Toasted in Tirana

Andrea and I went to see Tomor and Miranda Ajeti at their home in Tirana. It was Andrea’s first visit to the capital and my first in 10 years. It is quite noticeable how it has changed – i.e. the infrastructure is vastly improved and parts of the city itself are quite modern as the Albanians seek to enter the European Union in the next few years.

Our hosts were amongst our initial contacts as we increased our involvement in Kosova and gave us invaluable help through the early years. They still make themselves available to us when possible and maintain good relationships with members of the Thurrock congregation. Subsequently God called them to go to Tirana and take over Victory Church there as their key leaders. TCF gives them some financial support in their work.

The purpose of our visit was to primarily visit them and have some time talking about themselves and their vision for the years ahead. We also had the opportunity to visit some of the Albanian people from the initial work that went on through the Biddles, Harmans and others a few years ago. Enver Masha may spring readily to mind?

Andrea also spoke and a ladies meeting on the Friday and John at the church meeting on Saturday. They don’t meet on Sunday as they feel this is an opportunity for families to be together. Saturday evening suits better for their corporate times. I liked that.

On Sunday, we made our way up to Montenegro to visit the work that Bukurije Nicqi is doing in Ulqin. Bukurije has moved there From Peje for a basic two years as there are a few Christians there that she has established a relationship with and therefore the basis for church. There were 4 others in the group when we arrived and 5 when we left as a waiter named Alfred got saved!

The weather throughout the trip got increasingly hotter reaching around 35 c on the last day.

at work 

Ulqin castle

I have to report that we had lots of laughs throughout - Tomor and Miranda are a quality couple doing a great job and worth every penny of our investment. They have asked for a continued and increased involvement with them. We hope to support them in a marriage course for couples in their church in September.

Bukurije is in the early stages of evangelism, building relationships and establishing a base in Ulqin. She needs our prayers and encouragement. Tomor and Miranda will also be a support for her there. It is a busy resort centre for holidaying Kosovans so the links are there.


Albania is still on our hearts, especially as this is where we began in the Balkans, and we have an Albanian on our leadership team!