February 2006

Friends,

May the peace of Christ be with you in this winter season and as we eagerly await the promise of Easter.

We have been back in Lithuania for just over six weeks now, and winter is flying by. It is hard to believe that just a short time ago we were enjoying fellowship with you during our interpretation time in the United States—telling our story and sharing mission—just like Paul and Barnabus. However, it feels good to be back to what is home for us now and to be in classes with students again. We are thrilled at the opportunities of a four-year reappointment. We were feeling a bit like nomads, continually moving about during our interpretation time, and Klaipeda now offers stability for us for which we are grateful.

The blessings of reconnecting with Lithuanian Christ College (LCC) graduates continuing their education in graduate schools—what a wonder to see the fruits of LCC in fostering a thirst for more education and a Christian life in these young people. Thanks to the women’s associations and congregational mission committees that offer scholarships for students. Women have always been a robust force in mission in the church; this heritage continues today.

Time with family was wonderful this fall. To all those in our family who, as we say “hold our ropes,” we say “thanks.” We could not be here without their willingness to take on tasks for us. Thanks to Bruce and Phyllis for their faithful care of Eric’s mother. Thanks to Pam and Joby for sharing their home and taking care of many details for us. Our trip to visit Paul and Liz in their new home in Washington was “quality time” for us. Please remember Liz’s parents, Jacqueline and Jan, in your prayers, as Jacqueline is seriously ill.

In many mission letters we read of a special event or crisis. Today we are not writing about any particular event, but rather about the importance of faithfulness of everyday living and being a daily witness. You may ask how teaching economics or accounting can be mission work? We believe that mission is not just the day-to-day academic work. Our mission includes our daily commitment to living a Christian life as Christ would have us live—trying to be a model to students, colleagues, and the LCC community.

We ask for your prayers and your continued support for our and the denomination’s mission work. We are pleased that you claim us as one your own. We ask that you prayerfully consider supporting mission work—our work and all those around the world. Two ways to support PC(USA) mission workers are Designated Mission Support (DMS) and Extra Commitment Opportunities (ECOs). DMS does not necessarily mean additional fund-raising for your congregation, but rather a designation of a portion of your mission giving to specific mission work. Congregations can simply designate some of their current mission giving to DMS accounts without changing their overall budget. ECOs allow new activities in mission but require new giving. The ECO account for Lithuania Christian College provides books for the college, scholarships for students, and travel to meetings and conferences in Eastern Europe.

Churches that would like to support our ministry through DMS can send checks to: Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Church Remittance Processing, PO Box 643678, Pittsburgh, PA 15264-3678. Put our number, D506434, on the subject line of the check. To make an ECO contribution, write the title (Lithuania) and the ECO number (#047992) on the subject line of the check and put it on your cover letter, too. Send a copy of your cover letter to the Office of Global Education, Worldwide Ministries Division, 100 Witherspoon St. Louisville, KY 40202-1396. You can also make a contribution to the ECO by clicking the "give" button below.

For individuals wishing to contribute, follow the same instructions but send the checks to a slightly different address: Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Individual Remittance Processing, PO Box 643700, Pittsburgh, PA 15264-3700.

Thank you for being an advocate for global mission and for the work of Jesus Christ through the Presbyterian Church with its international partners around the world.

Grace and peace to you.

Becky & Eric Hinderliter
PC(USA) Mission Co-workers, Lithuania

The 2006 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 180