Photo: Pastor Valdis Zilgalvis

Paul’s letter to Ephesians is triumphant letter in which he crowns Jesus Christ as the ruler of all creation and the church as Christ body — not two entities, but one — God’s chosen instrument for the reconciliation of the world.

“For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.” (Ephesians 1:15-23)

The church shall be a place of heaven on earth, Paul says, His visible kingdom from which the world shall be recreated in God’s image. From the heart of Christ’s body shall flow all the transforming love of God, bringing hope so that church could be to the world the means of filling the whole cosmos with the glory of God.

Christ’s resurrection is something like a fountain, if you will, which radiates God’s glory over the church and church’s glory floods the whole universe. That is what Paul can see, as clear as day — perfection of creation through the agency of Christ’s church. We think that it is written for future, but Paul is using past and present tense. And God placed all things under Jesus feet and appointed Him to be the head over everything for the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills everything in every way.

This is because Father exerted mighty strength in Christ when he raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.

Let this strength of the risen Lord Jesus Christ flow in our church today and in the future, until He comes.

Isah. 9:2, 6-7;

Those who live in a dark land,

The light will shine on them.

For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us;

And the government will rest on His shoulders;

And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace.

Photo: Pastor Valdis Zilgalvis

There is similar hope of the change from darkness to light expressed in this passage. There was dark time for Israel nation. But prophet is bringing the message of hope. There will be Other Royal figure, who will be of divine character and whose reign will bring peace and light and justice for people. God through his unbound love gave us a child JESUS Christ - Messiah. Messiah should fill us with wonder. He brought the light in darkness. He really was born as child. Then we will find, that Jesus is really Wonderful Counselor.

The word “Wonderful” means “filling one with wonder.” Suggestive of the type of scene we might see in a town at Christmastime where little children are walking down the street and are caught by a display in a storefront window. They are trying to figure out how those people move and the beauty of the lights and perhaps the train on the tracks. You can see in the face of the children, wonder. How does it do that? How could it be?

It reminds us to be like them, to look on wonders of God with the eyes of a child. If we read the Holy Scripture as God’s letter of love to us, we find wonders again and again, because Wonderful counsellor is transcendent. His wisdom is above all human wisdom. He is the wisdom of the Father, and is made a wisdom of God to us.

He hath been the counsellor of his church in all ages, and the author and giver of all those excellent counsels delivered not only by the apostles, but also by the prophets, and hath gathered and enlarged, and preserved his church, by admirable counsels and methods of his providence, and, in a word, has in him “all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Col 2:3).

The New Year will be full with unpredicted surprises for everybody of us and for the church as well. I wish we turn our eyes to the Bible in the New Year 2010 every day in order to see the wonders, the wisdom of God and to know God’s will in our lives to make the right choices. Then Mighty God will be with us and will give us the light on every step we take. He will change everything from darkness to light according His good will. Light will come into our hearts.

There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace — it will be our experience. This is my wish to everybody in the New Year 2010!

Photo: BAUC Winter Meeting. December 2009.

Photo: BAUC Winter Meeting. December 2009.

Photo: BAUC Winter Meeting. In the foreground Estonian Conference leaders. December 2009.

Photo: BAUC Winter Meeting. Lithuanian Field leaders. December 2009.

Photo: BAUC Winter Meeting. In the foreground Estonian Conference leaders. December 2009.

Photo: BAUC Winter Meeting. December 2009.

Members of the Executive Committee listened to reports of the BAUC administration and department leaders. 

In the introduction of his report BAUC president Valdis Zilgalvis expressed his thanks to the TED leadership and Newbold College for the Relay programme, close co-operation and continuous help and attention. He reported that in Lithuania recently four pastors were ordained for ministry and this year were baptised and added to church 122 new members in Baltics. Pastors and church members have used variety of approaches and creative ways to witness about their faith.

Lithuanian Field president Bertold Hibner reported that Adventist Church in Lithuania has got status of recognition from the state. In co-operation with the local government representatives Adventist Church opened centre for teens and young people in Vabalinkas.

Estonian Conference president Tõnu Jugar presented Jōhvi church project. According to him, Estonian church members have collected 80% of the building cost and they are looking for help from outside to cover all building expenses. Also, Estonian Conference has developed good communication and media ministry. All major church events are recorded and shortly after published online. 

BAUC youth leader Giedrius Rimša gave his report and plans about youth ministry and how to activate it in the future. There will be Pathfinder camporee from July 27 to August 3 in Finland.

Latvian Conference president Viesturs Reķis reported about good work with Pathfinders in Latvia — 20 teenagers were baptised and another 80 expressed their will to continue their Bible studies. Latvia is the first who organised training seminars for children Sabbath School teachers in TED. They finished 1st level and started 2nd level.

