Outreach
The Missionary offering for June goes to:
Colin and Elida Stephen (Shkoder, Albania)
Colin, originally from Aberdeen, has been serving the Lord since 1995 as a missionary in Shkoder, Albania. He is married to Elida, from Shkoder and they have 3 boys, Aron (21 years) Joel (19 years) and Tomas (16 years). He is co-pastor of a church along with an Albanian pastor, and have over 60 baptised, although usually around 80-90 in a Sunday worship service. Both Colin and Elida are involved in youth ministry, visitation and discipleship, Colin is also involved in teaching and discipleship.
Shkoder is a fairly small city of 120,000, with a very close community of Christians whereby it is difficult to go outside without bumping into someone from the church. This is good in many ways, as believers can stay close for encouragement and growth, but it might also possibly be the reason the church all contracted covid-19 at the same time. Thanks to God’s grace and healing, all have recovered.
Albania is very much a cafe culture and Albanians all have an opinion on any subject, so it is very easy to get into a conversation on spiritual things. Albania is predominantly a Muslim country, but Shkoder is split 50%-50% Roman Catholic and Islamic. The evangelical community is very small but we have good relationships with other evangelical churches and have managed together to open a medical clinic, a cafe and a nursery for 50 children. The nursery runs from Monday to Friday, from 08.00-17.00.
Please pray for the expansion of God’s work and for His grace to be upon Albanians for their salvation and transformation to be like the Lord Jesus. Also pray for our witness as an evangelical community and our partnership with other evangelicals, that together we would have greater impact in the city.
Finally please pray for us as a family as we serve the Lord – for us and for our boys; that each of us would be totally committed to living for and walking with Christ.
MEBO – HELP BEIRUT UPDATE
Keep up to date with Ronnie & Margaret Sim’s Bible Translation work in Africa via their blog ‘Out of Africa’. Click the image to the right.
Our dedicated team of volunteers meets every Tuesday evening from 7.30pm – 9.30pm to assist individuals and families whose lives have been impacted by addiction to drugs, alcohol and substance abuse. The bus provides a relaxed and friendly place to talk, have a cuppa, a bite to eat and a chat. Ultimately we aim to help individuals break the destructive cycle of addiction and get on the road to New life in Christ Jesus. All are welcome.
Please note: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, the Bus Team are currently holding meetings via ZOOM. Please Click Here to email us for further information.