Blessed to be a Blessing

200 from all over Latvia are challenged at Mission Days 2008

by Chuck Kelley

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.

 

Blessed to be a Blessing

Mission Days 2008 Photo Essay

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).

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

 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.

 Those who needed simultaneous interpretation into English or Rusisan were well served by the translation headset system provided by Morningstar Church.

 We divided into small groups for prayer several times, it seems that we could have used even more time for prayer. Participants so appreciated the opportunity to pray for world missions that they asked for more small group prayer to be included in Mission Days next year.

 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.” 

 Apart from Estere Roze’s planning, organization and  project leadership, Mission Days would not have been possible. THANK YOU, ESTERE!

 The top room in the church tower was converted into the prayer chamber where participants went to pray for various aspects of world missions from morning til night. The room was ice cold, but Paula Hewitt still managed to transform it into something special.

 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.

 How could you tell it was a missions conference?  The meals were super simple. Nevertheless they were tasty and sustained all who really came for heavenly bread.

 Youth With a Mission organized a Missions Cafe and served tasty snacks with international recipes. The fellowship around the tables was also tasty.

 Books like Peace Child (Miera Berns in Latvian) was available for purchased at reasonable prices. It is interesting that all of Don Richardson’s books in the English language also sold.

 Workshops featuring a wide range of topics were offered. Subjects included Islam, short term missions, mission preparation, and intercessory prayer.

 Pastor Samuel Valuthadathil, originally from India, is a wonderfully enthusiastic preacher. His workshop on prayer was received with equal enthusiasm.

 Ngwiza Mnkandla, originally from Zimbabwe, and currently the President of DAWN Ministries, gave an inspiring message on the privilege of ‘starting spiritual fires’ and training others to reach their nations for Christ, largely through church planting.

 Enoks and Antra Neilands recently returned to Latvia after serving in Papua, New Guinea with Wycliffe Bible Translators. They shared their experiences with one of the breakout groups. (For the next 5 months Enoks will serve on the Partners staff team as Project Manager.)

 In recent years, Latvians have gone to numerous countries for missionary purposes. Several displayed posters like this one , which describes ministry in Uganda. Other places featured include Guatemala, Bashkortostan, Thailand, Papua New Guinea and Egypt.

Mission Days 2008 was spearheaded by BBI/Partners, but it was also a strong partnership effort involving Greater  Europe Mission, Inter-Varsity Latvia, the International Church, the Latvian Evangelical Alliance and Youth With a Mission. This photo shows leaders of each organization. It was a joy to work together as members of the Christian mission community in Latvia.