Lithuania is about the size of West Virginia.  It is one of the three Baltic nations formerly under the Soviet Union.  Although once one of the largest states in Europe (1400s), its history is one of shifting borders, response to adverse external politics and dominance by a long series of conquering powers.  Lithuania struggles with considerable alcoholism and divorce, high employment and one of the highest suicide rates in the world.

Centerville UMC first started sending mission teams to Siauliai (pronounced simply, “show-lay”) in 2005.  There have been several different construction projects over the years including helping with the construction of a new sanctuary.  The mission teams have also provided programs and support for women and children.  There have been programs for women on worship and raising self-esteem.  Children’s programs included work at neighborhood schools.

The last mission traveled to Siauliai from September 10 – 24, 2009.  The focus of the mission team was on construction and landscaping, workshops for women and expanding school programs. They also toke donated eyeglasses for distribution at the health clinic. Over the years the relationships between the mission teams and the St. Luke’s congregation in Siauliai have deepened.

Contact: Dan and Kitty Stapleton at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Website: www.lithuaniaumc.org

It seems like a simple gift: a goat, a cow, or a flock of chicks. But the gift of a farm animal is an important step toward ending a family's poverty. Heifer Project provides animals, and training in their care, to hungry families around the world. The animals offer these families a way to feed themselves and become self-reliant.

Heifer goes into communities that contact them with a determination of their needs and their plan for achieving their goals. The community prepares for the gift of livestock by building pens, planting fodder, and learning how to care for the animals. These communities are strengthened as they work together as a group to determine their needs. Set their goals and manage the projects together. Benefits include new skills, improved nutrition and self-reliance.

RELATED WEBSITE: www.heifer.org

In 2003, Centreville United Methodist Church "adopted" Orphanage #1 in Ivanovo, Russia through a program of Children's Hope Chest. Orphanage #1 is a large orphanage with 80 children. Through CUMC's connection and support of the orphanage, members of the congregation provide support of $35/month for a child in the orphanage. In addition to the financial support, individuals support their child with prayer and by regular correspondence. Additionally, mission teams travel to Russia in the spring and fall to visit with the children, getting to know them on a personal level.

A new program for graduates of Ivanovo Orphanage #1 began in 2005 - an Independent Living Program. When a child graduates from school, they must move out of the orphanage. For some children, they may be as young as 16 years old. Statistically the future is not bright for these young people. Many will resort to alcohol, crime and even suicide. Through the Independent Living Program these young people are placed in apartments with supervised, trained house parents.

DUTIES: Individuals or families that "adopt" one of the orphans commit to monthly financial support and to supporting their child with prayer and by corresponding.

FINANCIAL SUPPORT: The support of one child in Ivanovo Orphanage #1 is $35/month. The support on one child in the Independent Living Program is $85/month.

CUMC COORDINATOR: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

RELATED WEBSITE: www.hopechest.org