MERRY CHRISTMAS!

“O come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.”

Ps 95:1

Dear Praying Friends,

We hope this update find’s each of you doing well and faithfully serving our Savior. As we celebrate the birth of our Lord at this special time of year we are reminded of how very thankful we are for the many blessings God has given us. We are thankful for His power that is evident in our lives and ministry every day. David explains it so well in Psalm 95 verse 3 “For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods.” We are also thankful for His plan for our lives. We may not always know or understand what God is doing, but the Bible tells us so clearly in Jer. 29:11 “For I know the plans that I have for you,” Isn’t it amazing that God knows us and is so personal? Most importantly we are thankful for God’s presence. Vs 2 “Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving,” He is always there. He knows what we need and when we need it.

Our furlough meetings have come to a close and in less than five weeks we will make the long journey back to Albania. We are really looking forward to going back home to be reunited with ministry and friends. We are grateful to each of you who faithfully pray and support our family and ministry, it truly is an honor and a privilege to be your representatives to the Albanian people.

As we prepare for our return we would like to share a few additional prayer requests:

 Please pray with us as we make final preparations to leave the US, we still lack some funding for passage expenses as well as additional needed support

 Travel safety, baggage & customs, etc.

 Transition for all of our family. Over the years travel has been a way of life for our family; it seems we are always saying goodbye…it is never easy, especially for our children. We will be leaving for the first time our son Ben, this will be hard for all of us, but will be most difficult on mom (Debby)

 Pray for our churches and leaders for continued spiritual and numerical growth

 New ministry opportunities. We are really excited about the prospects of beginning a new ministry in Sarande - down in the southern part of Albania. Once again I heard from our contact Fotos, he asked me “when are we coming?” Pray for open doors! We would also like to begin a national Albanian assistance ministry, we are still working on these plans and praying for God’s direction with this ministry.

The next time you hear from us it will be from the other side of the pond.

Thank you and may God richly bless each of you during this Christmas season.

Sincerely in Christ,

Mike, Debby, Heather & Mikayla

Your missionaries to Albania

Acts 26:18

Furlough Address:

60 Cambridge dr.

Charles Town, WV 25414

216/789-7747

mdalbania@gmail.com

Field Address:

Kisha Baptiste Jeta e Re

Kutia Postare Nr. 119, AEP Box 29

Tirane, Albania

Support Address:

Cleveland Baptist Church Missions

4431 Tiedeman Rd.

Cleveland, OH 44144

216/671-2822

Update - Fall 2011

Dear Praying Friends,

URGENCY OF THE GOSPEL

– Romans 1:18 "For the wrath of God is revealed from Heaven against all ungodliness…" The Bible is clear that one day God’s wrath will come to those who reject Christ. When we consider the billions of souls without Christ most of which having never heard a clear presentation of the gospel, then it is clear that the urgency is great.

God’s Timing -

When our support dropped due to the economic situation we had no choice but to extend our furlough in order to replace funding. However God’s timing is always perfect. He knows what we need and when we need it, that has been recently evident as we have seen several more churches partner with us. God has used this time to teach us many lessons, encourage us through churches and individuals to refresh us spiritually and better equip us to return to the work.

Pressing on

- I recall talking to a person some time ago about our return to Albania and the great amount of work that still needs to be done. I remember this person telling me that we have invested ten years of our lives in Albania, the conditions in the country are difficult, the people are to hard to reach, why don’t we just give it up and come on home. I won’t deny we have been tempted, but I am reminded of what Paul said in Phil 3:14 "I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." It is our responsibility as missionaries to press on regardless of difficulties and the challenges of culture, people and ministry, and that is what we intend to do.

With the urgency to reach more Albanians for Christ we are moving forward with plans to return to Albania. In Philippians chapter three the Apostle Paul challenges the early believers to forget those things that are behind and reach for those things that are before. On January 25^th we will return to Albania to begin our third term, we are looking forward to what God has for us to do.

