It's Time for Takeoff!!!

It's been awhile I've been working hard on collecting new team members through out the Christmas Holiday and finally getting the go ahead to start preparing the paperwork to return to Lithuania.  Those words were like valuable gems being passed over to me.   I'm grateful that as much as I was missing my life and calling in Lithuania; God gives you the direction and stamina to bloom while you are planted.  Through surgeries and fighting for your life you just realize how precious and important your next breath is and truly you are able to see Life's Journey much more clearly.   I'm in the final stages to depart from Warren, OH.  My mom will have surgery this week on her heart; praying all will go well in Cleveland; the following week Frenchie gets her papers signed by the government officials.  Fitting in a birthday celebration, praying for no blizzards for I will be driving from Warren, OH to Detroit, MI.   This way if there is snow I won't be far from the airport.  I'm grateful to spend some time with Nicholas & Beth Heystek, in Battle Creek (two amazing young adults who use to be in Kalamazoo)  Just looking forward to a blessed final weekend in the states.   Then "It's Takeoff" time!!!!  Frenchie thinks she's driving.....LOL

Wild Wild West Tour

This past month and half I have been living in a rental car from city to city, guest homes to sometimes hotels to raise my last bit of monthly support.  Living on the road for over 2500 miles traveled this past month allowed for special time alone with the Lord.

This past month I have had numerous conversations with the young people in Lithuania and answering their questions about my return and also about their planned event with Teen Challenge this weekend.  I'm grateful not only for the young people on our ministry team but also for the comradery of our Assemblies of God Missionaries that serve in the Baltics.  Bob & Bette Sue MacIsaac have been my coordinators since I placed my foot in country.  They have been supportive, patient, kind and a good example of how we should stand together as a team.  Once again, they were there to help Kidz Lithuania minister to the families at Teen Challenge Kaunas.   Bette Sue is known to be a great cook, so she prepared a great american sloppy joe meal.  While Kidz Lithuania along with my dear friend Gita Navicigaite invested quality time into the lives of the adults and children at the center.

This past month two things I know deeply, I sure miss my life in Lithuania and the privilege to serve the people of Lithuania.  I miss my kids and I miss my dog Frenchie; this past month and a half is the longest we have been separated since she has been my puppy.  I'm grateful again for Chauncey & Debbie Riddle, alias Grandpa & Grandma to Frenchie they have americanized this puppy.  She has had a full American experience while we have been in the states and she has these two folks wrapped around her paw along with our entire neighborhood.  She has her daily routine including drives through the neighborhood so she can control the squirrel population. (In her mind)

This past month, the Wild Wild West in reality kept me focused on my heart home.  As a missionary We cannot afford to attach ourselves to any building to call home.  My home is when I'm living in the midst of those whom I love and have become my adopted family.  So while I drove through this 2500 mile maze I spent each mile by mile praying and seeking the Lord for His direction, His Help and simply listening to His Voice.

So now you can understand why this tour was so Wild, every day with the Lord is exciting.  May I add that last night I was serenaded by a drunk cowboy through the wall of my hotel room.  He began singing with his guitar at 2:30am and somewhere around 4:00am stopped singing.  Life on the road can be Wild but not more Wild than a life serving the Lord.

Please consider stepping out in faith and joining our team with monthly support $10 will make a difference.  You can do this right now electronically:   http://s1.ag.org/lithuania

Step in Time

This weekend was a very interesting one which started out by being invited to a prayer meeting with Pastors Kidd, Pennington & Wright at Rogers First Assembly.  They were gracious and allowed me to share my heart in length about Kidz Lithuania.   Afterwards, we prayed for one another; this was such a blessing to be included in such a time of fellowship and prayer.

Over the weekend, I was at Massilon First Assembly with Pastor McGraw and shared our stories about what God is doing in Lithuania.   Then I headed over to Minerva, OH to meet up with a young lady from Pastor David Kidds' church who believes the Lord is calling her to missions.  We had a wonderful time of fellowship before I returned to Rogers, which is where my weekend began.  One thing I learned:  this part of Ohio is like the West Virginian Mountains, curvey, swirvey and very few road signs.  Though I was lost for a brief moment in time even though we were pinning, our pins sent me in weird directions.   I learned something about "pinning".

