The latest newsletter of the happenings in and around the school in Albania.

Attached is our most recent newsletter

Read the attached PDF.

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.

Read more in the attached PDF.

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.

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.

More in attached PDF

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.

I am posting the newsletter for those that are not in my email address book. We are so amazed and encouraged by what God continues to do among and with us. I am humbled and energized to be involved in God's, "Mission Earth." He is constantly out working in the hearts of His harvest. What a privilege and responsibility to be out there with Him. I am encouraged and hope that this lets you see a little bit of what He is doing - from my perspective - in Albania.

Deborah and I celebrated the anniversary of our 18th year of marriage yesterday. As usual for me at these moments I pause to think about the road we have traveled in our sojourn here on earth. I was again reminded that life is a progressive process of transitions. This reality is evidenced by the events that have impacted our lives over the last month.

A dear friend, partner in our efforts here in Albania, and a great encourager from the day we met her five years ago – Joy Courtney – went home to be with the Lord on March 11. Her family continues to be in our prayers. I will always remember the first time Deborah and I met Joy and her sister Oneida Brown (also a dear friend and sister in Christ) at the train station in Wilmington, Delaware. “Time is filled with swift transition.”

Read more in the attached PDF.