Albania is still recovering from the earthquake and the many many aftershocks. Colleague organisations have established that 70 to 80% of the youth is traumatised in one way or another. Many families are still wondering where they will find new accommodation.
Dealing with the daily insecurities that come along with the earthquake, one should almost forget that the world still turns, and more important, our God is still at work!
“I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matt.28:20
Our chaplain Elvis just told today in our monthly meeting that he was almost squeezed by one of the prisoners: ‘Thank you, thank you’ the prisoner said, ‘for visiting my mom with food parcels for the winter’.
(We run a Winter Program for 400 families of prisoners with food and firewood for 4 months).
Mister Prime Minister, don’t forget that there is still somebody bigger than you ….!!! 
This was the unexpected message from one of the female prisoners for the Prime Minster. She just received the news totally unexpected that she too would be released once the amnesty law is approved by the government. The lady is a regular member of our christian classes, and was at peace to finish her sentence in prison. When she stood in front of the PM she started to read Joshua 1:9 .
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
10 Men came almost running last week to the church meeting in the prison of Fier. They were early and by far the first of all. They grabbed the chaplain by the shoulders and told him – “man that was great yesterday when we started The Prisoners Journey”.
The Angel Tree program in the prison of Korca was an unexpected succes. His fellow church members had prepared Christmas gifts for all the invited children, and Berti our chaplain had brought them on forehand to the prison. After they were controlled, he wrapped them all again as proper presents! The next day the children came for the Angel Tree celebration. Berti: “such an atmosphere I have never experienced before in prison. Parents and their children had a wonderful time and greatly enjoyed being together. I saw Gods presence today”.
Please pray for Albania. Not only for God to help solving the problems, but also for the continuation of His blessing upon His people.
May God bless you abundantly,
Fred Westerink
exec. director
Shkbsh Prison Fellowship Albania
