Pioneers in the Church

Last week we went on an exploratory tour of some countries where the Church has recently been officially recognized.  We started in Tirana, Albania where the gospel has been growing for some time. 
There are 6-8 Branches there and the missionary work is going quite well.  We have 2 Centers for Young Adults and 3 more that want to become established.  We visited the largest Center where 35-40 YSAs attend.  They recently got a new facility and they are so proud and happy.  This was one of the first places we visited and did training with E & S Stacey more than a year ago.  We feel a special attachment to them and the work at their Center.

Then we left for a 3 day tour with another missionary couple, E & S Preston, who happen to be almost our neighbors as they live in Huntsville .  We drove the first day through Montenegro and into southern Croatia.  We stayed in a beautiful coastal city called Dubrovnik.  Who would have ever guessed that Croatia is such a beautiful place.  The church has been in Croatia for several years, but only in the northern part.

Then we drove into Montenegro and met a couple there that are the true "Pioneer Missionaries".  They are the only members other than a couple living there who work for the Embassy.  The church got offical recognition a few months ago and a team of Elders are coming soon.  They are excited to begin the work in this beautiful country.

We drove on,  over a huge mountain range and into Kosovo.  The church has been there a bit longer and has a nice rented facility to meet in and a group of 15-20 attending.  They are eager to get a Center extablished as most of their members are YSA age.

Our last stop was Macedonia , another country which has just given legal status to the church.  There again,  one missionary couple are the pioneers with Elders soon to be arriving. 
It was quite the experience to visit these countries that have only recently become stabalized after a terrible war in 1993-95 where 8000 were killed.  I can clearly  remember the war in these countries and how the U.S. had to intervene to stop the slaughter.  It was hard to imagine that we were now standing there and witnessing the gospel emerging to bring hope and salvation to so many. 
We continue to marvel at the different cultures, lifestyles and beautiful people we have seen in more than 20 countries during this mission.  Our hearts are filled with faith that the Lord's hand is extended to all his children in lands near and far and He will make the way for all to know of his saving Atonement and Resurrection.   How privileged we feel to wear the nametags announcing or membership in His church.