PAKILK

Our first leaders' training conference for PAKILK, which means Rise Up, was held in November. This is the new name for ministry to women in the Pentecostal Union churches. Bette Sue is directing this ministry with her leadership team. Mary Selzer came from Michigan to teach and did a fantastic job presenting topics on team leadership, vision statements, and why minister to women. She was loved by all!

There were 15 churches represented and 55 women attended. We were excited! Everything went smoothly and the women were eager to learn.

Mary had small group topics and many creative ideas came from the women as they talked together. The whole event was a success and a wonderful start for this ministry. We praise God for His faithfulness and know that there are more great things ahead.

Friends, Food, and Fun!

Bette Sue got to celebrate her birthday with Rocklettes at the Millsaps' home, indoor fireworks and games! The birthday cake is called Shakotis, which is a traditional cake here that is used for very special occasions. (The fireworks were sitting on top of the cake.) She was blessed with beautiful flowers, cards, and gifts. The whole celebration was fun from beginning to end. Friends greeted her at church and dropped by the house to help celebrate together. Birthdays are important in Lithuania and definitely a time to honor others in a variety of ways. This year just reminded us again of how blessed we are to live in Lithuania and have so many dear friends here that we count as family.

Bean Soup and Doughnuts

Yes, you read it correctly. BEAN SOUP and DOUGHNUTS! They are homemade yeast doughnuts rolled in powdered sugar and eaten with the soup. It is delicious! Ask any of our team members and you will know why this has become a Lithuanian Team tradition.

This has actually been a Baltes' family tradition for years and years. Bette Sue's family has eaten this as a family favorite and it has been passed on to the next generation now. (Since we don't have parsnips in Lithuania it is missing a bit of the full flavor in the soup but it is still tasty. Plus, most everyone really comes for the doughnuts!) Seems like everytime someone got married we had this as a "test" or "initiation" into the family. The big question was, "Will they eat the doughnuts with the soup or as a dessert?" Over 24 years ago Bob passed the test with flying colors as he picked up that first doughnut and ate it with his soup. He has been passing the test ever since!

This is one tradition we hope to continue on our Lithuanian team for years to come. The Millsaps and McClungs passed the test too and enjoy their doughnuts with the soup!