Oct. 10, 2011 issue
After Soviet Union’s demise, a Christian witness
By LCC International University staffKLAIPEDA, Lithuania — As the Soviet Union crumbled in 1991, the newly independent Lithuanian government invited Christians to start a liberal arts college.
Students and faculty of LCC International University march to downtown Klaipeda, Lithuania, for an international festival, part of the university’s 20th anniversary celebration. — Photo by Photo provided by Steve Dintaman
Canadian Mennonites were among those who answered the call and were instrumental in founding Lithuania Christian College.
Over the years, many Mennonites have been involved in what is now known as LCC International University.
On Sept. 21-25 the college celebrated its 20th anniversary. Steve Dintaman — a worker with Mennonite Mission Network and Virginia Mennonite Missions and chair of the college’s theology department — addressed the campus community.
In his address, “Remember the Past, Forget the Past,” Dintaman called on the LCC community to remember the wonders God has done at the university. But, he said, the past should not become a trap that blinds one to the new thing that God is doing now.
LCC enrolls more than 600 students from 23 countries. It is not owned by a denomination, but Mennonites from Canada, the United States and Germany serve as faculty, staff and board members.
Interim president Marlene Wall, who has been with LCC since 2002, is from First Mennonite Brethren Church of Wichita, Kan.
The university also dedicated a new student residence, Enns Hall, in honor of Ed and Laura Enns of Abbotsford, B.C. Ed has been the construction manager for several major building projects on campus. Laura has served at LCC in various capacities.
On Sept. 23, led by a local high school marching band, the LCC community carried flags of the more than 20 countries represented at LCC and marched to downtown Klaipeda for an international festival. The festival featured ethnic music and displays from the represented countries.
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