Across Albania, children’s ministries are transforming lives and shaping future leaders of faith—just as they did for Euxhenia Bregasi and her sister Restiola. Despite growing up in a home where religion was discouraged, the two sisters found refuge in a small local church, where songs, stories, and smiles first planted seeds of faith that would eventually shape their lives’ mission.
Long before she ever stepped into a pulpit as a Seventh-day Adventist pastor, Euxhenia Bregasi was just a curious little girl following her younger sister Restiola into a small church down the street. They weren’t raised in a Christian home, faith was not discussed, and religion was something met with scepticism or silence. But in that little church, infused with songs, smiles, and stories about Jesus, something began to grow inside them.
“I still remember the very first day,” Euxhenia recalls. “The hugs, the joy—it was overwhelming. We had never felt that kind of welcome before.” What began as innocent curiosity grew into commitment. Sabbath School became their spiritual classroom. “It was the first place I learned how to pray, held a Bible, and felt peace,” she added.
Restiola remembers a Christmas children’s program that forever marked her heart. “I couldn’t shake the feeling I had experienced in that church. I felt a warm, loving, peaceful atmosphere that I hadn’t known anywhere else, with virtual strangers.”
Though the path wasn’t easy, especially in a home where faith was strongly discouraged, church became a refuge. Volunteers, teachers, and other members stood by them, prayed with them, and modeled the love of Christ. Through prayer they persevered. In secret they studied. Eventually the girls made a decision that would change everything: baptism.
The pastor at the time, Sérgio Borges and his wife, Adriana Borges, closely accompanied their journey. “Despite the challenges they faced in gaining permission from their family, they remained steadfast. Their father eventually gave his approval, and they were baptized at the first Albanian Mission (AM) Pathfinder Camporee,” Borges said. “Since then God has honored their faith, and we are so proud to see what they have become.”
Years later Euxhenia is an Adventist pastor, and both sisters are actively serving in the Adventist Church. “It all started in a children’s program,” they say.
And their story isn’t the only one.
Seeds Being Planted in Albania Today
Across Albania local churches are embracing the power of children’s ministries to plant seeds of hope, just as they did for the Bregasi sisters.
At Tirana Central Seventh-day Adventist Church children look forward for the annual summer camp organized in partnership with the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) office in Albania. Entering its third year, this initiative “offers not just games and crafts but a meaningful space where children grow socially and emotionally,” explains Delmar Reis, AM president. “Volunteers from Albania and abroad help make it possible, pouring love into every detail.”
In Elbasan, the fourth most populous city in Albania, the church doors open each week to children, many of whom come from non-Christian families. Through Bible stories, songs, games and creativity, these little ones encounter Jesus in ways that speak their language. “The meetings aren’t just programs; they’re opportunities for transformation,” says Euxhenia, who now serves in Elbasan.
In the mountain region of Korçë, Sunday mornings are filled with laughter and music. “For more than two years children have gathered for Bible stories, playtime, and even creative programs such as “MasterChef,” where they learn about healthy eating in fun, interactive ways,” explains Adriel Henke, the local pastor. “At Christmas more than 200 children receive gifts—a tangible expression of God’s love.”
And in the nearby village of Dishnice, children, mostly from Muslim backgrounds, gather every week for the same joyful experience: Bible stories, songs, and play.
Natieli Schaffer, AM Children’s Ministries director, comments on the programs: “All these initiatives, big and small, share one goal: to help children meet Jesus. Not just in words, but in action. Not just once, but consistently.”
Convinced that all it takes is a seed, Schaffer concludes, “If you ever wonder whether it makes a difference, just think of Restiola and Euxhenia.”
The original version of this story was posted on the Trans-European Division news site.