Pastors Paul & Matt were hosting a hot dog roast for their church family and Pastor Paul was gracious to invite me to meet his children: Elisha, Silas, Halibah (I hope I remembered well).   This was a creative and great way to get to know the entire Wright family a little more, including their church family.  I'm going to have to visit again just for fun!

This is how we rolled when it was cold outside, actually Pastor Matt was just being kind to not leave me in the garage alone.  It is so nice to get to know these folks more.  I wish I had taken a photo of the entire gang, but that is where my introvert self chimes in.  What a blessing to be included  and to get to know a few more of our Ohio's best.

Missionary Intervention Support Group?

This month is our Ohio Ministry Network Celebration tour and a part of that tour is that we missionaries show up and participate as a team to say Thank you to all the churches of our network. Last night I have to say was my favorite night of them all.

You see, one of our veteran missionaries Bill Shrader suggested in a humorous way that we needed to have our own "support group", during the break out sessions last night.  So, Tim & Nicole Strange, Bill Shrader and myself gathered and I would agree with them; what was meant for fun became meaningful to each one of us.  Just to share openly with one another our war stories, lessons learned from re-engaging into American Culture and knowing how to pray for one another.   Honestly this was such a treasured moment for each one of us and now I have the nuts and bolts of getting to know a few more of our Buckeyes best!

In the Backyard of an Enemy

When I pray for the beautiful country of Lithuania, the place where I honestly call home.  My heart is filled with so many emotions.  First and mostly my heart sings with JOY when I hear how active our ministry team is; serving their local church.  Several are serving as leaders at missional points, feeding stations, and their local churches.  I can't believe that Indre & Mindaugas are adults now; and then we have Sima, Aukse & Milda who are in their last year of high school.  Though Agne, is no longer a part of our ministry team she will always have a special part in our hearts.  Each one so talented and faithful.   I have shared their stories.  What's exciting is that I have several more stories to share more children who are growing up.  They have been so faithful in serving since they were 12years old, I've been out of country now for quite some time but each week when I catch one or more online my heart is overjoyed in knowing the Lord is raising up an army of leaders humbling serving and he blessed me by allowing me to be a part of their lives.

As much as I'm overjoyed with what God is doing in their lives.  I'm also weighed down with the possibilities of another kind of Army invading this beautiful country.  Lithuania sits in the back yard of Russia.  Please know, I don't fear nations or even forms of government because I truly believe The Lord reigns and flourishes wherever there is someone who believes in Jesus.  My heart is heavy that there is a possibility that their nation could be occupied again.  Our sister church, Union of Pentecostal Church leaders have been faithful and strategic in evangelizing & church planting.  They along with these young people will face challenges that many of us know nothing about; for we have never faced personally such a battle.  Would you keep us all in your prayers?  Would you help me help them to face their giants? Support Sharon McCammon (on the bottom of the form is a link to support monthly if you would like)

Detours, Distractions & Determination

What a whirlwind of a year where there were moments I was constantly asking God, "why"?  Many of you know I returned home stateside with a broken left knee but I was determined to keep my commitments since I had booked almost the entire year of services.  Through the grace of God and ten months later I was ready for surgery.

Detour #1, when you go one year and eight months walking on one leg the compensation kind of wears down the joint of the other knee.  This was an unplanned detour; but I'm one of those folks that say, well if most people are moving on their own in 12weeks; I can do it in three.  Pure determination my goal was achieved and I was back on the itineration trail.  Eight weeks later, while driving back from Kentucky, I felt like had torn something in my knee so I called my doctor to find out I had been exposed to (MRSA), a flesh eating bacteria.  "Detour, Detour", which involved two back to back emergency surgeries and 8 weeks of pharmaceutical therapy. After that enormous distraction I was ready for my second knee replacement.

