Thursday, June 15, 2017
Missionary To Lithuania: Sitting Under the Shade of an Amazing Oak!
Missionary To Lithuania: Sitting Under the Shade of an Amazing Oak!: The Blessings of sitting under the shade of an amazing OAK. We have been so blessed these last two weeks being able to learn from the wis...
Sitting Under the Shade of an Amazing Oak!
The Blessings of sitting under the shade of an amazing OAK. We have been so blessed these last two weeks being able to learn from the wisdom of Isaac Smythia. Isaac has poured out his heart and life lessons into the lives of many from our Pentecostal Union Leaders & Ministers; Teen Challenge Leaders, Workers & Students; along with his amazing investment into Kidz Lithuania, our discipleship & evangelism team.
Our leaders have been fed spiritually and we are not lacking either physically. Isaac & Terry Smythia supplied a beautiful meal and took us out to eat. WE enjoyed a special Lithuanian restaurant.
Our Oak will be leaving us soon, but as we sit in the shade the seeds have fallen on good hearts. Our hope is that the seeds will be rooted deeply in our lives with hopes that one day the seeds will become Oaks in our nation.
Wednesday, April 26, 2017
Helping Achiever's Soar
What a whirlwind of a month with the emergency trip home to help with my elderly parents in the midst of great seasons we can't plan or measure circumstances that you can't control but you can stick close to the one who made us to make sure we keep focused on our purpose and mission.
It is such a priviledge to be on the field and invest in such an amazing group of youth. It's a priviledge that is provided by not only my calling to serve children/youth and those who work with them; but also it is an amazing opportunity provided by your faithfulness in prayers and financial support.
Just a reminder that we are in partnership with five different missional points throughout the country of Lithuania and several churches from different movements. Our focus is to reach the unchurched child; introduce them to a life with Jesus and disciple them so that they can find an intimate walk with their Lord & Savior.
We are full time evangelists, teachers, promoters of Children's Ministries in the nation of Lithuania with constant requests to expand into the Baltics, and other regions.
We have 8 new young people who are in the process of seeing if Kidz Lithuania is a commitment they are willing to make and equally for us to see if they would be a healthy team member for our team to continue to move in Unity and Power. Our goal is to help Achiever's Soar! We will make our final decisions by mid June 2017 and we need your prayers that we stay in tune with the Holy Spirit.
Thank you Warren First, from Warren, Ohio my home church for the M&M's. Can you believe I have been home for three weeks and we still have some M&M's. I'm amazing that 18 young people know how to make the sweet things in life last long. They are very happy about their stash.
Please be praying for Upcoming Summer:
June 5-19 Isaac Smythia will be joining us in Lithuania, for our summer training camp.
June 19-5 Kidz Lithuania will be preparing for our summer commitments.
July 9-23 Erie Shores, Kidz Outreaches, Church building, and Leadership Training
July 26-28 Leadership Development
July 31-Aug 4 Urban Camp (some of our leaders will be serving in this camp)
Aug 8-12 Compassion Ministry with Elderly in the Village
It is such a priviledge to be on the field and invest in such an amazing group of youth. It's a priviledge that is provided by not only my calling to serve children/youth and those who work with them; but also it is an amazing opportunity provided by your faithfulness in prayers and financial support.
Just a reminder that we are in partnership with five different missional points throughout the country of Lithuania and several churches from different movements. Our focus is to reach the unchurched child; introduce them to a life with Jesus and disciple them so that they can find an intimate walk with their Lord & Savior.
We are full time evangelists, teachers, promoters of Children's Ministries in the nation of Lithuania with constant requests to expand into the Baltics, and other regions.
We have 8 new young people who are in the process of seeing if Kidz Lithuania is a commitment they are willing to make and equally for us to see if they would be a healthy team member for our team to continue to move in Unity and Power. Our goal is to help Achiever's Soar! We will make our final decisions by mid June 2017 and we need your prayers that we stay in tune with the Holy Spirit.
Karen, Dovydas, Augi, Paulius, Kristionas, Tygran
I will say I feel like our team is being invaded by young men. I remember our beginning years one boy and six girls. Now we have the opposite....Ten boys and Three Girls with more boys during recruitment days.
Helping Achiever's Soar--Meet our Newest Leader in Training
Kids Lithuania added one more Leader in training this month and she is our youngest ever leader in training. However, she has put her time in since she was almost 10yrs old. Gabriele Volskaite, is 13yrs old this year but she is an amazing young lady. She has a heart of gold, willing to serve and work hard. She also has a hunger to understand her personal relationship with the Lord. It is a added plus that she is Frenchie's "danny" (Dog Nanny), when I"m traveling.
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| Frenchie sharing secrets with Gabriele! |
Thank you's
Please be praying for Upcoming Summer:
June 5-19 Isaac Smythia will be joining us in Lithuania, for our summer training camp.
June 19-5 Kidz Lithuania will be preparing for our summer commitments.
