Bread, Chese, and Coke in Jesus' Name

"In the place of prayer, God allows us to co-create with Him. We are taking what is not and speaking it into being. We are creating new realities with God" - Paul Hawkins

A team of intercessors has come together from the US and the UK to join with God, following His lead in seeing the Kingdom more firmly established in Latvia.

For the last few days, we've been walking the streets of Riga praying as God leads us. Visiting different significant places, we've prayed into different spheres of influence. At the National Opera, National Theatre, and various galleries, we've prayed for the Arts, at the World Trade Centre, we prayed for Latvia's economy and righteousness in business practices, and at the Latvian University, we prayed for the education system, for truth to be the standard that would be a part of changing this nation. Why? Because according to Colossians 1:20, through Christ's shed blood on the cross, God wants ALL things redeemed.

Yesterday we entered 'Maskachka', my neighbourhood...

A group of 7 foreigners enters an intersection that is usually occupied by a few drug dealers. It's not your typical 'tour group' route. Whilst admiring the stunning Orthodox church which towers over the neighbourhood, we were soon joined by many others. One woman said, 'you have just entered a very dangerous area, you are in the wrong place'; to which we replied, 'no, we're okay'. With a rolling of the eyes and a doubtful smile, she said, 'oh, you think so?', and went on her way.

A few locals started to walk among us as we crossed the street. A young girl came up to us and began to cry. She said she was hungry. (It's interesting how, when we act as salt and light, some people are repelled and some drawn.) While some of the team went upstairs to my apartment, 3 of us stayed downstairs to talk with and help this girl. Taking her into a local shop, we bought her some bread, cheese, and bottle of Coke. (She really wanted Coke and we wanted to bless her...hmmm, a blessing???). It was enough to share with family or friends. With tears in her eyes, she hugged one of the women. In her broken English she tried to express her gratitude. 

Stepping out of the shop, we began to pray blessing over her. Tears were now streaming down her face. With another hug and 'thank you', she was off.

Did we do the right thing? Was this girl 'turning on' the manipulative tools to get something from the foreigners? Are we encouraging a welfare mentality? Or was she just a hungry, young girl that truly wanted something to eat, and we were a part of showing God's heart, His love, and kindness toward her? Only she and God know... As for me...I pray she saw a glimpse of who God is.  

I continue to pray for her and look forward to the next time we will meet. It's all a part of getting to know the people in my neighbourhood.

Until next week,

Elise