Stories of Mission
Explore mission themes in our quarterly magazine as workers tell stories of making disciples in the way of Christ.
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Seeds of transformation
I soon came to realize that my primary purpose for being at LAC was to build relationships. Teaching my subject area well was important; but the real substance of our time there was in the one-on-one conversations with students, other teachers, and persons in the community. Students watched us closely and asked deep questions, trying to understand our faith and our relationship with God.
Read MoreFirst graduation at Lezha Academic Center, Bible camp and summer school follow
The constant rains of winter are over. The occasional downpours and showers are a pleasant respite from the heat. The plants are growing and thriving in the school yard. An electric mower cuts the grass nicely, using several huge extension cords. The power outages are less than in winter, giving the generator a rest. Principal…
Read MoreOur journey of breaking through
By Caleb Benner At Lezha Academic Center in Albania, we believe that we have been called to make an impact on the spiritual life of each student. Emerging from centuries of atheism and isolation under communism, most of the Albanian people lack an understanding of faith and have not truly encountered Jesus Christ. By modeling…
Read MoreA journey of mutual sharing and prayer
It was more than just an ordinary afternoon of coffee, cake and conversation as ladies gathered recently at Lezha Academic Center (LAC). Instead, it was another stepping stone in principal Klementina Shahini’s vision of sharing God’s love with the women of Lezhë, Albania. Chatting together around the cafeteria tables were mothers, students, church members, the…
Read MoreMy seven-mile journey to Emmaus
My experience in Albania has taken me on a path very similar to the road that two disciples traveled after Jesus’ death, seven miles from Jerusalem to Emmaus. I learned two valuable lessons on my seven-mile journey that drastically changed the way I trust God. God is at work even when we can’t see Him.…
Read MoreA true presence for the Kingdom of God in Albania
Flying into the beautiful mountains of Albania on October 11, we knew we were there for a new kind of mission. Esther was asked by the board of Lezha Academic Center (LAC) to stimulate an interest in an art program in the school. Myron was asked by VMM to meet with church leaders and speak…
Read MoreZooks teach English for three weeks at Lezha Academic Center
Albania had never been on our to-do list. But it was a sense of adventure that took us there this past August, and a sense of accomplishment that accompanied us home. Our mission was to teach in the three-week summer English session at the new Lezha Academic Center (LAC), administered by Klementina Shahini under VMM.…
Read MoreFlowing river baptisms provide firm foundation for faith
By Gloria Lehman In June, the Eastern Mennonite High School Touring Choir traveled to Eastern Europe for a three-week tour of Romania, Serbia, Montenegro, Albania and Italy. Galen and I accompanied this group of lively, talented young people and listened to them singing in both big and small worship spaces. On June 17, we were…
Read MoreA Trip to Albania: Our Availability as God’s Instruments in Mission
By Lee and Peg Martin A picture may be worth a thousand words, but actually being there is in a totally different category. For us, Albania was a distant place we’d hear about through faithful missionaries including Allen Umble and Norma Teles. Allen is a former member of our congregation, Mt. Clinton Mennonite, and Lee…
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