Family ministry department informed about seminars and meetings devoted to family and marriage strengthening. In relation to that V. Zilgalvis informed about the General Conference campaign enditnow to end violence against women.* Special events and collection of signatures will be organised in Adventist churches from January 15 to March 15, 2010. These signatures will be presented to the United Nations to raise additional awareness about the issue and advocate for the creation of effective new policies that protect women and girls.

The next General Conference session will be held June 23–July 4 in Atlanta, USA. Executive Committee voted for the BAUC delegates who will attend General Conference session. 

Several other decisions:

Executive Committee elected Gintaras Nekis as an associated secretary of the Lithuanian Field.30 mission projects were accepted for the year 2010.BAUC budget and calendar of events for 2010 were accepted.BAUC co-operates with the TED in new pastor education programme. Members of the Executive Committee accepted TED proposal that all pastors in BAUC should have MA level of education. All church members are invited to pray for the Newbold College—that it would serve education needs of our pastors. Draft of the BAUC Strategic Plan is accepted and will be further developed and proposed for acceptance in the BAUC Winter Meeting 2010. Strategic plan is closely linked with the Strategic Plan of the General Conference and the Trans–European Division of Seventh-day Adventist Church. Local conferences are also invited to develop their plans on the basis of principles of the BAUC Strategic Plan.In conclusion BAUC president Valdis Zilgalvis expressed his gratitude to all department leaders and all members of the Executive Committee.

_________________

* According to the latest statistics, “It is estimated that at least one of every three women globally will be beaten, raped, or otherwise abused during her lifetime. More than 50% of women in Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Peru and Tanzania reported having experienced physical or sexual abuse by an intimate partner. 30% of women in the United Kingdom have experienced physical abuse. 1 out of every 6 American women have been the victim of an attempted or completed rape in her lifetime.” (www.enditnow.org) Seventh-day Adventists affirm the dignity and worth of each human being and decry all forms of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse. Domestic violence has been documented as a major issue within the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Incidences of abuse follow trends documented in non-Adventist populations. This is why enditnow seeks to increase personal awareness, responsibility, and involvement to effectively help end violence against women and girls in every family and community. enditnow supports the existing programs currently being implemented around the world through ADRA and the Department of Women’s Ministries to end violence against women. The initial phase of enditnow aims to collect 1 million signatures from people across the world who want to see an end to violence against women and girls.

Nearly 30 participants attended the seminar in Riga, 27 September — 9 October. The module presented the first week was ‘Foundations of Christian Youth Outreach’, taught by Paul Tompkins, TED Youth Director and Michael Hamilton TED Personal Ministries Director. The main focus of this week was practical evangelism. Paul Tompkins said, “The practical outreach element of the course was really exciting, with over 120 questionnaires on the Bible and Society completed in two days and resulting in about 30 names being given, who were interested in learning more about the Bible. These will be followed up locally.”

In the second week, Dr Stephen Currow and Pastor Cedric Vine of Newbold College, presented the elective module, ‘Lay Preaching’. Pastor Vine commented, “Dr Steve Currow and myself have had the privilege of working with a group of highly motivated young people from the Baltic states of Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania. Our objective was to develop their preaching skills. On Monday, each participant was recorded making a brief presentation in order that they might compare their skills before and after the course. Over the next couple of days they covered topics such as delivery skills, the process of biblical interpretation, and types and structures of sermons. On Thursday, each student presented an eight-minute sermon. Feedback was then given. We have been extremely pleased with their development in that delivery was clear and content was thoughtful and structured. The next step is for their skills to be put to good use in their local churches.”

Next year further Relay courses are planned in Denmark, Poland, Serbia and possibly Iceland.

Constituency meeting was opened by the Baltic Union Conference president Valdis Zilgalvis. In his opening keynote V. Zilgalvis emphasised necessity to follow Jesus Christ in preaching, teaching and heeling so as to accomplish our vocation and bring blessing to people around us.

“Constituency meeting passed in high spirits, peacefully and in constructive mood. Delegates elected department directors, confirmed the strategic development plan of the Church and supported the plans for ministries and mission for the upcoming four years,” said Lithuanian Field president Bertold Hibner. “I would like to express my joy especially for four newly ordained pastors and wish them Lord’s help and His grace. I pray for all pastors and particularly for the newly ordained ones that the Lord gives them power to ministry and protect them and their families from evil in this world.”

During the constituency meeting the following pastors were ordained: Giedrius Rimša (Kaunas), Arūnas Čerkesas (Vilkaviškis), Mantas Kučinskas (Klaipėda), Audrius Mačiulis (Tauragė).

Lithuanian Field president Bertold Hibner: “Thinking about the future, I am certain that the Church will acomplish it’s mission in the society — the proclamation of Gospel in the context of the Three Angels Message. I am happy that the delegates showed determination and wish to look for new opportunities in serving people. There are places where Adventist Church has not been in Lithuania yet, therefore I would like to plan and spread Gospel to Eastern and South Eastern part of Lithuania together with our brothers and sisters. I also think that for us, as for the Church it is necessary to think about our role in the local society: as an Institution established by God, which provides hope to the people and fulfills their needs, for the reason that people could feel that hope still exists in Christ even in hard times — it is what Church proclaims and teaches.”

