Gjergj’s Decision: Albania

Country Profile

Gjergj’s Decision

OM International

EunChull’s heart was aching as he heard Gjergj’s story - for many young men without job prospects in Albania, the lure of work abroad is almost irresistible. But believers face a dilemma – to enter another country with a visa...or without?

“My Dad has a visa to work in Greece – but only for six months at a time,” said Gjergj. “He can’t support us enough so it’s my duty to help. I’ve applied for visas too but the Greek authorities keep refusing. It costs each time, and now I’m in debt. So I’m going to go anyway, illegally. What else can I do?”

EunChull was especially saddened because Gjergj had been baptised, having followed Jesus for the past seven years, first through the kids’ programme in his village, and now as a regular attender at the weekly Bible study there. But now he was planning a risky four-day journey by foot over the mountains into Greece, for a twilight existence on the wrong side of the law, hoping to earn some money for his family. Can Gjergj get a visa after he arrives in Greece? “No way. Lawyers there know we’ve no alternatives, so they charge us thousands of Euros to handle our applications!”

EunChull wanted to persuade Gjergj not to go illegally, but he can’t provide work so Gjergj can stay in Albania. All EunChull could do was pray, his heart breaking: “Oh God, please make Albania strong so young believers don’t have to leave for jobs. Let them seek the truth, not what is wrong; keep them here and use them to bring revival to this land!”

EunChull has since heard that Gjergj did indeed make his illegal journey into Greece - but was soon arrested, and deported back to Albania. Let’s join with EunChull in praying that God’s will is done in Gjergj’s life, that he can somehow find work in Albania, and be a means of God’s blessing among his own people.