Lausanne World Pulse – World Pulse Archives – World Pulse Archives

Unemployment, drugs, prostitution and alcohol are becoming an inseparable part of Albanian society,” said Besa Shapplo, director of Mission Possible Albania. Among its multiple ministries, Mission Possible Albania has sought to reach Albanian children since it opened its doors and started partnering with local churches in 1991. Mrekullia (Miracle in English), its children’s magazine, aims to teach Christian morals and ethics to children across society.

Distributed freely in public schools, the magazine does not speak openly about God, but has proven to be a tool for pre-evangelistic work. “Children are taught through the stories how to distinguish between good and evil, to love one another, to help their parents or friends,” said Shapplo.

In tandem with the magazine, Mission Possible organizes Mrekullia Clubs for teaching the Bible to children ages 7 to 12 in several Albanian churches. The clubs serve as an evangelistic outreach for unchurched kids and help nurture Christian children’s faith. Clubs hold the children’s interest through kid-friendly Bible lessons and games. In addition, “homework indirectly makes them speak to their family about what they learn in the Club,” Shapplo said.

Vacation Bible schools and Bible summer camps serve to strengthen the club ministry and expand outreach.

The Bible summer camps engage children from various clubs in five days of Bible study and discipling, with lessons for everyday life. “We show them how to keep their rooms clean, to use table manners, to care for the environment—flowers, animals and birds,” Shapplo said.