Special church service concluded constituency meeting. Next Lithuanian Field constituency meeting is prospective after four years.

Lithuanian Field Executive Committee:

Bertold Hibner (president)

Deividas Vanagas (treasurer)

Virginijus Radžius (pastor)

Mantas Kučinskas (pastor)

Renata Stonienė (member)

Jūratė Jurginytė (member)

(Lithuanian Field Secretary is still vacant position)

Department Directors:

Public Affairs and Religious Liberty (PARL) — Bertold Hibner (Kaunas)

Evangelism — Mindaugas Pikūnas (Vilnius)

Adventist Mission — Arūnas Čerkesas (Vilkaviškis)

Youth Ministries — Jūratė Jurginytė (Klaipėda)

Sabbath School and Laymen‘s Ministries — Algimantas Jankevičius (Tauragė)

Communications — Mantas Kučinskas (Klaipėda)

Ministers — Danielius Oželis (Mažeikiai)

Sheperdess Ministries — Danutė Eičinienė (Mažeikiai)

Women Ministries — Renata Stonienė (Kaunas)

Health Ministries — Vytautas Kulšė (Alsėdžiai)

Children Ministries — Violeta Baužienė (Šiauliai)

Pathfinders — Robertas Grigas (Alsėdžiai)

Family Ministries — Gintaras Nekis (Alsėdžiai)

Baltic Union Conference president V. Zilgalvis expressed his gratification about the department work and reports at the constituency. “Department reports are well prepared, professional. I am happy to see professional and also spiritual growth here. I am also happy about the newly elected Executive committee. There are many new members, new ideas. For me very touching was closing worship service—so beautiful music and songs. I’d like to thank all who took part in preparing this constituency meeting.”

The Web site www.CreationSabbath.net was created to help with planning and to provide materials for churches to prepare for this event that honors God as our Creator.

Please visit the above link for sample sermons, informational articles, children’s stories, scripture passages, hymns and responsive readings as well as other resources and links.

Together we can create a sense of unity by promoting in a positive light our belief in God as Creator and make Oct. 24 a day when we publically worship God as our Creator and thank Him for giving us life and hope.

Please do whatever you can to promote and prepare for this Sabbath celebration of Creation.

Photo: Closing worship service of Baltic Union Conference Constituency meeting [Rīga, Latvia] 2009.06.06

Photo: Closing worship service of Baltic Union Conference Constituency meeting [Rīga, Latvia] 2009.06.06

Photo: Closing worship service of Baltic Union Conference Constituency meeting [Rīga, Latvia] 2009.06.06

Photo: President of the Baltic Union Conference pastor Valdis Zilgalvis (from the left) gives his report to the Constituency meeting [Rīga, Latvia] 2009.06.04.

Photo: Baltic Union Conference Constituency meeting [Rīga, Latvia] 2009.06.04. Keynote spoken by the Trans-European Division president Bertil Wiklander.

Photo: Baltic Union Conference Constituency meeting [Rīga, Latvia] 2009.06.04. Constituency meeting was lead by the Trans-European Division president Bertil Wiklander.

Photo: Closing worship service of Baltic Union Conference Constituency meeting [Rīga, Latvia] 2009.06.06. Ensemble of Arinch family.

Photo: Closing worship service of Baltic Union Conference Constituency meeting [Rīga, Latvia] 2009.06.06. Ensemble of Arinch family.

Photo: Baltic Union Conference Constituency meeting [Rīga, Latvia] 2009.06.04. From the left: Paul Clee (field secretary of the Trans–Europeand Division), Valdis Zilgalvis (president of the Baltic Union Conference) and Bertil Wiklander (president of the Trans–Europeand Division).

Photo: Closing worship service of Baltic Union Conference Constituency meeting [Rīga, Latvia] 2009.06.06. Violin plays Andris Baumanis.

Photo: Closing worship service of Baltic Union Conference Constituency meeting [Rīga, Latvia] 2009.06.06. AMAZEO ensemble.

Photo: Closing worship service of Baltic Union Conference Constituency meeting [Rīga, Latvia] 2009.06.06. Choir.

Photo: Newly elected Baltic Union Conference leaders with their souses. From the left: Zigurds Laudurgs (treasurer), Andrejs Āriņš (union secretary) and Antra Āriņa, Ruta Zilgalve (Women and Children ministries, Shepherdess International department) and Valdis Zilgalvis (president). Closing worship service of Baltic Union Conference Constituency meeting [Rīga, Latvia] 2009.06.06.

Photo: Newly elected Baltic Union Conference administration and department leaders. Closing worship service of the Baltic Union Conference Constituency meeting [Rīga, Latvia] 2009.06.06.

