Sunday, February 21, 2010
Friday, February 19, 2010
WARSAW TO VILNIUS
Traveling by plane always gives me a captive audience and God places people near me for the purpose of reaching out. Warsaw to Vilnius on fr
om one ice covered runway to the next was no exception.
Sitting next to me was a very nice Lithuanian lady named Mihola who now lives in Chicago. We began a casual conversation about ice conditions and flying. She was in great fear until I showed her the de-icers on the leading edge of the Turbo Prop aircraft. LOT was the first "Former Satellite" carrier to ditch the old Soviet SU series planes and begin to bring in Western equipment. This day we were in row 8 of an old Embrarer EJR 170 Turbo Prop i.e. sitting right next to the port prop. I think US Air did away with these a few years back. The high wing prop vibration will cause your dentures to fall out.
In any case we settled in and began to ask the reason for each of us visiting Lithuania. Mihola has family there and she is involved with the government and cultural exchange with UNESCO which the US sponsors via the UN.
My explanation of doing mission work here led to immediate skepticism.
"Are you going to ask for money?"
"You know the people are very poor here."
Then Mihola relayed her experiences with the Jehovah Witnesses who she said kept putting pressure on people for money.
Mihola revealed that she is Catholic, and so I had to be very careful. Catholics here feel you are intruding into their sacred territory, and that Protestants - Baptists- have no respect for Maria-- the Mother of God and Queen of all heaven.
I assured Mihola that I was not asking for money, and she was surprised and skeptical that I would take on a mission and pay for it personally. However, that point was what she focused on, and then wanted to know more about how I would meet people here.
I told her of my plans to engage students at places where they gather [Kaunas is a big college town with nearly 13 colleges, universities and technical schools] and to offer them ball caps as a token of friendship from the US. She thought that was a good idea. I brought up the fact that Lithuania has the highest suicide rate in all Europe and then she began to speak of the moral decline and of young people not attending church as they are supposed to do under penalty of mortal sin.
I did not wish to engage in the obvious negative issues that type of religion of fear has on young people. I focused on the positive aspects of each person having a personal relationship with God. I spoke of the simplicity of the message now and as Jesus preached it 2000 years ago. I emphasized how structure and rule led the Jewish :eaders in Christ's day to read too much "Law" into what he was doing. Thus, to condem Him for preaching to the poor, under privileged and sinners. Mihola was a life long confirmed Catholic, but she was nodding on some of these points.
As we were landing in Vilnius Mihola offered me her e-mail address and asked me for mine. I could feel His Spirit with me on that flight: leaving the icy runway in Warsaw; conversing for an hour like I was attached to a vibrator; and landing safely on the snow covered runway in Vilnius along with snow flurries swirling around us.
om one ice covered runway to the next was no exception.
Sitting next to me was a very nice Lithuanian lady named Mihola who now lives in Chicago. We began a casual conversation about ice conditions and flying. She was in great fear until I showed her the de-icers on the leading edge of the Turbo Prop aircraft. LOT was the first "Former Satellite" carrier to ditch the old Soviet SU series planes and begin to bring in Western equipment. This day we were in row 8 of an old Embrarer EJR 170 Turbo Prop i.e. sitting right next to the port prop. I think US Air did away with these a few years back. The high wing prop vibration will cause your dentures to fall out.In any case we settled in and began to ask the reason for each of us visiting Lithuania. Mihola has family there and she is involved with the government and cultural exchange with UNESCO which the US sponsors via the UN.
My explanation of doing mission work here led to immediate skepticism.
"Are you going to ask for money?"
"You know the people are very poor here."
Then Mihola relayed her experiences with the Jehovah Witnesses who she said kept putting pressure on people for money.
Mihola revealed that she is Catholic, and so I had to be very careful. Catholics here feel you are intruding into their sacred territory, and that Protestants - Baptists- have no respect for Maria-- the Mother of God and Queen of all heaven.
I assured Mihola that I was not asking for money, and she was surprised and skeptical that I would take on a mission and pay for it personally. However, that point was what she focused on, and then wanted to know more about how I would meet people here.I told her of my plans to engage students at places where they gather [Kaunas is a big college town with nearly 13 colleges, universities and technical schools] and to offer them ball caps as a token of friendship from the US. She thought that was a good idea. I brought up the fact that Lithuania has the highest suicide rate in all Europe and then she began to speak of the moral decline and of young people not attending church as they are supposed to do under penalty of mortal sin.
I did not wish to engage in the obvious negative issues that type of religion of fear has on young people. I focused on the positive aspects of each person having a personal relationship with God. I spoke of the simplicity of the message now and as Jesus preached it 2000 years ago. I emphasized how structure and rule led the Jewish :eaders in Christ's day to read too much "Law" into what he was doing. Thus, to condem Him for preaching to the poor, under privileged and sinners. Mihola was a life long confirmed Catholic, but she was nodding on some of these points.
