Ukraine and Russia Meet at LCC International University

The president of LCC International University in Lithuania is asking Christian Reformed Church members to pray for students whose lives are being impacted by the ongoing political turmoil between nearby Ukraine and Russia.

News reports say that many people in Ukraine are fearful that Russian troops, gathered at the border, are set to invade their country.

“This is a difficult time for many students,” says university president Marlene Wall in an an article sent this week to Christian Reformed World Missions.

“There are uncertainties about visas and possible travel restrictions if the situation deteriorates further. There are fears for family members and friends back in Russia or Ukraine, some of whom are in the armed forces of both nations and currently stationed in Crimea.”

Wall says she sent the article to CRWM because the agency has been a “colleague” in promoting the cause of world missions.

Also, she says, “We would appreciate it if you would share this with the CRWM community, as we seek the prayers of many in order to remain faithful as a Christ-centered university that stands for peace and justice, and supports individuals in the midst of conflict.”

The Christian Reformed Church has been connected in various ways with LCC International University, especially in providing teachers, since it began in the early 1990s.

Wall said the university recently hosted a special panel discussion on the topic of the difficulties in Ukraine.

Held on March 21, the panel discussion was comprised of students, staff, faculty and board members.

It included both Russian and Ukrainian citizens, some of whom are from Crimea, the area that news articles say recently decided to become part of Russia.

“Most participants had family ties in both nations.The exchange was profound and the dialog was frank but respectful, as panelists shared their personal stories and their concerns about the current situation,” says Wall.

Located in the city of Klaipėda, the university currently has about 500 students from 25 countries, including 69 from Ukraine and 58 from Russia.

With all of the anxiety and uncertainty, students are having a hard time concentrating on their studies, says Wall.

“This is clearly a time for friends and supporters of LCC to pray for the situation and for the campus issues we are dealing with. May God bring peace and reconciliation, and preserve the bonds of fellowship on campus so that our mission can continue to be fulfilled to the glory of the one we serve.”