Flamingos in the Land of Eagles

Albania, the “Land of Eagles”, is heavily affected by migration. Many people are moving from villages to cities, or leaving their homeland altogether, believing they can find a better future elsewhere. But there are also those who are working to create hopeful prospects in Albania. Among them is The United Methodist Church (UMC).
 
Since early June, large protests have been taking place every day in the Albanian capital, Tirana. They were triggered by a planned luxury tourism project in a nature reserve – an area used by flamingos as a breeding ground, which is why the term “Flamingo Revolution” has emerged. The protests, which had been largely peaceful up to that point, have long since turned into demonstrations critical of the government, calling for transparency and opposing rampant corruption, the sale of public land to foreign investors, and the current prime minister’s administration in general. “Albania is not for sale!” is one of the slogans. Which also means: You can’t do whatever you want with us. And the urgency of the cause is leading, here and there, to the protests becoming more tense.
 
In the Same Boat
The UMC in Albania is also affected by migration, by rising prices that place heavy demands on it, and by the consequences of corruption. But – just like the participants in the protests – it is committed to a future in which people from all walks of life can find a place. It does not live in a parallel world; rather, it is right in the midst of life. Close to the people, so that they can overcome their challenges and grow in faith, hope, and love. With four urban congregations (Tirana, Durrës, Pogradec, and Elbasan) as well as one congregation in the Mokra Mountains (Buzahishtë), the Church is not numerically overwhelming in size. Yet it is growing. In terms of numbers, because people here can be part of a warm, welcoming, and sustainable community. But it’s also growing in depth, because people are given the opportunity to learn and take on responsibility. Alfros Hyko, leader of the congregation in Buzahishtë, recently said: “We’d rather have something small and make something great out of it than have something big that we don’t really know what to do with.”
 
Daring to Reach Out
The UMC in Albania consists of many people whose thoughts and feelings extend beyond the boundaries of their own congregation – people whose hearts recognize the importance and needs of a broader community. This is evident in mutual visits, the annual national Church Day, nationwide camps for children and youth, and regular seminars for leaders from all congregations. Recently, the topic of “service” was the focus of one such seminar – service in the church, in worship, and in the community. It is encouraging to see how much has grown in this regard in recent years. And how it has also become possible to venture into a broader perspective that does not turn a blind eye to concrete social hardships. For example, in Buzahishtë, 14 families received seed potatoes so they could secure a staple food, earn additional income, and ultimately resist the pressure to also migrate – just as so many others have done. In Tirana, an Early Intervention Center was established to serve approximately 25 children with disabilities. An interdisciplinary team of highly competent specialists not only supports the children according to their needs but also encourages and empowers entire families to shape the present and embrace the future.
 
In Good Hands
A strong sense of collaboration has also developed at the leadership level. Përparim Kasmollari (Pogradec), Florian Çela (Elbasan), Alfros Hyko (Buzahishtë), Gjergj Lushka (Tirana and Durrës), Amadeo Çela (District Office), and Pranvera Kurti (Executive Director) are actively involved in a variety of ways, supporting one another and working responsibly to ensure the promising development of the UMC in Albania. They are still being accompanied by Superintendent Wilfried Nausner and his wife Jean. But when, in the course of this year, they hand over their dedicated service – after nearly two decades – to the new superintendent, Gjergj Lushka, the work will be in good hands. Beyond human capabilities, it will also be in the hands of the One of whom it is said: “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength; they will soar on wings like eagles.” (Isaiah 40:31)
 
Source: Urs Schweizer, Assistant to the Bishop, Zurich (Switzerland)

  
Photo © UMC AL: National Church Day 2026