Lithuania

CAMP RUTA 

REACHING THE YOUTH OF LITHUANIA

 

“Lithuania?  Why would I want to go to Lithuania?” was my reply when brother Danny Dodd suggested that I take the singles & young professionals there for a summer mission trip.  

 

My answer would come.

 

Lithuania is a Baltic country in Eastern Europe.  It is one of three countries, Estonia and Latvia being the other, that gained it’s independence from the U.S.S.R. when the communist regime lost its power over Lithuania on March 11th, 1990. This event opened the doors wide open for missions opportunities.

 

The challenge was met by Brother Danny Dodd, who, in 2001, traveled to Vilnius, Lithuania to become the full-time missionary there and work at the church in Vilnius. The church in Vilnius was started by the Waterview Church out of Texas in 1995. Danny met Chris Nichol who began the work there in 1996. Danny and Chris worked together to strengthen and build the church.  

 

In 1998, Danny and his close friend, Dr. Charles, “Bud” Myer, founded Camp Ruta, a summer camp for children ages 8-18 located close to Moletai.  Camp Ruta has since then become a place where hundreds of children have come to learn about the message of God through Jesus. The camp has flourished through the years as kids from not only Lithuania, but also from neighboring country Belarus return each year to an environment that is spirit-filled, unifying, empowering, and downright fun!!

 

Camp Ruta in many ways is just like any summer camp you’ve been to. It’s filled with lots of daily activities including classes, sports, devotionals, arts & crafts, worship, games, and, of course, lots of food! It’s located next to a beautiful lake which gives the campers opportunities for boating and swimming as well. There are plenty of facilities including a game hall, fully-equipped cafeteria, and fully furnished cabins. 

 

The real fruits of the camp are currently being witnessed, as many of the children who were campers, are now counselors at the camp, leaders in the planted churches not only in Vilnius, but also in the cities of Klaipeda and Panevezys, and are strong children of God who are making a difference in the world around them. They are happy, vibrant, and full of hope for the future.  Many of the campers have been instrumental in bringing their parents to church, and the churches in Lithuania are experiencing the emergence of families and true growth.  It’s often cited that Camp Ruta has been the greatest evangelistic effort going on in Lithuania today. It’s truly making a difference for the Kingdom of God.

 

Each year we take a number of people in our college & young professionals group to Lithuania to help run the camp.  Each person that travels to the camp participates in a number of leadership roles including, teaching classes, being a cabin counselor, planning and directing several activities, directing sports, leading our worship, and mentoring the children.  Many of our missionaries are seasoned and have effectively demonstrated dependable, leadership and fervor for the pure message of God. This has become a stable, consistent missionary effort perfect for young adults to be a part of.  It’s located in a safe environment, is hands-on training for church leadership, gives missionaries opportunities to develop long-lasting relationships with other people around the world, and is life-changing and powerful.

 

“Why would I want to go to Lithuania?” Because the people there need the spirit of God, and we have the resources and the passion to carry out such a mission.

 

If you’re interested in being a part of the Lithuanian mission effort, or if you would like to donate to the Camp Ruta Mission Trip then contact Danny Dodd or, myself, Edward Humphries by clicking on our names and emailing us. 

 

To see pictures of camp Ruta 2006 click here:

 

To see pictures of camp Ruta 2007 click here:

 

LITHUANIA  MISSIONS CALENDAR (click on item for details):

 

September 21-22, 2007 - Camp Meeting at Paul Franks House,

Lake Charles Louisiana