The Smolicas

Shpëtim grew up in a family that is sort of considered the black sheep of ministry work. What does that mean? Well, his family is from Kosovo and normally most people think of missionaries as foreign to the country they are serving. Initially, his father started mission work in Albania before and during the war in Kosovo, and it was in that time that Shpëtim was born. God led his family to move back to Kosovo after the war in order to follow up with believers that had sought refuge in Albania during the war in Kosovo. He grew up a missionary kid, but without intention to follow his father’s footsteps. However, over the past few years God has slowly grown the desire to do just that.

During the lockdown of 2020, God assured Shpëtim that mission work is what His desire is for Shpëtim’s life. After a time of doing ministry with friends, he realized this work brought more joy than his work in the world. Shpëtim gave his notice at work and started preparing his heart and planning his ministry.

Shpëtim and Breanna met early in her time in Kosovo through friends. But their friendship didn’t begin until a couple years later. Their friendship grew quickly and after prayer and advice from friends started a relationship. July 18, 2020 they had a small ceremony with family and friends after which began their marriage. During their marriage God has grown their desire for their individual ministries as well as a desire to live out Matthew 28, “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” together.

Shpëtim’s ministry is based around music. He writes original indigenous worship music that will prayerfully reach those who have no access to the Bible, particularly those who are not able to read. Shpëtim uses scripture to write lyrics in order to bring scripture to those who will listen. In addition to that he tries to work with as many churches in Kosovo as he can to bring original Albanian music to their services as opposed to the current mostly translated songbooks. He partners with other established missionaries who also make worship music and will be working with other musically talented people. Shpëtim is super excited to see where God leads this ministry and to plant the seeds of the Gospel among Albanian speakers.

Breanna is working towards opening Omelicious Bakery as ministry. She desires to use Omelicious as a way of becoming more a part of the community where she lives. Currently baking in her home kitchen and advertising via social media she loves to see how God brings people to her door to give them American style baked goods, but also kindness and love. She has already been able to begin relationships with the vendors she frequents and is excited to see them grow. She is currently praying for and awaiting the day God allows her to open a store-front and be able to be even more hands on with people every day!

Our role in the body of Christ is to be the hands and feet of Jesus wherever we are, to be an example with our words and with our actions. We are to help those who believe to grow their relationship with Christ, and to help those who don’t know Christ to start a relationship with him. We are called to teach, equip, and send. Through our ministries, and everyday life, we will do our best to do just that: teach, equip, send. The culture, economy, lack of church presence, lack of unity among the churches, and the need for hope here are just a few of the reasons we desire to stay and be used by God full-time.

Blessings,
Shpetim & Breanna