The Evangelical Theological College in Tirana and Shkoder, Albana is training students for Spirit-empowered ministry. This year a program was initiated to train church planters in an effort to focus on this vital need in that country. AGWM Personnel Kurt Plagenhoef also reports that more Albanian teachers are lecturing at the school this year with the purpose of making the school more indigenous. Most of these teachers are themselves ETC graduates.

The Evangelical Theological College in Tirana and Shkoder, Albana is training students for Spirit-empowered ministry. This year a program was initiated to train church planters in an effort to focus on this vital need in that country.AGWM Personnel Kurt Plagenhoef also reports that more Albanian teachers are lecturing at the school this year with the purpose of making the school more indigenous.  Most of these teachers are themselves ETC graduates.

Two of the students shared their testimonies.  Ari is from the town of Kuçova.  He tells his story in how own words: “My family is from a non-Christian religious background but they are really more atheistic in belief. As I grew up, I became infamous in my town as  a criminal and terrible person, known for all kinds of evil deeds. I was a hooligan and tried to find  comfort in alcohol. In 1995, one of my partners in crime came to know Christ. He then invited me to church. The pastor preached  the gospel and invited those who wanted prayer to come forward. I responded, but I was very proud in my  heart. The pastor laid his hand upon me and spoke these words: ‘Lord, break the pride in this man and bless his  life.’ The Spirit of the Lord came on me, and I fell on the floor for about fifteen minutes. I experienced God in a way that forever changed my life.  He showed me a vision of a man paralyzed in his bed and said, ‘Rise up and tell others that I am Lord, because people need my Word. I have called you to be an evangelist.’  I rose up frightened, but I received the call to preach the gospel. I  have come to the Bible school to know God better and go deeper in  the knowledge of  his Word.  God has called me to plant churches, and I  am convinced that the school will help equip me to fulfill this vision.” 

Xhensilda tells her story:  “My mother and I are the only believers in my immediate family. I was first invited to church by my uncle.  I went and felt peace there. However, it was very difficult for me to abandon my worldly life. For about six months, I attended church but lived for the pleasures of the world at the same time. One day I went to a youth conference at our church. The preacher spoke about the blessings we receive when we give our life to the Lord.  At the end, he gave an invitation for those that wanted to respond in prayer. It was difficult for me because of my pride. I did not want to allow anyone to control my life. At the same time, as I reflected on my life, I felt weak and understood that I had failed because of my way of living. I surrendered to Jesus, and since then, I have never regretted that decision. From the time I gave my life to Jesus, the greatest desire in my heart has been  to serve him. For two years, I have had the privilege of serving the children of my local church. I thank God for this opportunity. I also often serve in practical ways in my church. Like young Samuel, I have heard God’s voice calling me to serve him. That is why I have come to study at the  Bible school. I want to do his will.”