"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.