The year 2011 marked a special time for Ian and Caralee Loring. They celebrated both their 20th wedding anniversary and 20 years of living in Albania.

Then the year culminated with a surprise honour. In December, the Mayor of Korce, where they live, informed Ian that the town council had voted unanimously to make him an 'Honoured Citizen of Korce’ (equivalent to being given a ‘Freedom of the City’ in London).

"I am both touched and honoured," was Ian’s reaction. "I am thankful to God, and pray that this will give more opportunity to share the effects of a society coming to Christ."

The beginning of their remarkable journey that led Ian and Caralee to Albania began in the West Country. Before their marriage, both were part of an OAC Ministries (Open Air Campaigners) mission team operating from Bristol.

After his theological training, Ian, with Caralee and others, went into communist countries that allowed them to bring supplies to impoverished and suffering people. They also brought the reason for their compassion – the love of God which they shared in words and illustrated by painting on sketch boards.

Coming to Albania almost by accident is the way Caralee recalls what happened in 1991.

"We were working short term trips into Bulgaria when Albania opened. We were privileged to enter when the country first opened in May 1991, and lead some of the early evangelistic teams into the country. It was so open and had such need that the call was
just evident.

"That year we were engaged, married, and moved to Albania and haven’t looked back! We’ve been so busy. It’s hard to imagine being anywhere else, and the Lord has truly moved mountains and confirmed His call on our lives to be here."

During the civil war of 1995, the Lorings made the decision to stay in the country. At this distressing time, they undertook the daunting task of feeding the Kosovar refugees at their mission stations in Erseka. Also, they were able to re-establish three schools for local children. Their high profile has resulted in a large and thriving ministry.

One of their great success stories affecting different areas of Albania has been training Albanian students for Christian leadership. Over the years, church leaders have been raised up. Having returned to Korce, Ian is currently organising another programme for a training school.

"Ten years ago when we returned to Korce, one of our greatest desires was to help the church regain it’s credibility in society," Ian explains as they work together with a Christian foundation and others.

"With the work of the foundation here and the churches’ social projects, the vast number of volunteers ready to serve the town and the poor, the atmosphere has changed. So has the opinion of people who for many years saw the church as irrelevant."

Korky Davey, West Country Director of OAC, congratulated Ian on Korce Town Council's unusual decision to make him an Honoured Citizen.

"This is in recognition of much needed social action in establishing safe houses for deprived children and orphans, ministry to the elderly, a physical therapy programme, and special education class and work in an orphanage for the handicapped, street children’s work, school, and church centre.

"All this flowed out of the successful proclamation of the Gospel to a whole community."

Local residents have noted two firsts. This is the only case known of one foreigner being given this honour in two cities, both Korce and Erseka. Also, it was the first time in five years that the town council voted unanimously, encouraging the community to celebrate together with this remarkable family.

Yet the Lorings sum up their biblical view, "Wealth and honour come from you… Now, our God, we give you thanks and praise your glorious name." (1 Chronicles 29:12-13 NIV)