31 July 2025 | Lake Pogradec, Albania [Sarah Henke]
Five people were baptised in July on the shores of Lake Pogradec, Albania, marking the first fruits of a new church plant in the nearby village of Dishnicë. The baptisms — three women and two men — reflect more than two years of prayer, community outreach, and Bible studies led by the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Church Planting Vision
But the story of this baptism did not begin at the lake. It began in Dishnicë, just ten minutes from Korçë, where a vision for church planting emerged after the ACTS training in 2022. ACTS is a support system for planters committed to multiplying Adventist churches worldwide.
Pastor Adriel Henke, leader of the project, explained that the choice of Dishnicë came after much personal prayer and a clear impression from God, “I prayed and visited some villages around Korçë, where I serve as pastor. God answered me clearly that we should focus on this village. There was no Christian presence there, so we saw it as an open door, even though it was also a great challenge. But we know that nothing is impossible for our God.”
Following the ACTS training, Pastor Adriel gathered a core group to plan and pray over the steps needed to establish a presence in the village. The approach was based on Christ’s method of mingling with people, serving their needs, and winning their trust.
Pastor Bledi Leno, Director of the Global Mission Urban Center and one of the ACTS trainers in Albania, commented on the wider vision, “Witnessing the results of a church planting initiative is not only heartwarming, but also deeply inspiring. This is the vision at its best: sparking and sustaining a movement that takes root, grows, and transforms lives for eternity.”
Breaking Through Tradition
Dishnicë is a village deeply rooted in tradition, with a strong Muslim majority. At first, the work seemed almost impossible. The community was reserved, cautious, and often suspicious. Fatjon File, a member of the core group, recalled, “In the beginning, it felt like a wall. Doors were closed, and eyes were filled with suspicion. They wondered why we were there. But with time, God gave us strength and the assurance that it truly was His will for the work to continue. Later, by God’s grace, people began to wait for us.”
The first steps were, in Pastor Henke’s words, baby steps. “We started little by little. First, we focused on the children with weekly Sunday programmes. At Christmas, we distributed over 100 gift boxes, and from that point the children began coming every week. In 2023, once the children’s programme was established, we started weekly gatherings for women and for men. Then came the Packages of Hope project, supporting 27 families monthly with food supplies. On Sabbaths, we brought them together for simple Bible introductions. And eventually we began direct Bible studies with those who showed a desire to follow Christ.”
From gift boxes to food packages, from children’s clubs to Bible studies, nothing was extravagant, only consistent love and presence. Suspicion gave way to curiosity, and curiosity blossomed into friendship.
Nothing Is Impossible for God
After more than two years of ministry in Dishnicë, and a full year of Bible studies, hearts were ready. Pastor Henke recalled the turning point, “The moment arrived to ask the question: Who truly desires to be baptised? I explained what it would mean, the cost of discipleship. To my surprise, six people raised their hands. I asked again, and the same hands were lifted. I was moved to tears. It was beautiful to see adults deciding that it is never too late to begin a walk with Jesus. And while the Holy Spirit was transforming them, He was transforming me too.”
Thus, in late July, the baptism was celebrated in the calm waters of Lake Pogradec. Members of the Korçë church joined the new believers from Dishnicë. Songs, tears, and embraces filled the lakeside with joy. Anxhela Isuf, moved by the scene, reflected, “Today is proof of what persistence, prayer, and love can do. This is truly God’s work.”
The Mission Continues
Among those preparing for baptism is Anxhela Rakollari, who commented about her decision, “I love Jesus and want to follow Him as His disciple.” Although her baptism is scheduled for the church’s anniversary in August, she sees her commitment as part of the same movement of faith.
Yet this story is only the beginning. Five new disciples are just the first fruits of a greater harvest. “The seed has been planted in Dishnicë, and now the mission is to nurture, disciple, and dream further. The same God who opened doors in a village once closed to the gospel will continue to open paths so that many more may find hope,” concluded Pastor Henke.
[Photos: courtesy of Sarah Henke]