FURLOUGH REPORT

After one year, more than 50,000 miles to 77 churches in 25 states and Canada, our furlough is coming to an end. God has blessed us with some wonderful meeting.

WE NEED YOUR HELP! Although we are thankful for new supporting churches, we still lack11% of our needed support. If you do not currently support us, would you prayerfully consider partnering with us soon?

PRAYER & PRAISE!

■ BLESSINGS! We would like to thank the wonderful people of First Baptist Church of Ranson, WV and Bible Baptist Fellowship Church of Gypsy, WV for meeting the financial need to purchase a washer in Albania. A special thanks to Grace Baptist in Brunswick, Ohio for the repairs on our van, what a wonderful blessing!

■

PRAISE! With finances very tight we prayed for a good deal on airfare. We were able to secure tickets through a ministry that acquires airfare at wholesale prices. We were thrilled to save more than 50% on our return tickets. We serve a great God!

■

PRAYER! Please pray for continued growth both numerically and spiritually of our church folks at Gospel Light and New Life Baptist Churches. Please pray for our national pastor leadership.

HAVE A WONDERFUL AND BLESSED THANKSGIVING!

Albania for Christ,

The Drust Family

Acts 26: 18

FURLOUGH ADDRESS:

60 Cambridge Dr.

Charles Town, WV 25414

216/789-7747

FIELD ADDRESS:

Fondacioni "Misionar Baptiste"
Kisha Baptiste "Jeta e Re"
Kutia Postare Nr. 119
AEP Box 29
Tirane, Albania

Home Phone: 011-355-42-343448

Cell: 011-355-0693427607 or 011-355-0683179328

EMAIL/ BLOG:

Mdalbania@gmail.com / newlifealbania@blogspot.com

SUPPORT ADDRESS:

Cleveland Baptist Church

4431Tiedeman Rd.

Cleveland, OH 44144

216/671-2822

　

March/ April 2011 Prayer Letter

March/ April 2011 Prayer Letter

Dear Praying Friends,

ALBANIA IS ONCE AGAIN ON THE BRINK OF VIOLENCE The Dangers of Albania's Disputed Election, 20 May 2011 Albania’s second disputed election in three years threatens to push the country over the edge. Almost two weeks after local elections, preliminary results have yet to be announced. The Economist is not exaggerating when it writes that, Albania today stands “on the brink" of a return to violence”. A tight mayoral race in Tirana, a highly polarized environment that contributed to four deaths in January, and divisions within the security forces make bloodshed an unnerving possibility unless legal procedures are fully respected. Albania has a history of disputed elections, parliamentary boycotts and political violence. There are political demonstrations being held all over the country with many roadblocks creating an over all sense of insecurity in the country. (taken from the Balkan Regatta) ►Please pray for safety and peaceful political resolve during this time.

THE MINISTRY OF FURLOUGH
Our spring schedule is winding down and God has blessed with some wonderful meetings. We are thankful for those who have accepted Christ and those who have committed to full-time service. As we report to churches it is a time of rejoicing with us at what God is doing as a result of our partnership together. As the Apostle Paul said so clearly in Phil 4:17 “…I desire fruit that may abound to your account.” Your part in our ministry is most certainly fruit to your account! The church in 2 Corinthians 8 was willing to give their own selves to the Lord first. Because they had a heart for God their poverty and afflictions did not keep them from giving out of what they had. Our prayer for God’s people is that they are not only missions minded, but also more importantly, missions hearted.

FAMILY NEWS
During a missions conference God spoke to Heather’s heart about taking a missions trip to China, so she signed up to go. It has been amazing to see God provide the needed money for the trip. Now after many months of hard work and planning she and a group of young people will leave for three weeks on July 14th. ►Please pray for her safety and that God will use her for His glory. Mikayla is doing well with the piano. God is using her in church offertories and specials. She will be playing her first recital in May.

