Thursday, May 19, 2016

Visit to Teen Challenge Albania

Jan & Orges in Tirana
Earlier this month Jan went to visit Orges & Blerina Hysenaj in Tirana. They have recently opened a Teen Challenge coffee house. Orges took Jan to the streets ...

Orges has a heart for the hopeless addicts in his city and he speaks regularly with them in the streets. In doing so, he establishes good contacts and invites the men to come to church and to the coffee house ...

In front of the coffee house
The coffee house is a nice place to meet and to have further discussions. It is awesome to see how hopeless men receive hope again as they begin to realize that another life is possible with the help of God. Albania is one of the poorest countries in Europe with a long history of Communism and Atheism. More than 60% of the population is Muslim.

By the way, Albania is a beautiful country. Jan and Orges went around Tirana on bicycles, a nice (and Dutch) way to see everything! They invited three men to come to the church and later to the coffee house, and the came. One of them decided to give his life to Jesus, victory over darkness. Pray for him.

The didn't mind to take a photo with Jan
While in Albania, Jan stayed in a guest house of Hope for Albania, an organization that also has its roots in Papendrecht :) He was very well looked after by a sweet Dutch couple: Koos & Dinie.

Orges has hope for those who struggle with addictions. One man, a small beginning. We would really like to encourage and support him in his work among the least of these. Funds are needed for the rent of the coffee house (250 euros per month), for a coffee machine and a kitchenette, evangelistic materials, music, movies ... you name it.

Stunning views
Do you dare to have hope for a nation where many people have never heard of the love of God? Please, make your gift payable to: St. Traveling Light, Papendrecht IBAN: NL91RABO0118582275 BIC: RABONL2U and don't forget to mention: ALBANIA.

Let your light shine!