Doni and Gail Lilo

We have been ministering in southeastern Albania alongside the evangelical church since 1993 and 2004, respectively. Since 2007, we have been serving in Doni’s hometown of Ersekë, Albania among people of nominal Orthodox, Muslim, Bektashi, or atheistic backgrounds. Today, just over fifteen years after the fall of Communism, our neighbors are trying to find their balance in a rapidly shifting political, cultural, and economic environment. In this context, the Albanian church is working to bring people the life-giving news of Jesus.

Currently, we minister with the Ersekë church, the Bible School and in our home. Doni is primarily involved in adult discipleship and leadership at church and Gail offers direction to the children’s ministry team and young women’s discipleship. Our daughter Kori (Born July 2008) delights all as she tags along to various meetings and visits.

Doni also serves as assistant principal and translator for the Torchbearers’ Bible School, currently in its 6th year. Udhëkryq (“Crossroads”) exists for the leadership development of the Albanian church as well as for Western young people. It's a place to explore God’s heart for cross-cultural missions while studying the Word in a "developing nation context." During the summer, Doni is on staff with the evangelistic youth camps held at the Bible School.

We also continue relationship with the church in Bilisht (Also in south-eastern Albania), whom Gail served alongside until spring, 2007. Recently, in response to growing numbers and needs, the church has constructed its own facility. We continue to rejoice in God’s faithfulness and power to change lives in this small rural town.

This May, the Lilos will be in the U.S. for four months to complete a segment of Gail’s clinical hours in lactation consulting. She is pursuing a leading to shift her call to children’s ministry to include this very tangible work with mothers and babies. We will also be awaiting the birth of our second child in early July!

Your prayers and partnership are invaluable, for as we are alongside the Albanian church for its encouragement, strengthening and growth, you are alongside us. We are grateful!

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