Latvia is celebrating its 100th year of becoming a country. However, during 51 years of that time the country was occupied by Russia, then Germany, then back to Russia (USSR). Latvia became free again in 1991, so the people have enjoyed 27 years of new freedom. Latvia is a proud and modern country, but many of the citizens are very poor.
Summer 2018 Trip
The Kuldiga Partnership/Latvia Mission Team this year consisted of, Cheryl Coleman, and her daughter, Hannah “Ruthie” Coleman and Ron & Carol Werker from 1st UMC Maryville and Jim Hayes from Norris UMC. It took about 25 hours to travel from Tennessee to Latvia. When we arrived we were welcomed at Riga Airport with candy bouquets and hugs by Pastor of Kuldiga Methodist Church, Zinta, her husband Edgars, and their daughter.
After a good night’s sleep, we drove to our sister church in Kuldiga (a 2 ½ hr. drive) where we attended Sunday worship service. It’s always heartwarming to sing hymns in both Latvian & English at the same time. After the service the congregation enjoyed sandwiches and tea and later in the day had fun at a picnic at Zageri Farm, where we stayed in Igita’s (Kuldiga Lay Leader) Guest House for several days.
While in Kuldiga:
* Jim Hayes led an adult Bible Study on The Holy Spirit
* We worked on some of the window restoration.
* And we started building a gate for a wood pellet storage area for the Kuldiga Church’s new furnace (They are purchasing the wood pellets in the summer at a reduced cost. The money from the church rental property is paying for the wood pellets.)
Day Camp for Foster Children
The last day we were in Kuldiga, we worked with Kuldiga Methodist Church and Zageri Farm to provide a Day Camp for Foster Children and their guardians. This was a highlight of our week as we reached out to so many families throughout the whole country of Latvia. This was also a big day for Igita and Zageri Farm as there was a news team from a television station interviewing people and filming the event!
Flag Raising
The day started with flag raising and the singing of the Latvian National Anthem. Throughout the day there were games, singing, horseback riding, lots of activities, lunch, and toward the end of the afternoon the kids who attend Kuldiga Church presented a play. Then each child received a shoebox gift from The Samaritan’s Purse/Shoebox Ministry (Operation Christmas Child). This was touching to us to see the excitement and smiles on each child’s face as they opened their own box and revealed its contents!
Wesley Methodist Camp
The following day we drove to Wesley Camp where we inspected the newly constructed cabin for campers. Three more cabins will be constructed in the future. While at Wesley Camp, we walked to The Baltic Sea and were drenched as it down poured on the walk back to camp!
We also visited with Vivita, the former pastor at Kuldiga, who recently opened a Christian Book Store & Coffee Shop in Liepaja, Latvia. Our time in Latvia was nearing its completion, and we’re always amazed that we feel so comfortable with these wonderful, loving brothers and sisters in Christ.
We always leave a part of us there and bring a part of them home with us. Feel free to ask any of us about the trip anytime, as there is so much more we can tell you.
Comments
Post a Comment