 
e can do more together." These were the words of a university student upon reflecting on the previous 36 hours?hours that included praise, prayer, instruction, discussions, physical labor, simple meals, little sleep and a talent show. It was called Protein 7. The Protein Network (a group of dedicated Latvian youth ministry leaders, led by BBI/Partners' Kristaps Talbergs) has put on seven bi-annual conferences over the past four years. These conferences, designed to educate, equip and encourage the youth leaders of Latvia, each have their own identity. The conference this spring, held in Marupes High School just outside the Riga city limits was one of the smaller conferences with 70 students in attendance. The gathering did not lack in content however, the theme for this installment was "Kalpot Pilsetai," which translated means "serving the city."
Keynote speaker Sam Williams of Citi-Reach International delivered several wonderful messages on what it means to serve one another and serve non-Christians with the intent to evangelize through action. The students responded well to Williams' messages. Many of them described this year's conference as smaller in number but neverthless challenging spiritually. One student commented that it took him to a "?whole new depth in his walk with the Lord" as he was challenged to think and act outside of his sphere of influence.
During another lecture session on Saturday, Williams laid a new challenge at the students' feet. Following his sermon on Mathew 25 and the parable of the talents, Williams walked around the room, handing each of the students 20 lats, equivalent to around . The students giggled as he passed out the money. Many wondered what the catch was to be given this much money outright. They were right?there was a catch. The money was not for them, it was for someone else. He challenged each of the students to do several things with this money. First, pray about how to spend it on someone or something else. Second, somehow expand the money into more, by working or investing the money in a creative way. Third, give it away. The initial reaction from the students dissolved into quiet resolve as they contemplated the challenge set before them.
Kristaps Talbergs, director of the Protein Network organized this conference to have not only the normal components, but to also include a practical service project at Marupes High School. On Saturday afternoon all of the participants in the conference went outside for general spring cleaning on the school grounds. Some raked leaves left over from the fall, others swept and weeded the Track and Field area, while still others moved a large pile of soil and fertilizer into a future lawn area.
The school's principal was absolutely thrilled with the work and spirit of the students. He couldn't believe how much was accomplished in such a short period of time (two hours).
Here are some of the comments the students later shared about their afternoon of practical service:
"Sometimes, we do work projects because we have to, but today I was serving. I was doing the work project because I wanted to. I was doing what God wanted me to do. It was different today. I was serving Him."
"Accidents and other unexpected distractions did happen today, sometimes. For example, a mouse ran out of the pile of dirt we were shoveling. The job was stopped for a while because everyone was laughing and pointing. Everyone was watching the mouse. We forgot about what we had to do. This is like ministry sometimes, when people loose their focus."
"Ever since I was in school, especially the lower grades, I had worked in groups. But today, we volunteered to work. We had responsibilities still, but no one was watching over us to see that we were doing the job right. We had ownership, we took the responsibility upon ourselves, and we owned what we were doing. We wanted to do a good job and we did do a good job, not because we were forced to, but because we wanted to. We wanted to please God."
Valdis Indrisoniks provided another highlight for the conference with a wonderful worship concert to close the weekend on Sunday afternoon. Valdis and his band, including his son on hand percussion, led the students in at least two hours of fun, edifying worship. The students whole heartedly participated showing the amazing gifting that Valdis has been given to lead others in musical worship.
The most significant and obvious outcome from the Protein 7 has been the amazing impartation of the vision of service to the youth that attended the conference. With keynote speakers Sam Williams and Dale Gustafson (of Calvary Church, Los Gatos) and a practical work project on the school grounds the youth began to grow very excited about reaching their friends and neighbors with the love of Jesus through such a practical idea as service.
Praise the Lord that these Latvian youth are excited and ready to serve their communities. Let us continue to pray for them and the Reaching Riga project (now formally entitled "TeRiga" which means "Here in Riga" or "Here's Riga") this summer as the next three months will be spent doing intensive logistical and publicity work.
Blessings to all who supported Protein 7 through prayer and finances. This help is making a difference in the lives of Latvian youth and the nation of Latvia as a whole.
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