Lithuanian pastors visit eastern Pennsylvania Mennonites
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Photo credit: Nicola Pearce
At a special reception, Modestas Gaubas and Aurimas Sinskis, pastors from the Free Christian Churches of Lithuania, show off their gifts, hand-carved wooden clocks with the EMM logo |
LANCASTER, Pa. – Two Lithuanian pastors from the Free Christian Churches (FCC) of Lithuania visited Pennsylvanian friends and churches for several weeks this summer in a visit sponsored by Eastern Mennonite Missions (EMM).
Who would have imagined, 15 years ago, that we’d have Lithuanian pastors here for a fraternal visit?” said Keith Blank, representative to Europe, at a special EMM reception for the Lithuanians during the Discovery and Enrichment Retreat for workers, June 28. He explained that just 15 years ago, Lithuania was not even on the “EMM map,” but as things opened up, EMM sent its first missionaries in 1994.
As he welcomed the guests, EMM President Richard Showalter said, “When EMM leaders first began church planting work overseas in the 1930s, they had no idea of the richness of international connections that would result.”
In his response, Modestas Gaubas, who serves as pastor of the Šilutė Christian Church, said he had felt God drawing him ever since he was a child. After the fall of communism, he connected with missionaries and came to faith.
Aurimas Sinskis, pastor at Panevėžys Christian Church, said he had very little interest in or exposure to Christian faith until he began attending an English Bible study with missionaries.
The FCC of Lithuania, which relates closely to the worldwide Mennonite family, was first sparked by the witness of Mennonites who lived in Lithuania for several years as they moved from Russia to Germany, 1968-72. Two years ago FCC registered with the government. They now have six organized congregations, a Bible institute, and a large vision for church planting and missions.
Sinskis said, “Six years ago, we never dreamed of seeing what we are today. Lithuanians are learning that economic growth doesn’t meet our deepest needs – only Jesus. Our missions vision is growing. This year we’re sending our first missionary to Russia.”
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