Introducing Our New Interns!
We’re thrilled that God brought 4 new international laborers to AIA this year. I (Lisa) joined them in Budapest for their briefing/initial training. Karen, Caitlin and Nathaniel are serving in Albania for the year and Lucas is in Girona, Spain, with the Pro Cycling Ministry. We’re excited to see all the ways God will work in and through them this coming year.
My time in Budapest was mostly great, but not without a few surprises. My luggage was delayed for 3 days (I’m getting used to that!) but it was zip-tied shut when it arrived! I got creative with a nail file to get it open. Then I had an unexpected overnight in Frankfurt on the way home due to a missed connection. I loved the unexpected opportunity to experience Frankfort’s juxtaposition of old and new!
Next Stop: Orlando
I (Lisa) am supposed to fly to Orlando on Friday for our annual Guild meetings. (We’ll see if Hurricane Milton allows that!) This is one of the highlights of my year. I am one of 40 International Sending Coordinators (ISC). We are responsible for the care and sending of all Cru international missionaries. It is always a treat to gather with my peers, be encouraged, and learn how to better care for missionaries in the field and thereby keep advancing the gospel! As a bonus, I’ll be in person with my 2 remote coworkers for a time of planning for the year ahead.
Albania and Beyond
In our youth, Albania was the darkest country behind the Iron Curtain. In 1967, Albania had become the world’s first atheist nation. We heard horror stories about Christian missionaries being killed and persecution of all types. Communist tyranny left Albania among the world’s poorest countries.
A lot has changed since then! Cru now has a thriving public ministry in Albania that includes the beginnings of an AIA movement.
We (yes, both of us!) will be in Albania and Greece in the first two weeks of November. Michael will provide leadership training and coaching for many of the Albanian Cru staff. Together we will provide training and care for the AIA staff and American interns serving in Albania. Since we are “in the neighborhood,” we will run down to Athens for some R&R and to celebrate our 37th wedding anniversary. It is sort of a last hoorah for the year.
“Last hoorah” because a few days after our return Michael will have his second surgery from the motorcycle accident and will be pretty much immobile until the new year.
Praises and Petitions
- Thank God that the hurricane damage in our town did not cause any damage to our homes, though we were without power for 12 hrs and our sons’ families were out for 48! The blessing of all living in the same town now was 11 people and 2 dogs ‘camping out’ in our house. 🙂 We also saw our neighbor’s 60 foot tree topple over shortly after we lost power! Miraculously nothing was damaged!
- Our interns are adapting to a new culture in Albania and the Albanians are adjusting to having Americans on their team. Pray for wisdom as we train the staff and open hearts for all to the work God wants to do in all of us. Pray for safe travels and good health Oct. 30 – Nov. 14.
- This has been a tough year for us as we navigate Michael’s surgeries. He is healing well from the first surgery (shoulder) and we pray that this next surgery on his knee (Nov. 21st) gets him back to 100%. Join us in trusting God that November and December brings much healing to his body & soul.
Thank you so much for being a vital part of our ministry. God bless you!
Michael and Lisa Anderson
Our mailing address is:
Michael & Lisa Anderson
269 N. King St
Xenia, OH 45385