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The Erbele's ministry includes congregations in Russia (top) and Lithuania (just above.)
Image by: Terry and Ev Erbele
Source: Mission Personnel
Camp Wesley in Latvia.
Image by: Terry and Ev Erbele
Source: Mission Personnel
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Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed
his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.
Matthew 2:2
The Church in Eurasia
Where else in the world and through what other type of work can a Christian
receive such a fresh affirmation of the manifestation of our Savior than with
the re-emergent churches of Eastern Europe and Asia.
We have been serving the United Methodist communities in Lithuania, Latvia,
and Eurasia for ten years. Teri is the District Superintendent for Lithuania
and financial executive to Eurasia and Latvia. Ev is pastor of Eiguliai church
in Kaunas and involved with adult ministries in Eurasia and Latvia. Such unique
appointments within the Northern Europe Central Conference have us living in
Kaunas for 3 weeks and Moscow one week a month. From Lithuania we drive to Latvia.
The Russian Orthodox Church and The United Methodist Church in Eurasia follow
the civil calendar known as the old Julian calendar. The Catholic and Protestant
churches of Lithuania and Latvia (and all other Protestant confessions) follow
the new Gregorian calendar. The difference between the Julian and the Gregorian
calendars is at present, thirteen days. This means when it comes to Holy days
the Erbeles get to celebrate them all TWICE: December 25 / January 7th are Christmas
day. January 6th /19th are Epiphany or the day we celebrate Christ's baptism
and the arrival of the magi (it is also the day of the miracle at Cana when
Christ turned water into wine).
The magi found him already there
The magi in the Mathew 2:1-12 text reminds us of God's beckoning call. It proclaims
that wherever we live and regardless of our station in life, God calls us to
new discoveries. These magi were called to a task when they set out for this
foreign and distant land - to discover the Savior and to pay him homage. Let's
say it in a different way, the magi came to this place seeking what was already
there. These are profound words for Christians to remember. The magi didn't
reveal or bring Christ to this land and people. He was already there.
Christians are called of God to be awakening instruments. By this statement
we mean and believe that God is already here and has brought us to this new
land to encourage and cooperatively work toward creating environments in which
individuals freely open their hearts, minds, and doors to God's saving grace.
And as did the magi, we come offering ourselves, our gifts, our time, and our
talents, but ultimately, we also come to discover Christ in the midst of the
people we meet and work with and to pay him homage.
The actions of the magi reveal another point: They asked for help. It is appropriate
and necessary to ask questions. In order to reach their final destination they
needed guidance and direction from the locals. Maybe this is another explanation
for why the magi are also known as, "wise men". They were wise enough
to know they couldn't do it themselves. Anyone who has traveled, even within
their own nation, knows full well what it feels like to be in a foreign place
with its customs, traditions and language. Wise women and men ask for help.
Journeys of new discoveries
Whether it is Epiphany in the west or Christmas day in the east, it is a time
for celebrating new discoveries. Did the magi meet fine and grand people along
the way? Did they see some beautiful sights? Were they flooded with a myriad
of emotions and anticipation? We are certain they did and they were. No doubt,
the road that brought the magi to the Savior also was troublesome, tiring, and
at times they too may have questioned if the journey was worth all the effort.
No matter our vocation or location, may our spirits not grow faint for we are
on a journey of great discoveries. The light that guided the magi to the Savior
still shines for and through us today.
The Epiphany of Christ tied up in a 24 hour package - What better Christmas
gift could we receive!
Ev and Teri Erbele
Your
local church may choose to enter into a multi-year Covenant Relationship with
Evelyn Erbele, W. Terence Erbele, or other United Methodist missionaries,
for ongoing support of their work. For further information, please contact:
The Advance
General Board of Global Ministries
475 Riverside Dr, #350
New York, NY 10115
Phone: 212-870-3718
Fax: 212-870-3775
Email:
covenant@gbgm-umc.org
Web: advancinghope.org |
You can make gifts to support the mission work of Evelyn Erbele, W. Terence Erbele, by making a donation through The Advance. The Advance is an accountable, designated giving arm of The United Methodist Church that ensures 100% of each gift reaches its intended mission or ministry.
Make a secure gift online: Visit Global Ministries Online Giving
Checks may be written
to 'Advance GCFA' and placed in collection plates at United Methodist
churches, or mailed directly to:
Advance GCFA,
P.O.
Box 9068, GPO,
New York, NY 10087-9068. |
Credit
card donations may be made by calling
(888) 252-6174.
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note on your check the name and The Advance Number of
the missionary you are supporting:
Evelyn Erbele, Advance Number: 10832Z
>> Biography
W. Terence Erbele, Advance Number: 10831Z
>> Biography
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Date posted:
Jan 03, 2006
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