Seventh-day Adventist General Conference (GC) leaders visited Albania to better understand the opportunities and challenges for mission in the country. During the visit, they met with local leaders and ministers, learned about preparations for the OneVoice27 initiative, and participated in the opening of HopeMedia Albania.

The delegation, which included Erton Köhler, GC president, Richard McEdward, GC secretary, and Paul Douglas, GC treasurer, met with leaders of the Albanian Mission, the Adriatic Union Conference, and the Trans-European Division. Additionally, they visited several ministries and missionary initiatives across the country.

“As General Conference leaders, we purposefully visit places where the Church faces significant missionary challenges. This year, we chose Albania to better understand the missionary context of that country and determine how best to support ministry,” said Köhler.

During the week, meetings focused on the opportunities, challenges, and vision for the future of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Albania.

Opening of HopeMedia Albania

One of the highlights of the visit was the inauguration of HopeMedia Albania, a new media center dedicated to spreading the gospel message through digital platforms. GC leaders toured the new facility and learned about the project's vision.

“It was a great honor to be present at the opening of HopeMedia Studios here in Albania,” said Douglas. “When you see what has been created in the space available, you are amazed at the possibilities and potential of what will happen here.”

Douglas also confirmed the worldwide Church's readiness to support this initiative.

“During my visit, I learned a new Albanian word—'besa’—which conveys the meaning of trust, loyalty, and keeping one’s promise. This word inspired me, as it reflects our commitment to stand together with the Albanian Mission as partners in proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ through the media,” he said.

OneVoice27 initiative

The delegation also learned about Albanian Mission's OneVoice27 strategy, a global initiative that brings together communities, ministries, and members to share the gospel.

Reflecting on what they saw, McEdward said, “I see tremendous growth and infrastructure development through the leadership of the pastors.”

He added that this spirit of collaboration is clearly reflected in the OneVoice27 vision.

A few weeks later, the Albanian Mission presented the OneVoice27 initiative at the Global Adventist Internet Network meeting in Auckland, New Zealand. The strategy, developed by the Mission’s team of pastors, began in April and combines prayer, Bible study, and church member training using social media, WhatsApp, and video content adapted to Albanian culture.

Visiting local ministries

The GC delegation met with pastors and their families during a joint luncheon with Adriatic Union Conference leaders. This provided an opportunity to hear from local ministers and support those serving in different parts of the country.

The delegation also visited the Tirana Eastern Adventist Community, where Gentian Tomollari and his wife, Sanda, spoke about using digital platforms to support the local church's evangelistic ministry.

Another stop was the recently opened Lighthouse Impact Center in Durres. Adriel and Sarah Genke told guests about the center’s work, which builds relationships with the local community through hospitality, creative initiatives, and purposeful service.

The group also visited an Adventist kindergarten, where they met with educators and children and learned more about the Church’s investment in Christian education as part of its long-term missionary strategy.

Supporting the Church in Albania

According to Delmar Reis, president of the Albanian Mission, this visit was a source of support and confirmation of the importance of the Church's mission.

“The visit of the leaders of the Seventh-day Adventist world church is an extremely important event for the Adventist Church in Albania,” said Reis. “Their presence confirms the importance of the missionary initiatives we are developing throughout the country and inspires our pastors, leaders, and members to continue serving with renewed commitment.”

Zlatko Musija, president of the Adriatic Union Conference, called the visit an important reminder of Albania's contribution to the Church's global mission.

“Although we are one of the smallest unions, their presence supports us. The ideas and resources they shared will strengthen our work,” Musija said.

Concluding the visit, Köhler shared his impressions of what he saw.

“It was an amazing experience,” he said. “We were able to understand the challenges, see the vision, and be involved in the initiatives that are being implemented here. We return home with a much better understanding of the missionary context of Albania and how best to support the Church.”

He added that the purpose of the visit was not only to offer support, but also to learn from Albania's example.

"We are one Church family. Although we serve in different parts of the world, we strengthen each other. What we have seen here is inspiring," Köhler concluded.

The original article was published on the Ukrainian Union Conference news site.