Drust Family Blog

CONGRATULATIONS HEATHER!

2011-05-23T20:18:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to our daughter Heather...she is now a licensed driver! She passed the driving test with flying colors. We are very proud of her (we will have a photo posted soon). God has blessed her with a great job at the historic Hillbrook Inn. She is working hard finishing her sophomore year and preparing for her mission trip to China this coming July.

2011-05-23T19:40:00.000-07:00

Mikayla is doing very well in piano. She has a good teacher and has worked very hard. She is using her talent to play in church offertories and specials. This picture is taken at her first piano recital...we are so proud of our little girl.

Our Furlough House

2011-05-23T19:29:00.000-07:00

God so graciously provided the money for this house in beautiful, historic Charles Town, WV. It has been a big blessing to us as it is conveniently located just 45 minutes from Washington's Dulles Airport as well as a number of our supporting churches.

GRADUATION!

2011-02-10T16:02:00.000-08:00

2010 Tirana Christian High School - Graduation...Congradulations Ben!

TCHS Drama Performance – “Ransom of Red Chief”

2010-04-25T14:39:00.000-07:00

Debby receiving flowers for her part as Director of the play

Heather in action – playing the part of Abagail

Ben in action - playing the part of Sam

Christmas in Albania 2009

2009-12-31T08:08:00.000-08:00

We enjoyed a wonderful Christmas with friends and family. This year we treated ourselves to a family Christmas gift adding a new member to the Drust family, a Shitzu puppy! She is a joy to have!

We are also blessed with the opening of Albania's first truly western mall "City Park Mall" opened just a few weeks ago just in time for Christmas.

THANKSGIVING 2009

2009-12-18T16:01:00.000-08:00

This year was a bit unusual in that we didn't actually celebrate Thanksgiving on "Thanksgiving Day". Our ministry partners were all down with the flu and in our household Mikayla had come down with the flu as well. In addition, we had a major breakdown with the water system at the camp up in Priske which required my attention which took up most of the day anyway. Needless to say we postponed our festivities for the following Friday.

Well, even though we were a week late we all had a wonderful day. The food was wonderful, both Debby and Angie out did themselves. After dinner and desert, we enjoyed games and a Christmas movie. We ended this blessed event with a thankful heart for all God has done for our family this year.

SUMMER FUN! Traveling to Saranda

2009-07-26T07:45:00.000-07:00

After several busy months of ministry work, visits and camps we decided that it was time for a few days of family R&R. So we headed off to the southern port city of Saranda, Albania. It takes about 6-7 hours through some very challenging roads to get down there, but what an awesome ride with some great beauty along the way. We made several stops: the first stop was in the city of Tepelene. Tepelene is famous for their natural spring water. Then we had the opportunity to stop for a few minutes in Gjirokaster, Albania where there is a large castle that sits up on the hill overlooking the city.

SUMMER FUN! Saranda, Albania

2009-07-26T07:34:00.001-07:00

Water front - Saranda, Albania

Beautiful blue & clear water of Saranda

My three favorite ladies - Paradise resturant

Saranda skyline

SUMMER FUN! Ferry ride to Corfu

2009-07-26T07:15:00.001-07:00

Leaving the port of Saranda, Albania

Opps! I accidently sat on Mikayla's Skittles

Loading the vehicles on to the ferry

Mikayla - not to sure about the ferry

Ben & Heather waiting for the ferry to leave

SUMMER FUN! Corfu, Greece

2009-07-26T07:06:00.000-07:00

Corfu marina

Shopping in Corfu

Hotel Arcadion - where we stayed

View of the old town from our balcony

SUMMER FUN!

2009-07-26T06:49:00.000-07:00

On our way back from Saranda we took the coastal route. The views were breathtaking and the sea so blue. By taking the coastal route you must pass through the Logara mountain pass. It is a 3500 ft climb to the top.

NEW VEHICLE

2009-07-25T00:34:00.000-07:00

We are so thankful for our new vehicle, well its new to us. We were able to drive it to the southern city of Saranda, Albania…it preformed really well and gets great gas mileage. We are thankful for the supporters who gave to this project...THANK YOU!

July 4th 2009 FUN!!!