July 9-23 Erie Shores, Kidz Outreaches, Church building, and Leadership Training
July 26-28 Leadership Development
July 31-Aug 4 Urban Camp (some of our leaders will be serving in this camp)
Aug 8-12 Compassion Ministry with Elderly in the Village
- Pray for Kreta, she is one of our leaders and she has been experiencing high amounts of stress between ministry, school and music school. Pray that she gets rest and learns to rest in Lord.
- Pray for Kidz Lithuania First Missions Trip, how can we train leaders to be visional if we don't expand their experiences.
- Pray for Milda & Sima, as they have completed their one year of coaching and will be moving on with occassional visits. We will miss them both.
- Pray for Erika, she is an amazing 16yr on our team who is the only Christian in her home. This nation is so dark and we pray that the Lord would keep her close as she lives in a dark world.
Most of all I want to express to you all how grateful we all are for your investment in this nation. Lithuania still needs to be set free and consistently hear the good news. While we are in the process of sharing the Good News it is so important to leave behind a team of young adults who can lead for many years if the Lord Tarries.
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| Kidz Lithuania 2016/2017 |
Tuesday, February 14, 2017
Round Pegs & Square Holes
Round Pegs & Square Holes only happen when you own a good drill. This week I was able to go back over our year and evaluate how we used our time, energy and resources and it gave me great cheer that we were able to cram about 88 weeks into 52 weeks. How could I say this? Well due to the fact that our team was able to conquer and divide at times. Having some kids in one camp while others were serving in another event. The old divide and conquer you might say that sounds like the work of a saw--but I would argue that point; simply because we represent one God, one team. We sent our young people where the laborers were needed; and most times where their passions were calling.
This year we had new young people join our team, some whom never have been churched before without solid christian backgrounds and yet most were able to make it through and continue to grow others we have to be good drillers to find the perfect place for them. You see our team is comprised of young people ages 10-20years. They are all full time students, and might I add that I expect that they do well in school--they don't have to be the top or the best--I simply require that they do their best, read their Bible daily and journal. If you were to ask them how does it feel to be on the ministry team Kidz Lithuania they could share easily about the fun, laughter and friendship aspect; even their quirky relationship with my dog Frenchie that each of them have inidividually. When they would express about their spiritual growth, learning, teaching and sharing aspect of who we are many would say, "I feel like a round peg in a square hole" sometimes. You see they have learned that God is a constant gardener pruning them all the time--and Sharon is only here to witness and guide his plans and purposes for their lives so that they can fulfill the very reason why He gave them life!!!! Life to evangelize Lithuania, to have greater faith, to expect more and Life to Serve even when you don't feel like you fit in with God you can always be a leader.
I pray that if they are not leading a parade of young people to Jesus, that they are leading by example of choices leaving Gods' fingerprints all over so that those who lost, have someone to go to and question their personal walk with Jesus.
This year we had new young people join our team, some whom never have been churched before without solid christian backgrounds and yet most were able to make it through and continue to grow others we have to be good drillers to find the perfect place for them. You see our team is comprised of young people ages 10-20years. They are all full time students, and might I add that I expect that they do well in school--they don't have to be the top or the best--I simply require that they do their best, read their Bible daily and journal. If you were to ask them how does it feel to be on the ministry team Kidz Lithuania they could share easily about the fun, laughter and friendship aspect; even their quirky relationship with my dog Frenchie that each of them have inidividually. When they would express about their spiritual growth, learning, teaching and sharing aspect of who we are many would say, "I feel like a round peg in a square hole" sometimes. You see they have learned that God is a constant gardener pruning them all the time--and Sharon is only here to witness and guide his plans and purposes for their lives so that they can fulfill the very reason why He gave them life!!!! Life to evangelize Lithuania, to have greater faith, to expect more and Life to Serve even when you don't feel like you fit in with God you can always be a leader.
I pray that if they are not leading a parade of young people to Jesus, that they are leading by example of choices leaving Gods' fingerprints all over so that those who lost, have someone to go to and question their personal walk with Jesus.
Friday, December 16, 2016
Friday, November 18, 2016
Sometimes we Loose Yet we are still Winners
This past month we have been working full force preparing, training and gathering with our team members in small groups to see where they stand personally in their relationship with God. We call this "Jesus Time"; back in my grandmothers' day it would be called "pressing on or forward" as according. Phillippians 3:14 "I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus"
It's a real personal genuine time where we search the scriptures for answers of their life's questions; from the youngest team member. They are questioning what is real? What is true? What better way to give them answers then to plan an entire evening around teaching them how to find the answers in the Word of God. Hours upon hours are spent in prayer, research and in hopes to lay down a foundation of Faith and Trust in the Word of God knowing it applies to them personally. That this Word is timeless and effective even today.
Here is a brief glimpse of a few of our conversations, based on what they desired to know. Gabrielle, age 12. Gabrielle has been serving on our team for the last two years.
