13 July 2025 | St Louis, USA [Sarah Henke with tedNEWS]
A delegation of pastors and church workers from Albania attended the 62nd General Conference Session in St Louis, United States, in July 2025. Their presence highlighted the commitment of a small but growing mission field to the global Adventist family.
The delegates joined thousands in meetings, worship services, and reports from around the world. For some, it was a first international church event; for others, the fulfilment of a long-awaited goal.
Pastor Gentian Thomollari said, “What I love the most is seeing all the mission reports from around the world, seeing what they are doing, and how the gospel is being shared… It’s beautiful to see the big family we are! In Albania, we may seem small… But we’re not small, we are many!”
Manolo Lanollari, Albanian Mission Assistant Treasurer, added, “It’s such a pleasure to be here at the GC Session, it’s my first time. I’ve been able to meet people I work with [online] and see all the delegates and members from around the world. It gives us a new perspective… we are global and strong!”
Other delegates echoed this sense of belonging. Pastor Euxhenia Bregasi described the session as “a small taste of heaven — people from every country, all gathered together.” Pastor Delmar Reis, Albanian Mission President, spoke of “renewed focus and purpose.” While Pastor Adriel Henke highlighted the joy of attending with his family, calling the church “dynamic, diverse, and united in mission.”
Adventist Church History Tour
Prior to the session, from 23 June to 2 July, some members of the Albanian delegation took part in an Adventist Church History Tour across the United States. During the trip, they visited several key historical sites connected to the early Adventist pioneers. Highlights included Joseph Bates’ childhood home, the William Miller Farm, Hiram Edson’s farm, and the Adventist Historical Village in Battle Creek.
The group returned encouraged by the global perspective of the church and strengthened in their commitment to mission.
[Photos: courtesy of Sarah Henke]
