The Word That Changed Everything

We arrived in Pristina, Kosovo late last night—somewhere around 2 a.m.—and finally made it to our hotel in Gjakova. I’ve taken this trip many times before, but this was the first time with my wife, Addison, and our kids: Trent (6), Evangeline (3), and Felicity (just 6 months). International travel with kids is an adventure in itself—and this trip was already proving to be unforgettable.

This morning came early. Some members of our group were scheduled to appear on a local television program in Tirana, Albania to talk about upcoming live events. The studio had requested we begin filming before noon. That meant a pre-dawn wake-up call.

We were up by 6, breakfasted by 7—Mediterranean cheeses, olives, eggs, and bread, all paired with strong, tiny macchiatos—and on the road by 8. The drive was beautiful. Winding through the mountains of northern Albania, the landscape shifted from rugged to lush. We made one stop for more macchiatos. The kids, despite only sleeping four hours after multiple international flights, did remarkably well. A few meltdowns, sure—but no international incident.

In the lull between TV shoots, I found myself in conversation with Pastor Driton Gashi, the leader of Gjakova Family Church in Kosovo.

I’d heard bits of his story before, but never like this.

“In Islam, there is no Savior.”

I asked him what led him to follow Jesus. His eyes lit up with that mix of clarity and gratitude only found in people who remember what it’s like to be lost—and know exactly who found them.

He told me that he was raised Muslim in Kosovo. Like most Muslims, he was taught that Jesus was a prophet—honored, yes, even miraculous—but not the Son of God. Not the Savior.

In fact, he said many Muslims believe Jesus will return again one day—not to proclaim salvation, but to confirm Islam as the final truth.

“But in all that,” he told me, “there is no Savior.”

There’s no way to know where you stand. You do good, you avoid evil, you pray, you fast—but when you die, you just hope the scale tips in your favor.

I remember hearing that even the Prophet Muhammad himself couldn’t guarantee his own salvation. In the Qur’an, he is quoted as saying:

“I am not something original among the messengers, nor do I know what will be done with me or with you.”

— Qur’an 46:9

That uncertainty is woven deeply into the fabric of Islamic belief. There’s no way to know where you stand. You do good, you avoid evil, you pray, you fast—but when you die, you just hope the scale tips in your favor.

The Ache for Assurance

That uncertainty became unbearable for him. It created an ache—a question that haunted him: What if it’s not enough? What if I’m not enough?

Then someone told him the story of Jesus—not just as a prophet, but as the Savior. The One who died in our place, who carried our sins, who rose again to offer forgiveness and peace to all who receive Him.

The moment I heard that Jesus is the Savior, and that I could actually know that I was saved—that was the turning point.

He didn’t reject faith. He didn’t become an atheist. He found the true answer to his deepest spiritual longing. He found Jesus.

That was in the 90s.

Now, years later, Pastor Driton is leading a church in Gjakova, helping others discover the same peace and certainty he found in Christ.

When Religion Isn’t Enough

He also told me about the version of Islam he grew up with—where certain elders were venerated, their graves visited, people bowed and asked for blessing through them.

He never found peace in that either. It felt like something was missing. Even in reverence and ritual, the weight of sin and uncertainty remained.

But the message of Jesus was entirely different.

“Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” — Jesus (Matthew 11:28)

A Word for You

Driton’s story reminded me: behind every religion, every ritual, every striving heart—is a longing to know:

Am I right with God? Am I safe? Am I forgiven?

Only Jesus offers a clear, final answer:

“Whoever hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.” — John 5:24

If you’ve ever longed for peace—real peace—you’re not alone. And you don’t have to keep striving.

There is a Savior. His name is Jesus.

If you’re still breathing, it’s not too late.

God loves you— He’s made a way for you to be right with Him.

Not by earning it. Not by striving. But by receiving the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ.

You don’t have to live in fear or uncertainty.

You can be forgiven. You can have peace. You can know where you stand with God.

Receive Jesus as your Lord and Savior—and let today be your turning point.