18 November | Tirana, Albania [Sarah Henke with tedNEWS]
Three major retreats held across Albania in October brought together youth, women and men for a series of parallel events exploring identity, purpose and spiritual growth. Hosted by the Albanian Mission (AM), each gathering took place in a different location and brought together a different group of attendees, yet all three shared an emphasis on understanding our identity in Christ and how it shapes our choices, relationships and mission.
Youth Gather in Tirana to Become “Story + Tellers”
The Youth Retreat, held in Tirana from 18 to 19 October, drew young people from churches across the country for a weekend of discipleship and fellowship. Organised by Pastor Adriel Henke, Youth Ministries Director for the AM, the event centred on the theme “Story + Teller,” encouraging participants to understand the overarching biblical narrative and recognise their place within it.
Henke explained that retreats give young people a vital opportunity to “focus on themselves and on Jesus,” helping them develop spiritually and preparing them to share the gospel in their own contexts. The programme blended worship, small groups, teaching and social activities intended to strengthen relationships and provide a supportive space for growth.
One attendee, Restiola Bregasi, described the retreat as “an amazing weekend filled with worship, laughter and meaningful conversations,” noting that the group left “inspired and ready to live out our faith with new passion.”
Women’s Conference in Kruja Highlights “God’s Identity in Me”
One week later, on 25 to 26 October, the Women’s Ministries Department, led by Natiéli Schäffer, hosted a two-day Women’s Conference in the historic city of Kruja. Women from across Albania gathered for a time of reflection, rest and spiritual renewal under the theme “God’s Identity in Me.”
Schäffer emphasised that such retreats create essential spaces for women to feel valued and spiritually supported. She said they provide the church with “a refuge where women feel valued, cared for and spiritually nurtured.”
Guest speaker, Adriana Nunka, explored how the Christian identity can be reclaimed in a society where messages about self-worth are often distorted. She encouraged women to understand who they are in Christ and how that identity can be visible in their daily lives. “We need to understand who we are as Christian women and how God’s identity in us can be seen by others in our daily life,” she said.
Attendees described the atmosphere as open, honest and restorative, with everyone engaging in sessions that prompted deep personal reflection. When asked to ponder, “Who am I when no one is watching?”, Diljana Kollarja shared that this question helped her gain a clearer view of herself through God’s eyes.
Adriatic Union Conference’s (AUC) Women’s Ministries Director, Svjetlana Veble, spoke about the unity experienced at the conference, noting that “despite language barriers, we understood each other perfectly because we share the same Spirit.”
Men Across Albania Meet for the First National Gathering
On the same weekend, 25 October, the AM held its first nationwide men’s meeting at Tirana Central Seventh-day Adventist Church. Men from nearly all of the congregations in Albania attended the event, which explored the theme “Money: Is It Important?” The seminar was led by Marinko Markek, Treasurer of both the AUC and the AM.
Markek encouraged participants to approach financial matters with greater spiritual awareness, examining how Christian faith shapes attitudes towards “material resources.” Through lectures and group discussions, the programme created space for honest conversation and fellowship.
Pastor Gentian Thomollari described the men’s gathering as “historical,” expressing appreciation for this first opportunity for men from across Albania to discuss such a relevant subject together.
AM President Delmar Reis, reflecting on the three retreats, said that they serve a purpose far beyond the individual events. He emphasised that they provide members “a safe space to connect with themselves and with God, helping the church grow in unity, mission and purpose.”
[Photos: Youth retreat by Restiola Bregasi, women’s conference courtesy of the AM Communications Department, and men’s event by Delmar Reis]
