Short term trips, 2010

Lummi: Very familiar, family atmosphere Highly structured, most time accounted for Local church not a major emphasis, but growing Latvia: New for Chris and Susan (third trip for Mark) Very unstructured and relational; much time not accounted for Local church is major point of contact Encouragement and support

Riga is a major city, with over a million inhabitants in the metro area The first few days were spent in interacting with pastors and families, Carl and Becky Chaplin (MTW missionaries), getting to know our way around

We got to know historic Riga, and visit the Latvian Occupation Museum and learn of their turbulent history Declared independence from USSR in 1991; atheist state up to that point, so country is still recovering from that

Mark gave a talk to some Latvian doctors on Stem cells and human cloning Chris attended a youth group event Susan spent some time with Becky and a British missionary, Ruth

During the Jani festival (celebrating the longest day of the year) the church has a retreat About 125 attended; Susan helped with kids programs, Chris interacted with youth, Mark gave talk on Stem Cells and Human Cloning

Family

Susan and Chris returned on Saturday, 6/26 Mark went with Carl to Lithuania New members admitted to Reformed church in Kaunas Mark gave talk on Science and Faith Church held a field trip to Kedainiai (k ə -dine- ee); early Reformed church in Lithuania (1631); great trip! Continued to develop relationship with Jonas Ziuka, seminary student and PhD student in plant biology

MTW has been involved in this ministry since 1996, and our family has been involved since 1997 Was very difficult in the beginning; lots of trust issues, limited to construction White, Strangers, Christians

75 people from churches around the country (and Canada) were present the first week Focused on home construction and ministry: Vacation Bible School Working in new neighborhood Health Fair Senior Center Stommish grounds

In the past few years, Mark has been involved in kids ministry, but this year another team took responsibility Buzz Hart, MTW Associate Staff, has served at Lummi since 1997; was not able to attend because of his daughters brain tumor (shes much better) He is typically in charge of construction Because Mark was not involved with kids ministry, he was able to take a leadership role in construction along with Lisa Miller, another Associate Staff member

Each year at Lummi we have new opportunities to minister in different areas of the reservation Weve worked in the MacKinsey neighborhood for at least seven years; developed relationships Smokehouse Apartments; activities in the afternoons Health Fair takes place at the high school and involves a number of different booths Team from Canada came to do a musical presentation Senior center involved making different crafts

San Jose Construction Sports Ministry

One of the best things about this trip is the relationships that are made. Not only do we make great connections with the Lummi kids, but we make connections with each other. Its so awesome to work with other Christians from all over the country and to get to know each other.

Assisting Tammy with errands and organizing Visiting Fran and Bill James – flowers and crafts! Spending the day with Victoria moving (with Andrea) Ministering to Eli, Paul, his family, and Stephanie

We were excited to meet and speak with Nate Walker and Trevor Mauss, the pastor and staff worker at Christ Church Looking forward to working with them in serving the Lummi people. Next years trip will be July 9-16.