ALBANIA: The preaching of the good news in Albania is done under the general supervision of the Italy branch. But the needs of that part of the field have made it advantageous to have an office right in Albania. Thus, on May 12, 1996, Milton Henschel, a member of the Governing Body, addressed an audience of 1,534 who had gathered in Tiranë, the capital, for the dedication of the two buildings that now serve as the Society’s office and Bethel Home in Albania.

The program began as guests who had come from 14 lands were told: “We thank you for coming to share with us in the dedication of our new Bethel. May Jehovah bless you. Welcome to Albania!” That warm welcome was delivered in the language of each of the visiting groups.

The program afforded an opportunity to get to know longtime faithful servants of Jehovah in Albania as well as newer ones. Among those who related experiences was Linda DiGregorio. She and her husband, Michael, who were missionaries in the Dominican Republic, had planned a visit to his relatives in Albania for the spring of 1992. However, the Governing Body asked them to extend their three-day trip to Albania to two or three months. “This three-day visit turned into our new home!” she said. After the work was legalized in May 1992, they began to preach openly from door to door. “Warm, hospitable people began opening their doors and hearts to the Bible’s message,” Linda explained. “We had just a few tracts and magazines, no Bibles or books. But people responded to the truth. They accepted invitations to the meetings, and some of them are now baptized!”

2. Office in Albania