As we were landing in Vilnius Mihola offered me her e-mail address and asked me for mine. I could feel His Spirit with me on that flight: leaving the icy runway in Warsaw; conversing for an hour like I was attached to a vibrator; and landing safely on the snow covered runway in Vilnius along with snow flurries swirling around us.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
LITHUANIAN INDEPENDACE DAY
16 years ago, thanks in part to Ronald Regan's campaign to defeat the "Evil Empire" Lithuania was removed from 50 years of bondage to the USSR. Though it is a cold (-7) winter's day there is much celebration and joy,
I spoke with a man who lived under Soviet rule here for his whole life. He likens his freedom to that of the Jews being released from Egypt. Although he recalls the mass exodus of Russians, leaving Lithuania and creating a vacuum on the way out.
Factories, offices, farms, co-operative food processing plants were abandoned overnight. Only one Russian Colonel- the commandant of the capital, Vilnuis, seemed to reject the idea of Lithuanian Independence. This was mostly due to personal animosity between him and the mayor of the city. In 1991 Lithuanians demonstrated for their independence at Televizijios Bokstas a large landmark TV station in center city [photoabove and rt], a dozen were killed by Soviet Tanks as troops stormed the building. You can still see the bullet scarred halls and granet steps leading to the tower. The Soviets were ordered by the Kremlin to pull back . Russia had formally given up the Lithuanian satellite, and so today Lithuanins mark 16 years of freedom from Soviet rule.
I find now, there is a people here ready for the freedom of worship they have been denied for over 50 years. It is unfortunate that there are few missions here to spread the word.
Here are Photos of the large Akropolis Mall where I intend to meet with teens who know nothing of God or the salvation of Jesus, Just like in USA many teens mill about the mall and security keeps them on the move. There are many opportunities for me here. My flat is only a city block away.
I spoke with a man who lived under Soviet rule here for his whole life. He likens his freedom to that of the Jews being released from Egypt. Although he recalls the mass exodus of Russians, leaving Lithuania and creating a vacuum on the way out.
I find now, there is a people here ready for the freedom of worship they have been denied for over 50 years. It is unfortunate that there are few missions here to spread the word. 
Here are Photos of the large Akropolis Mall where I intend to meet with teens who know nothing of God or the salvation of Jesus, Just like in USA many teens mill about the mall and security keeps them on the move. There are many opportunities for me here. My flat is only a city block away.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
IGNORING GOD
I interviewed my first student on the way here, and gave him a hat. He was shy about photos, and since we were sitting next to each other for 9 hours it was too awkward to get out my camera. He is learning to be a pilot for Lufthansa.
His name is Thorngarrd, He had no faith background but He understood the EE concept when I explained it, and he said he may be interested in having Jesus in his life, but he has no support system. Thorngaard is an intelligent young student. His parents go to Luthern church, but his notion of God is limited to Church with the family on Christmas. He indicated that he believes there is a God, but that at the moment his main concern is his career. Training to be a pilot for Lufthansa is a tough job, and his fear is the high washout rate. Thorngaard wanted to join the German Air Force as a Tactical jet pilot, but he was turned down for being too tall [slightly over 2 meters -6'4"].
So he landed a job as a pilot in training for Lufthansa and is very pleased with his progress. We spent some time talking about pilot training and what he had learned. Mostly he's in Cessna 172's and learning some in Florida. I related my experiences with FACT in St Augustine, Florida where I flew for 12 years. This where 2 of the 911 terrorists trained. The Europeans love to train in the US becasue we have no airport fees. In EU you are charged a fee for each landing and departure; not so in US.
On a scale of 1-10 Thorngaard was feeling at a 9 because like most pilots you tend to feel god-like when soaring above the earth. However after delving into issues of potential danger and safety I could sense some deeper thinking. What happens after life?; what is life all about?; is there something larger than us?
He was thinking and now I had the opportunity to help him fill the void of a Godless life. No there was no instant conversion at 31,000 ft; only questioning of things that had not been in the front of Thorngaard's mind before we talked.
This is a seed planted and I prayed that he would continue to seek.
His name is Thorngarrd, He had no faith background but He understood the EE concept when I explained it, and he said he may be interested in having Jesus in his life, but he has no support system. Thorngaard is an intelligent young student. His parents go to Luthern church, but his notion of God is limited to Church with the family on Christmas. He indicated that he believes there is a God, but that at the moment his main concern is his career. Training to be a pilot for Lufthansa is a tough job, and his fear is the high washout rate. Thorngaard wanted to join the German Air Force as a Tactical jet pilot, but he was turned down for being too tall [slightly over 2 meters -6'4"].
So he landed a job as a pilot in training for Lufthansa and is very pleased with his progress. We spent some time talking about pilot training and what he had learned. Mostly he's in Cessna 172's and learning some in Florida. I related my experiences with FACT in St Augustine, Florida where I flew for 12 years. This where 2 of the 911 terrorists trained. The Europeans love to train in the US becasue we have no airport fees. In EU you are charged a fee for each landing and departure; not so in US.
