General Conference Leaders Inaugurate HopeMedia Albania

Leaders from the Seventh-day Adventist Church world headquarters visited Albania June 22-26 to encourage local members and gain a deeper understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing the church’s mission.

The delegation included General Conference president Erton Köhler, secretary Rick McEdward, and treasurer Paul H. Douglas. 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.

Church leaders during the inauguration of HopeMedia Albania. The new media center was officially opened during the General Conference officers’ visit to Albania. [Photo: Dennys Bravo and Albanian Mission]

“As 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,” Köhler said. Meetings throughout the week focused on the opportunities, challenges, and future vision for the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Albania.

HopeMedia Albania Opens

One of the highlights of the visit was the inauguration of HopeMedia Albania, a new media center dedicated to sharing the gospel through digital platforms. The officers toured the new facilities and learned about the vision behind the project.

Rick McEdward speaks about the OneVoice27 initiative at the Tirana Central Seventh-day Adventist Church in Tirana, Albania. [Photo: Dennys Bravo and Albanian Mission]

“It was a great privilege to attend the opening of the HopeMedia studios here in Albania,” Douglas said. “Looking at what was created in the space that was available, I am amazed by the possibilities and the potential of what will happen here.”

Douglas also reaffirmed the world church’s commitment to support the initiative. “During my visit I learned a new Albanian word, besa, a word that conveys trust, faithfulness, and keeping one’s 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.”

OneVoice27 Initiative

The delegation also learned about the AM OneVoice27 strategy, an initiative that brings together churches, ministries, and members in a collaborative approach to evangelism.

General Conference officers and local church leaders gather for a group photo inside the Lighthouse Centre of Influence in Durrës, Albania. [Photo: Dennys Bravo and Albanian Mission]

Reflecting on what he observed, McEdward said, “I see remarkable growth and the development of infrastructure through the leadership of the pastors.” He added that this spirit of collaboration is clearly reflected in OneVoice27’s vision.

Visiting Local Ministries

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.

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.

Delmar Reis, president of the Albanian Mission, shares the vision of HopeMedia Albania during the inauguration service. [Photo: Dennys Bravo and Albanian Mission]

Another stop included the recently opened Lighthouse Centre of Influence in Durrës. Hosted by Adriel and Sarah Henke, the officers learned how the center is building relationships within the community through hospitality, creative initiatives, and intentional outreach.

The group also visited the Adventist kindergarten school, meeting teachers and children and learning more about the church’s investment in Christian education as part of its long-term mission strategy.

Encouragement for the Church in Albania

For Delmar Reis, AM president, the visit was both an encouragement and a reaffirmation of the church’s mission. “The visit of the Seventh-day Adventist world church leaders is a deeply meaningful moment for the Adventist Church in Albania,” Reis said. “Their presence affirms the mission initiatives we are advancing throughout the country, and inspires our pastors, leaders, and members to continue serving with renewed commitment.”

Delmar Reis introduces members of the HopeMedia Albania volunteer media team. [Photo: Dennys Bravo and Albanian Mission]

Zlatko Musija, AUC president, described the visit as an important reminder of Albania’s contribution to the worldwide mission. “Although we are one of the smallest unions, their presence encourages us. The ideas and resources they shared will strengthen our work.”

As the visit concluded, Köhler reflected on what the delegation had experienced. “It was an amazing experience,” Köhler said. “We 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.”

He added that the visit was about not only offering support but also learning from Albania’s example. “We are one church family. Although we serve in different parts of the world, we strengthen one another. What we have seen here is inspiring.”

The original version of this story was posted on the Trans-European Division news site.