We did arrive safely back in Albania a few days before the new term began on January 22nd. Our time in the States is what I call an “active break”. We were able to rest more than usual. We were able to spend time with my sister-in-law, Amy Stamatis, who suffered a catastrophic accident in November and will now have to learn to deal with the challenge of paralysis from her waist down. Your prayers for strength and courage for the entire family would be appreciated as everyone must now adjust their perspectives about what is “normal”.

We were also able to spend some time with an aunt who was diagnosed with stomach cancer in October. We would appreciate your prayers for healing and strength for Bill and Sue Edwards.I would also like for you to pray earnestly for two of the dearest sisters in the Lord. I won’t mention their names because they are two humble servants that would not want the “undue” attention. They live in Delaware and are truly cities of light in a region that suffers from the darkness of religious deception. They have both been suffering from cancer and other health concerns. Every day I give thanks to God for being able to be partnered with them in the work here in Albania.

I am excited about the three guys that are left standing after the first year of courses. We began with six, but I expected that along the way we would end up with the three we now have. The church in this region needs men that know how to study God’s Word deeply; are devoted to following Jesus; are growing in self-discipline, courage and integrity; and desire to serve His Kingdom in various roles of leadership.

Bledi preaches every Sunday in Elbasan (1 ½ hours from Tirana). Eduart and Altin preach every other Sunday. They alternate between Lushnja and Fier. I am grateful for the influence the two missionaries in these cities provide for the students. Tom Bonner (Lushnja) where Altin is from and Steve Byrne (Fier) are of inestimable value to the total training of IBIA students. Last August our students participated in a campaign in the beach area of Durres. This was led by Alfred Zike (AIBI, 2002).

It was a great opportunity for them to be exposed to a very organized and premeditated approach to planting a new congregation. The seeds of what was planted over a year ago will now become a new congregation in the Durres beach area. They will have their first worship assembly at the end of this month.As a result of the lessons learned in that campaign, one of our students, Bledi Valca will implement the pattern for the campaign he experienced last summer (2006) in the city of Elbasan this summer of 2007. Our plan is to again encourage the participation of all the students.

Deborah and I have initiated our plan to visit all of the congregations in Albania before June. We are doing this in order to search for possible students to begin next January (2008). This is a costly and time consuming process. Travel is not that easy or convenient here in Albania. Since we do not have our own vehicle this requires our renting a vehicle. We are also being accompanied on our visits by the IBIA translator Antoneta and her husband Kristofor. Alfred Dimci has also agreed to assist us in this effort.One of the highlights of this last term was the product of the primary assignment for the course, “Teaching Bible Class”. My desire is to develop graduates that will have the skills and the tools to create whatever they need wherever they are.

Bible class curriculum is not a common tool in Albania unless it is written in English for a culture that does not easily “connect” with the culture here. The guys have developed a two year curriculum that covers the entire Bible. They are to be commended for accomplishing a monumental task with such eagerness. I believe their quality of work will be a great benefit for years to come.

We are grateful for your continued love, interest and partnership with us in developing IBIA. We pray that it exists only as long as it is a needed and useful tool to expand God’s Kingdom and give glory to only His Name.

Steve Stamatis