Earthquake aid report Albania

Earthquake aid report

By Hervin Fushekati, International School of Theology and Leadership, Albania

On 26th November 2019, Albania was hit by an earthquake, with a magnitude of 6.4 Richter, which affected the areas in Durrës, Tirana, Kruja, Laç, Lezha. Thousands of buildings were damaged, more than 14,000 people were made homeless, sheltered in hotels, public buildings, tents and with relatives.

Thousands of people were injured and 51 people lost their lives. Worst hit areas were Durrës and Thumanë. Buildings and homes verified as dangerous are presently being pulled down.

As we write this account, we are thankful for TEN’s prayers and support to us and to the Kingdom of God here in Albania. At the International School of Theology and leadership (ISTL) we have students from the affected areas. They have been sharing all the needs with us and were calling for help.

We so are thankful that Transform Europe Network responded to our call for help. With the financial aid that they donated, we were able to maximise our impact by helping towards all transport and operational costs as well as distributing food parcels, bedding and bags of clothing. This aid was sent to the churches of students, pastors and leaders who have their ministries in the affected areas. Our aid was primarily facilitated through two churches in Durrës area and one in Vora as follows: The Christian Centre of Durrës and the Nehemia Centre in Durrës each distributed 150 food boxes containing 2kg flour, two litres of sunflower oil, two packets of spaghetti, two packets of pasta, 2kg rice, 2kg sugar, two

packets of multivitamins. Also, there were 200 boxes with clothes for men, women, children’s toys, 100 bags with blankets, sheets and shoes. This aid supported 300 families who had damaged houses or were living in tents. The church invited these people into their church building, to get to know them and to share the Gospel. Our ISTL students were very active in sharing the love of God with the lost, sharing the living hope where there appeared no hope, and preaching the Gospel in their community.

It was of great privilege to serve this group of people that had lost their hope.

The Good Seed Church served the community in Vora. This church also distributed 150 food boxes and 100 boxes of mixed clothes. They distributed the aid mostly to the families that were living in tents after the earthquake. It was a great privilege to serve this group of people that had lost their hope. Sharing the love of God and the Good News of Jesus Christ with them, in their poor villages, fills us with joy and strength to continue forward.