Ministry Update -- September 2002

The last news regarding the village ministry told of the new purchase of two village properties: one in Marikaj and one in Vlashaj. Planters Seed Foundation is thrilled to be using these great blessings from the Lord to present the Gospel to many children. Up to this time we were either meeting in the street or renting a room in a village home. Now we are able to sit on chairs and put pictures on the walls and even work on nice tables (at least in Marikaj)!

This summer saw the completion of some construction in the Marikaj center.  A wall was torn out to make the meeting room bigger, new tiles were placed on the floors, some new doors and windows were installed, and new plumbing brought the bathroom up to date! The walls also have a new coat of sunny, yellow paint which set a cheerful atmosphere, ideal for children. The facility is very useful and we are excited about the potential the Lord has laid before us in that village work.

Having completed this project, we are turning our attention to the facility in Vlashaj, formerly a very old village home.  According to what we hear from Mandi, the renovation should begin any day. The bathroom is the first item on the list and then we will start some construction for a better concrete floor support system.  The rest of the "wish list" is as follows: a new exterior door, windows, and wiring. Hopefully before winter is over it will also be a center where we can spend the night in order to visit more with the village people.

This past August Sarah hosted our daughter and son-in-law, Cydil and Nathan, for an 8-day, whirlwind, trip to produce an informational video for Planters’ ministry (see photos at right). In addition to conducting interviews of the Bright Star Team members, recording the ministry in action, and capturing general sights and sounds of Albanian life, the three managed to also fit in some painting and organizing of the newly modified Tirana ministry center into their “down time.”

Our winter goals are: continue village centers’ renovation, continue with more home visits (in Tirana and in the villages), have more training with the Bright Star Team, lead small group Bible Studies in our home, and explore a possible ministry center in Kasalle.

It is our desire to keep you informed as much as possible and wish to send email updates while we are in Albania. If you would like to receive the news and stories, please email us your address before the end of October so that we can place you on our mailing list.

We can not say enough thanks for the encouragement everyone gives to us. We thank God and praise Him for the blessings you are to Planters Seed Foundation.

[Back to September 2002 Newsletter]