Ethos returning

On Saturday morning we worshipped God and then we prayed in turn for each church represented at the Youth Camp. Finally we prayed for Ethos. There were many words of encouragement for people personally and for churches as a whole.


Edi Morava from Korca, who had the desire and vision in the first place for this Youth Camp, then called for people to respond to God's call to them to give their life to Him. Eleven girls and nine guys responded. Here are some of the girls who came forward...

and here are some of the guys. The guy on the right is jumping for joy!

Then sadly it was time to say our farewells. This is never done quickly in Albania! But at last we got on our way to Elbasan for lunch. As we travelled we were able to enjoy the amazing mountainous countryside. It had been dark when we arrived 5 days earlier and we had not seen just how stunnung it is. Lunch was whole roast lamb, head and everything, (yes you can eat the brains if you wish), Greek salad and chips. It went down well. It certainly got eaten quickly. Then a walk to the swimming pool to chill out.

It is not just that there is blue, blue sky and real heat, but again one is surrounded by mountains on all sides. It is such an attractive setting. As I was swimming in the pool, I met Ilir the leader of the church from Librazhd. He was amazed to see me and I him. Librazhd is where the 4 girls and 1 guy came from. (Photo on the first blog). He told me they talked none stop about the camp on the way home. All four girls have became Christians and they experienced the Holy Spirit in their life! They had read about this in their Alpha course they had been doing, but now they said we have experienced Him for ourselves. Wow! Ann and I chatted to Ilir and Donika who would like to come to the Willow Creek DVD conference.

After a swim it was definitely chill out time!

Then into yet another furgon (minibus), and on our way to Rinas airport near Tirana. A good flight home, a few slept, and then into Gatwick, collect our bags and Mick Wade met us at 11pm. Was it worth it? All that energy, planning, money, time, perspiration, preparation? Absolutely!! I am sure the guys will tell you for themselves, but for me I would do that all again any day!

Ethos were excellent, not just in their musical ability, but in their humility, openness, friendliness, kindness and giving of themselves. They were a credit not only to themselves but to their families, to our church and above all to God himself.

We have already been invited back for next year! And we look forward to catching up with you personally.

Lots of love,

Ken and Ann