It has been fifteen years since I stepped foot into Lithuania and about 12years since I began this personal journey of discipleship with the young people of Lithuania. It started with one, then two now I'm up to 18 personal relationships. I'm so grateful for the Word of God, It's power and divine instruction. As much as I'm moved and elated to have the privelege to personally disciple young people; my heart still pangs of the few that chose not to remain on course currently. Their wondering feels like losses to me; and yet I know the Word of God is in their hearts. I was there when they were challenged to read, listen, memorize and hear of Gods' Truths.
Some folks might be comforted in hearing that Jesus didn't even get 100% of his followers. These statements sadden me because I have still hold onto the hope that though they are wondering down paths of their own choosing, Jesus paid the price and that the Truth will rise up and set them free and show how Victorious they can be in Christ.
We WIN!!!! We loose nothing if we are passing the baton, handing the mantle down. We have to believe that God is in control and we need to stay our course and remain faithful to what He has called us to do. That is share the Gospel with whomever!!
Prayer Requests:
Christmas Tour-Multiple cities in One Weekend
Upcoming Jesus' Time Meetings
Steady Electricity & Heat, there have been some long power outages.
It's a real personal genuine time where we search the scriptures for answers of their life's questions; from the youngest team member. They are questioning what is real? What is true? What better way to give them answers then to plan an entire evening around teaching them how to find the answers in the Word of God. Hours upon hours are spent in prayer, research and in hopes to lay down a foundation of Faith and Trust in the Word of God knowing it applies to them personally. That this Word is timeless and effective even today.
Here is a brief glimpse of a few of our conversations, based on what they desired to know. Gabrielle, age 12. Gabrielle has been serving on our team for the last two years.
Her big question: What does the Bible say about water baptism & why it is important for me?
We covered the book of John, and discussed Jesus' Words along with the proclamations of John. She understood it was important to get baptized. She wanted to have a personal understanding of what the Bible says since she is wanting to follow the Words of Jesus in John 3:3-7. Gabrielle is our youngest girl on our team she has been around a lot of ministry for the last three years of her life. She helps in Sunday School, Worship Team and serves whenever called upon by her church and Kidz Lithuania.
Let's look at another young ladies "Jesus Time", Erika, age 15.
Her big question: Could you share with me about the main differences between "Christianity" and other religions? Here is a young lady who barely squeaks one word in conversation and when given the chance to learn more about her personal relationship with God, this is what comes out of her mouth. Erika, comes to us through our mission site, in Jonava. Our time was really full, how in the world can I answer this question in one evening. Impossible! Yet, we were able to look at mainstream faiths & religions and how the terminology intermingled, what is similar and what is not. Most of all what the Bible says and how deceptive others religions and cults can be in using familiar phrases and words.
Some folks might be comforted in hearing that Jesus didn't even get 100% of his followers. These statements sadden me because I have still hold onto the hope that though they are wondering down paths of their own choosing, Jesus paid the price and that the Truth will rise up and set them free and show how Victorious they can be in Christ.
We WIN!!!! We loose nothing if we are passing the baton, handing the mantle down. We have to believe that God is in control and we need to stay our course and remain faithful to what He has called us to do. That is share the Gospel with whomever!!
Prayer Requests:
Christmas Tour-Multiple cities in One Weekend
Upcoming Jesus' Time Meetings
Steady Electricity & Heat, there have been some long power outages.
Thursday, October 13, 2016
Our Deepest Fear
by Nelson Mandela
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are
powerful beyond measure.
It is our Light, not our Darkness,
the most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant,
gorgeous, talented, fabulous?
Actually, who are you NOT to be?
You are a child of God.
Your playing small does not serve the world.
There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so
that other people won't feel insecure around you.
We were born to make manifest the glory
of God that is within us.
It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone.
As we let our own Light shine, we unconsciously
give other people permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our own fear,
our presence automatically liberates others.
This past month we have been involved in the Baltic Children's Ministry Conference where 88 teachers from 5 different countries attended to be inspired to reach the children of our nations. I was the key speaker, which is always a humbling experience and yet I know God gave direction in His Word to encourage them to build Spiritual Champions.
We ourselves, will be attending a live stream conference this month, our own weekend training while we are preparing for our 5 City/1 Weekend Tour . We are sharing the Truth about the "Birth of Christ" from the perspective of shepherds, following the star. It's an original filled with comedy, drama, puppetry, object lessons and Bible illustration. Children and entire families will be given the opportunity give their hearts to the Lord and we are hoping to be able to give each attendee a gift. That means we need to prepare gifts for about 3,000 people and we need a booster for this.
Why don't you join us in letting your own LIGHT SHINE and press the button to give a christmas gift to a person in need of a touch from Jesus during Christmas.
More about Kreta:
Favorite Color: Blue
Favorite Song: "Ain't No Mountain High Enough"
Talents: Ukele, Piano, Singing, Dancing, Clowning, Drama, talkative, Friendly, a great organizer and these are just the biggies.
Why Kidz Lithuania?
At first I chose to stay because of the friendships I made there but then I really did feel that God wanted me there and here is a really good place to grow. So I stayed because God encoruaged me to grow stronger & think of others more than myself.
Biggest Personal Challenge?
"I want to reflect Christ in everything I do"
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