{"id":24505,"date":"2025-08-28T15:48:16","date_gmt":"2025-08-28T15:48:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ted.adventist.org\/news\/?p=24505"},"modified":"2025-08-28T18:17:33","modified_gmt":"2025-08-28T18:17:33","slug":"the-first-fruits-of-a-church-plant-in-albania","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ted.adventist.org\/news\/the-first-fruits-of-a-church-plant-in-albania\/","title":{"rendered":"The First Fruits of a Church Plant in Albania"},"content":{"rendered":"

31 July 2025 | Lake Pogradec, Albania [Sarah Henke]<\/p>\n

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 Dishnic\u00eb. The baptisms \u2014 three women and two men \u00a0\u2014 \u00a0reflect more than two years of prayer, community outreach, and Bible studies led by the Seventh-day Adventist Church.<\/p>\n

\"5<\/a><\/p>\n

Church Planting Vision<\/strong><\/p>\n

But the story of this baptism did not begin at the lake. It began in Dishnic\u00eb, just ten minutes from Kor\u00e7\u00eb, where a vision for church planting emerged after the ACTS training<\/a> in 2022. ACTS is a support system for planters committed to multiplying Adventist churches worldwide.<\/p>\n

Pastor Adriel Henke, leader of the project, explained that the choice of Dishnic\u00eb came after much personal prayer and a clear impression from God, \u201cI prayed and visited some villages around Kor\u00e7\u00eb, 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u2019s method of mingling with people, serving their needs, and winning their trust.<\/p>\n

Pastor Bledi Leno, Director of the Global Mission Urban Center and one of the ACTS trainers in Albania, commented on the wider vision, \u201cWitnessing 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

Breaking Through Tradition<\/strong><\/p>\n

Dishnic\u00eb 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, \u201cIn 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\u2019s grace, people began to wait for us.\u201d<\/p>\n

The first steps were, in Pastor Henke\u2019s words, baby steps. \u201cWe 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\u2019s 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

From gift boxes to food packages, from children\u2019s clubs to Bible studies, nothing was extravagant, only consistent love and presence. Suspicion gave way to curiosity, and curiosity blossomed into friendship.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong>Nothing Is Impossible for God<\/strong><\/p>\n

After more than two years of ministry in Dishnic\u00eb, and a full year of Bible studies, hearts were ready. Pastor Henke recalled the turning point, \u201cThe moment arrived to ask the question: Who truly desires to be baptised<\/em>? 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Couple<\/a><\/p>\n

Thus, in late July, the baptism was celebrated in the calm waters of Lake Pogradec. Members of the Kor\u00e7\u00eb church joined the new believers from Dishnic\u00eb. Songs, tears, and embraces filled the lakeside with joy. Anxhela Isuf, moved by the scene, reflected, \u201cToday is proof of what persistence, prayer, and love can do. This is truly God\u2019s work.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Mission Continues<\/strong><\/p>\n

Among those preparing for baptism is Anxhela Rakollari, who commented about her decision, \u201cI love Jesus and want to follow Him as His disciple.\u201d Although her baptism is scheduled for the church\u2019s anniversary in August, she sees her commitment as part of the same movement of faith.<\/p>\n

Yet this story is only the beginning. Five new disciples are just the first fruits of a greater harvest. \u201cThe seed has been planted in Dishnic\u00eb, 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,\u201d concluded Pastor Henke.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n

[Photos: courtesy of Sarah Henke]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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