Detour #3, I woke up in ICU, due to complications with breathing.  Determined to get home soon and finish up with Rehab.  One can not believe what a distraction it is to be tied down to therapy and rehab can be, for someone like me.  I'm a multi tasking person and now I have one focus.

At this point I was determined, Lord, You called me to Lithuania, and God you know the work is not complete.  Why am I constantly being distracted?.....Trust me, missionaries don't get special treatment with the Lord when it comes to answers to prayer....He loves us all the same and grows us as He sees fit.

Finally, Spring was on the horizon and I'm headed out for my first big trip on my own, to a town I will never forget, "Wapakonetta, OH".  I was determined, two days before, I started feeling ill.   "Are you kidding me?"  I'm ignoring this distraction, packed my bags.   I can't go back on my word--this is a commitment that a dear missionary friend opened the door for me.  I'm determined to head out on this three plus hour drive.

Upon arrival I met up with such lovely people.  One couple whom had served in missions prayed with me after I mentioned I wasn't feeling so well.  Aren't you amazed that God shows up even when you are weak in wonderful ways.   After service, I went back to the hotel and began to get chills.

While talking to my spiritual dad about how I was feeling; the chills began again to find out that these weren't chills but I was experiencing  seizures due to "Sepsis", are you kidding me?

I can continue my story of this whirlwind of a year but at this point I"m sure you all get the picture.

I'm grateful for all those who prayed me through each detour, distraction and strengthened me in my determination to press onward towards the goal.   Thank the Lord that I'm focused on filling out the papers to return to Lithuania soon.

It's never good to forget your path traveled!

Just got home this week from a whirlwind of reconnections and fellowship.  Last week I was so blessed to fly out to my alma mater, formerly known as Zion--now it is relocated to a new campus with a new name; Northpoint Bible College.  http://northpoint.edu/

Upon arrival, I was greeted with a brief time of fellowship with Dean Pat Gallagher;  he called a recent graduate Ian McCain to take me on a tour of the new campus.  It was impressive to see the new campus, their new location and yet still sense the same Spirit that I encountered while I was a student. After my tour, I was off to lunch with Assistant Academic Dean Helen Brouillette, and former classmate.  What an amazing woman she is and the students are definitely blessed to have Dean Gallagher and herself guiding and directing them with with Godly wisdom.

After lunch, Helen took me on a brief tour of the area and shared some American Mission History, which took place within a few blocks of the new campus--the connection to the vision and core values of the school was absolutely amazing. Sister Gibson, the founder of Zion, had such a powerful presence of God in her; it was evident she functioned with discernment & listened to the voice of God.  I do not believe that our new location is by chance; when you read about the history and have learned her heart for the school's future.  To know that this school was birthed with a vision of being, "the joy of the whole earth" is now nestled in the very town, where our nation's history of missions began is  NOT by chance--it holds significance!

Our nation's first missionaries were sent from this place,   Adoniram Judson, was one of the first missionaries sent from the U.S.A.  Northpoint's campus use to be known as Bradford College, where Ann Hasseltine Judson, graduated!!  Two weeks after her wedding she and Adoniram embarked on their first missonary trip to India and the following year they moved to Burma.

Also on my amazing journey back,  I was able to meet up with fellow students from my time:  Randy & Raelene Shibilo, Robert & Tammy Whitecotton along with a great evening spent with Jennifer Queen.

Then I was off  to reconnect with my home network, Ohio Ministry Network.  OMN 2014 was filled with some enthusiastic encouragement of conversations, and fellowships.  Celebrating one of  my colleagues Jan (Eric) Muzart was ordained this year. (Go Eurasia NW Ladies!) It was a blessing to fellowship with some wonderful missionaries Paul & Crystal Burkhart, Paul & Sharon Ellis, Bevan & Tia Haynes and so many others.

