English Language Camp Is an
Evangelistic Outreach in Eastern Latvia
by Laura Rung, Calvin Presbyterian Church,
Corvallis, Oregon, August 20, 2001
Thank you so much for supporting us in love and prayers. The camp [in Tilza] was very successful. Most of the students heard for the first time the Lord's teachings concerning forgiveness and sexual purity, which were our two areas of assigned Bible study (gulp).
Many students said that they had a wonderful time, and the Latvian staff also expressed their satisfaction with our ministry. Here are my feelings written on the first day of camp:
Being at Tilza English camp is an incredibly un-lonely feeling. The unity of the body (both Latvian and American) while performing God's work is a wonderful experience.
Of course, it helps to be separated from the cares and business of everyday American life. Maybe separated is not the right word, since we feel the love and prayers of Calvin and our families mightily. The right word is isolated - and we are really isolated here.
Horse drawn carts clop down the main street of Tilza. The gray, Russian-style apartment buildings contrast with the ancient brick and wooden cottages. A brown cow, covered with flies, is staked in a field between every few houses. Dahlias grow in each family garden beside the precious expanse of potato plants.
Yum, potatoes. A lot of potatoes. A little meat. A little salad. Many new friends. Thank you, God, for the privilege of being here.
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