Lithuania

Lithuania is a Baltic country, bordered by Latvia, Belarus, Poland, and Kaliningrad (a Russian enclave). It is a small country similar in size to West Virginia with a population of about 3 million.

Lithuania was one of the last European countries to be “Christianized” by the Catholic Church, and its pagan roots still influence aspects of culture and tradition today. During the Reformation, many believers fled to Lithuania. Much like the scattered believers in Acts 8:4, they brought the gospel with them, translating Scripture into the Lithuanian language. Under Soviet rule, however, religious practice was heavily restricted, and state atheism was promoted.  When Lithuania regained full independence in 1991, Catholicism reemerged as the dominant religion, alongside a small number of faithful evangelical Christians. In the years that followed, American missionaries came to Lithuania, engaging in evangelism and church planting efforts. Today, most missionaries of that generation have retired, and only a handful of others have stepped in to take their place.

Spiritual Need in Lithuania

Fewer than 2% of Lithuanians claim to be evangelical Christians. On paper, most Lithuanians identify as Catholic, but this identity can tend to be more cultural than active. The Catholic label is sometimes even used to avoid association with other religions such as Islam or Hinduism. Some practice Catholicism devoutly, attending mass, going to confession, and pursuing good works in hope of salvation. Many, however, have never heard the good news that salvation is a gift of grace through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Practically speaking, a growing number of Lithuanians are atheists. There is also a rise in the number of people returning to traditional pagan practices and other forms of Eastern mysticism.

Unfortunately, Lithuania is known for having one of the highest suicide rates in Europe. Some attribute this reality to climate as Lithuania has long dark winters where some days bring as little as seven hours of daylight. However, Christians look to the true light of Christ (John 1:4-5), and it is this hope that we desire to share with the people of Lithuania. 

There are about twenty baptist churches in Lithuania, most very small with congregations consisting of 5-10 members. Of Lithuania’s regions, only about half have an evangelical church, leaving some believers without access to a local congregation.

Many believers have faced significant challenges as they seek to live faithfully, whether brought on by Soviet oppression or friends and family who are suspicious of their new faith. Pastors often need full-time jobs outside the church to support their families, and some churches are without pastors altogether. Few young men pursue ministry because it is not seen as a profitable career.

Church Planting and Missions in Lithuania

Currently, there are no ABWE missionaries in Lithuania. However, the field is open, and the Bird family is raising support to minister there. They have an invitation from the Baptist church of Kaunas and plan to start there with language and cultural acquisition. They will partner with local churches, serving and building up these churches however they can. This may include planning and participating in outreaches, English camps, encouraging pastors, youth ministry, prison ministry, refugee ministry, and serving in churches without pastors. Lord willing, they would then hope to partner with local Baptist churches to plant churches where there are none.

You can be a part of this ministry! Pray for Lithuania’s Baptist churches as they seek to share the gospel in an area of great spiritual darkness. Pray for the Bird family as they raise support and prepare to go. Finally, pray about whether God is calling you to serve in this beautiful and spiritually needy country. The harvest is truly plentiful, but the laborers are few.