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!