Crossing the world to bless AlbaniaNicky HayesWas it worth flying 20 hours from South Korea to Greece, then riding a further 13 hours by bus to reach Albania? For six South Koreans, the answer is “Yes!” Inspired by reports from Lushnje team leader EunChull, a group from his home church made this arduous journey to see God’s work in Albania for themselves.OM took their Korean guests to the southern town of Polican, which was home to Albania’s largest armaments factory during Communist times. The town has never recovered from the effects of that factory’s closure, and unemployment and family breakdown have left many people struggling to survive. OM planted a church there in the mid 1990s and still supports this small fellowship through visits and outreaches. The Korean group visited Albanians in their homes, and preached at a meeting for women, most of whom were non-believers. Another special experience was helping at the daily kids’ club, led by two local Christians whom OM helps to train. The children were so excited that they were queueing to get in, two hours before the official start time! Many have been walking with God since the previous outreach in April – the OMers could hear that in the children’s prayers. One evening the group travelled to the larger city of Berat, and met a group of university students. After giving a cultural presentation about South Korea, the visitors shared their faith – for many students, this was the first time they had heard about Jesus. On their final night. the Koreans and OMers gathered outdoors with Polican believers in a dramatic river canyon, for a time of fellowship and encouragement, that this small church may persevere in the face of struggles and isolation. A Korean girl later commented, “We were impressed by working together from such different countries in OM Albania, and we realised that whether we live in Korea or Albania, the most important thing is to live for God – the same God who works in Korea and in Polican. How great our God is!” So yes, it was well worth the journey half way round the world. With their burden for Albania deepened by first-hand experience, the Koreans are already planning their next visit!
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