I don't even know where to start with how to update you on everything that happened this past weekend. It has been a blur of activity. But each day was such a blessing!
On Good Friday, we had a very special service at The Refuge for our youth. After Justin shared a bit about the purpose and meaning of communion, the students were invited to spend some quiet reflection time alone with God, writing down their confessions on a piece of paper. Then they nailed their "sins" to a cross. After that they took communion by "intinction" (a harkening back to my Wheaton College days). This very experiential and visual way of confession is powerful, and I think the students really appreciated the solemnity of it.
On Saturday, our 180 Gathering (our monthly evangelistic meeting) met for a special Easter service. Justin, Fation, and Andi worked hard putting together a video incorporating interviews they conducted around Tirana. They asked the questions Who is Jesus? Did Jesus die on a cross? Did Jesus rise from the dead? and Where will you go when you die? Then the questions were answered in the video by clips from The Passion of the Christ and Scripture verses. It was very moving and very eye-opening to all the visitors that were present. Fation then presented the gospel.
On Sunday, of course we celebrated our risen Savior with the rest of the Church here. After the service, two ladies were baptized.
Monday was an especially neat day for me (Gretchen). I organized a one-day retreat for the youth girls on the topic of "Godly Beauty". It was really wonderful to be with the girls for a solid 7 hours and talk about lots of things. Jayne (volunteer youth leader) spoke about "Women were created to be feminine, beautiful, and for God's glory". I spoke on the topic of worldly beauty vs. Godly beauty. We spent a lot of time talking about modesty, too. This retreat was an extension of the Purity Ministry, and I hope that this kind of retreat can happen in more churches more often!
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