Serving together

KLAIPEDA, LITHUANIA

The day dawned bright and calm, the first truly spring day. All week we had been praying for nice weather, but the forecast had promised only rain and wind. God was answering our prayers. May 4 was planned as "Church Celebration Sunday" for the Klaipeda Free Christian Church.

Three weeks earlier, I had been approached by a student attending Lithuania Christian College, asking if I would assist in her baptism. She desired to take this step of following God and have it witnessed by the staff members who had helped in her faith formation. May 4 was the Sunday chosen for this. As the day approached, two other students also desired to publicly demonstrate their commitment to God. And so, the church leadership team began to plan Celebration Sunday.

All year, the leadership team had been working to have the Klaipeda Free Christian Church officially registered by the government. It was time to recognize their work and to celebrate our official registration as a place of worship and ministry. We would hear testimonies, recognize the students graduating from LCC and Klaipeda University who attended our church, introduce the new summer leadership team and pray for those who were being baptized.

Fifty people gathered that morning at the beach. After singing led by Tadas, testimonies and prayers of dedication, it was time for the baptisms. Vaidas took charge, while I assisted him. We walked with each candidate into the cold water, then Vaidas asked, "Do you believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and your personal Lord and Saviour?"

A teeth-clattering "Yes" was followed by a quick dip. We walked out of the water, against the surge of the current, and prayed on the beach. Other members of the leadership team wrapped each baptized candidate in a blanket. Tadas again led in singing, and Edgaras led in closing prayer.

These men had been attending the weekly "pastor's club", praying for one another and encouraging each other in public speaking. Now, after four months of meeting together, praying and speaking in church, they led with growing confidence. It was very moving to hear them pour out their hearts and greet each baptismal candidate with Christ-like love, words of encouragement and praise.

We left the beach, and journeyed back to the church office for breakfast. Coffee and tea flowed, warming the body. Laughter sprang up everywhere, warming the soul. There were hugs and words of encouragement for those who had braved the Baltic Sea. It was a feast of thanksgiving.

Later that morning, I continued to marvel at the leadership team that God was raising up to guide the church for the summer: Jonas and Eleanora, married, a grad and a student at LCC; Ausra, another grad; Gina; Linas and Eva, soon to get married; Tadas and Aista, another couple soon to marry; and Edgaras.

Unless the Lord builds the church, we labour in vain. God is building the church in Lithuania through the students attending LCC. A country torn apart by communism is being put back together by the cross.

Jerrold Paetkau. Jerrold and Jean Paetkau serve with MB Missions/Services in Lithuania.