2009-07-10T13:45:00.000-07:00

We had a great time together as a family as well as joining in on some friendly festivities. Celebrating July 4th here in Albania is not the same as being in the states, but instead of complaining about what we are missing, we make the best of it and that we did. Barbecue chicken, grilled steak, potato salad and watermelon, it sure was good!

2009 Albanian Election

2009-06-26T14:56:00.000-07:00

Today on our walk over to the Chinese resturant we were caught up in a political rally followed by a parade...well needless to say it was very interesting. Please pray with us for this years election, June 28th.

Friendships!

2009-06-26T14:46:00.000-07:00

We have a neighbor family that we have befriended and we are earnestly praying that they will become believers in Christ. The daughter and Mikayla have become good friends. This picture was taken at Noahs Ark Day Care, a Christian business!

IRELAND 2009

2009-04-19T09:52:00.000-07:00

Blarney Castle - Blarney, Ireland

We have been planning and saving for this trip for many years and the best part of the trip was traveling to Ireland. It is a country of great beauty with a rich and diverse history. The Irish food was wonderful, but we also enjoyed some good old American food ie: TGIF & Burger King. One of the highlights of the trip was a visit to Blarney Castle (pictured above), yes some of us actually kissed the "Blarney Stone". The stone was not at all what or where I expected.

O'Connell Street - Dublin City Center

Liffey River - Dublin

Typical Dublin street

VENICE, ITALY 2009

2009-04-19T09:25:00.000-07:00

San Marco Square - city center - Venice

Traveling by water taxi or walking is the only way around the city of Venice...no cars allowed!

Enjoying the beauty of Venice!

VENICE, ITALY 2009

2009-04-18T23:42:00.000-07:00

Were back after 10 wonderful days in Italy & Ireland. God blessed us with a great time of rest and relaxation. We also had the opportunity to fellowship with missionary friends in Ireland on Easter Sunday. The first 3 days were spent in Venice, Italy. We stayed at a little B&B just 20 minutes from Venice. The amazing thing was the cost was so inexpensive, mostly due to the world economic problems. For example, it cost only about 30% of the normal on everything except for the food. We were able to take the train from the town of Treviso to Venice every day which took us into the city center. From there we took a water taxi to the main square to see all the main sites. Truly an amazing city with a deep historical past!

Enjoying McDonald's in the sun -

Treviso, Italy.

THE BENEFITS OF BEING A MISSIONARY

2009-03-11T09:34:00.000-07:00

THE BENEFIT OF MINISTRY
There are many benefits to living the life of a missionary. I believe one of the greatest benefits would be doing the work of the ministry. In the midst of our busy days here in Albania, God is blessing! The ministry is going well with always much work to be done. We are so thankful for all the people God has brought into our lives. We have heard that many churches in Albania struggle with the lack of men resulting in poor leadership and the detriment of the New Testament church. However, at New Life we are blessed with a great bunch of men, we are excited to see them grow in the Lord. These men are the future of New Life and will be holding the fort while we are on furlough in 2010. Please pray for their development.

The Baptist church in Priske is also growing numerically, but more importantly it is growing spiritually. I have remained senior pastor of the church, but the church is flourishing under the leadership of national pastor Nardi Elponoria and we are happy to have him and his family as part of our ministry team. In addition to the two churches, our camp ministry in Priske has also served as a great benefit. God continues to open new doors of camp ministry opportunities. Youth retreats and church conferences have been a great way to teach and disciple Albanians molding them to become the spiritual leaders, pastors and missionaries of the future.

"Missionary partnership" is a hopeful future benefit. We are excited about the possibility of a another missionary family coming to work with us, we are praying that this will become a reality in the coming year.

Even though God is working there are those around us that seek to destroy the ministry that God has given us. No doubt there is a spiritual oppression that exists here and many days it is a struggle to see results. The Devil uses people, and what ever means possible to try and dismantle the work of God. But I always claim the verse "…greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world." The work of God will always go forward and it is a benefit to know that our work is not in vain.

THE BENEFIT OF A CLOSE FAMILY
I am thankful today for the benefit of my family. God has blessed Debby and I with wonderful & talented children who love the Lord. Ben is 17 and in another year he will be going back to the states to attend college majoring in music, we will miss him greatly! He has become a very intricate part of the ministry here. For sometime now he has been leading in worship and playing guitar. He also plays the piano and he has a very good voice. It has been a blessing to see him use his talent for the Lord.