This was probably one of my most favorite OMN meetings, mostly because of the people who have impacted my life through the years, were there.  Thank you, Pastor John Wootton, Pastor Jim Palmer (who has been there every turn of the tide) they have been such an encouragement which has deeply touched my heart, faith & service.  It was wonderful to see Bro. Crabtree, who believed in my calling and gave the approval for my missionary journey.    I'm grateful for every department, for our leadership and most important for the genuine relationships that we are blessed to have in our network.  Jeffery & Heather Streets are my most amazing buddies!  I so appreciate Becky Garrett who always takes the time to meet up and chat--and for all she has pioneered into our children's ministries across our state--another amazing lady!  How can one express such gratitude with words that merely touch the surface and lack the depthness of matching emotion and truth.  Thank you OMN!  BTW I won the mini-ipad for Kidz Lithuania! (THANK YOU JEFFERY STREETS for registering me--I would have shared but this was a direct answer to Indre's prayers, in God meeting our technology needs)

ITINERATION--"A planned route or journey"

I cannot believe it has been eight months since I've returned to the states from Lithuania.  The process of Itineration this time has been with much more peace, as the planned route was by the most part completed in Lithuania, prior to arriving.  In the process of planning a route you truly never will comprehend or understand the journey that the Lord will have for you.  It is always about what He wants to grow in us.

Above is a song, the words and music written by Milda Volskaite, she is a sixteen year old lady who serves as a leader on our Kidz Lithuania team.  She has had an interesting journey, one thing I can definitely share about Milda--she is faithful.  I met Milda when she was about five years old, while visiting her family for dinner one afternoon after church in the small city of "Pabrade".  She was singing in her living room, and played her fiddle.

Everyone who knows Milda knows how amazingly talented she is.  I would say in all humbleness, that our group, Kidz Lithuania has been blessed to experience having the "Lazarus Generation of Youth".  This is what I believe: God is raising up a generation of young people that are "Tremendously Gifted & Talented, Tremendously Powerful, and in tune with the Holy Spirit"  This is the GENERATION of amazing triumphs!

In her own words she expresses in song about her own journey:  "Jesus will never leave you even if you will leave him. He will show you the way how to go to the truth where his love is very big"

I can personally say that Milda has shown great courage, strength and honesty as we have worked through many bumps in the road--she is amazingly faithful and has shown great inner strength--more than she knows.  I am confident that she will continue to grow stronger in her faith.  She struggles with the "what ifs" in life; her greatest enemy at times being herself.  I think many wrestle with the Lord in this way--what I love about Milda is that she continues to "press on" wanting to figure out how to keep moving forward even when she doesn't feel like it, or the enemy attacks.  Please pray for this amazing young lady, there are many battles she has won with the help of the Lord--but we all know the enemy will continue to attack.  He does not enjoy and he fears when Milda matures even more in the Lord--She will be a Super Young Lady, "A LAZARUS GENERATION", walking in "Strength in the Lord" with undeniable testimony!!!!  (I Love  &  Miss you Milda)

In June, my plans will have a little bend in the road--As I have mentioned, we have plans but Jesus is more into the complete Journey.  I will have knee surgery and be out of commission for about 10-12 weeks--please know I will be on the phone after the medications wear off and continue to book services.  We need your help to get back to Lithuania soon, with a full budget so that we can continue our Journey! 

God is gracious and good and we are blessed that even when our plans get disrupted we know Jesus is right there..with His VERY BIG LOVE!

I'm Coming Home, I'm Coming Home!

After serving ten years in Lithuania and being home for six months I can say that home is where your heart is and as much as I love being here in the USA visiting family, friends, partners and being inspired in every gathering; whether it is just a group of friends, a time of worship with all the churches. My heart still yearns to be in Lithuania.

There is a song i hear on T.V. that goes like this:  "I'm coming home, I"m coming home, Let the whole world know I"m coming home."  It just sparks greater faith and desire to return to Lithuania.

Kidz Lithuania ministries have continued to move forward while i"m here in the states.  I'm so proud of Indre Malacekaite and Mindaugas Volskas who are leading the team. We just added another young man to our team from our Jonava center.  It is exciting to hear my young leaders say, "it is really cool to see where we came from; because when we add a new person it encourages us to see where we were at one time in our lives and where the new members will go."  What a privilege, growth and fruit are undeniably exciting.

