The small town of Memaliaj sits in southern Albania, a nation with a turbulent history. Emerging from decades of communist rule, Albania was once officially declared the world’s first atheist state, a place where all religious practice was outlawed. Today, the long shadow of that era still falls across towns like Memaliaj, where poverty is common and emigration relentless. Yet here, a small evangelical church continues its witness, led by Gentian Dogani (Geni), who has served the congregation for upwards of 20 years with the support of the Albanian Evangelical Mission (AEM).
Geni
Geni, one of nine siblings, grew up in Memaliaj. In 1995, at the age of 15, he came to saving faith in Christ through the witness of a missionary serving in the town. Around the same time, a small evangelical fellowship began to meet, consisting largely of young people. All of these believers were first-generation Christians, discovering the gospel and the life of the church for the very first time.
Life in Memaliaj was hard. The town had been built during the Communist era to house miners, but with the collapse of the regime the mine closed and employment all but disappeared. Many residents left in search of work and the population steadily declined.
Like many young Albanians of that time, Geni once considered leaving. On one occasion he and two of his brothers attempted to cross the mountains into Greece in severe weather. After several nights exposed to heavy rain, with no shelter and increasingly suffering from the effects of exposure, they decided to turn back. Later, Geni’s twin brother moved to Italy and Geni had several opportunities to move elsewhere. However, as he grew in the faith, Geni’s desire to minister in the church deepened and he chose to remain in Memaliaj to serve the Lord there.
— This article continues for ET members
