By Sarah Crenshaw, FBCJC Church Member
We Baptists share a tremendous mission history. Young people brought up in our church have the energy, enthusiasm and teamwork expertise for overseas mission trips. Most of our youth eagerly sign up for short-term missions work. But what about me? Not exactly young or experienced in mission 
work, would my contribution be adequate for what the team hope to accomplish? As a middle school teacher, I am usually “in charge” . Could I gracefully allow others to lead? Could I physically endure late nights, early mornings, and jet lag?
Do you notice all the “I’s” in these questions? This venture was not “all about me”. Our great God was in charge! All I needed was a sincere and prayerful desire to experience mission work. He provided stamina, a healthy dose of patience, and so much more. Allow me to share three impressions of our Lithuanian experience.
Our plans at Vilnius included VBS for approximately thirty children, mostly orphans living near New Testament Church. Our schedule of games, stories, singing, verse work, journaling and crafts also included lunch and translators. Held at the church, where we also bunked, we had ample time to set up the evening before the children arrived. With scissors and handouts, balls and beads, paper and pencils, we thought we were ready. What we did not expect was that the youth of the church, all nine of them, would also come to assist with music, translating, cooking and organizing. They were a tremendous help! What we who live in a more Christian-friendly society fail to understand is that, in Lithuania, the Christian population is less than one percent. These young people were thrilled to spend time with us. They were open, eager to talk and share their lives, even bringing sleeping bags to stay with the team at the church. Evenings they showed us their city, shared meals, and drove us to a castle for sightseeing. Upon our return to Vilnius the next week they met us at the train station, prepared a meal for us, and delivered us to the airport. None of this was planned or expected. They just offered. I believe strong friendships were built between these young believers of two cultures.
Near Kaunas, our schedule included camping with a group of young teens, The tent camping experience is universal; however, the setting (in a farmer’s field), near the River Dubysos, was spectacular. Swimming, playing games, cooking out, and enjoying a campfire before the rain was such fun because at that latitude, the evenings are long. We had light until eleven. It had been decades since I visited an outdoor pit latrine!
At Klaipeda, on the Baltic Sea, we were met by Sofia, a missionary from California, who first came with her husband on a short term trip, and fell in love with the Lithuanian people and the mission of City 
Church. Her husband, Garrett, resigned his pastoral position, they raised support, and moved their entire family to Klaipeda to take part in the renovation of a massive building purchased by the church. A former Soviet era hotel, within sight of the sea, the building remained empty for many years. Pastor Saulius Karosas shared his vision for the building, which includes offices, a worship center, rooms for missionaries, a nursery , an enormous youth room , and rooms for area pastors to use as retreats. Someday they hope to open an alcohol and drug rehab center within the walls. These people are passionate about the Lord’s work! God is blessing the work by providing workers and supplies.
With God’s provision, I managed. The Lithuanian people are warm and caring, eager to help and happy to spend time with us. I feel truly blessed to be a part of the team and look forward to a return trip. Is it your turn to join me?
Our partner church, New Testament Baptist Church, in Vilnius, Lithuania, has received their shipment of supplies that are needed to insulate the church building! Our church voted in April to send money to help New Testament purchase insulation and other supplies that are needed to prepare the building for the harsh winters in Lithuania.
