2 July 2026 | Tirana, Albania [Sarah Henke]
Leaders from the Seventh-day Adventist Church world headquarters visited Albania from June 22 to 26 to encourage local members and gain a deeper understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing the church’s mission.
The delegation included Erton Köhler, president; Richard E. McEdward, secretary; and Paul H. Douglas, treasurer. During their visit, they met with leaders from the Albanian Mission (AM), the Adriatic Union Conference (AUC), and the Trans-European Division (TED), before visiting several ministry initiatives across the country.
“As General Conference officers, we intentionally visit places where the church faces significant mission challenges. This year, we chose Albania to better understand the mission context in this country and how we can best support the mission,” said Köhler. Meetings throughout the week focused on the opportunities, challenges, and future vision for the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Albania.
HopeMedia Albania inaugurated
One of the highlights of the visit was the inauguration of HopeMedia Albania, a new media centre dedicated to sharing the gospel through digital platforms. The officers toured the new facilities and learned about the vision behind the project.
“It was a great privilege to attend the opening of the HopeMedia studios here in Albania,” Douglas said. “Looking at what was created in the space that was available, I am amazed by the possibilities and the potential of what will happen here.”
Douglas also reaffirmed the world church’s commitment to support the initiative. “During my visit, I learned a new Albanian word, ‘besa’, a word that conveys trust, faithfulness, and keeping one’s promise. That word inspired me because it reflects our commitment to stand together with the Albanian Mission as partners while they proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ through media.”
OneVoice27 initiative
The delegation also learned about the AM OneVoice27 strategy, an initiative that brings together churches, ministries, and members in a collaborative approach to evangelism.
Reflecting on what he observed, McEdward said, “I see remarkable growth and the development of infrastructure through the leadership of the pastors.” He added that this spirit of collaboration is clearly reflected in OneVoice27’s vision.
Visiting local ministries
The officers spent time with pastors and their families at a fellowship luncheon with AUC leaders, providing an opportunity to hear from local leaders and encourage those serving across the country.
The delegation also visited the Tirana East Seventh-day Adventist Church, where Gentian Thomollari and his wife, Sanda, shared how they are using digital platforms to support evangelism and local church ministry.
Another stop included the recently opened Lighthouse Centre of Influence in Durrës. Hosted by Adriel and Sarah Henke, the officers learned how the centre is building relationships within the community through hospitality, creative initiatives, and intentional outreach.
The group also visited the Adventist kindergarten school, meeting teachers and children and learning more about the church’s investment in Christian education as part of its long-term mission strategy.
Encouragement for the church in Albania
For Delmar Reis, AM president, the visit was both an encouragement and a reaffirmation of the church’s mission. “The visit of the Seventh-day Adventist world church leaders is a deeply meaningful moment for the Adventist Church in Albania,” Reis said. “Their presence affirms the mission initiatives we are advancing throughout the country and inspires our pastors, leaders, and members to continue serving with renewed commitment.”
Zlatko Musija, AUC president, described the visit as an important reminder of Albania’s contribution to the worldwide mission. “Although we are one of the smallest unions, their presence encourages us. The ideas and resources they shared will strengthen our work.”
As the visit concluded, Köhler reflected on what the delegation had experienced. “It was an amazing experience,” he said. “We came to understand the challenges, see the vision, and become part of the initiatives taking place here. We are returning home with a much better understanding of the mission context in Albania and how we can best support the church.”
He added that the visit was not only about offering support but also about learning from Albania’s example. “We are one church family. Although we serve in different parts of the world, we strengthen one another. What we have seen here is inspiring.”
[Photos: Dennys Bravo and the Albanian Mission]
