I want to tell you about Besmir and other YA's.

Besmir is a Muslim who joined the church two years ago.  He wants to serve a mission but is needed to help his family at  home.  His two younger brothers are members, but their father will not let them attend.  He lives about 45 minutes out of Tirana and rides his motor scooter to and from work everyday.  He comes to all of our functions, then rides home in the dark.  Sunday, because he is dressed in Sunday clothes, he takes the bus to church which takes him 1 1/2 hours.  Besmir has three sisters, one of them died a while ago of kidney failure.  His two other sisters are both on dialysis and Besmir helps support his family.  He is a worthy young man with a temple recommend, even though he has not been through the temple.  He is one of our institute teachers and loves his calling.  This is one of our young adults.

Elvis (yes that is his name but pronounced with the accent over the "v") is our YA President.  He is going to college and has served a mission in Italy.  He is the only member in  his family.  He takes time off to go and visit all the branches in Albania to talk to the YA's and encourage them to attend YA Conference in August and sets an example to all of what a righteous young man should be.  He even wears a suit on Sunday which is rare among the YA's.

Many of the YA's have served mini missions where they actually go to different parts of Albania and stay for three or four months.  This is a great experience for them and they get a taste of what missionary work is all about.  Most of them go to college  because it is free if they can get in.  All they need to purchase are their books.  The trouble is when they graduate, there are no jobs.  There have been over a hundred young people that have served missions from Albania and only six have returned to help build up the church.  Many go to BYU after and never come back.  That is hard because their strength is needed.

We are excited to be able to serve these wonderful Young Adults.  They certainly are choice spirits of our Heavenly Father.  They have a lot to learn about the Church, and in time they will. We know that is one of the reasons we are here to help them in learning the doctrines and develop strong testimonies.  They are teachable.