Prayer-News for March 2009

Dear Family and Friends,

The winter chill continues here in Albania, but Spring is in the air as we enjoy the beginning of March. We are quite grateful for days like today when the sunshine helps to provide some warmth and cheer. We have had a rainier season than usual, which can make for some additional challenges affecting body and mind. Nonetheless we persevere by God’s daily grace and strength and thank Him for continually placing the desire on many of your hearts to faithfully pray and support us in our various ministry endeavors with “Mission to Albania”. Here are a few praiseworthy updates and specific prayer points as you approach The Throne of Grace:

PRAISE GOD from whom All Blessings flow. . .

• Faithful Worship, preaching/teaching, prayer, and fellowship continues for the Saints of the Reformed Church in Durres (www.kishareformuardurres.com)
• Faithful Translation work continues by Nardi Doka, a church member. Nardi is now translating “Manual of Christian Doctrine” by Louis Berkhof, which I plan to use for elder / deacon training in the upcoming weeks ahead.
• Faithful Tithing once a month almost pays the church space rent! God has blessed our small congregation despite only part of our congregation being employed.
• Medical Conference for this Saturday, March 14^th. I have been invited by both the Association of Christian Medical Doctors and Christian Medical Students to give an address for their annual conference. The topic assigned is “Indifference and Neutrality in the Face of Injustice.” I am just going to preach the gospel to them. Please pray for my final preparations and for conversions.
• Irma, Jenny’s friend received the US Visa and will accompany Jenny to America!
• 21 WEEKS Pregnant!!! . . . over Halfway to meeting little Kona!
• 4^th YEAR ANNIVERSARY on March 19^th!
• New Discoveries in Albania – just to name a few ~ apple juice, celery, craisins, gluten-free pasta, Hallmark (in Italian) and lots of baby items!

Prayer for the Body

• Redin and Marsela: As they continue through premarital Counseling and make necessary preparations for their Wedding on April 19^th!
• The Agolli Family – Besnik, Liljana, Rafaela, and Manjola: The Agolli family (pictured on right) is struggling greatly with poverty and health issues. Both parents (Besnik and Liljana) are ill, unemployed, and suffering with depression. We are trying to help them rebuild their lives around the gospel as well as offering them diaconal help.
• Entela is the sister of Ilda, a member of our church. She has been inquiring about how to connect with God in order to bring to Him prayers for her failing marriage. Please pray for her conversion. She has two teenage boys. Pray also for the salvation of her ex-husband.

Prayer for Summertime Planning

• Traveling Mercies for Jenny and Irma this coming mid-May as well as for me and possibly my parents later in July. Please keep the Kona parents in your prayers in their decision making process. Please continue to pray for Jenny’s pregnancy, for the salvation of our covenant child.
• Summer Intern needed for at least 2 months if I am to be away for little Kona’s birth and return with family. I am planning to be in the states for a couple of months for the birth and fly with Jenny back to Albania. Please pray that we might find a summer intern who would fill the pulpit for me. Let us know if you have any suggestion or contact.
• Short Term Mission Team is still welcome and to be determined for the end of June. Pray for this. We still want to do the Summer Bible Conference and continue with leadership training. Pray for all the details.

In His Grip,

The Konas