{"id":25093,"date":"2025-12-10T10:00:05","date_gmt":"2025-12-10T10:00:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ted.adventist.org\/news\/?p=25093"},"modified":"2025-12-02T10:36:11","modified_gmt":"2025-12-02T10:36:11","slug":"youth-women-and-men-explore-their-identity-in-christ","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ted.adventist.org\/news\/youth-women-and-men-explore-their-identity-in-christ\/","title":{"rendered":"Youth, Women and Men Explore Their Identity in Christ"},"content":{"rendered":"

18 November | Tirana, Albania [Sarah Henke with tedNEWS<\/em>]<\/p>\n

Three major retreats held across Albania in October brought together youth, women and men for a series of parallel events exploring identity, purpose and spiritual growth. Hosted by the Albanian Mission (AM), each gathering took place in a different location and brought together a different group of attendees, yet all three shared an emphasis on understanding our identity in Christ and how it shapes our choices, relationships and mission.<\/p>\n

Youth Gather in Tirana to Become \u201cStory + Tellers\u201d<\/h2>\n
\"The
The \u201cStory + Teller\u201d notepads and pens were given to the young people to help them reflect on what they learned throughout the weekend<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Youth Retreat, held in Tirana from 18 to 19 October, drew young people from churches across the country for a weekend of discipleship and fellowship. Organised by Pastor Adriel Henke, Youth Ministries Director for the AM, the event centred on the theme \u201cStory + Teller,\u201d encouraging participants to understand the overarching biblical narrative and recognise their place within it.<\/p>\n

Henke explained that retreats give young people a vital opportunity to \u201cfocus on themselves and on Jesus,\u201d helping them develop spiritually and preparing them to share the gospel in their own contexts. The programme blended worship, small groups, teaching and social activities intended to strengthen relationships and provide a supportive space for growth.<\/p>\n

One attendee, Restiola Bregasi, described the retreat as \u201can amazing weekend filled with worship, laughter and meaningful conversations,\u201d noting that the group left \u201cinspired and ready to live out our faith with new passion.\u201d<\/p>\n

Women\u2019s Conference in Kruja Highlights \u201cGod\u2019s Identity in Me\u201d<\/h2>\n
\"Women
Women attending the conference in Kruja gather for a group photo<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

One week later, on 25 to 26 October, the Women\u2019s Ministries Department, led by Nati\u00e9li Sch\u00e4ffer, hosted a two-day Women\u2019s Conference in the historic city of Kruja. Women from across Albania gathered for a time of reflection, rest and spiritual renewal under the theme \u201cGod\u2019s Identity in Me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sch\u00e4ffer emphasised that such retreats create essential spaces for women to feel valued and spiritually supported. She said they provide the church with \u201ca refuge where women feel valued, cared for and spiritually nurtured.\u201d<\/p>\n

Guest speaker, Adriana Nunka, explored how the Christian identity can be reclaimed in a society where messages about self-worth are often distorted. She encouraged women to understand who they are in Christ and how that identity can be visible in their daily lives. \u201cWe need to understand who we are as Christian women and how God\u2019s identity in us can be seen by others in our daily life,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

Attendees described the atmosphere as open, honest and restorative, with everyone engaging in sessions that prompted deep personal reflection. When asked to ponder, \u201cWho am I when no one is watching?\u201d, Diljana Kollarja shared that this question helped her gain a clearer view of herself through God\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n

Adriatic Union Conference’s (AUC) Women\u2019s Ministries Director, Svjetlana Veble, spoke about the unity experienced at the conference, noting that \u201cdespite language barriers, we understood each other perfectly because we share the same Spirit.\u201d<\/p>\n

Men Across Albania Meet for the First National Gathering<\/h2>\n
\"Men
Men sit together in discussion about faith, finances and spiritual responsibility<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

On the same weekend, 25 October, the AM held its first nationwide men\u2019s meeting at Tirana Central Seventh-day Adventist Church. Men from nearly all of the congregations in Albania attended the event, which explored the theme \u201cMoney: Is It Important?\u201d The seminar was led by Marinko Markek, Treasurer of both the AUC and the AM.<\/p>\n

Markek encouraged participants to approach financial matters with greater spiritual awareness, examining how Christian faith shapes attitudes towards “material resources.” Through lectures and group discussions, the programme created space for honest conversation and fellowship.<\/p>\n

Pastor Gentian Thomollari described the men’s gathering as \u201chistorical,\u201d expressing appreciation for this first opportunity for men from across Albania to discuss such a relevant subject together.<\/p>\n

AM President Delmar Reis, reflecting on the three retreats, said that they serve a purpose far beyond the individual events. He emphasised that they provide members \u201ca safe space to connect with themselves and with God, helping the church grow in unity, mission and purpose.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n

[Photos: Youth retreat by Restiola Bregasi, women\u2019s conference courtesy of the AM Communications Department, and men\u2019s event by Delmar Reis]<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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