at kkdurres@gmail.com. 

Serving in His name, 
Arian & Stefanie Kosta

Blessings scattered all around!

Yesterday in Albania many Muslims celebrated Bairam know as "The feast of Sacrifice". People go to the market and buy their best a live chicken, sheep, or goat to sacrifice for Bairam. This festival commemorates the willingness of Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac as an act of obedience to God. There were lots of people carrying live chickens down the street, on the bus and everywhere we went. There was dancing and music in the streets at times. When I think about this I think about how other religions take things from the Bible and believe them as truth but the actual truth they are missing. There is no need for animal sacrifice because the perfect and spotless Lamb, the Lamb of God was sacrificed for us! 1 John 1:7- But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. We are very blessed for the sacrifice that Jesus paid for us and I am glad that I don't have to sacrifice animals.

God is doing some awesome work here in Albania and I am glad that I get to be the messenger to share this work with you. 

Juli leaves for school on Monday to Pogradec. Some Brothers and Sisters from England were able to help Juli and pay for his school for another year. We are very thankful for that! Now that Juli knows that his family will have a warm house with the new doors and windows he is happy to go to school. Juli will be in charge of mentoring the 1st year Bible students this year as well as his 2nd year course work. Juli knows this will be a lot of work and he is up for the challenge. He is ready and open to God's leading and teaching in his life.  We wish Juli the best this year and we will be praying for him while he is in school.

Praying with Klara

Klara

Klara, the girl from Kavaje that has been sick, is finally getting to go to Italy to have surgery. Praise God for this blessing! She has thalassemia which is a blood disorder passed down through families where the body makes an abnormal form of hemoglobin. This disorder results in an excessive destruction of red blood cells and causes severe anemia. Klara has to get a lot of blood transfusions and needs a bone marrow transplant. We are praying for Klara and her mom Mara as they arrive in Italy today to get the help that they need. We were able to help Mara pay for travel costs to Italy. She will be staying with her brother. We are praying that the doctors have mercy with Klara and can give her the treatment and surgery at a low cost that they can afford. A couple of people at the church have decided to pray and fast for Klara, they are going without one meal a day. Please join with us and fasting and praying for Klara. 

We just found out one more blessing. Stefanie is 9 weeks pregnant and expecting baby Kosta at the end of May. We are very excited about this gift that God has given to us! Stefanie's parents are very excited to be grandparents for the first time! 

Please join us in praying for: 
* Juli and his schooling this year. 
* Klara's healing. 
* Stefanie's pregnancy. 
* The truth changing the hearts of many Muslims here. 
* Spiritual Growth in the Church. 

Serving in His name, 

Arian & Stefanie Kosta

How important is water to you?

Do you have water? 

Here in Albania there are families that don't even have water. It is something that I take advantage of and don't even give a second thought about. When I turn on the faucet I expect for water to come out. In this blog I am going to focus on a very special family in our church who now has water for the first time in a long time. 

Tani, Mary, Samueli, Merita, Sabina

The Sadiku family has been without water for about 4 years. They relied on their neighbors to give them a little water for cooking or sponge bathing. They had no shower to use nor a sink. The family has a hard time finding work. Tani the father works as much as he can when he finds work. They have two teenage daughters and a 6 year old son. The family is very faithful in church. They are there every time the doors are open. They never ask for anything and are very grateful for everything. Merita the oldest daughter (18) is currently taking a class offered by another church that teaches her how to sew. This will be a good skill for her to find a job. 

A couple of weeks ago Tani decided that him and his friends would dig a well to see if they could get some water. With much success the well has water. Tani came to the church with a prayer need to get a pump and deposit to hold the water installed so that they could use the water from the well. We prayed and the Lord provided. With help from McDonough Christian church (MCC) we were able to get them water and a water heater so that they can have a shower. This family is very thankful to have water. 

Juli

Another family, the family of Juli, MCC helped them to purchase doors and windows for their house. With the winter coming soon a house without doors and windows would be very cold. We went to visit them to see the progress that they were doing on the house. I was a little sad to see that the family didn't even have a shower or a stove. Even though they have very little, the family is very grateful for this help and very encouraging. 

Please contine to pray for: 

* Juli and his family as Juli leaves for school soon and can no longer work  to provide money for his family. 

*Klara the little girl who needs money for an operation and money to get to Italy. 

* The growth of the youth at the church in Durres in attendance and in spirit. 

