Always give Thanks!

Always give Thanks!

Rejoice always,  pray continually,  give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Now in this season of Thanksgiving we think about all the reasons we are thankful. God, family, friends, and ministry top my list of the things I am most thankful for. When I think about this verse from Thessalonians I wonder what Paul was thinking. I honestly would like to change the verse to say: Rejoice as much as possible, pray every time you think about it,  give thanks in most circumstances. This is something I can handle. Those words all, always, and continually are very hard for me at times. It is hard for me to rejoice when people are negative, Pray continually all day all the time, and give thanks in circumstances that are stressful. I need the constant reminder of this verse to keep me on track. My husband and I have this verse hanging over our bed and also in his office. No matter what happens we are certain of God's everlasting love and grace for us and we are so thankful of all of the many blessings that God has given to us. I encourage you not only to be thankful during this time but also every day of your life that God has given to you! 

We have many reasons to be thankful! God is hearing us and answering our prayers. Please continue to pray with us and for us! We have been praying for a growth with the youth. Now we are seeing this in the church in Durres. The youth meet every Saturday evening for a time of worship, prayer, lesson with accountability, and fellowship. The youth have been attending church more often and growing spiritually as well. We are so excited about this growth of the youth. On Sunday one of our youth Jak brought two of his friends to church to hear about the word of God. We pray that God continues this growth of the youth! 

Juli leading the Kids in Kavaje

Another answered prayer that we have is that Juli is now on staff with us. We are excited to have him and excited about how he can help us with the church of Kavaje. Juli graduated Bible school in May and is from Kavaje. He is ready to serve! 


Our third answer to prayer is that on October 27th we had our first baby dedication service. We were very excited to dedicate David to the Lord just as Hannah did for Samuel. Arian preached on baby dedication and then afterwards Dr. Nikolla lead the baby dedication service. We were also very excited that Arian's parents came with us to church that day. We pray every day for their salvation.

Baby Dedication with Arian's Parents

 

Praises/ Prayers: 
* Praise God for the growth of the youth! 
* Praise God for Juli now being a part of our staff.

* Praise God Stefanie's parents are coming for Christmas and New Years! What a blessing to us!  

* Pray for help in Kavaje to be able to lead more Bible studies with the believers of the church and start another Kids club in another neighborhood.  
* Pray for a bigger church space in Durres. 

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

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