Photo: Newly elected Baltic Union Conference administration and department leaders. Closing worship service of the Baltic Union Conference Constituency meeting [Rīga, Latvia] 2009.06.06.

Photo: Closing worship service of the Baltic Union Conference Constituency meeting [Rīga, Latvia] 2009.06.06

Delegates also chose new BAUC department leaders:

Andrejs Arins — Adventist Mission and Ministerial Association departmentDavid Nõmmik — Education departmentGedrius Rimša — Youth departmentGuntis Bukalders — ADRA co-ordinator, Health ministries and Communication departmentRuta Zilgalve — Women’s Ministries, Children’s Ministries and Shepherdess International departmentsTalivaldis Vilnis — Personal Ministries and Sabbath School departmentsValda Reke — Family Ministries departmentValdis Zilgalvis — Religious Liberty and Public Affairs departmentsZigurds Laudurgs — Publishing and Stewardship departmentsConstituency delegates also accepted objectives for the next quinquennium. According too this plan union will plan its work into four areas: evangelism, ministry, education and communications.

Delegates of the Constituency meeting accepted proposal to increase membership of the BAUC Executive Committee up to 13 persons. Delegates elected new Executive Committee: Baltic Union Conference president Valdis Zilgalvis, BAUC secretary Andrejs Arins, BAUC treasurer Zigurds Laudurgs, Estonian Conference president Tõnu Jugar, Latvian Conference president Viesturs Rekis, Lithuanian Field president Bertold V. Hibner, and also Leonids Pacukevics, Dzintars Vaivods, Vilnis Latgalis, David Nõmmik, Averonik Beekman, Šarune Rimšiene, Ruta Ardzevanidze.

Delegates took into account explanation of the Lithuanian Mission Field’s president B.Hibner about the legislation of the Republic of Lithuania and the government policy conserning religious organisations, and on the basis of good will to improve relationships with the Lithuania state decided to rename Lithuanian Mission Field to Lithuania Field.

Delegates also elected of Seventh-Day Adventist Lithuanian Field President – Bertold Hibner, Treasurer – Deividas Vanagas, Secretary’s place was left vacanct.

“Constituency proved that it’s possible for four nations to work together to proclaim the Gospel message,” reflecting what’s been reported in the Baltic Union Conference Constituency meeting said newly elected union president Valdis Zilgalvis. “We are thankful to God and every church member for their work and involvement during last five years. God has blessed our efforts with His presence, help and resources in a wonderful way. He has listened prayers of pastors and church leaders. I am thankful to God for the spirit of fellowship among union staff. My prayer is that God would keep and strengthen His church during hard times which are ahead now.”

About the Baltic Union Conference: BAUC was estabilshed in 1924 and existed until 1936, when under the pressure of the state’s church it was liquidated. Baltic Union Conference was re-established in 1989 and in 1994 returned to its historical "home" — Trans-European Division. Currently BAUC comprises of Estonian and Latvian Conferences and Lithuanian Field, uniting 88 Adventist churches with almost 6500 members in three Baltic countries.

Photo: Pastor Valdis Zilgalvis

This mighty act of God occurred about ten days after Jesus ascension, on the Jewish feast of Pentecost. The feast of Pentecost celebrated God’s covenant renewal with Israel and the inclusion of the nations in this covenant. (In the day of Pentecost Moses received Ten Words of Covenant on the mount Sinai). At this feast of Pentecost, the sound of a violent wind suddenly filled the house (Acts 2:1-4). What looked like tongues of fire rested on their heads, and all who were present were filled with the Holy Spirit. Wind represents the Spirit of God and His power to create new life (Ezek 37:9-14) — the same Hebrew and Greek  words can mean “spirit”, “breath”, or “wind” depending on the context. Fire represents the presence of God, as it did to Moses in the burning bush, or to Israel at Mt. Sinai. Here in Pentecost the Spirit come in the wind and fire as the powerful presence of God bringing the kingdom of God into the presence.

During this feast time, Jerusalem was full of people from many parts of the Roman empire. The third sign — after the wind and fire of Spirit’s presence — comes when the disciples began to speak in different languages, pronouncing the good news of the New Covenant to all present Jews in their own tongues. God’s message in these signs is clear: the Gospel is for all nations from the day of Pentecost. The New Covenant is established because the Holy Spirit is writing God’s commandments in the believers’ hearts! The visible presence of God through His Spirit is the sign that the Kingdom of God is established in His church.

Pentecost changed everything in the life of the followers of Jesus Christ. Before the day was over the church had grown from 120 to 3000. Shy people became bold, scared people became brave, and lost people found a sure sense of direction. When they opened their mouth to speak, they sounded like Jesus, when they laid their hands of sick, it was as Jesus himself had touched them. Suddenly they were doing things they had never seen anyone doing but Jesus. God was present again among His people and His Kingdom was open to all people who call on His name. They received God’s Spirit and new heart from God. I wish this experience to everyone of you!

