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Growing up a traditional Catholic, Neringa married and had two children. After several years of marriage, her husband abandoned her, and she was forced to care for her children on her own. But when a German missionary led her to Christ, her faith brought a renewed spirit and the courage to start her own, now successful, doll making business.
Neringa became a member of the Siauliai Free Christian Church in Lithuania, and prayed diligently for the salvation of her two children. Her 11-year-old daughter recently accepted Christ. Her 14-year-old son was unsure of the commitment he had made. So, as part of his job as MBMS International team leader for Lithuania and Russia, Bob Kroeker became a mentor to Neringa's son.
Bob and Wanda Kroeker began 21 years of service as MBMS International missionaries to the Congo in 1953. The Kroekers then became pastors of Madera (Calif.) Avenue Bible Church and Zion MB Church, Dinuba, Calif. serving a total of 25 years before retiring at the age of 67.
In 1997, the Kroekers visited the MBMS International office in Fresno, Calif., where they learned of the opportunity to serve short term in Lithuania. Two weeks later, they were on their way to teach at Lithuania Christian College (LCC) in Klaipeda. Bob taught courses on the New Testament and Wanda taught English as a Second Language.
While in Lithuania, the Kroekers accepted a request from a church in Minot, N.D. to be interim pastor for nine months. They then were asked to be team leaders for MBMSI in Lithuania and Russia.
"MBMS International's administrative council was meeting and we had four days to make a decision," Wanda says. "It was a quick decision, but we felt led by God to go."
The Kroekers served in Lithuania August 1997-March 1999. Each week, they met with missionary families and local church leadership. Bob also accepted preaching assignments in the four Lithuania Free Christian churches. Wanda was involved in women's meetings, and, over the course of one year, hosted over 400 meals.
"Lithuania is a place of beautiful land and people," says Bob. "But, there is a darkness there from people lacking Christ."
During their year-and-a-half in Lithuania, the Kroekers saw encouraging church growth. The church in Panevezys opened an orphanage for neglected children. After moving into a new building, the Siauliai church is filled most Sundays. New Christians are coming into the Silute church. The church in Klaipeda is growing as well.
"It was a privilege to serve in a country where the church is experiencing growth," Wanda says. "The joy of our work was being there to love and encourage the missionaries and the young Christians in the churches."
MBMSI is asking prayer for young adults who will dedicate themselves to the pastorate. In a country where business equals riches, it is difficult to find young people who are willing to devote themselves to ministry. MBMSI is also searching for a couple willing to make a two-year commitment as team leaders for Lithuania and Russia.--MBMS International
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