Submitted by Steve Stamatis on Sat, 04/24/2010 - 17:35
I pray that the service IBIA is offering is acceptable to and utilized by our great transformational God. I also pray that it is encouraging to you – our partners in this endeavor. I do want to keep you informed on a regular basis. But, the normal events that take place each day, each week and each term do not have great variety. This is not discouraging. This is simply stating the reality. Even with our ongoing inconveniences and annoyances (water, power and transportation) we are still encouraged in our belief that there will be long term benefits for the expansion of God’s kingdom in Albania and the surrounding nations.
Submitted by Steve Stamatis on Tue, 11/18/2008 - 19:56
Tomorrow we begin our final term of the first year. There are different criteria we try to use to measure the progress of the students and the school. But, in the final analysis the growth must be the product of God and not our human effort. If it is of God then there is no true way to measure spiritual quality by quantifying it according to physical standards. Nevertheless, we do see traits of growth on several levels and in different areas.
Submitted by Steve Stamatis on Sat, 06/21/2008 - 14:19
Four and one-half terms are now behind us with our new group of students. It is such an arduous task for me. Learning who they are...what their greatest needs are...what their "buttons" are. It is both invigorating and taxing at the same time. The term ends on Friday, July 4th. We leave for the States on Tuesday, July 8th. We will be bringing one of our graduates (currently the IBIA translator) with us. If any of you in the Arkansas region would like for us to come share what we are doing, let me know.
Submitted by Steve Stamatis on Mon, 06/16/2008 - 16:38
This is IBIA’s last term before our “Summer Break”. We are looking forward to a break from the intensity of our schedule. Our last day of classes for this term is Friday, July 4th. This will also be our “International Focus Day”. We will learn about and pray for the church in the United States. The students will be challenged to use this break to practice what they have learned among their family and friends. Deborah and I will return to the States to continue our work with IBIA (reporting and fund raising). We will also make some time to restore and renew our minds and spirits for our return to Albania in September.
Submitted by Steve Stamatis on Sat, 05/17/2008 - 18:07
We are beginning our preparations to be back at home in the United States
for several weeks. While we are there we would like to use our time to
rejuvenate ourselves and raise funds. We do not have a working or travel fund.
If you would like to become involved or further involved with us we can drive
to talk with you if you are within a one day driving distance to Searcy,
Arkansas - we must limit our travel due to lack of funding. If you want to fly
us to your location and discuss your potential involvement we will be more than
happy to come.