On a scale of 1-10 Thorngaard was feeling at a 9 because like most pilots you tend to feel god-like when soaring above the earth. However after delving into issues of potential danger and safety I could sense some deeper thinking. What happens after life?; what is life all about?; is there something larger than us?
He was thinking and now I had the opportunity to help him fill the void of a Godless life. No there was no instant conversion at 31,000 ft; only questioning of things that had not been in the front of Thorngaard's mind before we talked.
This is a seed planted and I prayed that he would continue to seek.
SETTLING IN KEEPING WARM
Missed connection to Helsinki due to timing. So I was rerouted to Warsaw and then Vilnius. This caused a full day delay. Had to stay night in Warsaw Airport - no rooms.
My friend picked me up in Vilnius and drove me to Kauno. Apartment [flat] is warm and clean, and in center of city near large Mall called the Akropolis. More on this later because here I will meet with youth and provide EE information.Participants get a ball cap thanks to SELAH.
I will search for TRAC phone chip tomorrow and tonight [5PM here 10 AM FLL] I will log onto FBCFL pod cast with pastor Larry.
You are in my prayers
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Thanks To All my Friends and Supporters-SELAH & EAGLES
I so appreciate all you have done for me, and dinner last night was the best.
However, I wanted to say to to all my friends that God selects ordinary people to do things that people who know us would never expect us to do. And the Lord knows that I am a very ordinary sinner saved by His Grace. It is done by and for His holy name. Remember I am just the messenger. The message comes from the king and I am sent to deliver.
It is like when I was in the military and on a work detail. I would catch an officer lurking around and I knew he was looking for volunteers for some other task. So I made myself look very busy at what I was doing. Then, I got that fatal tap on the back "Rodgers, come with me" This is the same with God. I am here in sunny Florida and basking in the sun on the beach, very busy with Church and Bible Study, and God taps me on the back " Rodgers come with me. Go to Russia, I want you there." So it is not like I am going for the tour or that I am a saint or minister. I am a regular guy who just got selected to do His work some other place. So if there is a celebration it should be His celebration; not mine.
But I sincerely thank each of you for last evening. You are all wonderful brothers and sisters in Christ. We are all of the body of Christ, and like Paul taught an eye or an ear is no more important than any in the other parts in the Body of Christ. Jesus selects each of us to do something He has made us worthy of, and so each part contributes to the the Head of the body,,, Jesus Christ. One of may serve here and another be called to serve elsewhere. Each one is equally important in doing His work.
Further, I want to thank all the Selah members who provided ball caps for me to take to the students in Mission Possible. Your generosity and quickness to respond was a miracle.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
we reach as many as possible NOW!
in this way when I post you will receive an email that will take you right to the sight where you can read the daily posting.
Again thanks to each of you for all or support,and pray that this journey is beneficial to those I encounter.
However, I wanted to say to to all my friends that God selects ordinary people to do things that people who know us would never expect us to do. And the Lord knows that I am a very ordinary sinner saved by His Grace. It is done by and for His holy name. Remember I am just the messenger. The message comes from the king and I am sent to deliver.
It is like when I was in the military and on a work detail. I would catch an officer lurking around and I knew he was looking for volunteers for some other task. So I made myself look very busy at what I was doing. Then, I got that fatal tap on the back "Rodgers, come with me" This is the same with God. I am here in sunny Florida and basking in the sun on the beach, very busy with Church and Bible Study, and God taps me on the back " Rodgers come with me. Go to Russia, I want you there." So it is not like I am going for the tour or that I am a saint or minister. I am a regular guy who just got selected to do His work some other place. So if there is a celebration it should be His celebration; not mine.
But I sincerely thank each of you for last evening. You are all wonderful brothers and sisters in Christ. We are all of the body of Christ, and like Paul taught an eye or an ear is no more important than any in the other parts in the Body of Christ. Jesus selects each of us to do something He has made us worthy of, and so each part contributes to the the Head of the body,,, Jesus Christ. One of may serve here and another be called to serve elsewhere. Each one is equally important in doing His work.
Further, I want to thank all the Selah members who provided ball caps for me to take to the students in Mission Possible. Your generosity and quickness to respond was a miracle.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
VIDEOI will attempt to the best of my ability to post a video [one minute ] daily. I hope to interview as many people who are open to speaking about their personal God Experience.
NARRATIVEI will plan on writing about 300-500 words a day letting you know of my experience in the field. Some may sound like a travel log, but keep me on track here. I really want to give you feedback on the progress I am making in Spreading the Word. As Pastor Dr Larry Thompson is preaching in his his daring "Flash Forward" message: we are in the end times and it is imperative that
we reach as many as possible NOW!
FOLLOW>>Please click on the box that says "FOLLOW" enter your gmail or yahoo address.
in this way when I post you will receive an email that will take you right to the sight where you can read the daily posting.
COMMENTbelow each posting there is a place for posting a comment. These are helpful to me to know if what I am posting is working. Video is usually a problem due the lag in uploading it to your browser. If audio sounds choppy, let the video fully buffer before you view.
Again thanks to each of you for all or support,and pray that this journey is beneficial to those I encounter.
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