I had the privilege of spending a month and a half in a small town in the Albanian countryside called Poliçan. My team and I helped serve with a local church there. We led worship, children’s ministry, nursing home ministry, soccer outreach to teenagers, and many initial evangelism efforts in Poliçan and surrounding villages.
As Albania was a primarily Muslim country until it was controlled by the Soviet Union from the 1940s to the 1990s, most people there were unfamiliar with the Gospel story. It was such a privilege to get to share the message and power of Jesus with these precious people.
With the language barrier, and often lacking a translator, we had to get creative in how to share the Gospel with others. Therefore, my team and I created a short skit portraying the main points of the Gospel and our ministry host read the Bible verses to go along with the actions. We were able to use this method to communicate God’s story with many different people, and had the honor of seeing around 10 children say yes to Jesus for the first time in response to it.
My time in Albania was so sweet and memorable, not only because of the ministry, but because of the great friendships formed with our amazing host, translators, and the youth of Poliçan. Also, I think the Lord used this experience to open my eyes to the need for missionaries to go to unreached areas. So many people in Albania have not heard the Gospel, yet there are many souls hungry for the hope and purpose that Jesus brings. Please be in prayer for this nation and for me, as I seek out God’s specific call on my life. Perhaps he wants me to be a full time missionary in a place like Poliçan.
I will keep my words short on this blog because I spent a lot of time working on a video to capture some of the action of the month. I hope it can give you a bit of a glimpse into what my experience was like.
What an awesome update and video!!
Loved it and love what God is up to!
Bringing the Gospel to those who haven’t heard!
Romans 10:14-15
Jacob so glad you are well and that God is guiding your steps. Your silence was just a little worrisome but I am praising God as you continue your mission work. May God opens doors as you walk in faith.
Jacob, we are so proud of you and the work you are doing for God. You are right where he wants you to be. We know you have great things ahead of you. Many will come to k with Jesus because of you and your fellow missionaries! God Bless!!!
It’s been such a privilege to have a front-row seat to your journey and mission to bring the love and light of Jesus wherever you go. Loved the video and the glimpses of life and ministry (and fun) on the Race! (By the way, we just saw the exact place you were in Thessaloniki on “The Amazing Race” this week.)
I’m just now seeing this but wow watching this video was such a blessing. Praise God for what He is doing in the lives of the Albanian people and how He is gathering them to Himself. I’m convinced there’s nothing as beautiful and exciting as making Christ’s name known. So thankful you’re getting to grow through all of this and get a front seat in seeing the Holy Spirit move. Can’t wait to see how He moves in the rest of y’all’s trip.
Truly a treat to have you with our team during the month and half in Polican. Cannot imagine it without you! Will be praying for clarity as the Lord directs you to what’s next. Thank you for sharing your zeal with us and the community to share the gospel in a way that could reach them! Keep fighting for the truth my brother!
Thanks Daddy! Love you!
Hi Mrs. Cindy! Thank you for keeping up with my journey. Your support means a lot!
Thank you Mr. and Mrs. Myers for all your support! God bless you.
Thanks for reading my blog and all your support Karen! You and Keith mean so much to me. Sorry you did not get to go to Greece though!
Thanks for watching and commenting Shara! That means a lot to me. Hope you are doing well.
Hey Samantha! Thanks for reading and commenting. Hope you’re doing well up in Alba.