Faithful Men Latvia Tour Update
Author: Allen Garrett
Nov 12, 07:46 AM
Posted In: Faithful Men, Latvia
Hello Everyone,
I'm sure that everyone is anxious to hear what God is doing here in Latvia over the last few days. It has been a whirlwind of activity since the last update on Saturday.
On Sunday, the Faithful Men had two worship services. The first was held at Riga 1st church. The Faithful Men lead worship and Pastor Jerry spoke on John 3:16-17. The church was packed and Laura Ezera performed a solo on the flute.
After the service we were rushed to the bus and we traveled to Liepas. Liepas was the first place the Faithful Men ever sang since coming to Latvia. Liepas also hosts the "Hope Center" for single mothers. The Faithful Men sang at the local Conference Center and it was beautiful to see the local people walking from all over the local village to the center. We were amazed at the changes that have been made to the Conference Center. It is so beautiful!!! It was a building without heat in 2000 and it was pretty rundown. The center has had a complete face-lift.
After the service, the group was given a tour of the "Hope Center" which was not more than a quarter mile up the road. The center currently houses five mothers and their babies. We were fortunate to meet and talk with each mother. The mother's ages ranged from 15 to 24 and the babies were 21 days to 6 months.
During the night on Sunday night, a terrible event took place in this place meant for healing and bonding. The child that was 21 days old died during the night. He was a beautiful baby and was loved very much by his mother. Pray for this mother as she deals with this incredible loss and pray for this child. Here is a picture of mother and baby.
On Monday, the Faithful Men traveled to Liepaja and Matras. As usual, the Liepaja congregation was very warm and receptive. They also provide a wonderful lunch. This year, the lunch was prepared at Camp Wesley and brought to the church. After leaving Liepaja, we traveled to Camp Wesley. It is a beautiful place for holding a retreat. There is still a lot of work to be completed to make it a facility for use throughout the year. Currently, the retreat isn't heated and the sleeping facilities are via tent or hay loft in an old barn located next to the retreat facility.
The facility can supported groups from as few as 30 to as many as 130 at a given time. The camp needs your prayers and support to make the camp available year round. Here is a picture of the facility.
On Tuesday, we traveled to Jelgava which is located just south of Riga. Jelgava was the capitol when Latvia was a divided country. We toured Jelgava part of the day and we also visited the Sparrow's Nest orphanage. It is a beautiful place where the children are loved and cherrished.
The service at St. Anna's Lutheran church was incredible. We have been received so completely on the tour so far. We have had tremendous crowds at every location. God is truly working in Latvia and in the Methodist churchs of Latvia.
Pastor Jerry has shared with each congregation that God's love is for everyone. That God has his arms around the country of Latvia and Maryville. That God knows each Latvian by name and that God loves them the same as those in Tonga, Bolivia, or even Maryville, Tennessee. He has shared that God's love for us is like two magnets. They are drawn together by an invisible force and that there is nothing we can do to change that love. It is there whether we realize it or not.
Well, I need to close for now. I will post more in the evening. Continue your prayers for us. We love and miss each of you.
Blessings,
Allen
