- Lithuania  (other Mission Reports)

March 4-11, 2003

            The purpose of my trip in March was to help the Believers in Lithuania celebrate the milestone of 10 years in service. Hosted by Bro. Nickolai Stepanenko and the local Assembly, the Believers in Lithuania decided to hold these special Anniversary meetings from March 5^th thru March 16^th, 2003.  There were several 12 days that were dedicated to meetings with Ministers who had attended from Russia, Lithuania, Latvia, Belarus, Ukraine, and several other countries. During the week the ministers gathered and were ministered to concerning specific areas of pastoral ministry. I had the opportunity to speak to them about the marriage relationship, abuse within families and the subject of birth control.

            Taking into account the amoral history of the countries of the former Soviet Union, I had a document translated on the subject of birth control. It outlined the things that Bro. Branham had said concerning this subject and the “possibility of it being done in the right way.” It was a very profitable time for the ministers and it is so important for them to gather and learn all they can so they can minister to their Assemblies in their respective regions. The physical area of the former Soviet Union is so vast it almost is hard to comprehend. The poor roadways and transportation systems make it difficult to get around the countries, and it is certainly very time consuming. So it was with great joy that the ministry and the people from the local area came together to enjoy each other’s fellowship and glean all they could from the visiting ministers.

            The local church in Vilnius created a wonderful atmosphere and supplied refreshments between the services. A local hall was rented for the main services on Saturday and Sunday when the dedicational meetings were held. It is very interesting to note that Lithuania is literally the cartographical center of the European continent, and the Church in Vilnius has grown to be a kind of “center” where printing, translating, tapes and supplies are sent to many churches in other countries. It is also worth noting that such a milestone of 10 years is due to the hard work, dedication and vision of the ministry and workers within the Vilnius church. There were many, many obstacles that had to be overcome in establishing the Church and to see it stand strong today is a great testimony of God’s grace to the saints in all of the former Soviet Union.

            It was like a home coming for me to return to Vilnius, I was made to feel so welcome. The saints there have a very sincere appreciation of the Word and truly feel blessed as eleventh hour workers. The Believers who attended asked me to convey thanks to the many churches and individuals who helped to sponsor the meetings. It won’t be long until we all can gather, speak one language, and enjoy one another’s company forever. Until then, continue to pray for the saints in the Russian speaking parts of the world.

Bro. Barry Coffey