Algent Bregu’s barbershop is a hub of activity in the historic center of Korce, Albania. Algent and his wife, Erjona, a special-needs teacher, go about their daily vocations with a special purpose – to reach out to an unreached local population who would otherwise not be interested in the gospel. They do this naturally through workplace relationships.
In January 2024, the Bregus opened the Korce Adventure Center, a facility with meeting space, a kitchenette, a coffee and tea bar, and Algent’s adjacent barbershop. Upstairs, they manage a modern Airbnb and live in their own apartment. This ministry hub supports a wide variety of community activities, including cycling, hiking, camping, and fishing for youth and adults, plus cooking, reading, and singing events for families. This helps build bridges within the community, leading to long-term relationships and eventually deep discussions about faith.
In the summer of 2025, in conjunction with the local Korce Alpine Club, Algent and Erjona joined a dozen people, most from nonfaith backgrounds, for a three-day retreat in Macedonia. Several participants expressed a desire to become believers, even though they said they “knew nothing about the gospel.” One special-needs teacher shared that before the retreat, she felt her life was hopeless and contemplated suicide. She described being bullied and rejected for her withered hand. Furthermore, the message at the retreat – and the love shown during it – made her realize her worth in Christ, leading her to decide to follow Him and care for others.
This core group of new, local leaders is now meeting regularly in three separate studies – exploring scripture together and discussing how to facilitate a multiplying, disciple-making lay movement for sharing the gospel in the Korce region. Algent is a natural shepherd and apostle, and others in the local core leadership team complement his gifts and visions.
Free Methodist World Missions is partnering with the Bregus as the ministry develops. The team in Albania is working with Michael Long, FMWM missionary in Thessaloniki, Greece, to study the spiritual and theological foundations of a healthy home church and discipleship movement. This will help each of them gain a lay-minister license, enabling local Albanian leaders to perform baptisms, weddings, funerals, communion, and continue to disciple and lead other multiplying disciple makers.
Algent laughs with joy and comments, “We are all on a wonderful spiritual adventure together to reach many people in my country. Please continue to pray for us!”
