Humanitarian Work

If we want to improve christian life and save our faith, one of the most important things are good works. We can see, how through our faith and good works, mercy of God and people are functioning together. Just after the re-establishment of the methodist church in Lithuania in 1995, methodist communities tried to renew diaconal and humanitarian work. Now every United Methodist Church in Lithuania has some humanitarian work as a part of its ministry. There are feeding programs, after school programs for children and youth, washing programs (for body and clothes), psychological programs for women, programs for the elderly, medical assistance programs, work with the prisons, visitation programs and work with orphanages. Many of these programs are supported by funding from partner churches and Betaniens (foundations) from Sweden and Norway. Offerings from local churches also help to provide this variety of humanitarian work.

Zaneta Rimskyte is the District Humanitarian Coordinator. She works directly with many of these programs and indirectly with almost all of them. She assists local churches in identifying needs and setting up programs and finding resources. If you have questions about humanitarian work you can contact Zaneta directly by email: caglinka@mail.ru or through the Superintendent: ds@lithuaniaumc.org

Do Not Close Your Heart to Kindness

„I tell you, whenever you did this for one of the least important of these followers of mine, you did it for me!.“ (Mt 25,40)

John Wesley emphasizes the importance of pure intentions. When a person loves God, one tries to imitate God and Christ. This leads to love towards one‘s neighbor expressed through works of piety, which show forth our love for God and works of mercy, which reflect our love for neighbor. Wesley claims, that neighborly love is „a universal benevolence, a kindness and good will towards all.“

We should aim to imitate Christ in our behavior which is expressed through sensitivity towards others. Even economic difficulties cannot take away that sincerity and mutual understanding from people. Dainava regional center „Draugyste“ and their leader Danute Macenkaite organized a day of kindness which aimed at helping the children who are hospitalized at Kaunas clinics, Oncohematological unit. NGOs „Geros valios srautas“ and Blood Bank also participated in this event.

The people who participated in the day of kindness could help out in two ways: to give blood or to contribute a monetary gift. The gifts were used to purchase two computers with software. The children also shared laughter and joy with the clowns who also came out to day of kindness. When we participate in events like this, we are assured that our evangelical witness and Christian social mission are affirmed. These works of mercy become the channel of God‘s grace which also transform us into Christ‘s likeness.

On April 28, the Day of Kindness the organizers also visited the kindergarten for children with disabilities „Neziniukas.“ It is affirming to know that the women of LUMC also participated in this event as well as friends from abroad. They shared their love through crafts: Pilviskiai UMC sent their love with crocheted Easter eggs and Mary Graves from UK sent knit hats, socks and sweaters.

If you would like to contribute to any of the humanitarian programs in Lithuania you can give through the Advance #14934A and note the specific program, such as the Bread Program, or if you don’t designate the funds for a specific project we will direct the money where it is most needed. You can also look at the detail about this advance through the link with Humanitarian Programs in the Advance part of the General Board of Global Ministries website.