Container Arrival

This week was an important week for ministry. Sharon and I had several meetings and had to organize information and contacts because the large container that arrived from the United States was released from customs. We did a lot of shopping in preparation for youth camp where I’ll be in charge of crafts. I spent the weekend with some Lithuanian friends I’ve met in Vilnius while Sharon helped organize and administrate inventory for the container. Tomorrow I leave for camp until July 16, which promises to be an exciting and very different opportunity that I’m looking forward to. I’m sure Sharon is looking forward to her apartment to her else as well!

Mon, Jun 29--Josalyn, Summer Intern

Hello, I'm Josalyn Canfield, Sharon's summer intern. I'll be working with her for five weeks this summer in Lithuania. We've had an eventful week. We've been planning for an upcoming event named "Family Days" in Jonava. We spent part of the week in Jonava in meetings and the weekend in Riga, Latvia shopping for supplies and crafts not available in Lithuania. This next week we’re getting ready to receive a large donation from Convoy of Hope, so it promises to be a busy and exciting time!

VISIONARY LEADERSHIP

Above: Warren Firsts' Building Team--Camp "Island of Paradise"

(Above Picture..Ivanas-Assistant Superintendant; Rimas-Superintendant; Anthony Graffam, Sr Pastor Zephryhills, FL; Tony Graffam, Sr. Pastor Warren First)

This past month was a great month of true influence delivered thru the powerful Word of God. Pastor Anthony & Pastor Tony (my home church pastor) came to Lithuania with a fresh, new insight and one that is still resinating in the hearts of all that attended. This conference had over 170 participants, which is a good showing considering we only have 22 churches in the pentecostal union. We had 7 cities represented, and 5 different denominaions. The one day conference was empowering and leaving our nationals wanting more. Pastor Anthony covered servant leadership and Pastor Tony was right on target when he talked about visionary leadership. It was awesome.

While the pastors were not speaking at the conference, they each shared their time touring our Teen Challenge Centers, Our Child Crises Centers, Visiting our Street Children's programs where we partner with national leaders who have a passion to reach the lost.

Beizonys & 2nd House Youth Orphanages

I have the priveledge of visiting a few youth orphanages every month and teaching a Life Skills class. My objective here is to speak the Gospel truth into the lives of these youth. I pray that words are timely, encouraging and life giving. It is important since the suicide rate amongst children growing up in the orphanage system is out of control. That statistics are overwhelming. So, I go in with some topic that hopefully connects with them. Usually take some snacks, games and possible crafts. The youth honestly enjoy this time. I am hoping that more trust will be gain and I will be able to share even more about Gods' unconditional love. Pray for continual grace amongst the directors that this program may continue.

February & March

The goals in February and March were to catch up and visit with the current orphanages that our humanitarian aide, "Suteikime Vilti" "We offer hope" foundation had in my previous term. Making sure that we have a future to continue growing these relationships.

I visited 4 orphanages at the end of Febuary and beginning of March and 2 preventative care crises centers. In the meantime I'm working on makeing sure our KidsQuest project gets to print ontime for our Kick off which is in October in Panevezys. All of the visits have been positve and the Kidsquest is comig along. Pray that we get the final copy here soon so that this print can be complete.

Upon Arrival

My dear friends my first month back in Lithuania was full of many meetings. Meetings for Kidsquest Printing, Children's Journal, Future Projects, and preparing for meetings that are coming up soon. A few hours, a few days a week have been devoted to learning new words and listening to Lithuanian. My heart is to improve in language. I have traveled to Pabrade to meet with friends and Svenconys to meet with Pastor Anatoli with hopes to partner with the work that they have there. It is still bitter cold with dreary days. Did I ever mention that I was born in Florida? I love these people, their culture and their land. Praying that wonderful things are to come soon.

Leaving for my Home In Lithuania

These past few weeks have been a whirlwind! I'm excited, fulfilled, and full of amazement in knowing that after 18 months of traveling thru 29 states and speaking over 340 times. I'm going home to Lithuania!!!! I will be shipping off supplies and some personal affects by January 26, 2009 and I'm on a jet plane January 27, 2009.

My heart is full of appreciation towards all those who made this happen. Your faithfulness, prayers and thoughtfulness will help me endure these next 4years.

Thank you!!! Churches in Ohio, Michigan, Florida, Nebraska, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Colorado, California, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Utah. Thank you, for believing that God has a plan for this wonderful nation f Lithuania.

Please keep in touch, I love hearing from you all personally!