Stamatis Status - April 2010

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.

Whether our place of service is with the student in the classroom or the graduate in the field, it is not one mountain top moment after another. It is a long-term obedience towards the goal of glorifying God as He transforms us. God is the one doing the building. His Word is planted in our hearts. Day after day we teach, rebuke, correct and train with gentleness and patience. The days and weeks flow by like a river. Sometimes it breaks on the rocks or shores of obstinate attitudes that the river of truth will eventually erode or remove. Sometimes we enjoy the gentle flow as the river meanders at an indiscernible and languid pace. We are a process in progress. We are convicted that if we simply trust and obey - God will accomplish His purposes. I do not believe (here on earth) that there is really ever a completed body of work. That is what Christ will evaluate the day we see Him face to face.

We do live in a very unstable world. Our process at IBIA is to allow God’s Word to constantly point out the only One true stability. This daily examination of God’s absolute, revealed and inspired Word forces us to recognize, admit and repent of the placebos we have accepted from the pluralistic world culture that constantly bombards us with its deceptions and false promises.

God’s Truth is amazing. It is such a joy and privilege to study it, share it and challenge and encourage each other to slip it on and wear it consistently. We really enjoy our IBIA community. As of now, Ervin Leka, is our sole student. He has a good, open mind and a very tender heart. Please pray that his mind stays open and his heart stays tender. There is a very strong probability that we will have at least two more students join us in September. Multiple discussions have taken place and plans are being made so that commitments can be followed through with.

Eri Pellumbi is doing a great job as IBIA’s translator. Besides his verbal translation during the day, he works on written translation of the material into the early hours of each morning. Then, on our “break” weeks he is diligently working on written translations of the courses for the next term.

Niri and Lindita Pellumbi are great assets to IBIA. Lindita is serving as IBIA’s cook and cleaner. Her pleasant demeanor and quick smile have been a great addition to IBIA. Niri (with his degree in linguistics) has been hired on a part time basis to work on written translations of our courses. We are fortunate to have the benefit of his training and skill. We think Niri’s and Eri’s trained and skilled work on the written translations of our courses will be a long term benefits for Christ’s disciples in Albania.

The primary purpose for IBIA’s partnership with Niri and Lindita is to give them a base to work out of as they seek to share God’s Truth with the people of this area. Their encouraging persistence in developing deliberate, redemptive relationships with people from their past and people they are meeting in their daily life is gratifying. That is the goal in our minds from the first day each student sits in the classroom as students at IBIA.

Niri has learned to tolerate European “futbol” in order to find common interests with men he is meeting. As a part time translator for IBIA he has a flexible schedule that enables him to visit with multiple individuals on a very regular basis. Lindita has been following up with a large number of friends that she knew in High School and University. Now that they have moved to Tirana she has diligently and deliberately reconnected with them.

Deborah, Lindita and Pixie (our dog draws a lot of attention) walk together on errands. This enables them to make initial contact with many people. Those initial contacts have led to coffees and extended visits with the owners of mini-marts, curtain shops, sewing shops and clothing stores. Deborah and I meet with Niri and Lindita weekly to serve as a sounding board for where they are in their “bridge building”. We are encouraged as they share how they continue to look for ways to take each of these relationships a step closer to personal Bible studies and group Bible studies.

We are now 2 ½ months away from returning to the U.S. to report, reevaluate and recharge. We hope to have opportunity to visit with as many of our partners as possible. Obviously logistics will create limitations on whom and how many of you we are able to see. Until then, we would appreciate your continued prayers as we strive to fulfill our responsibility to God in the place of service He has provided.

In the field,
Steve Stamatis – Dean, IBIA