Tuesday, October 2
Lithuania
LCC International University students Vladas Verkelis, from Lithuania, and Aina Jonuzaj, from Albania, discuss human rights.
The Reformed tradition values justice as a fruit of its witness. As teachers at Lithuania Christian College International University, we want students to be concerned for others. In December, students observed international Human Rights Day. Vladas Verkelis, a student with a heritage in the Evangelical Reformed Church in Lithuania, focused his presentation on the Good Samaritan with the question, "Who is our neighbor in a global age?''
"In this parable,'' Vlad said, "Jesus is discussing with the local lawyer about the lawyer's limited conception of those to whom we owe some duty - only our physical neighbors. Jesus' message brings a broader sense about people who are our neighbor. He includes not only people living next door but people who are in need and with whom we are linked through action. A Samaritan was the wounded person's neighbor not because he lived next door to the wounded person, but because he helped him. Globalization empowered by technology has connected us with people whom we've never met and never seen. [It is] growing the boundaries of justice as well. Therefore, the unheard calls of people in need cannot be ignored anymore.''
We give thanks to God that teaching bears good fruit when students answer the question, ``Who is my neighbor?'' with such insight.
- Dr. Eric and Becky Hinderliter, PC(USA) mission co-workers, Klaipeda, Lithuania
Let us join in prayer for:
PC(USA) People in Mission
Lithuania Christian College (LCC) International University: Dr. Eric Hinderliter, coordinator for Micro Enterprise Center, Rebecca Hinderliter, accounting professor, Rev. Jane Holslag, theology and English instructor
Partners/Ministries
Evangelical Reformed Church in Lithuania (ERCL): Rimas Mikalauskas, general superintendent * LCC International University: Kyle B. Usrey, president * Theological Faculty of Klaipeda University: Arunas Baublys, dean
Presbytery Partnership: Mission Presbytery with the ERCL
PC(USA) Agencies' Staff
Christy Riggs, Presbyterian Mission Agency
Johnnie Kay Riley, Presbyterian Mission Agency
Let us pray
Dear Lord, the promise of the Kingdom is justice for the least of our brothers and sisters. In our daily work, help us to be faithful witnesses to others in what we say and what we do for justice. Especially help young people to become leaven for justice in their societies, making concrete the love of neighbor shown by the Good Samaritan. We pray that compassion and justice will be the fruit of our witness to your promises. Amen.
Daily Lectionary
Morning Psalms 12; 146
First Reading Hosea 2:16-23
Second Reading Acts 21:1-14
Gospel Reading Luke 5:12-26
Evening Psalms 36; 7
