journeytoalbania.com » Church

I couldn’t be a Muslim even if I wanted to!

Robert — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 20:05:30 +0000

Why? Because I can’t grow facial hair…at least not very well. I’ve joked for years that I’m follicly challenged. After doing a search on Google, I’m thinking of joining the following advocacy group: People for the Expansion and Advancement of Comprehensive Hair (P.E.A.C.H.)

So, I’ve been trying to grow a FULL beard and here are some pics after 2+ months…but now I’m at a crossroads.

When discerning God’s will, I know I must first consult the Scriptures.

I received hope from the following passage from Numbers 6:5 “They must never cut their hair throughout the time of their vow, for they are holy and set apart to the Lord. Until the time of their vow has been fulfilled, they must let their hair grow long.”

But, then, I read Ezekiel 44:20 “They must neither shave their heads nor let their hair grow too long. Instead, they must trim it regularly.”

Being even more confused than before, I prayed and ask God to reveal His truth to me. He reminded me of Hebrews 4:12 “God means what he says. What he says goes. His powerful Word is sharp as a surgeon’s scalpel, cutting through everything.”

That is to say, everything but hair. So, obviously, God is neutral on the subject.

Therefore, I’m leaving it up to you. I need your discernment…

Exercise in Futility?

Cut my losses and stop the bleeding? (yes, both awful puns were intended…I blame Von and Matt)

Persevere and Fight the Good Fight!

YOU DECIDE! Post a comment and cast your vote.

A friend has gone before us

jwheelis — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 09:34:28 +0000

Saturday our friend Genti died. Just 12 hours before his baby boy was born. He has gone one to be with our Savior. But our sadness is heavy and deep. He leaves behind his wife Milena, their 11 month old daughter and now their new baby boy, whose face he never saw.

He was a kingdom maker. Just an hour before we knew of his death, one of our volunteers at the Loft, Albana, shared how Genti had led her to the Lord. She knows Jesus because of him. And she is not alone.

Please pray for Milena, for her children, for her family, for Genti’s family. Pray that they will find comfort and peace in our God who is still good. Pray that God will be glorified despite tragedy.

April 18, 1972 – December 6, 2008
Genit with his wife, Milena, pregnant with Aaron, and baby Dea.
Picture October, 2008

Kosovo Independence

Robert — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 09:20:10 +0000

You may have heard our neighboring country Kosovo declared independence from Serbia on Sunday. Kosovo is 95% ethnic Albanian. There is a great article in the NY Times that gives the history of the conflict between Kosovo and Serbia. A group from our church including our good friends Egli and Dovi (volunteers in youth ministry), Eva (our former language teacher) and Von (our team leader) are visiting Geni Begu, an Albanian church planter in Gjilan, who was sent out from our church in Tirana . They will be there for a week of prayer and outreach for the church. Kosovo still has many obstacles to overcome and there are not any easy answers. With over 60% unemployment the situation is much more dire for many Albanians living in Kosovo than here in Albania. Here at home, roads were closed to prevent the celebration from getting out of hand. Traffic was diverted from the city center to prevent overcrowding. There were Albanian flags everywhere in Tirana in celebration of this historic event. Please join with us in prayer for this newly formed nation. Pray for a peaceful transition, for the Kosovo people to know the hope that can only be found in Jesus, and for more Albanian Christians to “go and make disciples of all nations” by sharing the love of God with their brothers and sisters in Kosovo!