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Last Sunday, my family and I, along with my assistant, a faculty member at the CCL, and a student loaded into the 4x4 and took off for Burrel. Burrel is about three hours north of Tirana over rugged roads and through beautiful canyon gorges and steep marble cliffs. We went to visit a student's church and present the church with new guitar. I had the honor of preaching from Psalm 107.
Here's the situation in Burrel. Our student, Genta, and her sister, lead the church. Their father administrates. On a typical Sunday, they rent out a room at the historical museum and pack it with around 50 people. The music is upbeat and excellent. The people like it. Then one of the sisters reads a portion of the bible. Hearty agreement is heard among the faithful. Back to singing. Then prayer. Then another bible chapter is read. No preaching by the ladies. Today they hear the word expounded by me.
Later, I asked them, "Do you have a pastor?" "No," they replied, "we are discipling the younger boys in hopes that one day God would call one of them." A very excellent and patient strategy I thought. But then I mused over the fact that the city in which I previously lived in America boasts of some of the largest evangelical churches in the world; some with staffs of over 100, with a waiting list ready to fill those positions. Now, I have never pastored or been on staff at a large church, I can't image the blessings and headaches that brings. But, in reality, those who pack the pews as lay persons are more equipped to preach than most pastors trained in Albania. Oddly, in the same American city mentioned above, a majority of the graduates of a big seminary there settle in the surrounding area after graduation. May I ask, "What is going on? Is it too much for the church to send someone to teach and shepherd the infant church in Burrel? Whose spiritual gift profile is a match for suffering as opposed to self-actualization?"
Pray
1. A pastor for Burrel.
2. For 10/25, Missie has organized a massive Fall Carnival for the children's
school (raise money and have fun) and the international community. Pray for
her as she enters into the logistics phase of pulling this off. Oh, and a sunny
day would be great.
3. For 10/25, friends of ours are organizing a whopping big garage sale in
Dallas to help us raise funds to do ministry here in Albania. Pray for wild-eyed
shoppers, no rain, and strengthening of hearts for all the workers and planners.
Mirupafshim (bye-bye),
Jimmy N.
Jesus Christ is alive. Like the wind in the sail, so is His life in our bodies. With the wind in our hair and the sun on our faces, we are sailing. We are so alive.
I thank God for your prayers. Our mission is impossible without you. We aim to develop leaders for the Church. A changed life is a miracle. A humble leader is a miracle. So, you must pray. participate with us in the life of God as we work to equip young people to lead.
Participate in praising God for what He has done recently:
1. A robust crop of new students for the new school year.
2. A staff that is professional and Christ-like.
3. Several Churches/Donors have remembered the CCL in their financial
giving.
4. Several jobs for recent graduates.
5. Brotherly love among leadership.
Participate in the ministry here by praying for the following:
1. A high standard of excellence and achievement to be embraced by faculty,
staff, and students.
2. Monies to provide for needed raises.
3. An accomodating facility for our relocation.
4. New faculty missionaries needed.
5. Wisdom on issues concerning opportunities for growth and expanded
services.
6. Board development
This is the fifth year of operation for the CCL. Change is inevitable. Pray and fast with us as we avail ourselves to serve in strategic ways. May we be fully yielded to embrace His vision. And, then, simply....let's do it.
Joyfully,
James Neathery