From the 2nd to the 11th of June, The New Wine Discipleship Year team went to Albania to serve the church in Durres.

Over the ten days that we were in Durres we experienced a lot of Albanian culture, from the food to the people, to the stray dogs in the streets. It was really amazing to see God’s hand over a country like Albania, and the faith and hospitality of some of the people within the church.

Albania is a predominantly Muslim country. However, due to a communism all religion was banned and Albania was declared completely atheistic in 1967, and the government banned all public religion. The persecution for the church was so severe that it could not even exist underground. In 1991, Albania gained its independence and became a democracy, this lead to a rapid explosion in people rediscovering their faith. Because of this, the atmosphere surrounding religion and faith was very interesting, people where very hungry to hear about Jesus despite maybe being a Muslim or an Atheist.

As a whole this was very interesting as we were involved in a large street evangelism team from the Albanian church in which we sang songs in English to draw in a crowd and talked to them about Jesus. This was a very powerful thing to be a part of as we were able to openly share the gospel in a community that had very little to do with the church. As a result, we saw many people hear the gospel and gave them the opportunity to respond.

As a part of our street evangelism we were able to reach out to hundreds of local children and young people, by using face paint and singing songs with them. This lead to a big atmosphere change and the church saw their children’s group grow from around 10 people to over 50, who said that they would come back after we had left.

This was a very encouraging experience and it lead to hundreds of seeds being sown. As well as the street evangelism, we were involved in lots of other projects. For example, we had the opportunity to visit the Roma community and serve children with special needs. We even cleared the church garden and moved a large pile of sand. (It was like the Noise only sunny!)

All in all, the trip to Albania was an absolute joy and a huge privilege to be a part of, and I would love to go back soon!

Thank you for all of your love and support

Chris

Looking forward to Sunday 19th November

In 2005 Stu and Wendy left the UK to go and work in a school in Zambia, they were there for a year and a half, returning to the UK before having their eldest child. They always felt that God would one day ask them to serve Him abroad again, they just weren’t sure where or what timing. Exactly 11 years after first going, they left to go again and work at the same school, this time just for 4 months and accompanied by their three children Megan, Talia and James. Whilst there they felt strongly that God was asking them to commit to being there longer term. They have prayed about this since returning last December and really feel this is what God is challenging them to do.

Amano Christian School is an international school and currently has about 140 pupils ranging from 5-18 years old from a wide variety of backgrounds, socially, economically and spiritually. It teaches from a Biblical worldview and all students are encouraged to establish a lasting personal relationship with Jesus and become responsible members of their community. It provides a high standard of education in the most densely populated province of Zambia, enabling students to develop their full potential and go on to influence those around them for the glory of God.

Stu will be working alongside the Zambian workers on site, building on relationships formed on their previous visits as well as keeping things moving practically. He will also help out in the school where necessary. Showing God’s love in practical ways.

Wendy will be teaching in the school, providing a good level of education, as well as, encouraging the children in their walk with God. She will also be enabling the school to take on more children from their long waiting list.

Megan, Talia and James will attend the school, make friends, learn and grow.

The Wardles are seeking people who can join with them in the adventure God is taking them on, by praying and through financial support as they will get none of their finances provided by the school. They will be providing newsletter updates, so please sign up if you would like to receive them.

The Global Partnership team’s purpose at Ebe is to implement and influence the church’s strategy for sharing the gospel and serving the needs of others cross-culturally. That includes helping the church to walk alongside those who go out from Ebe to serve God cross-culturally by supporting and encouraging them in a variety of ways.

Download a copy of the pledge letter HERE or fill in the form below.

In April 2017, the church responded to the East Africa Famine by generously giving to one of Africa Inland Mission's famine relief projects in Sub-Saharan Africa

Thank you so much for blessing our community by giving to the famine relief needs. We are very grateful for your prayers for the Gabbra. While the drought is very difficult, we are thankful that we can reach out to the community and show God's Love in this practical way. The food for work (famine relief) has opened up doors into the community & many are now coming to church as well as doing bible studies.

Thank you for being a part of this work & for being a part of reaching to the Gabbra of Northern Kenya.

In His Service
Eddie & Rachel Anderson.