In September, MEDIA Alliance International gathered 120 ministry leaders from across the Balkans for three days of training, encouragement, and connection along the coast outside Tirana, Albania. Leaders from Albania, Kosovo, Romania, Greece, North Macedonia, Serbia, Croatia, and Bulgaria came together to sharpen their media and leadership skills and strengthen one another in their shared calling to make Christ known.

The Balkans region presents unique challenges for ministry. Many believers are first-generation Christians serving in societies still healing from deep divisions and where the influence of the Church is often small or misunderstood. Yet, amid these challenges, the passion of local leaders is remarkable.

The training included sessions on leadership and spiritual development, along with breakout workshops covering social media, radio production, video production, church media, and staff and volunteer development. Each session was led by experienced ministry leaders from the U.S. who volunteered their time and personally covered their travel costs to invest in these growing ministries.

Throughout the week, leaders shared stories of perseverance and renewed faith. One participant reflected, “I’ve been struggling with leadership decisions over the past four years, and this time was a confirmation of my choices and my work.” She described how the encouragement and clarity she found during the sessions nearly brought her to tears.

As with every MEDIA Alliance event, the Albania training was more than a conference—it was a gathering of brothers and sisters in Christ committed to using media to reach their nations with the Gospel. Many left encouraged, equipped, and reminded that even in difficult places, the message of Jesus continues to shine brightly.