The Nations Come to Lithuania

As the Soviet Union began to disintegrate in the early 1990s, three Christian foundations from three different countries—Lithuania, Canada, and the United States—developed a vision to reintroduce Christian education to Eastern Europe.

They faced a unique challenge: for years, solving problems by means of critical thinking, teamwork, and a biblical worldview had been discouraged and even sanctioned.

But a quarter century later, much has changed. More than 500 students from 28 countries are studying at LCC International University in Klaipėda, Lithuania.

“Many students arrive never having experienced dynamic, articulate Christian faith before. For some, it’s life-changing,” said Steve Van Zanen.

Steve and his wife, Chris, are one of three CRWM missionary couples joining the work taking place at this small outpost of God’s Kingdom. The Van Zanens are joined by Scott and Lisa Neumann and Adam and Laura Rodeheaver-Van Gelder.

While the makeup of the student body has changed dramatically since the school opened—as 60 percent of LCC’s students now come from outside Lithuania—the school’s mission to provide Christian education through a biblical worldview remains the same.

“Every year students from nominal and non-Christian backgrounds discover that there is a Person at the center of the university who provides meaning to life and hope for the future,” said Steve Van Zanen.

“Others, who arrived as Christians, discover that being a follower of Jesus does not mean checking your brains at the door, but engaging fully in the world that God made.”

Here are just a few stories of these students shared by the CRWM missionaries who serve at the university.

Victor

Viktor grew up in the neighboring country of Belarus. An only child, he carries with him the hopes and dreams of a family that has been through a lot.

During World War II, 25 percent of the population of Belarus died. Viktor’s grandparents survived the war but lived most of their lives under the Soviet system.

Strangely, many LCC students now look back on that era with some nostalgia. The dog-eat-dog world of capitalism provides few guarantees, and living standards have not improved for many. The forced labor camps are distant memories, while the security of a state that provided employment and housing sounds comforting in comparison to today’s challenges.

Viktor’s experience at LCC has already made a deep impact on him. His sharp mind and strong work ethic have impressed his professors. He has taken advantage of encouragement to innovate by starting a new student organization.

He asks thoughtful questions about matters of worldview and faith. He sees something in his teachers that is different and understands that it has to do with their relationship with Jesus. Viktor hasn’t put it all together yet, but he is searching.

Petras

Like many Lithuanians, Petras grew up in a family that went to church occasionally, but faith wasn’t a huge part of his upbringing.

When he came to LCC, he didn’t doubt God’s existence, but he didn’t see much need for a God either. In his second year. Petras joined other students in the required Bible classes, and things began to change.

Petras found himself interested in the questions the professor asked. The readings and lectures provoked a strong curiosity. By the spring semester, Petras was not only interested in God but also in Jesus as the Son of God.

Petras is now in his third year and trying to figure out what it means to be a faithful follower of Jesus. He finds himself wanting to live a new life but often draws into old habits with friends. He’s being changed by God’s Spirit, little by little, and he’s discovering that walking with Jesus isn’t always easy. But he’s committed.

Olya

Olya grew up in what is now the war zone of eastern Ukraine. Her family has left their home for another part of the country. Prospects of eventual return are bleak.

Olya is a brilliant student and a campus leader. A few minutes of conversation with this woman makes it clear she will have a significant impact wherever she goes. Her geographic future is uncertain. But her goal is more than personal security and prosperity. She wants to make a contribution to the region and to the world.

An attitude of service to community among LCC students and alumni may be tied to the process of coming to faith, but not necessarily. Many graduates leave without having embraced Jesus, and yet they have significantly different priorities than when they came.

They see faculty and staff who are making a sacrifice to contribute to their education. They hear about donors who give generously to fund scholarships, which is not common in Europe. Many are grateful.

Still, it is our prayer that the seeds sown here will sprout in the years ahead, leading to a life of Christian discipleship for LCC graduates.