FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT

The international community of LCC, just like any university, is focused on learning and growth, on health and safety. But the international community of LCC, unlike many universities, places these normal focus areas within an unusually diverse context . . . one in which war is very real for many of our students, one in which adaptability demands teaching students as far away as Kazakhstan and Iraq and Indonesia, and being present for the hundreds who are on campus.

At this midway point in the Fall 2020 semester, we are grateful for the “one another” living that is being demonstrated by faculty, staff, and students.

WE ARE CHALLENGED BY STUDENTS WHO LEAD.

Be sure to read the story about Emma McDonald, our new Student Council President, from New Zealand. Her servant leadership is an example for all. Her enthusiasm to help and to find solutions brings the campus together.

A group of students has recently registered a non-profit organization, called ABUNDANT LIFE, which is focused on celebrating life and encouraging young people in Lithuania not to view suicide as an option. This group includes students from Pakistan, Latvia, Lithuania, Ukraine, and Iraq.

Please pray for our students in leadership roles.

WE ARE BLESSED BY FACULTY AND STAFF WHO CARE.

Be sure to read the story of Michael and Lucy McDougle, and their call to LCC. We are blessed by our many faculty and staff who, as Christ-followers, are committed to their professions with a spirit of care and concern for their students and their colleagues.

As I write this, I am aware of the new reality facing our campus. We began the semester with creativity and adaptability as we adjusted schedules, rearranged housing, and learned new methods of teaching and learning in order to offer a hybrid model of face-to-face and online experiences. As of tomorrow, we are moving entirely online, as recommended by the government. This requires extraordinary agility and patience.

Please pray for our community's continued resilience!
Please pray that our community stays safe during the rising health threat in our region.

WE ARE ENGAGED IN CONVERSATIONS ABOUT PEACE AND POLITICS.

This month we have spent time in prayer and dialog regarding the current conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Student Council and Spiritual Life leaders organized a candlelight vigil, which took place outside the residence halls. In addition, professors (from our International Relations and Development department and from the field of Conflict Studies) led an LCC Global Conversation Seminar Series event, discussing the history and diplomacy of the conflict, as well as the complexity and importance of responses to conflict.

We have students from Belarus, who are concerned about the months of protests against the authoritarian regime in their country.

We have students from Kyrgyzstan who are worried about the abrupt government changes in their country.

We have many Ukrainian students who have “learned to live with” over 5 years of war in their country, war that is no longer talked about much in international circles.

Join us in praying for our students from these regions, as they are understandably distracted by news of deaths on the front lines. Pray that LCC finds the appropriate ways to walk alongside them. And . . . pray for peace!

WE SUPPORT OUR STUDENTS WITH FINANCIAL NEED.
Due to the COVID-19 disruptions, the 2020-2021 operating budget has increased significantly in order to assist students with financial need, particularly because of their difficult family situations and because they were unable to find summer employment. The donor community that supports LCC has been faithful in consistently supporting the mission of LCC through financial giving—this year we need to ask even more of you!

To meet the financial needs of the institution, donations to our Annual Fund need to increase by 25%. If you are able to give, could you give 25% more than you have in the past? There are many methods for donating: see the information here to send a check or click on the button here to set up a one-time gift or recurring monthly gifts.

GIVE TO LCC ONLINE

Normally, I visit North America during this time of the year and I have the opportunity to catch up with many of you in person. The pandemic is keeping me from seeing you this year, sadly. Instead, my team will be setting up video gatherings on the Zoom platform that we are calling “LCC Virtualus Gatherings” (virtualus means virtual in Lithuanian) where you can hear several campus updates from me and from a current student. You should get an invitation from us soon about attending one of these gatherings, but feel free to reach out to me if you are eager to attend one (or host one!).

Please pray for financial generosity during this year of exceptional need.

God working through you—the LCC donors—is the reason that the LCC community thrives, with the largest student body in our history. We have much to be grateful for.

Aciū / Thank You!

Marlene Wall
President

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