Welcome to the northern baptist learning community

Working together with Aleksandras (a recent graduate of the school) and with Lina (Director of the School) translating, the TiMM Module, Text and Context provided a basis for learning together.

“We met in one of the Baptist Churches in Kaunas with 20 students arriving from different churches throughout Lithuania.

During the Soviet years this building was commandeered by the army and used first as a dance hall for troops and later as a storage depot for salt.  Today, the premises have been reclaimed by the church members who have worked very hard to get them back to their former glory – although they have a continuous battle with the salt impregnated walls.  Bearing in mind that during the weekend we were working with Matthew’s Gospel this brings a whole new meaning to Matt 5:13!

Stephen and Aleksandras shared the teaching and there were many opportunities for discussion helping to ground the text in their Lithuanian context.

Aside from the obvious challenge of this new context for me, it was fun to see TiMM Handouts translated into both Russian and Lithuanian and making sense of feedback from the group work required some interpretation!

On Sunday I was invited to preach the second sermon in the two hour long service which included hymns and songs which I knew very well.  In many ways a traditional Baptist service and very recognizable – although I had to remember to stand for prayer!

As ever on these occasions I was overwhelmed by the generousity of sisters and brothers in Christ who have faced so many difficulties and yet remain faithful in discipleship.  We are committed to continue to lear together in this way – a truly mutual partnership which is encouraging to all who have participated.”

Stephen