Students Take Faith and Service to Albania

This past summer, a team of four Taylor students and two leaders traveled to Albania, a small country located in southeastern Europe, to partner with World Gospel Mission (WGM). Led by alumni Stephen Allgeier Fall '25 and Kaeley Sells ’24, the students spent two weeks in the village of Vlashaj.

Albania, a predominantly Muslim country, offered a unique setting for this Taylor World Outreach (TWO) trip. Students navigated language barriers, cultural differences, and unfamiliar surroundings, all while learning how God works across cultures.  

Teaching, Playing, and Praying for Transformation 

The team’s service focused on two main ministries. The first was Jeta, a community center that encourages healthy living and transformation for people of all ages and abilities. The group engaged in Jeta’s English classes, soccer training, after-school tutoring, Bible study, and church. Ultimately, the group joined the staff in prayer for those who entered Jeta to find life in Jesus Christ.  

The second ministry the team worked with, Valued Treasures, serves individuals with physical and cognitive special needs. The ministry recognizes the social stigma attached to special needs and offers distinct programs to cultivate the potential of each individual. The group was able to assist in various social activities and education. 

"It’s not about doing something extraordinary," Sells said. "It’s about saying 'yes' to God wherever He calls you, even if it’s across the world." 

Leading with Heart and Logistics 

Sells began working with WGM before graduating from Taylor with her degree in Global Studies. Sells was resposible for coordinating every aspect of this trip to Albania. From training students to ensuring the team’s presence benefited the ministries, she emphasized intentionality and relationship-building. Working closely with local missionaries, Sells ensured the team strengthened, rather than disrupted, ongoing programming. 

Though thoughtfully planned, the trip also required flexibility and perseverance. Because of the size of the group, students learned to work closely as a team in unfamiliar circumstances. Communication often relied on body language, facial expressions, and basic Albanian phrases. 

When Service Speaks Louder Than Words 

For sophomore Anna Petry, the trip became more than service—it also influenced her in return. Visiting an orphanage for even a short time opened her heart in unexpected ways.  

"Seeing the brokenness and feeling the heaviness in the orphanage we visited for only one hour was enough to capture my heart to see the great need of love for the lonely," Petry said. "If not for my team and their love for God, I would not have been led to the healing I have today."  

The team also experienced the hospitality and resilience of the Albanian people, who welcomed them warmly despite cultural and religious differences. Simple gestures, shared activities, and even laughter became tools for connection. 

"Albania's history of communism made me realize how important it is to share the Gospel with respect and gentleness," junior Amber Scott said. "I saw that love truly knows no barriers; even when language fails, His love speaks louder than any words." 

The trip allowed students to discover that mission work is measured not by grand gestures but by presence. Participating in daily activities, praying silently over others, and simply being present allowed the team to reach beyond boundaries to serve those around them. 

"Missions isn’t about what you do, but about who you are doing all things for," Petry said.