SUMMER IN ALBANIA
May 25th I will be flying back to Albania for the summer. While I am there I hope to accomplish three goals.
 National leadership. ► Please pray for Gazi, Genci and Adi, it will be up to these three men to take the church forward. We are still praying about the pastoral position, God’s leading and commitment of the membership of the church. This will be a big transition and Satan will certainly work to divide the people.
 Summer VBS and Camps. In June we will have our annual New Life VBS. In addition we also have several youth camps planned at the camp in Priske. ►Please pray for our workers as well as children and adults to be saved.
 Sarande survey trip. We have been praying for several years for God’s leading regarding ministering in the area of Sarande, which is in southern Albania. I plan to spend some significant time surveying the area, talking to people, looking at places to rent. ►Please pray with me for wisdom and God’s leading.

NEVER GIVE UP!
The beginning of May we received some wonderful news. Eva, the wife of one of our men accepted Christ. We have been praying for her salvation for many years. Eva comes from a Muslim family and each time she would hear the gospel she would come close but would not get saved. Her husband Gazi, was very burdened for her. Every week Gazi would ask the church to pray for Eva’s salvation. I remember one time in conversation Gazi told me that he would never give up on Eva. Praise the Lord for the power of prayer and for Gazi’s persistence ►Please pray for Eva’s discipleship and baptism. CAN YOU HELP? We have several special needs that we are raising funds for. If you would like to help please send your gift indicating which need to Cleveland Baptist Missions, thank you in advance for your help.
 For Youth Group – We are in need of some sports equipment, volley balls, soccer balls, Air Soft guns & gear and Nerf gun sets - $450.00
 For the church - Video projector - $500.00

Albania for Christ, Mike, Debby, Heather & Mikayla
Acts 26: 18




FIELD ADDRESS:
Fondacioni "Misionar Baptiste”
Kisha Baptiste "Jeta e Re"
Kutia Postare Nr. 119
AEP Box 29
Tirane, Albania
Home Phone: 011-355-42-343448
Cell: 011-355-0693427607 or 011-355-0683179328

STATESIDE ADDRESS:
60 Cambridge Dr.
Charles Town, WV 25414
Cell: 216/789-7747
e-mail: mdalbania@gmail.com

SENDING CHURCH & MISSION AGENCY:
Cleveland Baptist Church
Dr. Kevin Folger - Pastor
4431 Tiedeman Rd.
Cleveland, OH 44144
216/671-2822
www.clevelandbaptist.org

Christmas 2010

CHRISTMAS 2010

"Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving" Psalms 95:2 As we reflect on this Psalm we are very thankful for all God has done in our lives during this past year. Although there have been many changes and challenges, we are so thankful for God's direction and provision for our family and ministry. We are also thankful for each of you, for your prayers and support over the years. We are truly blessed!

FURLOUGH REPORT- Over the last several months we have had the opportunity to report to many supporting churches as well as present the ministry in some new churches as we adjust to life in America. God has blessed our meetings with salvation decisions as well as people surrendering to full time Christian service and missions. Unfortunately due to the current economic conditions our support level is down and we must raise new support. > Please pray with us that God will supply the churches that are needed...God is in control!

FLOODING IN ALBANIA - Once again severe rain has caused flooding in Albania, particularly in the north. There have been thousands of homes evacuated, with much devastation and loss of life. > Please pray for the recovery efforts and most importantly that the people would turn to God in their hour of need.

NEW LIFE NEWS - The church and camp ministry continues going forward for the Lord. Recently I was able to correspond with some of our New Life church members and was encouraged to hear how God is working in their lives. For Christmas they have planned several special services. One service will be a drama for the children followed by crafts and refreshments. Then there will be an adult service with a Gospel Christmas story presentation. >Please pray with us that the parents of the children as well as other visitors will come to these services. We appreciate the Brenenstuhl's commitment to work in our absence.

CHRISTMAS IN AMERICA - It has been many years since our last Christmas in America. For Mikayla, our seven year old, this will be her first Christmas in the USA. In Albania, New Years is the primary holiday, not Christmas, so it has been great for our children to experience the wonder and beauty of an American Christmas. We pray you will have a Christ-filled Merry Christmas.