*Several members in the church of Kavaje who are starting to ask about baptism. Praise the Lord!

Serving Him, 
Arian & Stefanie Kosta

Go into all the world!

 This week we had the privilege to work with a mission team from McDonough Christian Church (Stefanie's Home Church) from McDonough Georgia. As soon as they stepped off the plane they were anxious to get started on the work that God sent them to do even though their suitcases did not arrive until a couple of days later.

Liri, Bailey, Elizabeth, Abby, Mary, Caroline, Lisa, Mike, Dennis, Stefanie, Alice, James, Bashkimi & Arian

Sunday they attended church with us at Kisha Kristiane Durres. The church was so packed that we had to put chairs outside the room with the doors open so that everyone could hear. Then we had our first youth night that night. The youth in Durres love Jenga! We had a great time of fun, fellowship, and reading God's word. 

Worship Songs

Our Hand Tree

Craft Time

Monday through Thursday we traveled to Kavaje where the team scrubbed the floors, painted the walls and ceiling, and made benches for the children. Shpresa and Juli were also a big help all week. Other helpers such as Bledi and Nikolino came by to help as well. The team led a VBS (Vacation Bible School) Tuesday through Thursday. The children had a great time singing the songs in English and in Shqip. The team enjoyed loving on the kids in Kavaje. The team also made care packages and brought socks for the people in the nursing home. 

On Friday we toured the city of Durres and had another youth night. There were a total of 42 people in attendance (not all were youth). Bailey shared an excellent devotion about how Albania is like the Bible. We had an awesome time in fellowship and are thinking about keeping the youth game night once a month since it was such a good turn out! 

On Saturday the team went to Kruje and learned about the history of Skenderbej, a great fighter for Albania. They were also very anxious to buy souvenirs for their family and friends back home. Later in the afternoon the team split up and did some home visits to people that they wanted to see again in Durres. 

Early Sunday morning the team left. We were very sad to see them go. The team enjoyed their time and saw God's work here in Albania. Many memories of serving in Albania will be forever in their minds! Their servant heart reminded me of the verse:Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20. The team definitely had a willing spirit to go into all the world! 

Prayer requests/ Praises: 
* More money has been given for us to purchase a car for the ministry of Kavaje PRAISE! Now pray for God to lead us to the right car for our needs. 

* Pray for people here to seek God with all their heart. 

* Pray for the family of Klara who is still seeking money for her treatment and operation in Italy.  

* Pray for God to lead Shpresa to a job where she can serve Him.

* Pray for Mac & Diane as they have gone back home. Mac will start his new job soon!

In His service, 
Arian & Stefanie Kosta

I was sick and you looked after me.

Matthew 25: 36b: I was sick and you looked after me.

Being a missionary requires lots of flexibility. You never know when someone will need you but you are always willing and ready to go and help those in need. 

Arian & Brother Astrit

On Tuesday our brother Astrit from the home church in Kavaje had to have hernia surgery at the local hospital. He did not have money for the surgery so we were able to help him pay for the surgery with some extra funds from Kavaje. On Wednesday we were able to go visit him in the hospital. He was up walking around and met us at the door. We were so surprised! We were able to stay just for a couple of minutes but we prayed with him and encouraged him.

While we were at the hospital we visited another girl who is seven years old from the kids club in Kavaje. Her name is Klara. She is anemic and has lots of problems with her blood. While we were there she was on a pic line and receiving fluids and her eyes were very yellow.  She has been in and out of the hospital all her life. She was in Italy a couple of months ago getting treatment for her disease. They had to come back home because they couldn't afford to stay in Italy any longer. She needs to go back to Italy for an operation but the family doesn't have money for that now. Klara is a sweet brave girl who always smiles no matter her circumstances. Even though staying in the hospital is free, we gave her mom Mara a little money to help pay for food while she is in the hospital. We prayed with Klara and her family and gave her lots of hugs and smiles!

Arian, Mara & Klara

We are very thankful that God uses us to help others, pray with them, and visit them when they are sick. Please pray for Klara and her family to receive the money that they need so that Klara can get better soon! 

 

We believe that God allows circumstances to happen in our lives to bring us closer to Him, glorify His name and follow His plan!  Job 42:2- I know that You can do everything,
And that no purpose of Yours can be withheld from You.

