2 July 2026 | Tirana, Albania [Sarah Henke]<\/p>\n
Leaders from the Seventh-day Adventist Church world headquarters visited Albania from June 22 to 26 to encourage local members and gain a deeper understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing the church\u2019s mission.<\/p>\n
The delegation included Erton K\u00f6hler, president; Richard E. McEdward, secretary; and Paul H. Douglas, treasurer. During their visit, they met with leaders from the Albanian Mission (AM), the Adriatic Union Conference (AUC), and the Trans-European Division (TED), before visiting several ministry initiatives across the country.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs General Conference officers, we intentionally visit places where the church faces significant mission challenges. This year, we chose Albania to better understand the mission context in this country and how we can best support the mission,\u201d said K\u00f6hler. Meetings throughout the week focused on the opportunities, challenges, and future vision for the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Albania.<\/p>\n
HopeMedia Albania inaugurated<\/h2>\nPictured (left to right): Magdiel P\u00e9rez Schulz, assistant to the General Conference president; Delmar Reis, president of the Albanian Mission; Erton K\u00f6hler, president of the General Conference; Daniel Duda, president of the Trans-European Division; Paul H. Douglas, treasurer of the General Conference; Natalie Reis; and Richard E. McEdward, executive secretary of the General Conference, during the inauguration of HopeMedia Albania. The new media centre was officially opened during the General Conference officers\u2019 visit to Albania<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
One of the highlights of the visit was the inauguration of HopeMedia Albania, a new media centre dedicated to sharing the gospel through digital platforms. The officers toured the new facilities and learned about the vision behind the project.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was a great privilege to attend the opening of the HopeMedia studios here in Albania,\u201d Douglas said. \u201cLooking at what was created in the space that was available, I am amazed by the possibilities and the potential of what will happen here.\u201d<\/p>\n
Douglas also reaffirmed the world church’s commitment to support the initiative. \u201cDuring my visit, I learned a new Albanian word, \u2018besa\u2019, a word that conveys trust, faithfulness, and keeping one\u2019s promise. That word inspired me because it reflects our commitment to stand together with the Albanian Mission as partners while they proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ through media.\u201d<\/p>\n
OneVoice27 initiative<\/h2>\nRichard E. McEdward speaks about the OneVoice27 initiative at the Tirana Central Seventh-day Adventist Church in Tirana, Albania<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
The delegation also learned about the AM OneVoice27 strategy, an initiative that brings together churches, ministries, and members in a collaborative approach to evangelism.<\/p>\n
Reflecting on what he observed, McEdward said, “I see remarkable growth and the development of infrastructure through the leadership of the pastors.\u201d He added that this spirit of collaboration is clearly reflected in OneVoice27’s vision.<\/p>\n
Visiting local ministries<\/h2>\nGeneral Conference officers and local church leaders gather for a group photo inside the Lighthouse Centre of Influence in Durr\u00ebs, Albania. During the visit, the delegation learned how the centre is connecting with the local community through hospitality and outreach<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
The officers spent time with pastors and their families at a fellowship luncheon with AUC leaders, providing an opportunity to hear from local leaders and encourage those serving across the country.<\/p>\n
The delegation also visited the Tirana East Seventh-day Adventist Church, where Gentian Thomollari and his wife, Sanda, shared how they are using digital platforms to support evangelism and local church ministry.<\/p>\n
Another stop included the recently opened Lighthouse Centre of Influence in Durr\u00ebs. Hosted by Adriel and Sarah Henke, the officers learned how the centre is building relationships within the community through hospitality, creative initiatives, and intentional outreach.<\/p>\n
The group also visited the Adventist kindergarten school, meeting teachers and children and learning more about the church\u2019s investment in Christian education as part of its long-term mission strategy.<\/p>\n
Encouragement for the church in Albania<\/h2>\nDelmar Reis, president of the Albanian Mission, shares the vision of HopeMedia Albania during the inauguration service. The initiative aims to communicate the gospel through digital media and expand the church\u2019s outreach across Albania<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
For Delmar Reis, AM president, the visit was both an encouragement and a reaffirmation of the church\u2019s mission. \u201cThe visit of the Seventh-day Adventist world church leaders is a deeply meaningful moment for the Adventist Church in Albania,\u201d Reis said. \u201cTheir presence affirms the mission initiatives we are advancing throughout the country and inspires our pastors, leaders, and members to continue serving with renewed commitment.\u201d<\/p>\n
Zlatko Musija, AUC president, described the visit as an important reminder of Albania\u2019s contribution to the worldwide mission. \u201cAlthough we are one of the smallest unions, their presence encourages us. The ideas and resources they shared will strengthen our work.\u201d<\/p>\nDelmar Reis introduces members of the HopeMedia Albania volunteer media team<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
As the visit concluded, K\u00f6hler reflected on what the delegation had experienced. \u201cIt was an amazing experience,\u201d he said. \u201cWe came to understand the challenges, see the vision, and become part of the initiatives taking place here. We are returning home with a much better understanding of the mission context in Albania and how we can best support the church.\u201d<\/p>\n
He added that the visit was not only about offering support but also about learning from Albania\u2019s example. \u201cWe are one church family. Although we serve in different parts of the world, we strengthen one another. What we have seen here is inspiring.\u201d<\/p>\n
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[Photos: Dennys Bravo and the Albanian Mission<\/em>]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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