Photo: Youth evangelim programme RELAY in Riga, Latvia. 2009.

During the first week, the module ‘Foundations of Adventist Beliefs’ taught by Dr Gunnar Pedersen, Newbold College lecturer, and Paul Clee, Field Secretary of the Trans-European Division, created a good foundation and generated a deep interest of the subject. Pastor Clee commented, “I found working with the young people of the Baltic States a real joy. They were responsive and willing to try anything”.

Foundations of ‘Youth Discipleship & Leadership’ was also taught by lecturers working in pairs. This second module was taught by Pastor Janos Kovacs-Biro, TED Evangelism Director and Pastor Giedrus Rimsa, leader for evangelism in Lithuania. Pastor Kovacs-Biro said, “Working in pairs is not only Biblical but it is a very good spiritual experience and a good example of teamwork as well.”

Both presenters and participants felt that the best part of the second week was the outreach initiatives during two of the afternoons. The participants were divided into four main outreach groups: The Relay Media team produced about 60 interviews from people in the town streets; The Relay Research team used the door-to-door approach with a Questionnaire visiting more than 100 homes;

The Relay Creative team handed out flowers, polished shoes, distributed balloons and sweets to children and gave food to beggars, showing God’s love in practice to more than 200 people; and finally;The Praying and Working for Friends team, prayed that God will change circumstances in the lives of their friends, and guide them in ways of sharing the Gospel with their friends.At the conclusion of the two weeks, one Latvian participant commented, “Relay gave new breath to Latvian youth. Relay helped me personally to know Jesus better. It also showed me in practical ways how to witness. I dare say that Relay is the best thing that has ever happened to Latvian Adventist youth”.

Pastor Kovacs-Biro commented, “Relay is a blessing! Relay can be a movement of training and sending out young missionaries in their own countries very soon. Relay creates energy and commitment to the Mission of the Church. Young people are not only the future of the Church, but they are already impacting the present of the Church.”

All presentations were recorded by professional young people, and made ready for distribution. With a local pastor involved as a presenter, and with the recorded Relay material, the Relay concept could be spread in all three countries. “This is the Church of today, preparing for evangelism tomorrow”, said Pastor Valdis Zilgalvis, President of the BAUC, and organiser of the event.

The Relay participants from the Baltics will come together, under the leadership of pastor Valdis Zilgalvis, for a one-day meeting on 15 June 2009, to evaluate the progress of their local evangelism initiatives since the first course of Relay. Planning is already underway in organising further Relay courses in the Baltics, and in other parts of the Trans-European Division.

Anyone interested in attending the TED Institute of Evangelism is encouraged to contact their Union Youth Director for more information.

[P.S. You can listen Dr G.Pedersen’s lectures here - www.adventisti.lv]

Photo: “Desire of Ages” in Estonian

Photo: “The Second Coming of Jesus” in Latvian

Photo: “Steps to Christ” in Lithuanian

The goal is to involve each church member in evangelism by sponsoring and distributing at least one book to his/her friend, colleagues, classmates, neighbours etc. To encourage our church members to take part in this project there will be held a special worship services on the 4 April in all the Churches of our Union.

By the grace of God we pray and believe that this project shall generate more interest for Bible studies and eventually lead people closer to Jesus Christ.

Photo: Evangelism Training Seminar in Tartu, Estonia. February 2009.

Two day seminar gave lots to think about, maybe even to argue about, and as the Estonian Conference youth leader Ivo Käsk said, it was important to hear again that if we are willing and ready, God will use us in His work.

“This two day seminar was very productive. It was a great opportunity to refresh our commitment to evangelism and think about new strategies. I’d like to express my gratitude to Janos and all TED team for this seminar and support to mission,” said Viesturs Rekis, Latvian Conference president.

“This seminar was exactly on time,” said Bertold Hibner, Lithuanian Field president. “I feel that people are very encouraged to become actively involved in evangelism by seeing how it could be done, by hearing that TED and BAUC are ready to support financially, by experiencing warm understanding from leadership. I expect that church members will boldly take the responsibility and share their faith with their friends. We are working to choose ten projects to implement the evangelistic circle J. Kovacs-Biro has thought us.

“I believe that this training seminar has helped people to crystalize what they’ve been thinking and praying about. We are very grateful for the training seminar which Janos Kovacs-Biro has conducted for Lithuanian Field ministers, Bible workers and elders. I’m very grateful to all TED and BAUC staff for organising this training event,” concluded B. Hibner.

In our secular society one of the main questions is what really works and what has potential to bring people to God. “As I cherish close personal relationships with my friends, I was happy to hear that 76% of people who are coming to church, are doing that thanks to the close friendly relationships,” said pastor Toivo Kaasik, who pastors two small churches in the center of Estonia. “A friend, relative or a neighbour who doesn’t believe in God are the first ones whom we should invite to study the Bible with us, with whom we should talk and lead on the path to Christ.”

