This is a special young man

This is my friend Edmir. I first met him this time last year at the church youth camp in the mountains not far from here. We were having a time of worship and prayer during which we were encouraged to go and pray for someone else. Edmir simply came over to where I was sitting, knelt down and prayed for me in Albanian. I have no idea of the content of that prayer, all I can say is that I sensed God's presence as a result. I will never forget this young man's simple faith that reached out to me when I was feeling like a fish out of water.
Edmir's story is tough. For many years his family (mum, dad and 4 children) lived in an old army barracks after the 1999 war ended, not long after Edmir was born. Their home was made of flimsy materials including plastic sheeting, which regularly leaked. It was especially damp and cold in winter (and it gets VERY cold!). Young Edmir contracted many chest infections, all of which have adversely affected his physical development. The church ministered to the family and, when asked by a Christian Dutch NGO for some suitable families to live in a row of houses they were building, Edmir's family were at the top of the list.

They now live in a lovely 4 bedroom terraced house (pictured above but with their neighbour - and our car - outside).
Earlier this year Edmir's lungs were a real cause for concern. Part of them were severely infected and he urgently needed a very expensive operation in a Pristina hospital to remove part of his lungs. Through the kindness of many, both here and elsewhere, the surgery was able to be performed and proved to be successful. It was wonderful to meet him again and visit his lovely family in their beautiful home.
This young man's life has been one challenge after another, but through it all his faith in Jesus shines. I was asked to lead the church prayer meeting on Wednesday evening. Who was there early waiting for it to start? Who prayed with passion during the precious hour we spent together? That would be Edmir.