In the past few months they have continued with outreaches, and filming, while weekly inquiring about when they can begin to prepare for my return.

Be a part of my return and step out in Faith and allow me to return this summer!  God is amazing and I've been blessed and hold onto great hope that after only 9 months of itineration I will have to have surgery with a three month recovery.  I'm praying that God will open hearts during that time and understand I need to be "Home".

Continue to pray for one of our area countries, the nation of Ukraine that is going thru difficult time.  Pray for stamina, peace, and safety for all there.

Transitions are Thriving

On August 27, I boarded a plane having to say, "goodbye" to everyone and everything that was in my current world. This is a difficult moment for any missionary who has invested and shared their lives with others for a long season.  My second term was coming to an end after 4 years and 8months; I was blessed to have the extension which allowed me to prepare some of the most amazing people who have crossed my path in many years.

Indre Maleckaite, stood there along with my missionary colleagues Bob & Bette Sue MacIsaac and our summer intern Gabriel Negru from Romania.  So hard to walk away (in my case roll away due to my knee injury) and transition back to the states for one reason, that is to return with a greater vision, and empowerment for our future.  One knows it is necessary, important and also enjoyable but you cannot convince your heart that this is a good thing when you are standing at gate 3A alone; knowing that you are never promised a tomorrow.

This transition is huge for Kidz Lithuania, this is the first time since their conception in 2005 that they have been left fully in charge waving the banner and message of one single name, the name of "Jesus".  This is the first time they must organize, plan and pull together all their own resources for the greater good and while this is their first time alone doing this I am reminded with a whisper that they are ready, prepared and able and most of all they not alone with a promise that they will Thrive.

My first month home has been filled with blessings, reconnecting with ministers, and all those who have been faithful in praying, re-establishing friendships; adventuring into new friendships.  God has been so faithful.  I'm blessed beyond measure.  Though I still cannot watch our promotional video without a tear.   I dare not even open my eyes when the 4 minutes is viewed for tears will fill my eyes and heart is still back at Gate 3A.

Please pray for Indre, and the rest of the team.  Pray for their safety as they travel, for God to continue to give them favor.  We always ask for the favor of the Lord and favor for wherever we go.  Pray for wisdom and also rest.  

Kidz Lithuania has transitioned and is thriving, they are moving full steam ahead; while I'm trotting along sharing our story of how hearts are on fire, and how Lithuania needs to know JESUS!

Scattering Seeds Hoping for Harvest!

This past winter has been non-stop.  We had several retreats and trainings, and then we moved into the Christmas season.  During December and we shared the true Christmas story with several children who do not attend church living in a few small cities around the country.  It is a privilege to keep moving and sharing the Gospel with hope that many will come to know Jesus personally.

Sharing the truth and hoping for more.  In the past few years my team here in Lithuania and myself have felt pretty much life farmers, strategically scattering seed by humans...by way of word of mouth and hand.

This is our prayer that the wind (Holy Spirit) would pick up and carry the seed that fell and did not connect directly with the heart.   In nature not all seed that is scattered will grow and we are realistic about our approach and methods that not 100% comes to fruition.

In this we know we must continue to grow in our opportunities and also the depth of spirit of those who are on our team.

Farmers know that so much more happens to the seed that is sent out.Mice and other small animals and birds eat seeds and when they defecate, the seeds are moved/scattered. Squirrels also pick up seeds and plant them in hopes of creating storage areas so they have food in the winter.

VZTV Project Update

After an 8 month extension we completed the task!

These past few months have come with several "new experiences"  we are all new to the world of television production.  Back in the 90's I dabbled a little with cable T.V.; but this past year the learning curb has been a constant uphill experience.  We have been blessed beyond measure in simple but impactive ways.  Thru training we received with "Wycliff" ministries, Glenda Mohr from CBC and then the past few months we have had a student from East European Oradea Bible College, based out of Romania.  Gabriel Negru has been with us for the last three months, training, training and retraining so that we can survive.  This young man has been such a blessing to our entire team.  