Participants had to come up with interesting new ideas for evangelism. In Estonia the best support got social network connection idea. In Latvia the biggest support received the idea about the inflatable and portable church. In Lithuania — contrat with the local bakery to place Adventist Church advertisements on the bread labels. Now church members have to work on these ideas and make it into the projects.

“I noticed great response in these training seminars in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. These seminars did leave impression on its participants. These seminars gave birth to new initiatives, new evangelistic series. Training was very simple and very practical. I could see that Janos is talking from his experience, and real experience has much stronger power of conviction. All pastors were gratified. Now all our pastors are working on evangelism projects. We’ve got financial support for 10 evangelistic compaigns in each Baltic country. Each evangelistic compaign will get £500 support from the Trans-Euopean Division and Ls 200 from the Baltic Union Conference. I think local conferences and churches will also give their share. I believe that thanks to this initiative many people will hear good news about Jesus Christ and will find new purpose and aim in their lives,” in conclusion said Baltic Union Conference president Valdis Zilgalvis.

Photo: Pastor Valdis Zilgalvis

Let Almighty Lord bless you with joy in Christmas time and give a new energy and help in the New Year 2009!

The dedication service was conducted with participation of about 100 church members, leaders of the Conference, Union and Division, pastors Viesturs Rekis, Valdis Zilgalvis and Bertil Wiklander. Special guests were leaders of other Christian churches in the town of Smiltene. The new church building was financed by the local church, the Latvian Conference and a substantial grant from the Trans-European Division. It is a separate building in a strategic, central position and the love and dedication of the church members in preparing the building is evidenced everywhere.

The first Seventh-day Adventist church was organised in 1929. Before the world war, in 1937, however, the Latvian government decided to protect the national religious heritage by making a law that prohibited church organisations with fewer members than 50. The Adventist church was therefore disbanded and members travelled a long distance to neighbouring churches with more than 50 members. In the Communist era, 1944-1991, many Adventists suffered persecution for their faithfulness to God. In 1994, however, the church was re-established with 16 members. Later on, evangelistic campaigns were held and the church grew to about 70 members. In 2006, the current property was purchased and the church was built by its members.

Today, the church congregation is led by retired pastor Arijs Glazers. The church is run by its members, young and old. Pastor Glazers has succeeded in making the Adventist Church a highly respected and loved place of refuge in the town. All representatives of other churches praised the Adventist presence in the town and testified to an appreciation of the Adventist church that resembles what was said about the first Christians: “They praised God and enjoyed the favour of all the people”.

The Trans-European Division President, Dr Bertil Wiklander, who preached and dedicated the new church said: “I have been enormously encouraged by what I have seen and experienced here. The deep spiritual fellowship in the congregation and the popularity of the Adventist church in this town is a wonderful testimony to God. I am grateful that I have been part of this event that has brought glory to God.”

Photo: Third from the left: Honourable Gintaras Steponavicius, MP, Head of Religious Affairs of the Lithuanian Parliament.

General vice President of the Seventh-day Adventist Church Dr. Eugene Hsu and Public Affairs and Religious Liberty Director Dr. John de Graz met with Jānis Šmits, the chairperson of the Human Rights and Public Affairs Committee and the member of the Citizenship Law Implementation Committee of the Latvian Parliament. In Lithuanian they met with the Honourable Gintaras Steponavicius, MP, Head of Religious Affairs of the Lithuanian Parliament.

Church leaders congratulated both governments of both countries for practising religious freedom for all and for having recognised the Seventh-day Adventist Church. If the majority of the population in Lithuania is Catholic, Lutherans and Catholics are the main Churches in Latvia. The Seventh-day Adventist Church has been recognised as one of the seven traditional churches and religions in Latvia, and as the state-recognised church in Lithuania. In both countries the Adventist leadership have developed excellent relations with the State authorities and religious leaders.

“I thank Latvian and Lithuanian parliaments for the recognition of our church. I also thank Lithuanian Mission president Bertold Hibner for his successful work to reach state-recognition in Lithuania.

“The recognition of our church by the government has had a positive effect on our status in the community both in Latvia and in Lithuania. It has been a long road to this goal, which involved all church leadership levels, starting from the General Conference, Trans–European Division, Baltic Union and the local Conference and Mission,” said Baltic Union president Valdis Zilgalvis.

Photo: Zita Kirsnauskaite, center, at a poetry reading earlier this year. The Lithuanian Adventist poet, who now resides in Chicago, has released a bilingual version of her fifth collection.

[Photo: courtesy Kirsnauskaite]

Lifting subject material from nature, Scripture and personal spirituality, Zita Kazimiera Kirsnauskaite writes passionately in “On the Wings of an Angel” about themes seemingly at odds: hope and uncertainty, discouragement and perseverance. But through the poems — or, more likely, the process of writing them and struggling with the underpinning feelings -- Kirsnauskaite ultimately reconciles them.

