June 2025 Prayer Letter

News from Mary

Home Again!

Norman and I are so happy to be back home! What a joy it was to reunite with our precious church family after being away. There’s truly nothing like worshiping together again.

Quick Trip to Greece

Our recent trip to Greece came up quickly, but it went smoothly. I’m thankful to report that I was able to go 16 weeks between migraine injections—meaning I now only need to travel three times a year instead of four. Such a blessing!

Nathan joined us for the quick three-day trip, and we were so glad to have him with us.

New Knitting & Crochet Club

I’ve started a knitting and crochet club with our ladies, and we had a visitor our very first week! Word is spreading, and we’ve heard from many women who are interested in joining.

Our theme is “Rejoice in the Lord.” It’s easy to fall into discouragement or complaint, but we want to be a group that encourages one another—iron sharpening iron!

Thethi Retreat: A Wild Adventure

Last week’s retreat to Thethi was both beautiful and unexpected. On the way there, our hotel canceled our reservation due to overbooking! Thankfully, they found us another place where we could all stay together.

As we descended the mountain, Adi’s clutch went out—and he had to coast into a nearby parking lot, not far from our new hotel. After several phone calls and local recommendations, a tow truck arrived the next day to take his car back to Tirana—at the same time we were leaving!

Despite the setbacks, we hiked to the Blue Eye—and even Lejla, age 71, made the hike! Several of us took the plunge into the 45°F water. It was exhilarating!

Later, we moved into a brand-new hotel that had only been open 10 days. The views were absolutely breathtaking.

Worship in the Mountains

On Sunday, we held our worship service outdoors, surrounded by majestic mountains. As we sang “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus,” I was overcome with emotion. Many of the young adults singing were small children when we first met them. Now, they bring their parents, friends, and siblings to church—and actively participate in worship. What a testimony to God's faithfulness!

Looking Ahead: Summer Ministry & Camp

We’re excited for a full summer of ministry and would appreciate your prayers for:

• Evangelistic outreach

• Kids’ activities

• Ladies’ meetings

• Camp in Greece – September 8–12

News from Norman

Grateful Reflections on Our U.S. Furlough

It’s hard to believe we’ve already been back in Albania for a month!

Our time in the States was truly a blessing. We were encouraged as we met with pastors, reconnected with friends, and visited churches in Michigan, California, Arizona, and Utah. We’re deeply grateful for the opportunities to share about God’s work in Albania and the refreshing fellowship with God’s people.

We were overwhelmed by the generosity and hospitality of pastors, churches, and friends who welcomed us into their mission houses and homes, provided meals, and blessed us with sacrificial love offerings.

A Special Goodbye in San Francisco

While in California, we attended a small but heartfelt memorial service for my Aunt Nancy, who passed away at age 85 after a battle with cancer.

It was moving to meet some of her lifelong friends—including a few from her grade school years—who came to share memories and honor her legacy.

Family Time in Arizona

A highlight of our furlough was when our son Nathan joined us during his spring break in Arizona. We shared some unforgettable moments, especially during our visit to the breathtaking Grand Canyon—a precious time together just before Easter.

Nathan in Albania

Nathan also returned to Albania with us and will be here until the end of July. His presence has been such a blessing—from helping us get organized to preparing for the full schedule of summer ministry.

A Starry Night in Thethi

We recently joined a church excursion to the picturesque village of Thethi in Northern Albania. Our family had visited years ago, but fog had hidden the mountain views.

This time, as we gathered for an outdoor dinner with our church family, the power briefly went out—and the sky came alive with stars. We stood in awe, marveling at God’s creation. Some of us were a little disappointed when the lights came back on!

The next morning, I shared a message from Isaiah on the New Creation God is forming in each of us, and how we’re called to reflect His creative character to the world. It felt like the perfect word for the setting.

Thank You for Praying!

Thank you for lifting us up in prayer throughout our travels. We were able to keep every appointment and travel safely—a true answer to prayer. We’re excited for what God has in store this summer and beyond!