I like this quote . . .

“Be careful what you water your dreams with. Water them with worry and fear and you will produce weeds that choke the life from your dream. Water them with optimism and solutions and you will cultivate success. Always be on the lookout for ways to turn a problem into an opportunity for success. Always be on the lookout for ways to nurture your dream.”

Lao Tzu

Pretty cool huh? - Sharon

Rusty Done Died

Its true unfortunately... on Saturday we lost Rusty. We knew this day would come and we were preparing our hearts for it, but that didn't make it any easier. No one likes saying goodbye. But I must say the relationship has been a long and fun one and in the end we were glad that we got to be a small part of Rusty's life. Sorry... its just so hard to express my thoughts and feelings in a blog post.

It all started a year ago when Peter and Jen decided to buy a Lithuanian friends 1988 honda civic for a premium price of 280 dollars. Then when the Hibbs family left to go home in November they sold the car to us for a little less than they paid. We got many good months out of Rusty and she was definitely a blessing to our ministry. This takes us to the present situation and the fact that our car has been having problems for awhile. The transmission started sticking a month ago and Rusty had some troubles getting from first gear to second. I took her to the mechanic who literally laughed at me when I asked if it was worth it to fix her. It was then that I knew the end was near and we all began bracing ourselves for the day when the little car that could... just couldn't anymore.
That day came on Saturday after the women's conference when Rusty finally decided to give up the ghost. We were driving some supplies the 5 blocks home from church when I felt the transmission give out. Using my Jedi skills I kicked her into neutral and we coasted for 2 blocks or so until I met my worst nightmare, a red light. As cars flew around us, Sharon steered the rest of the way while I pushed the last half block through the heart of the city to our apartment.

I guess it was all for the best since gas is up to 6.90 a gallon and Rusty will move on to a better place, which by the way is the metal scrap yard where I can get 130 dollars for her.

I would love to think up a little eulogy for Rusty about when life hands you a lemon you make some fun drink from it but my heart is just too heavy at the moment.

Ladies Conference Post Game Report

Wow! I am so proud of our team! The Lord worked through each one of them is such amazing ways! Here is a glimpse into the day:

Tiana has a gift for giving people a warm welcome and making them feel at home - so she led our welcoming committee. This comes so naturally to her that I don't think she realizes just how gifted she is in this. (She used this time to train two other girls in how to give a warm and effective welcome.)



We opened with a skit (led by a couple girls from the InnerVarsity group here). I wish I had a photo of Polina, Ugne and Tiana doing this skit, but I was busy running the slide show. Next we played a quick game of Bingo to get them mingling - this was something like controlled choas.

Next, Kellie spoke on True Beauty and let me tell you - she spoke powerfully and vulnerably. The girls were listening to her every word! Then, Kristina shared her testimony and included a powerful gospel message.

Oh, by the way, ask Kellie sometime what she used as her opening illustration for her talk - it was awesome! ;-)

After this morning session we headed down to the youth room where the guys had prepared a special Italian lunch, complete with candles, flowers and Il Divo playing in the background. Did I mention they even wore ties! Seriously - they went all out!

Kellie led a special pampering time (Satin Hands by Mary Kay - sooo nice!)

Tiana handed out door prizes.

Then we headed back upstairs where Jason, Matt and Edgaras shared their thoughts on True Beauty. The fact that men were willing to speak on this topic with the ladies had a deep impact.

2 o'clock came and we needed to end, but Edgaras had a question for any ladies who could stay a little later: What do the men of Lithuania needed to hear? Oh man! They didn't hold back. Wow! But we know that Edgaras could handle it - in fact he is the kind of guy who would really go home and think deeply on what the ladies said. Who knows? Maybe he'll hold a conference for men sometime in the future!

Matt - The conference was a hit! Our ladies did an absolutely brilliant job! Everyone seemed to be quite encouraged from the day. (you can tell I titled this post)

Sometimes. . .

. . . the craziest things happen during team Bible study.

Two weeks ago, during our study of I Peter, we came to the section that talked about women having a gentle and quiet spirit. . . and things began to get interesting. . .

Sharon: So many women have said to me, "Oh I wish I was quiet like you, but that's just not who I am. I guess I'll never be spiritual and beautiful in the way that is described in this passage.'" But that's not what this passage is talking about!!! Guys, what do you think about this passage?

. . . What they had to say was amazing! . . .

Sharon: Kellie, what are you thoughts on what they said?

Kellie: If I'm ever teaching at a women's conference, you guys can come talk at it.

Jason: Well, next time you teach at a conference, just let us know and we'll come.

Sharon: If only the ladies in LT could hear your thoughts! I know it would really impact them.

Matt: Well, don't you like to plan conferences?

Sharon: Well yeah. . . but we leave in a few weeks.

Then we all began to brainstorm about "what if" we could plan a conference in the next few weeks.

I knew I had to try to explore the possibility, so . . . the conference is tomorrow from 10-2.

Here are our three goals for tomorrow's time:
1. To communicate God's heart towards women - from women's perspective and from some men' perspective too.
2. To put some of our key students/contacts in the "1st chair."
(See 3 Chairs by Bruce Wilkinson. Note: Used to be titled First Hand Faith)
3. To facilitate an opportunity for Christian groups in Kaunas to cross-pollinate.

What an adventure! Would you please join us in prayer?

Our Last Agape Night

On Wednesday we had our final Agape night. Jason selected the topic of manipulation for the evening. "Does God manipulate or love us?" was the question he ended with, which fostered some provoking discussion.

After the discussion I asked the students if any of them were interested in taking responsibility to continue the ministry that has been started here in Kaunas. To my surprise almost all of those who came were interested in working to further what God has started. Now we are trying to figure out the best way to transfer leadership to a few students. So please pray that we can do a good job empowering them.

As I looked around the room I saw a group that God had brought together in a journey to get to know Jesus more. People who have found a safe place to wrestle with some of the bigger questions of life and spirituality. It was fun to watch as students stayed late trying to soak up one last bit of the community that has been built over the last year. It was a good and yet sad night as we wrapped up one portion of our ministry and yet there was an air of excitement to think about what it could become as students take over.