The journey to where we are staying in Northern Macedonia was short in terms of distance but took almost four hours, including 45 minutes at the border. I reckon we got off lightly.
Because UK insurance companies don't cover non-EU countries we've had to purchase insurance at border crossings several times. This was by far the most expensive - 50 euros for 15 days (Montenegro 15 euros). The country's flag looks like the traditional Japanese flag on steroids! It has been the cause of controversy (as has the country's name), claiming, as it does, symbolic links with Alexander the Great, something to which Greece feels it has exclusive claims. National identity in an area of multiple small countries is strong.
We arrived half an hour before the fellowship's worship service, our second of the day. Although we were small in number, I felt it a huge privilege to preach to this godly team of women and men, the ninth and last sermon of this sabbatical. Mission work here is really tough (look up Northen Macedonia on the Joshua project's website) and we hope to be of some encouragement to the team here.
We are now in an area where the ethnic Albanian population is in the minority and therefore cultural attachments are even stronger than in Kosova. It's great to continue to be nowhere near tourist destinations. I love experiencing real places and meeting local people. All that will change as we travel on to the Greek province of Macedonia tomorrow. However, I hope to meet the man of Macedonia mentioned in Acts 16 as we travel to the place where the apostle Paul stepped into Europe with the Gospel for the first time.
The final service in Gjakova was very special indeed and not a little emotional. I preached on the love of God, enabled again by Rrezarta's excellent translation skills. We have grown close to many in this loving Christian community and their farewell came straight from their hearts. We wholeheartedly believe in them and their mission and leave with a profound sense of gratitude for our five weeks in Gjakova. Thank you Jeton and everyone in the church you serve so well.
