Travel with a Difference

Dear LFP Family and Friends,

Just over 31 years ago this Fall, a year into our marriage and with a newly conferred Master in Teaching (Kristen) and a 4- month "first job" at AT&T (Jeff), we packed four massive bags and moved to Albania.

"Zoti ju bekoftë" was the first phrase we learned in Albania, which means "God bless you." Actually maybe it was "Mirëdita" which means "good day."

We had entered a foreign world for sure, and not really anything I had experienced before could prepare us for that year. Far from home, this was the first time in our marriage where we really had to rely on each other. To rebuild our community from scratch. So many lessons from that experience have informed our life and ministry. Ask me about it, I'd love to tell you!

This Sunday I fly to Albania to spend a week in country, celebrating 35 years of ministry for Emanuel Church and a fellowship of college students. While in Albania Kristen worked as a teacher in an international school, primarily serving missionary families. I helped form the medical student fellowship of college students. We attended Emanuel Church, listening to sermons in Albanian which we barely understood, but enjoying the worship songs in Albanian! I've forgotten more Albanian than retained, but am grateful to be back among the cadence of language and culture, if even for a week.

Someday I would love to lead a "Travel with a Difference" group to Albania to see what the church is doing there, to serve, and to explore a unique history and culture.

In the meantime would you pray for me as I reconnect with leaders there (like Zef and Altin and Edvin) and affirm the good work that they have been doing for 35 years among this great people? I'll bring greetings to Emanuel Church in the name of Lake Forest Park Church!

In the meantime, for the next few weeks we have a treat of hearing from a great team of communicators who will continue our series on Coming Home.

ALSO-We have two groups of men launching small groups this week- on Tuesday and Wednesday nights. Men, would you consider joining them? Email Steve Isley for more information.

How can we help you grow in your formation and discipleship -- in following Jesus -- in this season? Please let us know how we can help you connect. We look forward to serving you.

With joy in the journey,

Jeff

Lead Pastor