15 October 2025 | Fratarski, Croatia [Sarah Henke with tedNEWS]
In August and September 2025, the Albanian Mission’s (AM) Youth and Health Ministries brought together young people from across Albania for two international activities designed to nurture their faith, health and sense of community. The youth camp took place from 3 to 10 August on the Croatian island of Fratarski, followed by a Hiking Day on 7 September at Liqenati in Kosovo’s Accursed Mountains. Both events aimed at helping participants experience discipleship in motion, encouraging them to find meaning and connection beyond the walls of a church.
At the Adriatic Union Conference’s (AUC) Youth Camp in Croatia, participants from Albania joined youth from neighbouring countries under the theme “You Are Called for More.” With no mobile signal and surrounded by the forest and sea, the setting allowed space for quiet reflection, community building and renewed focus on faith.
“Spending those days on the island, completely in touch with nature, gave our young people a unique opportunity to disconnect from distractions and connect with God,” said Pastor Adriel Henke, Youth Ministries director of the AM.
The programme encouraged participants to embrace discipleship as a holistic lifestyle, not only in their spiritual practices, but also in how they rest, relate and recreate.
A few weeks later, the Albanian youth reunited in Kosovo to hike the mountainous trails around Liqenati, known for its glacier lakes and scenic views. As the group climbed, the physical effort became a space for spiritual reflection and renewal.
“Hiking activates our muscles, strengthens the heart and lungs, clears the mind and fills us with energy,” said Irilda Braho, Health Ministries director of the AM. “But beyond all that, it brings spiritual joy, because in the beauty of nature, we find the fingerprints of our Creator.”
Braho added that physical activity can serve as a form of worship, pointing to the example of Jesus praying in the mountains.
“When we walk in the mountains, we are reminded that this is also a place of prayer and meeting with God. Jesus Himself went up the mountain to pray. There, He found silence and strength. And in the same way, we can find renewal.”
For many participants, the experience left a strong impression. “Activities like this help us reconnect with nature and open our minds to new places and ideas,” said Elda Vladi, one of the young people who attended. “My favourite moment was swimming in a glacier lake 1,800 metres above sea level—something I had never done before. It was like touching the sky.”
Both initiatives reflect the AM’s commitment to youth-focused programmes that support spiritual, physical and mental wellbeing. Leaders hope the impact of these outdoor activities will continue to encourage active, balanced lives rooted in faith.
“In nature we can be completely sure of God’s presence and greatness,” said Henke. “It’s a place where we can both teach and be taught about Him.”
Organisers said both initiatives encouraged young people to experience discipleship through active living and time in nature. They believe the lessons learned, on the island and in the mountains, will continue to inspire a lifestyle of balance, service and faith.
[Photos: Courtesy of the Albanian Mission Communication Department]
