Latvia – A Nation Searching

Having Recently Emerged From Communism This Eastern European Nation faces many struggles This Eastern European Nation faces many struggles Their neighbors to the east frequently practice “saber rattling” Their neighbors to the east frequently practice “saber rattling” Russian drivers often display not only the license plates and international driving permit, but proudly fly the flags of Russia or the Soviet Union!

Two Philosophies Resisting the Church Lutheranism and atheism originate from very different backgrounds Lutheranism and atheism originate from very different backgrounds Atheism was openly supported by the communist government of the Soviet Union Atheism was openly supported by the communist government of the Soviet Union The Lutheran Church was brought to Latvia by German missionaries The Lutheran Church was brought to Latvia by German missionaries St Peter’s Lutheran Church in Central Riga

The Church In Latvia Is small, centered on the capital city of Riga Is small, centered on the capital city of Riga A portion of the Central Riga congregation during special meetings in May 2009

But The workers are eager – looking for any assistance they can use in teaching others about Christ and His Church The workers are eager – looking for any assistance they can use in teaching others about Christ and His Church Victor Barviks and Gunnars discuss a lesson on prophetic accuracy in the Bible.

The Bastrop Congregation Is sponsoring the work of Victor Barviks with the Central Riga congregation. Is sponsoring the work of Victor Barviks with the Central Riga congregation.

In May 2009 We also supported the work of Mark Klym doing a series of apologetics lessons in Riga We also supported the work of Mark Klym doing a series of apologetics lessons in Riga

Future Work In Latvia Currently Eric Williamson and his family from Pennsylvania are in Latvia on campaign and preparing for 2010 work Currently Eric Williamson and his family from Pennsylvania are in Latvia on campaign and preparing for 2010 work July 2010 a camp for orphaned youth will be held in northern Latvia July 2010 a camp for orphaned youth will be held in northern Latvia

How Can You Help? Pray for Victor and the congregation in Latvia Pray for Victor and the congregation in Latvia Pray for temporary workers entering and leaving the country Pray for temporary workers entering and leaving the country Support Victor. Currently he is funding much of the effort through personal funds. For details on supporting him contact the Bastrop congregation Support Victor. Currently he is funding much of the effort through personal funds. For details on supporting him contact the Bastrop congregation

How Can You Help? Some of our members hope to be part of the July 2010 work. Pray for them. Financial support will be needed. If you can help, contact the mission team. Some of our members hope to be part of the July 2010 work. Pray for them. Financial support will be needed. If you can help, contact the mission team.