Reaching Albanians for Christ! Acts 26:18

Summer 2010

TENDERED HEARTS
I am so amazed at the power of God and His ability to bring about a change in a person’s heart. Many years ago God brought Gazi into my life. When I first met him he was a Muslim; he knew nothing about the Bible or Jesus. After much prayer and witness Gazi came to know Christ as Savior. He was later baptized and discipled. Since that time he has grown into a happy productive servant of Christ.

Gazi is now a pillar in our church and ministry. Recently his wife, Eva had a miscarriage. Through this difficult time God has really tendered Gazi’s heart and brought him to a greater place of service. Please pray that God’s perfect will be done in his life and family, he could possibly be the "future pastor" of New Life.

FURLOUGH MINISTRY -So far the summer has consisted of family visits, vacation and many meetings to supporting churches. We have also had the opportunity to visit several new churches for support; God has already blessed us with three new supporting churches! Additionally we have seen several folks saved as well as a number of other decisions made for Christ, we rejoice in what God is doing! As we enter the fall months we will be very busy traveling to many states reporting to churches as well as presenting in several new churches.
►Please pray for safety as we travel, good health and that God will use us to be a blessing and help to others in our furlough ministry.

NEW LIFE HAPPENINGS
We are so thankful to have the Brenenstuhl family working with us and over-seeing the ministry in our absence; they are doing a fantastic job! We have seen God do some great things this summer; here are a few highlights:

• Summer VBS – This summer’s VBS was held in July. We are thrilled that for the first time the Albanian believers in our church conducted the entire children’s program. Pastor Justin only assisted with the gospel magic, balloons and refreshments. There was a daily average attendance of 35 children and young people.
  
• Summer camps - Along with the various work projects at the camp God has also blessed with a number of groups attending the camp. Several youth groups along with adult ministry training camps and several church retreats. Praise the Lord for decisions that were made!
  
• HELP! - We really need your prayers as we continue to raise funds for the camp. We are still in need of funds to complete the necessary projects. ►Please pray for the $16,000.00 needed for the upcoming balloon payment on the camp property, this is due the end of December. To date we have less than 30% of the funds needed. If you can please help we would greatly appreciate it.
  

VERY CLOSE – "…for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth…" Romans 1:16. Eva is the wife of Gazi. We have prayed for and witnessed to Eva for many years. God has really been working in her life to bring her to the understanding of her need of Jesus. She told Pastor Justin that she is very close to accepting Christ. Many times I have thought that she would never get saved and now she is finally ready. ►Please pray with us that she will trust Christ today.

PRAISES!
■ Cards and encouraging letters!
■ For the completed projects – new sports area and kitchen remodel
■ For God providing an additional economical car to use on furlough

Albania for Christ,
Mike, Debby, Ben. Heather Mikayla
Acts 26: 18

April 2010 Update

God has been doing some wonderful things here in Albania, here are some highlights from the last several months.

NEWS FROM "NEW LIFE"
■ New Life Baptist Church – We are thankful for the faithfulness of God’s people. Paul the Apostle was very clear in his teaching the church to give, "but first gave their own selves to the Lord," 2 Cor.8:5. We are currently in our second month of stewardship training. We are teaching our people that God can take a small amount of money, a small amount of talent and use it in a mighty way. As we prepare to leave for furlough we are in the process of transferring the ministry responsibilities to the Brenenstauhls as well as several men in the church. We are praying God will do great things in our absence. ►Please pray with us for this time of transition.

■ New Life Spring Fellowship – The spring fellowship was a holdover Easter event at the camp in Priske with more than 50 in attendance. Pastor Justin brought a good challenge from God’s word followed by a great time of food and fellowship and games. It was a blessing to see several visitors including Anastasia’s sister whom we have prayed for many months.

