Albania Winter 2000

February 19

   Story time always draws a crowd. Today was no different. No sooner had we made the 2 mile walk and climb to the isolated, shack-like dwellings in Kasell did we have a crowd following us. We were on our way to visit a 19-year-old, sweet Catholic girl named Afridita. Her family had migrated from the North and has settled in this village just 5 miles from Tirana. Her neighbors are very close and so what happens in one home happens in most of the rest. Today was no different. 
   Once our Sower team had made the usual greetings and had become situated inside the home I knew that it was time for a story. We had about 10 children's eyes starring intently at our every move. Just as I pulled out my lamb puppet and storybook everyone was waiting to hear what would happen next.
   The story, "The Crippled Lamb", written by Max Lucado, is so appropriate for these children with abused and sad lives. They love to identify with a little lamb who doesn't fit in with the rest of the sheep and can be used in a very special way even though he isn't perfect and doesn't have all life can offer.
   Reaching people through the medium that a child can understand can be very powerful.  Story time is unique in its own way.  It is a great way to lead conversation regarding the purpose that God has for all mankind. God doesn't make us all perfect. His reason is so that we can be used by Him. It is only through one perfect, God-man, Jesus, that we can reach true satisfaction in living and also to know the knowledge of eternal living with Him in heaven.
   Afridita and her family know that Jesus died to save them from their sins. It is our desire to nurture them in the Bible so they can more fully understand what faith and dependence on Jesus as Lord and Savior can mean in their lives.

    Winter 2000 Index