Laurel Pals

Vision

God has prepared me for LCC International University (LCC) with a growing desire to explore different cultures and ways of understanding the world. Right now I believe the international college setting is the perfect place for me to begin pastoral leadership, and that God also brought me here to continue working out my salvation with fear and trembling in particular ways, that God will help work me out and through and within this context. 

After working in a study abroad program in Oman after completing my M. Div at Western Theological Seminary, I had a sense that I was not finished working and living overseas. It was through these RCA mission connections when I first heard about LCC. I have learned through my own transformative undergraduate and master’s experience that the intersection of faith and education is where I am called. God has planted in me a desire to pursue study and teaching in ethical relationships, peace making, and self awareness to contribute to the flourishing of God’s reign on earth. Lithuania is a post-soviet country where, despite its quick development, innovation, and cultural richness, residual side effects of political oppression manifest in deep distrust, alcoholism, religious skepticism, mental health stigma and one of the highest suicide rates in Europe. Many of our students come from areas nearby that struggle with similar political histories and issues. It is my hope that the students I mentor are exposed to new possibilities of who God is and are given the tools to imagine God’s goodness and grace in their own lives and surroundings. 

Mission Work

Currently I mentor and train Resident Advisors with the management in their dorm hall, supporting and challenging their efforts to build community and hospitality and develop their leadership skills in our program. Other tasks as a Resident Director, besides administrative assignments, is to lead restorative conversation on student conduct situations and to supervise receptionists of the residence halls and expand their roles to more leadership. 
For this year, I hope to achieve a greater sense of stability in Lithuania and continue to discern, as I build relationships with students, what kind of program aside from my daily work duties would serve the deepest need from what I have to offer. Recently I’ve found joy by agreeing to support and guide a student’s discussion group on the topic of religion and dialogue. Some other ideas on my heart include a study of Alcoholics Anonymous 12 step curriculum and addiction, interfaith dialogue, and an afternoon coffee hour to host important conversations.