Tuesday, October 27, 2015

LITHUANIA

Lithuania's location in Europe
Lithuania is one of the three Baltic States of Europe, situated along the southeastern shore of the Baltic Sea.  It is east of Sweden, bordered by Latvia to the north, Poland to the South, Belarus to the east and south.

Lithuania has a population around 3 million.  Its capital city, Vilnius, is on the southeastern edge of the nation with a little more than half a million residents.

This past weekend our guests at Journey Church were Norm Edwards, Assemblies of God Area Director for Eurasia Northwest, of which Lithuania is part -- and David & Kandra Millsaps, Coordinator of Efforts in the Baltics.

Beginning in 1940, Lithuania was occupied by the Soviet Union and then by Germany.  After World War II's end in 1945, the Soviet Union re-occupied Lithuania.  On March 11, 1990, a year before the formal break-up of the Soviet Union, Lithuania became the first Soviet republic to declare itself independent, resulting in the restoration of the independent state of Lithuania.

Flag of Lithuania
This speaks greatly to the spirit and resilience of the Lithuanian people.

Today, Lithuania is part of the European Union, the Euro Zone and NATO.  It has been among the fastest growing economies in the European Union and is ranked 24th in the world in the 'Ease of Doing Business Index.'

Today, Lithuania is a democracy with an elected President and an appointed Prime Minister and Cabinet.  

Perhaps most importantly, less than 1% of Lithuanians claim a faith and knowledge of Jesus.  Having been oppressed by two generations of Soviet oppression and fear, there is a mistrust of people and organizations.  Its citizens are realizing the empty promises made over the past several decades must be filled by something - Someone - more faithful and reliable.

Map of Lithuania
We were approached by the Assemblies of God a year ago to pray about starting a Journey Church in the country of Lithuania -- in the capital city of Vilnius.  After a personal visit there in March, we believe it is God's plan for Journey to walk forward into this future.

Norm Edwards and David & Kandra Millsaps helped pump the vision and need of Lithuania into our congregation this past weekend.  Thank you.  [That podcast can be viewed at www.ourjourneychurch.com - 'latest message.'   After November 1st, it can be found under 'archived messages.']

Please prya for the people of Lithuania and for the vision of Journey Church to take the movement of Jesus east -- to Lithuania.  Pray for a leader to be found who will partner with us in this effort to reach the people of Lithuania.

And be blessed.

1 comment:

Unknown said...

very VERY cool !!! Maybe one day I can visit Lithuania and Journey church there !!