Ministry Pathways: Loving People with Disabilities in Kosovo

“People don’t do things like this for us.”

In a small town in a less known nation, a Pioneer in Kosovo introduced a new annual event, a “Night to Shine”. The special event is a complimentary event for people with disabilities hosted by local churches around the world.

 For the past ten years, the Tim Tebow Foundation has put on “Night to Shine” events all over the world. These events vary from country to country but all aim to communicate the love of Christ to populations that are often less celebrated. After Metta’s first trip to Kosovo with her family, she knew they wanted to bring the light of Jesus not just to local Albanian Muslims but also to local Albanians with disabilities.

Kosovar Albanians often hold an honor-shame worldview. They see honor of the family and the community as vital. Shame must be avoided in order to have and increase honor for you and your people. This worldview often leaves individuals with disabilities in a shameful light.

 “Each ‘Night to Shine’ event has the primary goal of communicating clearly to individuals with disabilities and their families that they are loved, valued, and have a purpose. That the God who created them loves them and sees them! That they are not cursed or shameful.”

Metta served alongside similar ministries in the States for 20 years. In February, she got to steward that experience and skillset to share Gospel love and light with Kosovar Albanians. In partnership with the local church, the Pioneers team gathered volunteers from across the country to collaborate on producing a “Night to Shine”.

Each of the 120 guests at “Night to Shine” were welcomed as VIPs as they walked the red carpet. The carpet was surrounded with signs that read, “God loves you!” and “You have value!”

“What a blessing it is to see someone walk down the red carpet, realizing that the people are cheering for them! The smiles we saw at that moment were priceless!”  

The remainder of the night is filled with dinner, dancing, limo rides, karaoke, and a crowning ceremony. Volunteers are recruited to serve the guests and their families, making them feel loved and creating a fun experience.

This is one of the many ministry pathways being used by a Pioneer in Kosovo. Are you interested in joining this ministry or doing something similar where you live?

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