Heather also plays guitar and piano. She has a unique talent in photography and she is very good at it. She is great at organizing children’s activities and helping mom with ladies Bible study group and Sunday school functions. Both Ben and Heather are very active is Tae-Kwon-Do, currently they hold a second degree red belt and will soon be testing up to Black belt. This has been a lot of work and dedication on their part and they have stayed with it, never giving up.

And then there’s Mikayla. When God brought her into our lives 5 years ago we were not sure what He was doing, but Mikayla has truly been a gift. She has brought such joy to our home and has even had an impact on the ministry in some very interesting ways. We are proud of our children. They have had their share of challenges and problems over the years, but God has brought them through it and they are better for it. They are certainly not perfect, don’t claim to be but they are real and true and not hypocritical, they are who they are and we are proud of them for that.

Living on the mission field has brought our family close together. It has built strong relationships within our family unit, I believe this has been the greatest benefit of all.

GREAT COUPLE OF DAYS!

2009-01-01T07:49:00.001-08:00

After Christmas Ben and Heather had the opportunity to attend a winter camp for MK's. It was a good time of fellowship with their friends as well as an opportunity to meet other missionary young people. God gave them a great couple of days.

We shared this past New Years Eve with good missionary friends. After a brisk walk to the city center to ride some of the rides and view the festivities Ben and Heather and their friends came back to the house for snacks & games while we waited for the big countdown. Then the moment came! We rushed to the rooftop where we have a large veranda. There we waited for the big fireworks show to begin. As we waited we prepared our own fireworks and boy did we have quite the variety ready to be lit. Then here it came 10,9, 8…3,2,1 Happy New Year! It’s been a great couple of days. We pray God will bless you greatly in 2009.

CHRISTMAS IN PRISKE

2008-12-28T10:41:00.000-08:00

Much work went into this years special Christmas service. Both the Tirana and the Priske churches worked together to make this day a success. The service was held at our church/ camp facility in Priske. The service was filled with a number of Christmas carols lead by myself (Mike) and Ben and Diana on guitars followed by the reading of the Christmas story by several of our young people. Right before the preaching we were able to show a beautiful video presentation of the life of Christ from the birth to the death on the cross. The background music in the video was entitled "Mary Did You Know". This was all done in translated Albanian subtitles. God not only used this video, but more importantly the preaching of God's word to speak to the many unsaved visitors attending the service. After the service we had a time of testimonies and more Christmas carols followed by delicious dinner on the grounds. Thank you for praying!

MERRY CHRISTMAS 2008

2008-12-18T01:15:00.000-08:00

DRUST LADIES DECORATING NIGHT - Here are some highlights!

As we reflect on this past year we are very grateful for all God has done in our lives and ministry. Christmas is an exciting time filled with visits, gatherings, giving of gifts and special Christmas services, but most importantly the celebration of the true spirit of Christmas. Jesus came to save a lost and dying world. He gave Himself as the ultimate gift, the "gift of salvation". We wish you a very Merry Christmas and a productive New Year! May God bless each of you during this wonderful time of year!

Mike Drust Family

Missionaries - Albania

Now Driving!

2008-12-18T00:52:00.000-08:00

It is hard to believe that we have a son old enough to be driving. While in the states for my mothers funeral this past summer Ben had the opportunity to take his driving course and permit test. I thought I had gray hair before, well I guess it will only get grayer from here on out. Actually Ben is a good driver and we are very proud of him.

CATCHING UP

2008-09-24T13:36:00.000-07:00

Over the last 7 years Albania has changed greatly. Computers are everywhere, ATM machines on every corner, new highways, these are just a few of the many improvements. But some areas of the technology sector has been slow in its progression. For example until just about 6 months ago only Dial-up e-mail and Internet was available in our area. But now we have broadband high speed and wireless Internet in our house, I still can't believe it. So now after years of having this convenience in America and other places we have finally caught up and we are really excited.

WHERE DO I FIT?