 

 Now we are awaiting the team from McDonough Christian Church to come. They will be here tomorrow (Saturday)! MCC is sending a group of 10 people to help build benches, paint, and clean the building that we rent for the children of Kavaje. They will be doing ministry with us and seeing what God is doing here. They will also do a VBS for 3 days and do two youth nights. This is my (Stefanie) home church so I am very excited to see my brothers and sisters in Christ!

 

 Serving in God's love, 

Arian & Stefanie Kosta

How did you see Jesus today?

Arian and I in our nightly Bible study have started asking each other the question "How did you see Jesus today? " We want to make 100% sure that we are seeing Jesus every day. Jesus is alive and active but do you take the time to see Him?

Let me tell you how I have seen Jesus the past couple of days......

On Tuesday is Bible study at the church. Usually there is about 6-8 people who come. We continually invite believers of the church to come to the bible study. Today the door kept opening and more and more people kept coming in! There were 23 people in attendance! We pray that God used Arian to encourage the people and lead them deeper into the word of God! For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

On Wednesday we always visit the nursing home and children of Kavaje. This week we were very blessed to have Mac & Diane and Arian's cousin Nikolino with us. What an encouragement they were to us! While we were at the nursing home we always go around and greet and give a snack to all the people especially the ones who are sick and can't come to the service. One room we visited there was a woman crying and lying in her bed. Arian went to her and realized that she was crying because she could not get to her lunch. She had fallen over in bed and could not sit up. Arian sat her up in bed. She was still having a problem eating because her hands were not working very well so Arian proceeded to feed her lunch. When we left the nursing home I was so touched that I cried. The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me. Matthew 25:40 Yes, without a doubt I saw Jesus today and everyday serving with my husband in Albania! 

Peace with you and God bless! 
Arian & Stefanie Kosta

Lina's Birthday & Mac and Diane's arrival

Mac & Diane with Lina on her Birthday

What a great week of serving the Lord! On Wednesday we went and picked up Mac & Diane from the airport. Mac & Diane served here for two years. We are very glad that they are here and will help us in the ministry. The will be staying for almost a month. Mac & Diane are a great encouragement to all of the people in Albania! I am very excited to have someone here to speak fluent English!

On Thursday we went to the house church in Kavaje. There is a new girl there named Dorina. She has been Jehovah Witness.  She gave her testimony about how she has been walking according to her plans and now with the help of God she is walking with God and His plans. She also read some beautiful poetry that she had written. We thank God for working in lives in Albania!

Arian works very closely helping two girls Lina and Sabina learn more about the bible. They have been studying the bible together for a little over a year. The girls are growing in their faith and their knowledge of the bible. Lina's birthday was on Friday and we were able to celebrate with her for her 12th birthday. Lina is very excited about starting school on Monday but she didn't have money to pay for books. The church bought her a backpack and will be purchasing her books for her as well. 

Thank you for your continued prayers for us! Please pray that more people will grow in their faith. We also have another prayer request. FCC Charolettesville, Va.  has graciously given us $5,000 to purchase a mini van to transport people in Kavaje. The house church has gotten too big and we have been given the use of a building on Thursday afternoon. The only problem is that the church is not near to Drita's house. Once we started looking for a mini van we realized the ones in our price range were 15 years old and not in good shape. Pray that the funds will come to raise another $5,000 to be able to purchase a mini van for the ministry of Kavaje.

Zoti te bekofte! (God bless!) 

In His service, 

Arian & Stefanie Kosta

Mission work even during sabbatical

After our wedding on August 19th, Arian and I went on a sabbatical or second honeymoon. We went for 7 days to Pogradec, Albania. It is a beautiful city with lots of parks, trees, and right on lake Ohrid. Then we went three days to Struge, Macedonia. We had a great time of relaxing and spending time with the Lord. While we were there having darke (lunch) one day, a man came into the restaurant and only had money for something to drink. He looked very tired and poor. Arian spoke with the waiter and he said that the man was a hard worker and that he came in often and didn't have money for food. Arian and I decided then that we would buy the man something to eat. Ministry never stops it is a life long calling no matter where you go.

Another day we were walking down the street and a girl came asking us for money. Arian started to ask her questions about her family and did she know Jesus. We told the girl that we would give her some food but no money. We also told her about the church in town. We pray that every life we touch leads people closer to Jesus! Let your light shine!!!



