Albania Winter 2000

March 1

    Some things never change. No matter what year or century, Albanian villagers still keep some primitive practices! Great is the surprise for outsiders when they see these methods. As Americans, we arrive in settings with limited and little understanding of how certain communities think or work. In these villages knowledge is far away and asleep and will probably remain so. 
    High on the trail laid a sloping field, its run off going far to the north towards a young stream. Like a tall person looking down at his feet, this creek would catch whatever would leave this hilly solitude. From a distance we could see the distinct band of bare ground being unwrapped from its winter nap. A farmer had been at his work.  George, Julie, Dhimeter and I met Rrexhep, the owner of these oxen. His animals, Munk and Curb (which means Blackbird) were tied to their cart, resting, when we arrived. They had been working all morning and were taking full advantage of their time out.  Not long on introductions, Rrexhep took his long thin stick, untied the oxen and spoke in strong verbal commands. With some affectionate worship of their owner, both moved in obedience of these invisible words. Gauging the effect of our reaction, the farmer appeared gratified with his riveted audience. 
    Working together for over five years, Blackbird still out pulls Monk. I could see Rrexhep struggle to bring the pair into unity. Even after all of this training and partnership they have a difficult time of being yoked.  Their independence has been lost to the wooden ornament around their necks! 
    Paul brings this picture to light in the familiar passage of II Corinthians 6:14. The church at Corinth had difficulty with an open and loving response for affection and allegiance to Christ. Paul's solution was for the church to separate from those who had a false spiritual status.
    The apostle rightly discerned that we as believers can be rightly yoked only through Christ. Matthew puts it this way in Matthew 11:29,30-- "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me for I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." NIV

    Winter 2000 Index