I had the privilege of spending this weekend speaking at a Teacher's Conference in Riga, Latvia, with my pastors from Maui. I flew in on Friday evening, spent Saturday and Sunday at the conference, and got a taste of Riga's Old Town before flying out Monday afternoon.
The conference had over 250 teachers from all over Latvia in attendance, with another 110 joining by live stream. It was exciting to be a part of what God is doing in Latvia, and to partner with faithful ministers who have been serving there for many years. I gave two sessions, each 45 minutes long- and worked with a really amazing translator from the local YWAM base. It was encouraging meeting Latvian YWAMers who were serving at the conference, just supporting the host church and long term pastors and missionaries who organize the event.
Formerly Soviet occupied, Riga features extensive blocs of austere Stalinist residential complexes. Some original Latvian architecture remains, especially in Old Town. But beyond that, there is much that is bleak and grim.
Teaching my first session!
The fellowship and partnership in ministry was really sweet. Pictured here are the other members of the teaching team: I was the youngest aboard, so it was an honor to partner with these saints.
Really refreshing to see my pastors Dwayne and Janet- a little Maui sunshine:)
In the Old Town, before heading back to Oxford. It was a short trip but full of rich moments and a really genuine partnership in the work of God in Latvia. I felt very blessed to serve alongside the people I worked with there. Thank you for your prayers!
