Gjergji Lushka preaches during the first worship service of the first United Methodist church in Durrës. The service was held in a three-room apartment that had been rented by the church to house services, fellowship and children’s ministry.
The July 2 service at Durrës United Methodist Church was attended by about 23 people. The service was held in a three-room apartment that had been rented by the church to house services, fellowship and children’s ministry.
“Our church members are so happy that a place could be found where they can encounter God, where they can encourage one another on their respective faith journeys, and where they can share joys and sorrows,” said Gjergji Lushka, a student of theology who is responsible for the new church and particularly for leading the worship services.
A church member described the current and future development of The United Methodist Church in Albania. “Our church is like a strawberry plant: On the one hand, green surfaces are created at dry places by the new offspring. On the other hand, and more important, the plant bears fruit,” said Saip Biba, a 62-year-old taxi driver from Elbasan United Methodist Church.
The leaders of the church in Albania hope that the presence of the church in this country’s second largest city will be a contribution toward the transformation of the local society.
