MANA - Spiritual Life Center

I could fill a book with the things that I learned about the people of Lithuania during our mission trip this summer.  It was so hard for me at first to understand what it would be like to have another country (x3) take over your life.  It seemed at first that it was something that happened 100 years ago.  After visiting the hill of crosses it started to hit home with me  why things were the way they were in Lithuania.  Why jobs and opportunities were hard to find.  Why the older generations wouldn’t look you in the eye.  Why wouldn’t people try to improve their lives.  Why the suicide rate was the highest in the world.  Why alcohol was out of control.  Why the people are truly starving for the word of God.  Why one church could be the start of the changing of a nation.

I have been on mission trips before but never felt so much hunger for Christ.  After looking at the state of the country, the possibilities of City Church, I don’t think one church can support their efforts enough.  Whatever Quail Lakes is doing for them is not enough.  Whatever the other churches are doing is not enough.  We need to send more people, send more money, and most of all send our love and prayers to that country.  I believe in all my heart that City Church is that seed that has been planted to change a nation.  With a small attendance of 150+ it is one of the largest non-catholic churchs in Lithuania. The people have been taught the wrong message for so long according to what the Russians wanted them to hear.  Many of the non-churched people are watching and hoping that it grows and then they will join in.  Again you have to think like a country that has been repressed so much that you don’t jump out in front.  In the past that’s how you got killed.  The church has the potential to double each year, more if it could get the support.  Right now it’s growing within it’s means.  These people can stretch a penny like no others. I think the fire started in that church is totally a life changing experience.   All this and much more make them SO EASY TO LOVE!

I learned that if you don’t stand in your own way, God will bring some amazing people before you.  I learned what it feels like to be the body of Christ ; to be His hands and His feet. I’ve learned that if you calm yourself and listen, God will speak to you.  Not to ask why but how & when may I serve.  I’ve learned as an American we are spoiled and need to be better at using the gifts God has given us to serve others and to improve our stewardshi

LCC International University and City Church of Klaipeda in association with The Willow Creek Association will host the first annual Willow Creek International Leadership Summit on October 15-16, 2010 at LCC in Klaipėda. The entire event will be provided in Lithuanian, allowing the country to offer this top quality leadership conference to a wider audience of leaders in Lithuania.

Dr. Kyle Usrey, President of LCC International University, stated that this event will allow Lithuania to cross-pollinate leaders from business, government, educational institutions, churches, and religious organizations of all types. Dr. Usrey said, “It is the privilege of LCC to host this event on our campus and bring so many diverse leaders together with the common goal of honing leadership skills to benefit Lithuania.”

Pastor Saulius Karosas, Senior Pastor of City Church, is the Chairman of the organizing committee, and will be in Chicago, Illinois, USA at Willow Creek Church for the Country Leaders Meetings August 4-7. Pastor Karosas will also be in the Chicago area where one of the USA’s largest Lithuanian communities exists, and he is excited to meet with many Lithuanian-American leaders from the community.

In her State of the Nation speech, Lithuania President Dalia Grybauskaite stated, “If we honestly seek to effect real changes in the state, we have to treat the individual as the highest value. We have to hold this principle as a guiding light for all.” Pastor Karosas and Dr. Usrey believe that by hosting the Willow Creek International Leadership Summit here in Lithuania, by Lithuanians and for Lithuanians, “we are holding true to the President’s speech. We know that it is important to continue the development of Lithuanian leaders in an multi-cultural, international context, so that the people of Lithuania can be held in the highest value and achieve their highest potential.”

Speakers for the 2010 International Leadership Summit include: Bill Hybels, Bono (of U2), Col. Colin Powell, Jim Collins, Gary Haugen, Tim Keller, Wayne Cordiero and Andy Stanley. Their speeches will be pre-recorded and translated into Lithuanian.
For more information about the event visit: http://www.pasaulinelyderysteskonferencija.lt/

From: LTnews.net