The New Year is a special time of the year where you can look back and see all of the blessings that God has done in the past year. It is also a time to refresh your mind and start anew. Lots of people make New Year resolutions that usually they break by the time the month of January is over. It is good to pray about the direction that God wants you to take this New Year.
As a missionary, praying about God's direction for the ministry is even more difficult. Sometimes changes have to be made that people don't understand to further the kingdom of God. A change blessed by God promotes growth. Even Jesus said in Matthew 18:3- Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. As for us we have changed a few things for the New Year. All of the ministry of Kavaje will be done on Wednesday to spend less money on travel expenses and not tie up two days in Kavaje. Also, the home church of Kavaje will be moving into a building. A church in Kavaje has graciously allowed us to use their building on Wednesday for the church. Which is a blessing because we were getting rather cramped in Drita's house now more room for growth! Juli will also be getting out of school in May and we pray that he will be helping us full time in the ministry as well. We are continuing to pray for all God wants to direct us to do for the ministry.
This New Year Arian and I spent time in Athens, Greece. We were able to go to church on Sunday with the believers there. Several believers there spoke Shqip and a few English. It was nice to meet some Albanians there. One believer Turi even sat with us and translated the message. It was quite funny Turi translated from Greek to Shqip and then Arian turned to me and translated in English. It is nice to know that no matter where you are and no matter what language we speak we are all worshiping the same God!
We also spent time with Arian's sister Linda and her family in Greece. It was great to be with Linda and her family. We had not seen them since August. We got to celebrate the New Year there which was a lot different than how the celebrate in Albania, a lot less noise and fireworks. Arian also received a New Years kiss! We are praying for Linda's family to come to Christ.
Member Spotlight:
The member of the church I want to focus on this week is Limani. He accepted Christ while he was living in Greece. He used to serve helping people on the street come to Christ with Albanian's for Jesus. He has two children a girl Elizabetha 9 years and a boy Alket 16. Limani's wife is currently very sick with Tuberculosis. Since Limani is currently out of work he has gone to Greece to find work so that he can help pay for his wife treatment. We are praying for Limani and his family and that God will provide for them.
Praises/ Prayers:
* Continue to pray for the residents of old home during this cold winter.
* Pray for Limani and his family.
* Pray for new changes that are happening this year.
* Pray for continual spiritual growth in the church.
* Pray for Stefanie's pregnancy now 5 months along baby David is growing fast!
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
As a missionary, praying about God's direction for the ministry is even more difficult. Sometimes changes have to be made that people don't understand to further the kingdom of God. A change blessed by God promotes growth. Even Jesus said in Matthew 18:3- Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. As for us we have changed a few things for the New Year. All of the ministry of Kavaje will be done on Wednesday to spend less money on travel expenses and not tie up two days in Kavaje. Also, the home church of Kavaje will be moving into a building. A church in Kavaje has graciously allowed us to use their building on Wednesday for the church. Which is a blessing because we were getting rather cramped in Drita's house now more room for growth! Juli will also be getting out of school in May and we pray that he will be helping us full time in the ministry as well. We are continuing to pray for all God wants to direct us to do for the ministry.
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| Turi and Arian |
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| Arian & I at church |
We also spent time with Arian's sister Linda and her family in Greece. It was great to be with Linda and her family. We had not seen them since August. We got to celebrate the New Year there which was a lot different than how the celebrate in Albania, a lot less noise and fireworks. Arian also received a New Years kiss! We are praying for Linda's family to come to Christ. Member Spotlight:
The member of the church I want to focus on this week is Limani. He accepted Christ while he was living in Greece. He used to serve helping people on the street come to Christ with Albanian's for Jesus. He has two children a girl Elizabetha 9 years and a boy Alket 16. Limani's wife is currently very sick with Tuberculosis. Since Limani is currently out of work he has gone to Greece to find work so that he can help pay for his wife treatment. We are praying for Limani and his family and that God will provide for them. Praises/ Prayers:
* Continue to pray for the residents of old home during this cold winter.
* Pray for Limani and his family.
* Pray for new changes that are happening this year.
* Pray for continual spiritual growth in the church.
* Pray for Stefanie's pregnancy now 5 months along baby David is growing fast!
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
Sounds like things are really going well for you and the church. I pray that 2013 will be the best year ever for the church and you and Arien. I know you are both excitedly looking forward to welcoming your newest member!
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to seeing you when you come back to the States.
Lots of love,
Alice
Yes change can be hard, but when God is behind it, there's nothing better in all the world! :) I'm praying for the changes you mentioned, and that everyone have the mind of Christ during these transitions. God will bless his faithful people as they follow his lead, in Albania, Greece, and here! I'm so grateful for your blog, your passion for the people of Albania, and your faithfulness to the God we all serve. May he continue to bless you beyond your wildest dreams.
ReplyDeleteYour friend, Grace