I was inspired by God and I will share a story with you. When I was sitting in Struge, Macedonia eating dinner I looked into the canal and I saw these little fish. They were swimming against the current as fast as the could. The fish that would stop swimming would get pushed down the canal with the current. As I continued to watch the fish they didn't move. They were swimming but for many minutes they were in the same spot the whole time. The current was so strong that it seemed as if they were stuck in the same place. Many times in my life I have been stuck like these fish. I have been trying my hardest to get ahead in life but no matter how hard I try I am still in the same place I started. I am positive that God doesn't want us to give up! He wants us to continue to swim against the flow of this world, temptation, and sin. Maybe we will never see the immediate affects of our ministry but we believe that God waters the seeds that we plant. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up! Galatians 6:9

In God's amazing Love!
Arian & Stefanie Kosta

The boys are back in town!

This week Juli, Stefano, Klinton, and Algert attended a Christian Conference in Pogradec, Albania. There were there from Monday, August 6 until today Saturday, August 11th. They were so busy at the conference that they forgot to take pictures, so I have no pictures to show you. The theme of the conference was How do we live in abundance of God's blessings? The boys had a great time of fellowship, devotions, small group, Bible study, prayer, worship, preaching, with drama and skits. I asked Stefano if he would like to go again he said, "Yes I really felt the presence of the Holy Spirit there!" Praise God that he allowed these boys to go to the conference!

Klement

We had a great church service on Sunday. Klement our brother in Christ from Germany preached on Prayer. Klement has been a great help and encouragement to us this week. Klement has been a childhood friend of Arian's. Now Klement, his daughter and wife live in Germany. Thank you Klement for coming and allowing God to speak through you!


At the end of the service Arian did an altar call and asked if anyone was ready to confess Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Klinton, one of the boys that went to the conference in Pogradec came up. He talked about what God had shown him at the conference and that he was ready to confess and be baptized. Hallelujah for God working in Clinton's life! (Klinton is the brother of Juli from Kavaje.) Klinton's family was not there and he wants to wait for all of them to be there to be baptized. We are very excited about this new growth in the church!

Arian's excitement for Clinton

Thursday lots of Dancing!

Today we visited with the home church in Kavajae. There was 14 adults and 10 children! The most we have ever had! We met in a small church that some missonaires are letting us borrow.  This may be our new church home. We are still praying about it! The home church had given us a wedding party to celebrate our new marriage. There was lots of Albanian dancing, eating, fellowship, prayer, bible study, singing, and just plain fun! It was great to see their enthusiasm for our marriage and their love for God. We could have danced all night! Maybe this was practice for me and our Albanian wedding on August 19th! Two girls, Claudia and Romina read scripture to us and sung us a song. We had a blessed time! Every time I meet with the church in Kavaje I come back more blessed than ever!

We did do a great deal of walking the past two days. We ride a van to Kavaje and then walk about 2 miles to where we need to go. And in 97 degree weather with no shade it is a little difficult. We are very thankful to First Christian Church Charlottesville for giving us money to purchase a mini van for Kavaje. We will use this not only for Arian and I but to also transport people to church who do not live close. Praise God for this blessing!

Wednesday in Kavaje

Wednesday is one of the days we spend in Kavaje. Kavaje is a poor city about 30 minutes from the center of Durres. The streets are very dirty and hard to walk on. Our friend Klemente from Germany went with us this week. We were happy for him to see the work in Kavaje! First on Wednesday we visit a nursing home. The old people are always very excited to see us. We sing songs, pray for them, and Arian delivers them a short message. We give lots of hugs and love and leave them with a snack to eat. There is usually about 10-12 people who come to the bible study.

Next, we walk to a room that we have for rent for the children. It is like Arian is the pied piper. The children come following him to come to bible study. Once again we sing songs, pray for them, and Arian delivers a message. We also provide a snack for them and give them lots of hugs. This  Wednesday there were 36 children. They are dirty and most of them don’t have shoes but they are very happy to hear about the Lord. Today one mother Desiana asked us to help her because she is sick and doesn’t have any money. We gave her some food for her family. Another girl named Bruna we bought her a pair of sandals.

I love seeing what God is doing in Albania. I wish that you could join us and see first hand what God is doing!

Peace with you!

Welcome to our blog thank you for visiting!

My name is Stefanie Kosta. My husband Arian and I serve servants in God’s word as missionaries in Albania. On this page we will be updating you on what the Lord is doing with us and the ministry of Albania. Please feel free to comment, encourage, or pray for us!