The 2026 Annual Conference Miracle Offering supports life-long learning and discipleship in a variety of contexts. One way we offer that support is through the Endowment for Theological Education in Africa, the Philippines, and Europe. Over the past several weeks, we have been sharing stories and resources as a way to help Dakotas United Methodists understand the difference their generosity is making in the Dakotas and around the world.  We've also been sharing the weekly reflections from the small group resources shared by the Council of Bishops. (The complete small group guide and worship resources can be found here.)

Below is a testimony from Rev. Gjergj Lushka from Albania. He shares the ways in which he sees the need for leadership development and humility to accomplish the mission we are called to in the United Methodist Church.

I serve as pastor to two of the five United Methodist churches in Albania, as well as the Center for Children with Disabilities. I am filled with hope by the desire and passion of the families and young people of our church as we work together to strengthen the church community.  

In my ministry, I want to be faithful to God’s mission to "go and make disciples" (Matthew 28:19-20). My responsibility is to advance this mission, reviewing my progress from time to time depending on the situation and the challenges that the Church faces. Pastoral work must be constantly reformed to find new ways of direction and leadership. 

When I am not on the road as a pastor, I use my background as a Social Worker to work with children with special needs in the "Early Intervention" project in Tirana. It is not only a gift God has given me, but also a practical part of being a pastor: to serve the community and help others,  

In 2010, I completed a four-year bachelor’s degree at the Faculty of Education Sciences at "Aleksander Xhuvani" University in Elbasan (Albania), graduating as a social worker. In 2012, I earned my master’s in social policies from the University of Tirana. Then God called me to start a new adventure, so I embarked on a six-year study program through the Church of the Nazarene. 

These studies proved to be a solid foundation for the beginning of my ministry as a Local Pastor of The United Methodist Church in Albania. Not only did they help me grow in the knowledge of the Holy Scriptures, in leadership, and in pastoral ministry, but they also helped me explore Christian counseling and the role of a pastor in the Church. 

The most important elements of the "ministry toolbox” I acquired are:  humility to be a servant leader of the Church community and beyond, good communication, transparency in decision-making, credibility in leadership, and sharing duties among Church members. 

The United Methodist Church in Albania faces many challenges, including young people leaving home for other European countries, how best to share the Gospel in our modern Albanian society, and how to reach young people and encourage them to participate in ministry.  

One of my favorite texts is Philippians 2:3-11, which captures the fullness of Christian life and the center of faith for servant leadership. These words of the Apostle Paul are essential, and I will keep them in my heart and work as I continue serving the people in Albania through The United Methodist Church. 

When I consider the growth and development of the Church, I feel thankful for the leaders of the UMC in Albania, especially Superintendent Wilfried Nausner, his wife Jean, and the pastors who have shaped the Church and built a reliable, cooperative leadership. We are also blessed by many committed lay people and by the Bishop's Office, donors, and many friends who provide financial support.  

On the personal side, I like playing football regularly and skiing (when I get a chance in the winter). My wife, Marinela, and I were married on June 29, 2024. 

Note: Funding for theological education for students like Gjergj will be sustained through gifts to the Endowment Fund for Theological Education

WEEK 5 — Lead Courageously

Introduction

Courageous leadership arises from trust in God’s presence and strength. Christian leaders across the world face many challenges—limited resources, societal pressures, injustice, or uncertainty. Scripture teaches that courage does not come from confidence in ourselves but from God’s promise to be with us. This week focuses on leadership rooted in faith, shaped by integrity, and committed to justice. Through theological education, the Church invests in leaders who guide communities with wisdom and resilience. To “lead courageously” is to step forward even when the path is difficult, trusting that God strengthens, equips, and goes before us.

Joshua 1:5–9
Psalm 27:1–3, 14
Ephesians 6:10–18
Isaiah 58:6–10

Meditation and Prayers from Global Leaders

Contributor: Rev. Albert Andersen Gjøstøl, District Superintendent                         Location: Norway
Bible Text: Ephesians 6:10–18
Meditation / Scripture Reflection:
The United Methodist Church is called to lead courageously. In secular contexts where public faith can seem out of place, courageous leadership is not loud or confrontational for its own sake. It is faithful to the gospel when speaking carries a cost. It names injustice, defends the vulnerable, and acts for what is right when silence would be safer.

