The following post is from CBF field personnel Bob and Janice Newell who serve in Greece.

Who knows what will happen when a formerly shut door is finally opened? When previously repressive doors are unlocked and entrée to freedom and possibility is granted, unimagined and too often undreamed-of human potential awakens, stretches itself and reaches out to embrace the future.

The Albania House in Athens is known as PORTA precisely because it is one of God’s primary human means of opening doors for Albanian immigrants in Athens, Greece.

In the brief span of just under four years, PORTA  has served as a vehicle for unbolting and releasing what Albanians refer to in their native tongue as mundesira (opportunity )! When, in God’s providence, the door to English-as-a-foreign-Language classes was finally opened, Albanian immigrants poured across the threshold; today, so many seek this vital language training that cramped budgets and crowded classroom space cannot provide for all who want it. When basic computer instruction became available, younger and older adult Albanians placed their names on waiting lists, so that they could make tentative first steps into the digital age.

The first ever all-Albanian art exhibition in PORTA’s Gallery dislodged a long-tenured and unfair log-jam of prejudice; as a result, a river of hitherto unafforded possibility and hope was released, where the artistic potential of an entire people group is now regularly allowed to float freely.

Albanian couples gain access to essential skills necessary to develop healthy and God-honoring homes, raise wholesome children and manage more efficiently their scarce resources because doors of information and inspiration have been thrown open. Bible studies and Christian training release powerful spiritual resources into the lives of people who, for nearly fifty years lived under an oppressive, atheistic state where all church doors remained stubbornly closed.

The Albanian Ambassador to Greece asked PORTA to serve on two occasions as the collection point for emergency relief supplies for flood victims in the homeland; as a result, a wave of generous Albanian community spirit was released and found a ready means of direction. When, in early-April, the Greek Parliament wanted to hear from the Albanian immigrant community and inquired about their concerns, PORTA’s faculty member and first-ever woman President of the Albanian Federation of Social Organizations was called upon to address them; we trust that this historic action has opened a new era of consideration, conversation and communication. On the same day that she addressed Parliament, this vital PORTA representative left Athens for Brussels, to attend a European Union sponsored conference on “capacity-building among immigrants in Europe.”

When doors are opened, fresh capacities can be created! Indeed, the opening of doors is a fitting short-hand for PORTA This spirit of freedom of access is contained within her name, her DNA and her essential mission! This is appropriate and fitting because everything that we do for Albanian immigrants in Athens is done in the name of Jesus Christ, whose open tomb we celebrate in these days of “Pashkë”  –Easter. In his season of openness,possibility and hope, we are most grateful to the followers of Jesus whose unbridled and unfettered support and whose sacrificial generosity make possible the open doors of PORTA. Christ is Risen! Risen Indeed!