Albania - Shen Vlash Home of Hope Youth Mission Team
“I am so excited to be going on my second mission trip! Last year, I didn’t know what to expect, and this year I go with the full knowledge to go with love and faith. I had the most amazing time last year meeting some extraordinary people and I still keep in touch with the kids today... I hope to do the same and more this year.” Kristina – Albania Mission Team member
TIRANA, Albania – Do you love working with youth? Do you have a gift for teaching kids about our faith? Team members will assist with a summer camp program offered to the children of the Home of Hope.
The 2022 Albania Youth Team will work with OCMC missionary, Pamela Barksdale to offer a program which will include religious education, games, arts and crafts, sports, excursions and other fun activities. The theme ‘Journey Through Holy Week’ will be a witness to the importance of Holy Week. Team members will also provide a visible witness of the faith to youth, visit ministries of the Church in Albania and meet other OCMC missionaries.
Under the Ministry of Social Work of Albania, the Children's Home of Hope opened in 2003 and since then has offered a loving, home model for children who have troubled home situations. It is open to children that may be orphaned, come from single parent families, or families experiencing some type of hardship. The Orthodox Church in Albania runs 28 schools - 20 preschools, 3 k-9th grade, 4 high schools and 1 2-yr professional school as well as a seminary which is open to both men and women.
Albania suffered the most severe religious persecution in the world; all forms of religion were constitutionally prohibited, most churches and monasteries had been destroyed, no Church infrastructure existed, and only a few clergy remained. Under the guidance of Archbishop Anastasios of Tirana and All Albania, the Church has been resurrected and continues to flourish. After centuries of Ottoman presence and decades of communist rule, the Church continues to make a remarkable turnaround, offering a witness of Christ’s love. Be a witness of the Faith in a country where 70% of the people come from a Muslim tradition by being a part of this teaching and outreach Team.
Dates: June 13 - June 27, 2022
Cost: $1,255.00 (+airfare)
Travel – Team Members must fly on the international travel itinerary OCMC will provide to and from the project destination. Team Members are responsible for all air travel: one-way domestic flight to Jacksonville, FL (JAX) Monday, June 13 (by 4 pm for orientation) and an international segment from JAX to Tirana, Albania on Wednesday June 15, returning home on Monday, June 27. Airfares are not included in participant cost.
Fund raising– Each Team Member is responsible for the participant cost and airfares associated with this Team. Team Members are encouraged to invite others to participate in this effort through prayer and tax-deductible donations. Participant cost includes room and board, local transportation, orientation costs, ministry expenses, excursion and materials.
If you would like to contribute to this Team project - youth camp to Albania - we are grateful for your support. This is optional and it is not included in the participant cost.
Share in a journey of faith… Orthodox Mission Team members are challenged to view the world with God's eyes and seek how He wants to use them to fulfill His plans. This cross-cultural experience, combined with outreach, offers participants a life-changing learning experience. This experience is about people, culture and missions. It is also about prayer, for you and others; it is about God, those you serve, and about yourself, as you serve Him.
