Way of Hope

There are many things happening in the church at the moment. December is a month of making the church known in the community. This will lead to a special Christmas Day service inviting people to 'experience' the truth of Christmas. We are pleased to say that new people are coming each week and for the past couple of weeks we have been full. As ever, our need for a new building is our greatest challenge and we are seeking ways to make this possible. As you know our church, through Hannah's ministry, works in the women's prison but this Christmas we will also be doing a church service in the men's prison. I visited it today and the authorities are keen for us to help in the future.

 Christmas in Albania

It is different here. No huge build up. No lights, Santa, snowmen, fake trees. Because communism ruled Albania for so long Christmas was ignored. Since 1990 and the fall of communism Christmas has slowly entered into the culture and is now considered a small celebration. To put it simply the things you and I associate with Christmas are celebrated at New Year. New Year is where the fun starts. It's when families get together and stuff their faces with turkey and watch rubbish films on TV. Confused? You try living here.

 Family Life

We are all doing really well. Hannah is continuing with her work in the prison and is now supporting an Albanian Social Worker to take on the increasing responsibility of managing the projects. Ben is growing quickly and is now taking the giant leap from 'teddy' to 'football'. He's left footed so he can fill in that problem position for England (that may be lost on some of you!). I am enjoying being Pastor of the church but you need a break every now and again. My release comes from joining the local 'pub' football team. We play each Thursday night and one of our team played for Albania between 1985-95! (it's the equivalent to playing for Rochdale).