It’s evident that Kirsnauskaite is largely inspired by Biblical themes, and she intersperses Scripture throughout the collection. Often, a verse will precede a poem, by way of explanation or to add another layer of meaning or reflection.

Since moving to Chicago in 2004, Kirsnauskaite’s poems have appeared in numerous publications within the American Lithuanian community. Lithuanian essayist and literary critic Alfredas Guscius called Kirsnauskaite a “fine talent” with a “unique” perspective after hearing one of her poetry recitations.

Born 1950 in Prienai, Lithuania, Zita Kazimiera Kirsnauskaite battled religious persecution during her country’s Soviet occupation. As a young woman, she remembers secretly writing poetry and translating religious literature, then knitting while waiting at train stations with the banned books and pamphlets hidden in her luggage, trying not to draw attention from pacing Soviet security guards.

When Lithuania declared independence in 1990, Kirsnauskaite, urged by her friends, published her first collection of “devotional poetry.” Some of her earliest work was seized during house searches, but more poems followed. Her fourth collection, “The Shining Song,” is a collaboration with Lionginas Abarius -- the renown Lithuanian composer and conductor wrote music to accompany the “lyrics” of her poetry.

With titles such as “I Am Writing My Life,” the poems in Kirsnauskaite’s latest collection are candidly personal. Also very transparent, her poetry may not appeal to audiences who favor more standoffish or oblique writing.

A nurse by profession, Kirsnauskaite says poetry fills her spare time and serves immeasurably to calm and comfort her, and, she’s been told, her readers.

While most of her poems use metaphor sparingly, when she does indulge in figures of speech, many are memorable. In “The Vanishing Gratitude,” she writes, “Gratitude / will soon be listed / among / the endangered species.” In another poem, she talks of “submerging” herself in prayer. The underwater imagery illustrates a relationship of dependency, where she turns to God at every moment, even for every breath.

Kirsnauskaite also writes against apathy. In “Elegy,” she laments the passing of the days and how, when disappointment becomes predictable and commonplace, “No one will notice the sorrow” but “Heaven.” The poem seems to say that even when she’s temped to resigns herself to sorrow, she is reminded that God has something better in mind.

While some of the essence of Kirsnauskaite’s poetry might be diluted in the English translation, some readers will likely find the collection a reassurance of their faith.

Link to original publication:

http://news.adventist.org/data/2008/1219788010/index.html.en

Photo: Bertold Hibner, president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Lithuania, stands outside the church’s headquarters in Kaunas, Lithuania. On July 15 the country’s government officially recognized the church as a religious community.

“State recognition for the Seventh-day Adventist church in Lithuania means that its contribution to public life and culture is recognized,” said Bertold Hibner, president of the Adventist Church in Lithuania. “I hope that the church will see it as a strong commission to serve and proclaim to the community the good news of the gospel.”

Lithuanian law separates religious communities into four categories: traditional, state recognized, registered and unregistered. Only traditional and state recognized religious organizations have insurance payment exemptions for clergy and employees, and are not taxed for services such as electricity, heating, and phone.

To qualify for state recognition, Lithuanian law requires non-traditional religious entities to be registered in the country for a minimum of 25 years. Government status does not legally affect the ability of a religious organization to worship or reach out to communities; it refers to types of benefits received.

The Adventist Church was established in Lithuania in 1919, with current membership numbering over 900.

Lithuanian law concerning the religious communities divides them into traditional, state-recognized and other registered religious communities. The Adventist Church applied to Lithuanian parliament for state-recognized status in 2003. The Lithuanian parliament considered the request twice, first time postponing the decision. Two months after the first hearing of the request, with a few corrections, it was presented for an additional hearing. This time it was approved by a majority, with three members of the parliament abstaining.

“This is an important and significant event for the Seventh-day Adventist church in Lithuania”, said Bertold Hibner, President of the Adventist Church in Lithuania. “State recognition for the Seventh-day Adventist church in Lithuania means that its contribution to public life and culture is recognized and appreciated together with other churches that have deep historical roots. It means that Adventist church is recognized as a church that has established its own name and identity in society.

“On this occasion I would like to thank everyone who has contributed [to] this historical moment I’d like to thank every church member in Lithuania that witnessed with their Christian life in order to establish a good name of our church in society. I’d like to thank the leaders of the Trans-European Division, The Baltic Union of Seventh-day Adventists and especially its President Valdis Zilgalvis, whose help and participation tremendously contributed to the process. Our Lord has bestowed a great gift upon us. I hope that the church will see it as a strong commission to serve and proclaim to the community the good news of the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

The Seventh-day Adventist Church started its mission in Lithuania back in the 19th century. The first group of believers was established in 1919 and worked unhindered until the Second World War. During the Soviet occupation, Church activities in Lithuania were very restricted. Since the restoration of independence, the Church was once again registered in 1995 and immediately started preparing documents so that the Seventh-day Adventist church in Lithuania would be granted the state-recognized status of a religious community. The Adventist church in Lithuania unites about 1000 church members.

