A family gathering, full of joy
In Albanian, “Faleminderit shumë” means “thank you very much” — a phrase we heard many times through the day, and exactly what we want to say to you: thank you for praying, thank you for giving, thank you for walking with us over these past ten years.
For those who were there, it felt like far more than an event. It felt like a family gathering — a moment to pause, to look back at all God has done, and to look forward with hope.
“The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.”Psalm 126:3
So many of the Tek Ura family, all in one place
Around 30 Baptist churches were represented, with people travelling from across the country. Alongside them were trustees, volunteers, long-term supporters and newer friends — all connected by a shared commitment to this work. There was laughter, there were reunions, and there were conversations between people meeting in person for the very first time after years of praying for one another.
“A fabulous day of gratitude and celebration, of learning and inspiration, of fellowship and fun. There was something really special about having so many of the ‘Tek Ura family’ all together in one place — it felt almost like a wedding!”
Nick Hudson — Chair, Council of Supporters
“The very best bit was seeing and hearing, conversing and being with our Albanian brothers and sisters… They became flesh and blood, whom we now know and appreciate more.”
Margaret Parris — West Bridgford Baptist ChurchFor many supporters, this was the first time meeting the Albanian team in person. As trustee David Hillyer put it: “After socialising on Zoom screens, so good to meet face to face… Tek Ura represents a rare and brilliant example of overseas mission.”
A Christ-centred day
This was not a celebration of human achievement, but a recognition of God’s faithfulness — the thread running through the whole day.
“Two words sum up our reflection… worship and fellowship. Together, they give us tremendous hope. Lavdi Zotit.”
Andrew & Eleanor Jones — trustee
Stories, workshops and a taste of Albania
The day was rich and full: worship, Communion, and afternoon workshops — from a sensory Bible story to reflecting on how church can look in different contexts. We celebrated Albanian culture at the heart of Tek Ura, made community art together, shared authentic Albanian food, and gathered round to cut a tenth-birthday cake.
As Kim Gregory of Histon Baptist Church reflected, it was “a masterclass in how to grow a mission” — and a reminder that “a community with God at the heart is what makes the difference… table rather than tabernacle.”
“For the first time in these ten years, we were all together as one. We felt the strength of partnership — we belong to a bigger family. The whole team returned encouraged, blessed and filled with joy.”
Matilda Dule — Tek Ura Team Leader, on behalf of the Albanian teamRelive the day
Couldn’t join us, or want to revisit the day? Watch the four main sessions — each captures a different part of the story, heart and vision of Tek Ura.
How Tek Ura began, the values that shaped it, and how God has led step by step over the past ten years.
Real stories from the field — lives changed, lessons learned, and what holistic, Christ-centred service looks like.
How Tek Ura works in practice — key principles, interactive elements, and how this model of mission can be lived out anywhere.
A joyful, reflective close — celebrating all God has done, praying for the team, and looking forward with faith to the next ten years.
Moments from the day
Be part of the next ten years
Tek Ura continues to serve some of the most marginalised communities in Albania — and this work is only possible through the generosity of people like you, whether through a one-off gift or regular monthly giving.
At the celebration, Paul Martin shared a simple challenge: if those connected to Tek Ura increased their giving by just £15 a month, it would cover our budget shortfall for the year. Would you prayerfully consider being part of that?
Every gift — large or small — makes a real difference. Faleminderit shumë.
With thanks
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who made the day possible — especially Amy Harper, who coordinated it with such care and creativity; to Whetstone Baptist Church, and Sue, Nick and Gary, for their generous hospitality; to the hosts and sponsors who helped the Albanian team obtain visas and be there in person; to Alan, Chris and our musicians and singers; to Kevin overseeing the tech; and to Joe, our resident artist. We also enjoyed authentic Albanian food from the Hallaci café in Leicester — do support them if you get the chance.
This story is your story too. Together we step forward — with faith, hope and gratitude.
Lavdi Zotit — Glory to God.
With love, Dan & Annie Dupree, on behalf of the Tek Ura team · closer@tekura.org