Mission Days 2008 – Blessed to be a Blessing

Bridge Builders International

We build living bridges to Latvia...in Latvia...and from Latvia

200 from all over Latvia are challenged at Mission Days 2008

by Chuck Kelley

RIGA, Latvia – The young pastor grinned as he shared, “One thing I learned at Mission Days is that missions isn’t only for hyper-active people.” He continued, “I have always thought missions was for others, but it is possible that it is for me too. This is a surprise for me."

He was not the only surprised participant at Mission Days 2008 in Riga. As Dr. Don Richardson, veteran missionary, scholar, teacher and author, spoke about how the great theme of God’s heart for all nations has been woven through the entire fabric of the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, many eyes were opened to the priority of the Great Commission.

Richardson, who is also the author of Peace Child, which has just been translated into Latvian, was the keynote speaker, not only talked about his fascinating personal missionary experiences in Dutch New Guinea, but opened his Bible and taught for many hours.

BBI missionary Paula Hewitt said, “Dr. Richardson’s six messages from Scripture illumined my mind concerning the heart of God to communicate with his creation in every way possible to the end that all might hear the truth of salvation. And he wants to use us who know Him to bring that message to people everywhere.”

In recent years most Latvian pastors and churches have struggled to recognize the importance of world missions. They have experienced the benefit (and sometimes the pain) of missionary work in Latvia, but few think it is for them. Mission Days challenged this kind of thinking.

A young pastor from Riga said, “I was a big critic of the importance of missions before. But at Mission Days, I felt like the disciples on the road to Emmaus. I felt like my mind was opened.”

One of the Baltic Pastoral Institute students wrote, “Regarding my understanding of missions, I have never heard such a profound presentation. In thinking about cultures and the Sawi tribe [the people with whom Richardson worked in Dutch New Guinea], I am wondering what redemptive analogy can be used in Latvia.”

Interestingly, Mission Days was also a blessing to the active missionary community in Latvia. One reflected, “If I was not already a missionary I would be ready to go. ‘Here am I Lord, send me.’”

Much more could be said, or written about Mission Days. But perhaps the following snapshots will give you a better glimpse of what happened and why it was so important.

Mission Days 2008 – Blessed to be a Blessing

15 February 2008

A young pastor from Riga said, “I was a big critic of the importance of missions before. But at Mission Days, I felt like the disciples on the road to Emmaus. I felt like my mind was opened.”

Mission Days 2008

Giving Opportunities

Latvia’s third annual Mission Days took place the second week of January at the Agenksalns Baptist Church in Riga. Some 200 attended, most younger than 25, representing Lutherans, Baptists, Pentecostals, Methodists, Reformed, Catholic and Adventist churches. The theme, “Blessed to be a Blessing” was taken from Genesis 12 where God clearly shows his heart for the nations.

Dr. Don Richardson, missionary, scholar, linguist and author, was our special guest speaker. His first speaking engagement was an interview with Viktoria Slavinska at Latvian Christian Radio. Estere Roze (right) served as interpreter.

Registration was simultaneously fun and demanding. but it was managed well by Partners’ Office Manager, Vineta Zale (far right), with valuable assistance from Paula Hewitt (upper right), Dacite Supule (bottom right) and Signe Kurga (not pictured).

Only the Lord knows why He at times calls some of his choicest servants home when they are young. Maris Dzelzs, Director of YWAM Latvia and one of Latvia’s key mission leaders, suddenly died in December. One of the Mission Days sessions was devoted to paying tribute to his memory. His daughter, Solveiga, touched every heart with her tribute.

Praise and worship was led by various individuals and bands, all from the heart.

Dr. Richardson spoke several times on important themes. Besides sharing his testimony of working among the Sawi people in Dutch New Guinea and other fascinating stories about tribal peoples, he invested most of his time teaching on the themes of “Missions from Genesis to Revelation”, “Eternity in their Hearts” and “Secrets of the Koran.”

The guys in the front of the photo are students at the Baltic Pastoral Institute. They not only attended Mission Days, but they provided much needed help with set-up and tear-down before and after.

Mercy & Recovery

Mission Mobilization

Leadership Development

Outreach & Evangelism

Strategic Partnerships

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