Plator Çollaku is the Executive Director of a non-profit organisation and senior pastor at a church in Albania.
When did you trust Christ?
I came to faith as a student shortly after the fall of communism in Albania. Before, I was an atheist, and I was filled with hate and anger. A missionary invited me to a Bible study. At first, I did not believe what was being taught and interrupted with antagonistic questions. Finally, the leader asked where I would spend eternity. I left the group, went home, and read the New Testament. Matthew 7:7 reads, 'Ask and it will be given to you, seek and you will find, knock and the door will be opened'. I decided to put God to the test by asking Him to show Himself. I continued with the Bible study and was asked to pray at the end of one of the meetings. I was surprised that I said yes. God was working in my heart without me knowing.
What have been the defining moments of your Christian walk?
I have seen the power of God change my heart and felt God's call to serve my community. I started through street evangelism, and God helped us grow the church in our area. It was one of the first churches in the country after the fall of the communist regime. The church now has eight other church plants. We operate in two social projects: a day residential space for street children and a safe house for boys.
What do you hope to gain from participating?
The Forum has had a huge impact on me, equipping me and teaching me in different areas I need to grow as a leader, such as apologetics, church-state relations, and preaching. I have also met other Christian leaders and learned from their experiences and learned best practices. As a senior pastor, I want to improve my apologetic skills and remain open to learning how I can be a Christian leader and shepherd for my people. I see the Forum as an opportunity for spiritual growth, equipping me to do the ministry better and see God as my partner in ministry. Also, it is an excellent network of godly people who want to see His Kingdom expand in Europe and worldwide. We can partner together and learn from others' experiences.
What is your ministry?
I am the Senior Pastor of the Evangelical Church of Libonik-Maliq. We have a network of seven church plants in Southeast Albania. Also, I serve as the Executive Director of Hands of Providence, Albania. We have two sides to our ministry: spiritual and social. Our foundation also runs a daycare centre for street children, a residential home for boys, and Bundle of Blessings (a project for the poor and widows).
What is your leadership role or what were your past leadership roles?
In ministry, I have been involved in street evangelism, church ministry, and social ministry. I have also served as an elected member of my local city council.
Why should someone invest in your ministry?
I want to build Christian and moral character by setting a good example. I desire to be a leader who will transform my community. The Forum helps in these ways.