■ New Life Christian Camp We have been able to repair all of the damage caused by the November break-in. We have also installed security bars around the first floor windows and a security system. A special thanks to our home church, Cleveland Baptist and Fellowship Baptist Church, Upper Marlboro, MD for their generous offerings toward this project. In addition, we have just installed privacy enclosures for all the toilet & shower areas as well as some new lighting, platform and painting. In the coming weeks we will be busy preparing the camp for the summer season. We pray God will continue to use this ministry to bring the lost to Christ and train future Albanian leaders for ministry.

Special Ministry Needs:
■ We need a portable sound system that we can take mobile for our summer VBS program. Cost: $400.00
■ The water system at the camp needs to be upgraded with several new additional water reserve tanks and a new pump. $850.00
■ We are now at the halfway mark for the payoff of the camp/church property in Priske. Would you please prayerfully consider helping us this year with a special offering or gift. Thank you so much for your support!

NEWS FROM THE FAMILY
These are very busy days for the Drust family as we prepare for furlough, graduation and ministry events. It is hard to believe that Ben will be graduating, where has the time gone. We are very proud of Ben and what God has allowed him to accomplish. He has been accepted with scholarship and will be attending the prestigious Pratt Institute in Brooklyn New York this fall. He will be majoring in writing with a minor in music. ►We would appreciate your prayers as he makes the necessary adjustments to college life in America. We are also thrilled to have Debby’s sister visiting us the third week of May, we are looking forward to a great time with her.

COMING EVENTS:

• New Life Youth Outing - Saturday, May 1st


• Tirana Christian High School Senior Trip - May 5-8 in Sarande, Albania


• 3rd Annual MK Paintball Camp – May 21-22


• TCHS Graduation – May 31


• Departure date to the U.S. – June 14
  

FURLOUGH UPDATE - This furlough will be the busiest one we have ever had reporting to 65 supporting churches and visiting 10 new churches. Our schedule is currently 85% booked but we still have some openings. If you have not contacted us and would like for us to come please contact us as dates are filling up fast. ►Please pray that God will use us as we share our burden for the Albanian people, and that we will be able to raise the additional support and project funds needed to further the work here.

DECEMBER 09 - UPDATE

PRAYER LETTER HIGHLIGHTS – December 2009

CHRISTMAS GREETINGS from cold and rainy Albania, we pray God is blessing each of you in your places of service. As this year comes to a close we are thankful for all God has done here in Albania. "Let us come before His presence with thanks -giving…" Ps 95:2. The prayers of God’s people have been evident over the past several months as we have faced many challenges and difficulties in the ministry here. Thank you for praying!

SAFE ARRIVAL! After much prayer and a long and stressful trip down from Slovakia the Brenenstuhl’s finally arrived October 22.
When they walked into their new house they were greeted by an infestation of roaches and mice. After several days of fumigation and cleaning with no success we decided it was best for them to move. Within days we were able to find a very nice place just minutes from the city center, main bus line and only a 10-minute walk to our house and church. They are doing well! ►Please pray for them as they learn the language and adjust to the culture.

NEW LIFE - news! prayer! praise!

*Please pray for the needed funds for the upcoming balloon payment, this is due at the end of December. If you can help we would greatly appreciate it.
*News! In a recent break-in at the camp, vandals got away with a number of small items causing damage to several windows and doors. Due to this incident and a few others we will need to install security bars around all first floor windows. The estimated cost of this project is around $900.00.
*Praise! Decisions made during recent camps and church services.

*Praise! The Saturday children’s Bible club is going great. Through this ministry we are able to reach the families of these children.

We were blessed to have a good number of young people for the New Life youth activity. Please pray for these young people that they will grow in the Lord.

News! We had a great turnout for our all church Christmas fellowship. The room was packed with our regular attendees as well as a number of visitors. We had a wonderful time of singing Christmas carols as well as a lot of really good food and games.

FURLOUGH 2010 – We are currently scheduling meetings for our 2010 furlough, if you would like for us to come and report to your church please contact us soon, dates are filling up, thank you!
Albania for Christ,

NOTE: for family news and current pictures please click on the following blog @ www.drustfamilyblog.blogspot.com