2008-09-24T13:35:00.000-07:00

How many times have you heard someone or perhaps even your children say, "I don’t fit in"? This is certainly the challenge for missionaries and their families at a magnified level. There are times I go for weeks speaking the language, mixing with the culture and not even thinking about the fact that I am a foreigner in a strange land. Then occasionally something happens and it occurs to me that, I don’t fit in here. However, when I think about America and the times we are back in the states, nobody really knows us anymore. The friends that we had all those years ago have gone on with their lives and we are strangers to them now. Everything in America is so different, nothing is the same. Then I realize that we don’t fit in America either. Where do I fit? When I think about all that God has done in our family and ministry over the last eight years it is a definite confirmation that I fit right in the center of God’s will, there is no better place to be in the world.

LABOR NOT IN VAIN

2008-05-19T13:35:00.000-07:00

Building a ministry off the labor of others. There are those near us doing that very same thing. Shocking! Not really, this has happened numerous times before. It is fact, and it happens all the time on the mission field. My flesh tells me to get angry, but my heart says otherwise. God will take care of that situation, my job is to press forward. I am grateful for all God has done in our lives and ministry here in Albania. I am reminded of the verse I Cor. 15:58 "…forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord" I am thankful that the benefit of all the hard work we have invested in people is heavenly and not earthly.

THE USE OF ONE HAND

2008-05-19T13:32:00.000-07:00

One never really appreciates the use of both hands until a hand is disabled. On May 5th I was working on our balcony and I went to move a piece of metal with a jagged edge and it caught the inside of my right hand just below my fingers cutting a deep wound. The doctor came rushing to our house to sew me back together. After a great deal of pain and a number of stitches I was relieved to find out that there was no permanent nerve damage for which I am very grateful. Over these last several weeks I have been very busy with work projects and it has been a challenge to not use my right hand. However it has been amazing to see God take care of all the things that needed to be done either by the help of others or just me using my one hand. I am please to say the stitches are removed and my hand is just about back to normal, praise the Lord!

A Milestone

2008-04-21T13:45:00.000-07:00

Well today marks 18 years of marriage to my wife Debby. It is hard to believe we have been married for this long. Where does the time go? We have had our ups and downs but honestly I wouldn’t trade my life. I praise God every day that God gave me a wife willing to put up with me, I don’t deserve her. It is funny to think about those early years when Debby and I used to talk about our future plans together. We would think about where would we be, 10, 15 or even 20 years into the future, I can pretty much tell you that living in Albania was not a part of the plan. God of course has a unique way of altering our plans for the betterment of His will and I am glad He did. God has given us a full and rich life together in the center of His hands; I wouldn’t want to be in any other place.

Thank you Debby for loving me…Happy Anniversary!

A True Friend

2008-04-21T13:22:00.000-07:00

When I think of friendship, I think of something very special. I have to say I have learned many lessons over the years about relationships. Friends come and go and you soon learn that a good friend is very hard to come by. However, God has blessed us with some very dear friends and I believe we would probably do anything for each other, I am very thankful for that. But there is no friend any closer to me than the Lord Jesus Christ; He is truly a friend that sticks closer than even a brother. I teach our people here to keep your eyes on God, not on man, because failure is sure to come…we have to keep looking to Jesus for only He is a true friend.

Great Vacation – Low Budget!!

2008-04-16T14:09:00.000-07:00

Last week while on spring break, we had the opportunity to take a very memorable trip to Macedonia and Greece. It was obvious to each other that we all needed a break, however there was a problem. With the devaluation of the dollar and the ever rising cost of goods and services, purchasing airline tickets was out of the question, so we decided to take an adventure. Here in Europe it is inexpensive to travel by way of bus or train, so we did both. We took the 8-hour bus trip to Macedonia where we visited our good missionary friends the Handal’s, we enjoyed a wonderful time of fellowship as well as visiting some of the sites. Then several days later we took a train to Thessaloniki, Greece. The money that we saved allowed us to spend several nights at a hotel near the coast and go to several of our favorite American restaurants, Applebee’s & Benningans. Of course the trip would not be complete without doing some shopping at the world famous IKEA super store. Along the way we had the opportunity to meet and talk with many different people, some Americans and some from England and Austria. This vacation was truly one of the best for the Drust family, it doesn’t take a lot of money to create memories…we will never forget it.