He is Risen!

What a wonderful weekend we have just had here in Tirana! Thank you so much for your prayers. How sweet it has been to contemplate the atoning death of our Lord Jesus and his resurrection – with our Albanian brothers and sisters. Easter is a relatively new holiday here in Albania, as every outward expression of faith, every aspect of religion was banned before Communism fell in 1991. It is with great joy that the faithful saints gather together here in Tirana to celebrate the Risen Lord! For,

“Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows;
yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted.
But he was wounded for our transgressions;
he was crushed for our iniquities;
upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace,
and with his stripes we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:4,5)

Here are a few pictures and descriptions from the weekend.

On Friday night we held a Good Friday service at our home for about 12 people from the church – very, very sweet time of fellowship, reading scripture, praying, taking the Lord’s Supper together, and singing. Pictures from Good Friday:
Justin leading the group in taking the Lord's Supper:

Our group on Good Friday:


On Saturday night we showed the film The Passion of the Christ at our home with about 10 young people. It leaves you feeling speechless and unworthy and grateful all at the same time. And yet, it shows nothing of the spiritual separation which violently pierced the fellowship between Father, Son, and Spirit that had never, ever been broken or tainted…and never will again.

This morning, Easter Sunday, was WONDERFUL! We celebrated the resurrection. There were 7 new members added to our church, and 6 testimonies and baptisms! Then there was a church-wide lunch afterwards. Many of the girls who were baptized had unsaved family members and friends there to witness. It was just an amazing service. Praise Jesus! Pictures from Easter Sunday:
Yllka baptized:

Astrit baptizing his wife:

Dona baptized:

Bruna baptized: