By Stan Hendrickson, Feb 1, 2010
’ve enjoyed getting to know Ardi better since we first met two years ago. We’ve had a couple of family visits and look forward to more in the near future. Ardi is a successful local businessman, yet modest and unpretentious. His three teenage children are among the most amiable and well-behaved young people we know. Unlike the majority of men here, Ardi very seldom raises his voice, even in confrontations.
The love Ardi’s family has for one another and the quiet interest they take in helping others are admirable qualities every Christian home should display. Yet, Ardi and his family are avowed atheists. For a long time in our relationship, Ardi avoided all conversations pertaining to God, telling me once that we could talk about “anything but religion,” especially in front of his children. He is a very confident man, certain of what he believes and of what he does not.
Despite the fact that the Albanian government outlawed all religious forms and practices during the Communist regime, nearly everyone in Albania today acknowledges the existence of God. It is rare to find someone who does not. Even so, the Communist propaganda has severely affected three generations. Today, Albanian dictionaries still include parenthetical phrases like (where Christianity is practiced), (in such places as religious functions) and (according to superstitions of religion). For example, the Albanian word for mercy is defined in part as “divine pity, aid or support (according to a religious worldview).”
Recently, Ardi has begun asking me questions about our beliefs. Though he remains cautious, it’s obvious that he doesn’t take our conversations lightly. He mulls over what I share with him and dialogues with sincerity. He no longer sends his children out of earshot when our conversations turn to spiritual matters.
Knowing Ardi’s appreciation for philosophy, poetry and literature, I asked him if he would be willing to read an Albanian edition of Christ’s Object Lessons. He agreed without hesitation, but I was disappointed a few days ago when he confessed he still has not begun reading it. Even so, he thanked me for the reminder and promised to begin and suggested that we get together and discuss it next week.
“A crisis is right upon us. We must now by the Holy Spirit’s power proclaim the great truths for these last days. It will not be long before everyone will have heard the warning and made his decision. Then shall the end come” (Evangelism, p.703).
We believe the end is indeed near and will not tarry long. Thank you for your prayers and financial support so that we may present the Gospel to Ardi’s family and others here in Albania.