I'm grateful to be heading home next week with our pilot completed, we are also preparing a "trailer" for our American office.  Non of this would have been possible without "Speed the Light" and "Boys and Girls Missionary Challenge".

Will be producing another 25 half hour programs for the upcoming season.  When I return next year our first year of airing will premiere.  In the meantime "Kidz Lithuania" will continue to produce and also continue with their regular evangelism.   These young people are incredible! A few are University Students the rest are in highschool, all are in the top of their classes, all love the Lord and all have a passion to reach the children of Lithuania with the Gospel message. 

"My Cup Over Runneth"

This past summer at times was overwhelming, filled with opportunities, hard-work, difficult moments and all the same filled with gracious rewards!  Our "Kids Quest" Lithuania team set out this summer to simply give ourselves to Jesus for the entire summer.  At times our schedule seemed relentless but not once did one of my youth leaders feel it was not worth the final reward. 

As a person who has the privilege to lead this amazing group of young people; I can't relate to the why God would use someone simple like me.  I have witnessed spiritual hunger and depth in their lives that ignites my soul.  I can say the lack of sleep, the constant driving & moving from one village to the next and onto another city with a few stopovers at camp in between was worth every ticking moment.  "My cup Over Runneth" with pure joy!  I see the birth of something great inside of our leaders.  Their hearts and desires are peeking in a place that now is filled with curiosity to see what next exciting challenge we have in front of us.

They have challenged me and I see them heading in the right direction.  All I can say is they are fierce about serving God with a pure heart, and they are not shy to stand for what is right and they can stand against their obstacles and say, "You have been weighed, you have been measured, and you have been found wanting."

 Indre, Sima, Mark Canfield, Mindaugas

You would think I'm talking about wise and mature people.  Well they are wise above their years and most would say there is a maturing that is being witnessed.   They our leaders for our evangelism team: Sima Slepikaite, age 15; Mindaugas Volskas, age 17; and Indre Maleckaite, age 19.  The guys in the middle is Mark Canfield, who came and joined us for a few weeks of ministry.  All I can say is, I'm proud of them and excited about their future and their impact!

"Shine Bright" with a Tender Voice Boldly

We are encouraged to let our light shine bright before all mankind. In the last few weeks our Evangelism Team, Kids Quest Lithuania went to the "Siemens Arena" to share the gospel message with unchurched children from around the nation. The floor was full, which meant that there were at least 1800, then the first level of the arena was well seated. I share the capacity of this facility for only one reason--this was our new teams first outing, we had 3 new members all that are very young to have to share the Gospel. Katrina 14, Simone 13, and Milda 13 joined up with the team. Honestly during this event a lot of unplanned responsibilities fell on us due to quite a bit of transitions.

We were there to help out our fellow brothers in the Lord, unplanned long term--I was in the audience watching every movement and response---and my kids were getting the job done. They are young, their voices are small---but they took the platform and proclaimed the message boldly. Every team member including the second year youth Mindaugas, Andrius, Edgaras and Indre just all "Shown so brightly".

I think back how many of us when at the age of 13-19 would stand in front of thousands of people. Knowing that you are the minority in every fashion and share the Love Jesus Boldly. It brings great joy, that our team ran the entire program without myself, or their Team Director-Giedrius Sinkevicius(My assistant). He has really taken them to the next level--and what i appreciate most is that they understand why they are sharing and where. They understand the annointing, and they understand it doesn't matter if it is 2800 people or 28--they will "Shine Bright" with their Tender voices boldly.

The children heard the message of how to "search for the truth" thru Jesus Christ. Several of the children were sitting on the edge of their seats listening to every word and responding. It was a joy to hear them pray, as my great team of youth under Giedrius' leadership lead the way. Ministry is a joy when you get those few moments to witness Gods' greatness!

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.