In Albania people would do almost anything for a chance to leave. Hundreds of Albanians have lost their lives attempting to cross the Adriatic Sea to Italy.
Rezarta Matoshi, an Albanian college student, was embarrassed by her parent's humble dwelling place. She could not understand how I could possibly like being in Europe’s poorest country.
Our interest in Albania began in February of 1997. Pastor David and Joan Earnhart, Mary's parents, were showing footage of their visit to missionaries Dave and Faye Young in Albania. Mary and I were shocked at the backwardness of this society. But soon we were both moved to tears of joy when we watched the service at the Youngs' missionary church and saw almost everyone in the congregation come forward in response to the altar call.
God used that video to open our eyes and see Albania as a ripe harvest field.
My burden for the salvation-starved Albanian people grew, as I learned more about the government whose leaders once bragged that theirs was the most heavily atheistic country on earth.
In March 1997 anarchy, looting and violence swept the country after pyramid- investment schemes collapsed and many lost their life savings. Military arsenals were raided, and more than a half-million weapons fell into the hands of revolting Albanians who seized control of the government. The U. S. military evacuated American citizens from the country, including missionaries Dave and Faye Young.
That summer the Youngs presented their burden to Calvary Baptist Church in San Francisco, and visited with us in our home. Soon they were making plans to return to Albania and resume their ministry. Encouraged by Pastor Ron Allen, I asked our congregation to be a supporting church for the Youngs.
As I undertook this, the Lord convicted me personally of the great need for the gospel to reach Albanians. He impressed on my heart II Corinthians 4:3, "But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost." The same evening I presented the Youngs' need for support to our church, I also surrendered to the Lord's call to serve Him in Albania.
Visiting Albania in March 1998, Mary and I believed God confirmed His will for our family to serve Him in this needy land.
Baptist World Mission appointed us as deputies in October, 1998. We have been honored to serve the Lord in Albania since January, 2001.
Our vision
Plant Churches
Train young pastors
Disciple
Evangelize
Get to know us
Brief History from Maranatha Baptist University (Write-Up on Mary)
Sent from Calvary Baptist Church in San Francisco
Serving in Tirana, Albania for the past 24 years with Baptist World Mission
Call to Missions
When I told Rezarta, I had only been here a few days, her whole demeanor changed. "Oh" she said, and stared at the floor dumbfounded. After a moment of silence she looked up and hesitantly asked, "Do you... like it here?"
She was surprised to hear that I was glad to be in her country. "Really?" was her repeated response.