Our struggle is not with people. Paul reminds believers that our adversary is not flesh and blood, but the forces of this present darkness. That darkness appears in unjust laws, environmental harm, persecution, inhuman treatment of minorities, and war. The question is how to stand firm without becoming hardened. The armor of God is both spiritual and practical: truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and the word of God. These are not weapons of aggression but resources for resilient, hope‑filled leadership.

The prophets teach that true faith loosens bonds of injustice, shares bread with the hungry, shelters the unhoused, and refuses to turn away from suffering. The Church is called not only to pray but to act. We stand, not against people, but against whatever denies the image of God in them. Across cultures, let worship fuel justice, prayer become action, and leadership reflect the liberating love of Christ.

Prayer: God of truth and compassion, you call your people to stand firm in love when fear tempts silence. Give strength and resilience to lead courageously. Clothe us with your Spirit to speak truth where lies prevail, seek justice where dignity is denied, and bring light where darkness wounds your beloved. Give courage in word and action to defend the vulnerable, challenge harmful systems, and walk humbly with those who suffer. Make the United Methodist Church a community where prayer becomes justice, worship becomes compassion, and leadership becomes service shaped by grace. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Contributor: The Rev. Prosper Ntirenganya                          Location: Rwanda
Bible Text: Joshua 1:5–9
Meditation / Scripture Reflection (Theme: Lead Courageously):
God speaks to Joshua, a new leader facing uncertainty. Moses is gone, the wilderness journey is ending, and the promised land lies ahead. Joshua stands at a moment of transition with great responsibility and expectation. God begins not with a strategy, but with presence: “I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Courage in this passage is not self‑confidence. It is God‑confidence. Three times God commands Joshua to be strong and courageous. Courage is a decision rooted in trust. Joshua’s strength will not come from military power or leadership skill alone, but from obedience to the word of God and reliance on the presence of God.

This speaks to the Lead Courageously – Miracle Sunday Initiative. As the United Methodist Church strengthens theological education in Africa, Europe, and the Philippines, we also stand at an edge moment, with vision and need before us. God’s message remains the same: do not be afraid. The Lord our God is with us wherever we go. Courageous leadership trusts that the mission of God is larger than our resources, believes that investments in forming leaders will shape generations, and treats generosity as an act of faith. The miracle is not only in what we raise. The miracle is who we become: a people of bold faith, united purpose, and unwavering trust.

Prayer: Gracious and ever‑faithful God, you called Joshua to lead with courage. As you promised him, anchor us in that truth this week. As the Lead Courageously – Miracle Sunday Initiative grows across the United Methodist Church, pour out your Spirit on every congregation, leader, and giver. Strengthen bishops, pastors, lay leaders, and members in this season of prayer, worship, and generosity. Grant bold faith when the future feels uncertain. Give generous hearts that see theological education in Africa, Europe, and the Philippines as shared Kingdom work. Remind us that investing in faithful leaders advances the Great Commission. Remove fear and replace hesitation with holy confidence. Root our courage in your presence. May our actions reflect trust, our giving reflect gratitude, and our leadership reflect Christ. In the mighty name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

Video Testimony

Over the past several weeks, we have heard powerful stories from leaders serving in Zimbabwe, Liberia, Romania, and Nigeria. Their witness reminds us that courageous leadership often grows in places where challenges are great, but God’s faithfulness is greater.

Today, we will hear another testimony from Pastor Simon Peter Koroma from Sierra Leone, whose ministry is shaping lives in remarkable ways.

On Saturday, June 6, at the Dakotas Annual Conference, individuals and congregations from the Dakotas will join United Methodists from around the world to participate in an act of sacrificial giving to permanently endow theological education for pastors around the world. Let us keep walking together with open hearts, trusting that God is forming us into people who love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously.