05 January 2012 Berat, Albania [Sean and Brenda Mays; tedNEWS] ‘Those whom Christ commends in the judgment may have known little of theology, but they have cherished His principles. Through the influence of the divine Spirit they have been a blessing to those about them. Even among the heathen are those who have cherished the spirit of kindness; before the words of life had fallen upon their ears, they have befriended the missionaries, even ministering to them at the peril of their own lives. Though ignorant of the written law of God, they have heard His voice speaking to them in nature, and have done the things that the law required. Their works are evidence that the Holy Spirit has touched their hearts, and they are recognized as the children of God.’ Desire of Ages
Although the religious repression was intense in communist Albania, and the atheist brainwashing had been mind-numbingly effective, Mustafa had never let go of his faith in the Creator. While the dictator had tried to outlaw God, and religious materials were strictly forbidden, the evidence of God’s existence could not be erased. In the midst of a harsh and difficult environment, Mustafa noticed the loveliness and perfection of design in nature, and it encouraged and strengthened him with hope. Somehow, even with such suffering and pain all around him and even though he didn’t understand why this was allowed to happen, he still trusted in God’s goodness and mercy. No one could take away what he treasured in his heart.
Even without an understanding of the Bible, somehow Mustafa knew that God is love. He had been a hoxha, a Muslim cleric. And even though it had become impossible for anyone to openly speak about God, his son Dani remembers how, when some bad news came their way, Mustafa didn’t fret. Whenever someone asked him why he didn’t ever seem upset, he smiled and looked upward. After Albania became free, he added “God is good!”
During the latter years of the communist rule, his friend, an old Orthodox priest, came to Mustafa with an urgency in his manner. Though the two men had come from very different religious backgrounds, their shared belief in God had drawn them together during the heavy-handed atheistic oppression. “Mustafa, I trust you and I trust your good sense.” he whispered, “The strangest thing has happened and I need your advice.” “I know that some have been saying that the state is softening about religion, but this is very unusual” “I received an official invitation to open the old church and to speak to the people about God for only one time.” “Why would they ask for such a thing?” he paused to glance around nervously “Nobody has been able to even mention God for over 20 years!” “I fear that it is a trap, not only for me, but for anyone who may come to listen.” “What is your advice for me?”
“Well, my old friend, it may be as you fear.” “This could be a trap, and you know the possible consequences.” “Yet, this could be the will of God and the only opportunity you will ever have again to turn someone to God’s road with your words.” “If you decide to open the church, I will be there with you.”
The church was open that day and Mustafa was there as he had promised. Though neither ever knew why it was allowed or what purpose God used it for, it wasn’t long before communism began to crumble in Albania and they were free to openly worship and pray.
Many years later, some Adventists from America moved into the neighborhood. Mustafa and his family welcomed them and helped them however they could. He noticed their kindness and that they prayed to God. When he was sick, the Adventists prayed for him. It was Adventists who helped his son set up the family shop each morning. Mustafa told Dani that he recognized God’s love in them. When Mustafa was on his deathbed, the Adventists visited him and prayed for him.
Months after his funeral, his son Dani began to study the Bible. Over two years later, Dani was baptized. Today, Dani is learning how to introduce his Muslim friends to Jesus. There is no question that the Holy Spirit was at work in Mustafa for decades before we arrived in Albania. We have no doubt that He sent us here and that He is still at work today. [tedNEWS]
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Photos: Sean Mays
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