I am raising funds for a father and his 8-year-old son, both US citizens and Adventist friends of mine, who are currently stranded in the Balkans. I have known this family since they left America to do missionary work in Europe when the son was just a baby. Recently, after a year without contact, I reconnected with them and learned about the difficult situation they are facing.

Due to family issues, the father and son are now alone in Albania for the next six months. They are struggling to pay rent and are at risk of eviction. During their last move, the father was robbed of many personal possessions—items he would have sold to make ends meet. Their food sources are very low, and they do not have running water, which the landlord refuses to fix. The father is finding it nearly impossible to work in a country where he does not speak the language, and they have no immediate way to return to the US.

Albania is a third world country, and it is very hard to have any rights or assistance of any kind. It is a sink or swim situation for them until the father can find online work. He lost his job due to the actions of the prior landlord, who forced them to move after believing false accusations made by someone else. The father did not even know what was happening until a friend translated what the landlord had been told about him—none of which was true.

The funds raised will go directly toward their rent, food, basic necessities, and saving for travel costs when they are able to leave Albania. I am also personally teaching the child online, helping him learn to read, write, and do math for the first time. This is an urgent situation—a young child is at risk of losing his home and access to food just as he’s beginning his education. Your support can help keep them safe, sheltered, and nourished during this critical time. Any amount you can give will make a real difference in their lives. Please consider helping this family through their most difficult season.