| Once again, we want to thank you for your prayers and words of encouragement throughout the past few years in regards to our ministry in Albania and Kosova. The past year, 1999, was a very challenging one , yet a time of much growth in each of us as individuals as well as a family. We began a ministry to the Street children in Tiran�, Albania in January of 99. Then by March of 99 the flood of Kosovar refugees became incredible, and unknown to us all at the time, this would change our lives in many ways. From March through July we were busy caring for scores of Kosovar refugees. Rachel and Ellen visited the refugee camp of 5,000 to help prepare and distribute food as well listen to people share their tragedies. Dan worked night shift in the main refugee Transit Center in Tiran� to make sure people were able to rest, be fed, and not be bothered by media while waiting to be transferred to various camps throughout Albania. Anna Beth began working in our garage; which became a small warehouse; getting it ready for food and hygiene items to be distributed to some of the refugee families that had fallen through the cracks of the mega big organizations. By April we were providing food, bedding, rent, household items, diapers, baby formula, and toiletries for over 165 Kosovars which represented more than 14 families. During all of this we continued ministry to the Street Kids as well as all our other ministry and personal duties. By the end of June, Ellen made the first trip into Kosova, just two weeks after the NATO bombings had ended to �check� on the families and make sure they were safe and to determine who was in need of food, shelter or other items. This was the beginning of many trips to Kosova. In September the whole family was able to go for a week and a trip in November with Door of Hope director Paul Popov was our final trip before returning to the States for furlough. We were told many stories of horrors that most of us cannot even imagine. To be face to face with those who experienced such violence and devastation; and to be given the privilege to be an extension God�s grace, love, and mercy is more than words can say. It has been an awesome honor and responsibility at the same time. Most of the families we helped were from Gjakova, Kosova, a small city roughly 30 miles from the northern most Albanian town of Biram Curry. It was several of these families that asked us to come work and live there in Gjakova. After an extended time of prayer for the decision, we decided it was time to move on. We will continue our work in Albania with the Street kids and the Albanians through regular visits and communication as well as enlisting the help of Albanian Christians there in Tiran�. Since our return to Ohio in December, we have been able to talk with many of the people who support us in prayer as well as through finances. But before I go on, I first want to say we are sorry for our shortcomings of not saying THANK YOU often enough; and for allowing our communication with you to fall far short of what it should have been. In the midst of that we have lost communication with some of you completely. As for those whom we have failed please forgive us because we realize Father God wants us in felowship and it is Satan who does not. We are totally hooked in at our home church, �Messiah Community Church in Wyoming, Ohio�. Our Pastors are Wayne & Betty Fox. If you have any questions about us please feel free to contact us at... [email protected] or even call the church at: (513) 623-9555 NEW ADDRESS ... [email protected] Support: Our finances will go through Church on Fire and be handled through them. Any questions in regards to our support may be directed to us or to Connie Nagele at the Church. Our home Church gives us a monthly support which is just a small portion of what we need. Our income is completely through individual monthly support of $10, $20, and more a month. Our return date to the Balkans is November 20th. 2000. It is our intention to stay there for a minimum of 24 months and very possibly 48 or more. Currently we are on furlough which also includes support raising for our work in Kosova and Albania. In October we will return to Tiran�, Albania for 2 weeks to get our van and household items out of storage and see our friends there and greet the Street Kids again! The end of October we�ll be in Gjakova, Kosova to begin a new phase. We will be working closely with the director/principal of the elementary school there in getting the school winter ready as well as other projects. We will be teaching English Second Language classes, Bible studies, street kids, and begin an outreach to the teens via a coffee house. These are all big endeavors, but not too big for God. The trips are costly, but vital to the believers in Albania and in Kosova. There is so much to do! However, with God ALL things are possible. If you would like to support us financially make your check out to Messiah Community Church and on the note put: �Fitch Missions�. Please let us know if you wish to support us monthly or if you only wish to give a one time gift. Fitch Missionaries 53 West Mills Ave Wyoming, Ohio 45215 USA Of course, your prayers are a vital part of our ministry and missions overall. Keep us in your prayers and we welcome any prayer requests or praise reports you may have for us. Blessings, Dan, Ellen, Rachel, Anna Beth, and Timothy Fitch |
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| October 2000 |
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