Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Cathedrals, Kids camp, & Crosses











On our way to Lithuania we had a long lay over in Frankfurt, Germany (about 7 hours). We were somewhat intimidated about leaving the airport to explore Franfurt, but we did anyway. We stumbled upon some really amazing historical sights including Bartholomew's Cathedral built in the 1300's. We paid 3 Euros each & climbed the 328 steps to the top.



Upon Arriving in Lithuania we slept off our jet lag as best we could and started into camp the next day. This was a church-wide family camp for city church. Laura & I oversaw the kids camp with the help of many hard-working Lithuanian teenagers. The schedule included games, singing, crafts, and story time in which we covered the story of Joseph during the four days of camp with a Gospel message at the end.

The kids answer questions for candy after story time


Playing 'amoeba' during game time

Craft time making crowns after hearing of Joseph's rise to the top in Egypt

Campers and leaders on the last day of camp. We had about 25-30 kids. Parents & the church expressed gratitude for the opportunity for their kids to have this experience, which we were told is huge in a culture that does not usually express such gratitude.

Garrett & Sophi Gilliland leading morning worship in Lithuanian. City church loves to spend this kind of time in worship.
These are some of the Lithuanian youth Garrett & Sophi minister to. Here they are celebrating 4th of July with the Americans.

After camp was over we spent the day sight-seeing with Garrett & Sophi. Here we are at the Hill of Crosses. The site celebrates Lithuanian resilience in the face of oppression from czars and soviet rule. Oppressors did not allow Lithuanians to bury their dead of put of these crosses, but they persisted and now there much be a billion crosses on this hill.


Our prayers are being answered that we would be an encouragement to the Gilliland family. This is a difficult place and culture to live in for any extended period of time with a lot of spiritual darkness. Our being able to spend this time with them is very valuable for them and us- and for the work of God's kingdom that they are participating in.