After his first year of seminary he wanted to combined traveling and the sharing of his faith. He called WELS Kingdom workers to see where he could go. Albania and China were the only ones open to him. He picked Albania because he had no idea where it was or anything about their culture.

He lived in Tirana – the capitol. Last official census – 70% Muslim (theoretically). Roman Catholicism 10%

Catholicism – 500 A.D. they believed that Jesus appeared to people, transferring the monastery from one mountain to another. That the holes in the path were spots where Jesus walked. They would rub their clothes on statues and stones in order to bless them. They threw money at a picture to land on ridge for blessing.

People are extremely superstitious in Albania. There are toys hanging from new buildings, it is supposed to ward off the evil eye. Theory – you look at something cute, you won’t envy someone else’s property.

Mormons have invaded Albania. They were good witnesses because they go through a difficult language training program before they actually go to the program. They were out most of the day doing their work. They offered free English courses.

There were Christians in Albania (Illyricum) all the way back from the early Christian church. It is possible that Paul founded churches there. Titus visited churches in Dalmatia – part of modern day Albania. It’s possible he visited there during his 3rd missionary journey. A main coastal road went through current city of Durres. Christian nation for a long time.

Middle Ages – Ottoman empire conquered Middle East, Northern Africa and wanted to enter Europe. Popes actually paid the national hero, who fought off the Muslims. Scanderberg eventually died and the alliance fell before the Muslims. The Albanians were under the Turkish Yoke for four to five hundred years. Most accepted Islam to lower their taxes.

In WWI the Ottoman empire fell apart. Albania had kings for a while. Then fascist Italy conquered Albania in WWI. They built lots of things, so the Albanians were impressed. The Germans kicked out the Italians in WWII. The Albanians struggled against the Germans. The strong rebels were communists. Their leader was hardcore communist. They allied themselves with communists with Russia and then China, but they weren’t hardcore enough. So they isolated themselves.

1967 they became the first official atheistic state.

1990 communism fell because they didn’t have money. It is now democracy which allows missionaries. Laws aren’t enforced well so it is a dangerous place.

Albania is a male dominated area. They show a lot of disrespect for mothers. Men weren’t allowed to help with dishes or other "female jobs".

In our business meeting we had election of officers and mission box projects for the coming year. We had 6 ladies that came to a rally for the first time. We present them with an info pack and gift as a special welcome. Our fall rally will be at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Crandon, WI. Our speaker will be Pastor Ray Cox and his wife, they will be speaking to us about their experience in Africa. We concluded the rally with installation of officers and closing devotion. The women of Christ Lutheran were gracious hosts, serving us a continental breakfast and wonderful lunch.

Jolynn Pfeiffer

Northwoods Circuit President