'Our Team'

Our Board

David Hillyer

David is our wise one, coming from a 43 year background as CEO of a residential Activity Centre based on the east coast of UK, serving children and young people, he retired but continues to serve as a trustee. He trained as a teacher in design technology but shortly after felt the calling to invest his life into ‘FACT’ (Fellowship Afloat Charitable Trust). David was also a ‘Justice of the Peace’ (Magistrate) for young offenders’ court for 25 years. He is a committed detailist, loves the nitty-gritty and is our biggest fan. He first came to Albania in 2007 and has grown a great appreciation and love for the nation ever since.

Agustin Prenga

Agustin from Lezhe, where we launched our mission, first volunteered with us after finishing university for law. He then married Jeta and has since had three amazing children.                                                                                 


He joined New Life Ministries (IJR) in Tiranë and has grown immensely in leadership over the years and is presently the director of student ministry for CRU Europe based in Italy.

Rachel Wilson

Founder & Executive Director

Rachel, originally from the UK, founded Spark Ministries in 2000 after first visiting Albania during her Bible college years in 1993 and 1994 on short-term mission trips. She is deeply committed to the mission of reaching Albanian children, giving her full dedication and passion to the cause.

She describes herself as a visionary with an intuitive apostolic edge and a natural facilitator.

Recently, she graduated with an MA in 'Ministry and Mission,' specialising in 'Children's, Young People, and Family Ministry.' Her dissertation focused on the Albanian church and its outreach to children. She remains optimistic about the future of children's ministry in Albania. 

Our Staff

Valentina Gjergji (Delija)

Field Officer in Shengjin, Lezhe

Valentina—affectionately known as Vali by her friends—has been a devoted member of Spark Ministries since its inception. She plays a vital role in overseeing the ministry’s work in Shengjin, the very place where its outreach first began.

With a warm and compassionate spirit, Vali naturally connects with people, sharing the love of Jesus in her everyday interactions.

She is married to Sokol, and together they have two sons, Sion and Jozef.


Marko Nikolli

Media Manager

Marko is a person who works with media and many other fields, as he is very practical and enjoys solving problems creatively. He has a passion for the work he does and is always looking for opportunities to learn and grow his skills. 

One of the characteristics that best describes him is his desire to help others. Marko is an empathetic person, and he enjoys understanding and supporting people in need through his gifts and creative skills. 

Marko is married to Greta and has two wonderful boys.