6 August 2025 | Tirana, Albania [Sarah Henke]
Tirana East Church expands its ministry through support groups that promote emotional well-being, faith, and connection, reaching participants across the Balkans.
In response to the growing emotional and spiritual needs of its community, Tirana East Seventh-day Adventist Church has expanded its outreach through a network of support groups. Focused on personal growth, faith development, and meaningful connection, these gatherings have become an extension of the church’s ministry. Through both in-person and virtual formats, the initiative engages parents, educators, men, and women, offering safe spaces for dialogue, shared experiences, and practical encouragement.
For the past three years, the church has hosted fortnightly online support groups for parents and teachers, creating a space where families and educators journey together in raising children with character and faith. These virtual gatherings have drawn participants not only from Albania but also from North Macedonia and Kosovo, including many non-Adventists who value the warm, enriching environment for dialogue and growth.
In April of this year, the groups were enriched by the presence of special guests. Canadian nurse Jane Hetland and her husband, psychiatrist Ray Hetland, led an impactful session on navigating adolescent mental health.
Pastor Marko Zeko, Family Ministries Director for the Adriatic Union, offered encouragement on emotional well-being for parents. In honour of Autism Awareness Month, Sanda and Gentian Thomollari facilitated a session featuring heartfelt written testimonies from parents of autistic children, fostering empathy, understanding, and solidarity within the group.
A new training series, Leadership – Leading Beyond the Classroom, launched in collaboration with the HIM Research Institute, equipped teachers with practical leadership skills beyond academic settings.
The impact of these initiatives was remarked on by attendees. “I attend with joy and always invite my colleagues,” said Drita Kamberi from Kosovo. “I gain more insight and motivation here than anywhere else,” said Luljeta Roci from North Macedonia, adding, “Your words help me keep going in this demanding profession.” To date, over 250 teachers receive the group’s resources by email, and around 40 to 50 join the live sessions regularly.
In early May, Tirana East Seventh-day Adventist Church expanded its support network with the launch of two new in-person groups, one for men and one for women, designed to provide safe, meaningful spaces for spiritual and personal reflection.
The men’s group draws lessons from the lives of biblical figures, with a focus on leadership, integrity, and perseverance. “We all need support, wisdom, and accountability,” said participant Manolo Lanollari. “It’s good to come together and talk about things that matter.”
The women’s group follows The Best You Can Be, a Women’s Ministries resource that invites participants into a journey of self-discovery through reflective exercises and shared discussion. Vjolloca Zesllari, a longtime church member, reflected: “I’ve been in this church for 22 years, and these meetings still manage to surprise me with something fresh and meaningful. I can’t wait for the next one.”
Pastor Gentian Thomollari added, “Currently, materials are sent to 253 teachers via email, with 40 to 50 educators regularly attending the Zoom meetings twice a month. Through these ongoing efforts, Tirana East Church continues to be a beacon of support, strengthening families and educators in their mission to raise children with wisdom and love.”
With a growing emphasis on connection, resilience, and shared faith, these groups are becoming a vital tool for community transformation, proof that even small gatherings can plant seeds of lasting change.
[Photos: courtesy of Sarah Henke]
