Stories to tell....

One of the places my hubby went on this trip was to visit a church he planted about 7-8 yrs ago in Tirana, Albania. The churches he plants are self governed with no appointed pastors or leaders. They are very hands on do-it-your self styled churches with periodic visits from him to encourage and offer practical help. He hasn't been to this particular group in a year and a half. They are very isolated, with few other Christians or godly influences around them so they offer a unique look into what first century church might have been like. My husband strives to give them Christ without damaging their own national personality, without Americanizing them, if you will, (Christianity is not synonymous with American...:)) so their perspective and understanding of Christ and His Church are very simple and pure.
It is a beautiful thing to see a group of Christians following after Christ with pure hearts while maintaining their own indigenous personality as a church. From such can come unspeakable depths and riches.
Here is a poem written recently by one of the brothers in this church, shared in the meetings of the church and now with us. It is a rough English translation but I think the message is clear.

YOUR HOME

I followed your steps on the snow

On the ices of this earth I slid

They brought me to this house

That your hand had built

There's a Fire inside this home

That fills it with warmness

It's a fire that never dies

And that fire is you Christ!

This is a home of living stones

Enfolded in embrace

Around the undying Fire

Singing unending praise

Your name was on the stones

Masterfully engraved

They held together in love

The love that only you are

A tree grew in the house

In the likeness of a vine

And its fruit is alive and free

For Christ you are that tree

There is a river running through

Overflowing living water

Pure water like crystal glow

And the river is You, I know.

A slaughtered lamb was there

At the foot of the door

With its blood, wounds are healed

Living proof of love that's Yours.

This is a house of wonders

Mind can never comprehend it

Full of eternal love

That pours from God above

Eden, The Tent and The Temple

Were this house's shadows

But now stands on living stones

Glory of Christ is this home