Cori Reed (right) connected deeply with several of the girls. Peter spoke on ?Starting a Youth Ministry from Zero?. His interpreter, Kristine Namavire, works as the Partners Youth Ministry Administrator. ?People knew what they were doing - worshipping God - not just listening to music.? These youth leaders were eager to learn about effective youth ministry principles. Edgars Rubenis and Valdis Indrisonoks not only provided excellent music in the Satur- day evening concert, they created an atmo- sphere where wonderful worship took place. ?The older I get, the more I love young people.? ? Chuck Kelley

Riga, Latvia: This past April, church youth workers from many cities, towns and villages in Latvia demonstrated their hearts for the youth of their nation as they came together for youth ministry training.

Two hundred thirty volunteers gathered at the third three-day Protein Conference hosted by BBI, Partners and the Latvian Youth Workers Network.

Once again, all were blessed - both those who came to teach and those who came to learn. Cori Reed, Director of High School Girls Ministry at Calvary Church in Los Gatos, CA, recalls, "I left part of my heart in Latvia over this last trip. I hurt for the many girls there that are struggling."

Peter Kelley, Youth Pastor at Philomath Community Church, in Philomath, OR, was thrilled when several youth leaders told him that they had given their lives to Christ when they heard Peter's band present the Gospel during Hope '99.

The Protein Conference was packed with large group training, small group discussions, games, and opportunities for youth workers to network with one another and to enjoy meaningful worship across their denominational and ethnic lines.

Perhaps the impact of the conference can best be shared through the words of the Latvian participants:

Kristaps says,
"Event was such a blessing! I liked the atmosphere, people were free. There were people who wanted to grow in Christ. People knew why they came to seminar. Youth was very open to lectures and worship. People knew what they were doing - worshipping God - not just listening to music. Everything was done from heart. I gained one new friend and made many decisions. - I just need to start doing something with it."

Madara says,
"This event was very encouraging (lectures + worship + concert.) Everything lifted me up and I felt very close to Lord. In the lectures I was reminded of the things that I have forgotten. I received lots of new ideas. At the moment I am putting it all together. I haven't had time to go over all the things yet. But I am willing to do so. I got to know many people. I was glad to be with the youth from my church in different atmosphere and get to know each other better."

Aivars says,
"Very inspiring event - full with ideas. Youth ministry is very important. Here I received real practical advices. I even started to use them. I got to know very interesting people - one boy from Gulbene who helped me understand many things and put them in order. I am determined to use the training I received and live a holy life."

Una says,
"Very valuable lectures, good information. I think for everyone who has a heart to serve youth they had great time at the seminar. It was a blessing. I started to think about things that I did not think about before. I met new friends and some old ones, too."

Liga says,
"This seminar was a great blessing - really great blessing indeed. I got to know new people. I prayed for some of my friends that I met in the previous seminar, and it is great to see them and see the fruits of their ministry with youth or see that they actually started youth ministry in their church. I have decided to start discipleship. What I recognized in this seminar is that you can pray for each other (I used to think that just pastor can pray)."

Edgars says,
"God's hand was on this seminar. People had their hearts opened and ready to meet with God."

Anna says,
I was there in the evening when we led worship and it was "Real". I thought, 'I am flying.' God is super?super!"

Kaspars says,
"Super - blessed time! I went to the worship lecture - I went over the things I learned. It is important. I met a new friend and received a lot ecouragement to go and do things."

We are grateful to many in the U.S. for the interest, prayers and financial support for this strategic event. When it was all said and done, many lives blessed and every cost was covered.

The next Protein Conference will take place the last weekend of September. More special guests from the US and Europe will be invited to share what they have learned about youth ministry. We expect upwards of 300 Latvian youth workers to attend.


Please pray that the Lord will continue to use these conferences to equip youth workers in Latvia to reach their generation for Christ.

June 2002