November 2, 2009

Valbona was afraid to celebrate her birthday. All she could remember from her last birthday were continual explosions from an ammunitions depot, narrow escapes and separation from family. She was afraid for her birthday to roll around this year. Valbona was only one of the many traumatized little children in her village near Tirana, Albania.
AGWM missionaries, Dave and Sue Hartmann, understood such trauma, having lived in Albania for several years. Observing so many children living in terror prompted the Hartmann’s to open a place of safety and hope for the poor and neglected children in the Tirana area. Thus, NOAH’S ARK (NA) was born.

It just so happened that Valbona’s birthday took place during NOAH’S ARK’s first week of existence in March 2009. Acting on an incredible opportunity, the Hartmann’s sponsored a Community Birthday Party at NOAH’S ARK. With the help of the local radio station it was an outstanding success. Thirty-six children attended along with many parents. Valbona, her family, and other families who had endured the same trauma were introduced to a godly atmosphere and a sense of hope (many for the first time) through the creative ministry of NOAH’S ARK.

NOAH’S ARK exists to provide a healthy, safe, Christ-centered and joyful environment for children. They aim to teach the children through music, structured play and Christian materials and tools. Also, NOAH’S ARK exists to provide a place for non-Christian parents or family members to relax while their children play.  A coffee bar, relevant contemporary Christian literature, and casual conversation with believers are offered at the center to achieve this goal.

NOAH’S ARK is an oasis in a dark, spiritually dry place.  It is in this darkness that Dave, Sue, and the team minister through NOAH’S ARK. It is opening enormous doors into the hearts of lost Albanian families, and reaching out to orphans and the handicapped in the area. They have plans to start a weekly Mom’s Day Out, opening more doors into the hearts of non-believing moms.This is the first Christ-centered play center in the capital city of Tirana. NOAH’S ARK is meeting a desperate need.