Photo: Small group in Lithuania

Visiting the churches, Pastor Kovacs-Biro led out in coaching discussions and training sessions involving eight Core Groups and representatives of the Church. In his message, Kovacs-Biro explained that the small groups in the early church met in homes, but they also came together in the Temple, thus emphasising the significance of small groups being part of the larger family to which they belong.

One such small group was started in 2003 by church members in Cesis, Latvia, in response to a seminar held on church planting. They held a vision - that small groups could become a big church. And what started off as one group multiplied, and today there are at least eight active groups in Cesis.

Another church plant, Korinta in Riga, consisting of about 25 young people, impacts the local community by reaching out to their friends and work-mates, organising sport activities and social events, and working in an orphanage.

Ministers in the Baltic Union Conference (BAUC) of the Seventh-day Adventist Church have reached the second phase in church planting. They encourage lay members to look for opportunities to use their special talents and their passion for church planting. “I see that in the next one to three years church planting will become number one on the agenda in all our churches,” says Pastor Gintaras Nekis.

Valdis Zilgalvis, President of the BAUC, reflecting on Janos Kovacs-Biro’s visit said; “I am very thankful for Janos’s visit to Lithuania and Latvia. He has a biblical approach to the church planting movement, showing balance in care for ‘old churches’ and ‘new churches’. Furthermore, Pastor Zilgalvis emphasised the significance of organisation, and points to the fact that organisation was in place even the early church.

Elizabeth Lechleitner/ANN

Photo: Jan Paulsen

Addressing members of the church’s Council on Evangelism and Witness who were gathered at world church headquarters near Washington, D.C. for one of the church’s biannual business meetings, Paulsen said the Adventist faith shouldn’t just exist in books or church archives.

“The faith we have is not best explained by academics or theologians. Our faith finds its most compelling expression in the everyday words and actions of Christians in their communities,” Paulsen said.

During his comments, Paulsen referred to a pivotal question -- “Who are you Adventists, anyway?” -- asked by a reporter during his recent interview on Bloomberg television. Paulsen said Adventists must fill that knowledge gap by being “seen and heard. ... We want the public to know us,” he said.

“There are moments when you must step back and consider how your life looks through the eyes of somebody who does not share your faith,” Paulsen said. “What do you want them to see?” he asked, suggesting several traits he said Adventists would do well to embrace -- among them compassion, tolerance, respect and generosity.

“Am I talking about things that are at the core of Adventism?” he asked. “I hope they are.” When community members meet Adventists, the attitudes and behavior of church members should illustrate those qualities, Paulsen said.

“Probably more than 99 percent” of the people Adventists meet have either never been invited to attend church meetings or consider such meetings a “waste of time. ... These people do not study Daniel and Revelation. They may even be strangers to basic Christian values. You have to ask yourself, ‘What do I want them to know about my church?’”

Adventists should be know as “freedom fighters,” Paulsen said -- “not the violent brand, but those who work not only for people who share our point of view, but for everyone, regardless of their beliefs.” He cited the church’s efforts to promote religious liberty around the world and added, “I want the public to think of Adventists as the strongest supporters of freedom -- freedom to think, freedom to hold convictions and freedom to communicate them.”

Of the convictions held by Adventists, Paulsen said the church’s commitment to education and healthy living are two ways Adventists can influence the public sphere by offering something relevant rather than something divisive.

During discussion that followed Paulsen’s comments, other church leaders made similar observations. “There have been times in the past when the only time the public saw us was when we were either asking for money or trying to convert them,” said Gary Krause, director for the church’s Office of Adventist Mission. “I think we should always have that ambition to lead people to Jesus, but unless people see that we care for them even if they never decide to become Seventh-day Adventists, we will never be seen as the caring church.”

Allan Handysides, director of the church’s department of Health Ministries, said church members must steer clear of a “culture of negativity” that leads to “killjoy religion” instead of a “ministry of healing.”

“People are more concerned with who we are than with who we say we are,” Handysides added during his comments on the role of health in church outreach. “Evangelism only lets them see what we want them to see. But witness, whether we like it or not, allows them to see who we truly are.”

People should see Adventists as peacemakers, but not people who dodge defending the rights of others, Paulsen said, noting the church’s failure to respond to the Rwandan genocide. “Silence in the face of evil is complicity in what is wrong,” he said. “Let us speak from the pulpit and show from our actions that we oppose anything that instills hatred or inflames violence.”

Paulsen then urged church leaders in particular to “avoid tainting the church” with so much as the “aroma of partisan politics.” Adventists must be “people of integrity” in a time when “corruption of all kinds dominates headlines.”

“I want Adventists to be known as honest people who teach and practice morality, people with the highest ethical standards, people who speak out against greed and against the self-serving attitudes that do so much damage to society,” he said.