ALBANIA

April 11-23, 2006

Application Deadline:  Feb.1st, 2006

Participants: Artists of any Fine Art concentration

*Spots are limited to 12

Purpose:
To reach out uniquely in the community, supporting the work of the missionaries in Albania, and building up the reputation of the fellowships already in the area. The vision is to use the arts in order to build relationships with people and pass on these contacts to long-term workers.

Ministry Description:

The first days will be spent in orientation, training, and preparation. This time will include discussions on incorporating art and faith, ministry ideas, cultural orientation, etc.

The art team will work closely together in keeping each other accountable as well as to design together creative ways of engaging the community through their artistic efforts. This will take initiative, a pioneering spirit and team work on behalf of the participants.

Ministry will revolve around using the Visual Arts to reach out uniquely in the community and support the work of the missionaries and fellowships already in the area. Ministry could take form through such activities as open air evangelism, village and gypsy ministry, painting murals, running art workshops, hosting an art exhibition, possible trips to local arts school, etc. The outreach will end with the last days devoted to a time of debriefing the team.

Additional Comments:

Participants should come prepared to pioneer and bring whatever art supplies for personal use and the team’s. The art team is responsible for the purchase and supply of the materials needed to run the workshops and paint the murals. The team can raise awareness of the outreach and its needs among local churches and inner circles.

Participants Profile:
Participants need to be able to communicate in either English or Albanian and have some type of artistic skill i.e. painting, drawing, sculpture, pottery, art education, photography, etc. Anybody from 18 to 80 in good health and with lots of energy is welcome!

Apart from the above skills needed a willing and serving heart and a teachable spirit will be of much help!

Cost: $410 (USD) approx.

This amount includes food, accommodation, inland transportation, art material fee and facilitator costs. However, it DOES NOT include costs of flight travel, visas, insurance, and OM home office administration fees, or personal pocket money. 

Visa Comments:

Passport (must be valid at least 6 months beyond date of entry) required. Visa required, which can be obtained on arrival for a stay of max. 1 month.

Visa/entry fee: EUR 10.- or equivalent in other freely convertible currency.
Visitor must hold:

- return/onward tickets
- all documents for next destination
- sufficient funds. Non-compliance with entry regulations will result in
deportation of passenger at carrier's expense.

Accommodations:
Either in the OM Center or in the homes of long-term OM workers.

Travel Arrangement:
Flight should be arranged for arrival in Tirana airport. OM team will pick up participants from the airport.

*The participants are expected to make their own flight arrangements.

Health:
(Note any restrictions or limitations e.g. must be able to carry 25kg backpack)
The team leader should be aware of any physical concerns or limitations upon each participant’s arrival. People need to be physically healthy & able to walk where they need to go.

GOLDEN RULE IN THE BALKANS: EVERYTHING IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AND MOST PROBABLY WILL (SOMETIMES AT THE LAST MINUTE), COME OPEN MINDED AND WILLING!!!