Impact!

The day ahead would hold many meetings and being indoors on such a lovely Spring day in Riga. Sunny days are often rare, although this Spring has proven to be filled with many of them. When the sun shines, everyone wants to be outdoors, myself included.

Whilst waiting for some of the staff to come for staff development training, I peered out my window with a slight sense of grief at my plight of being indoors. Then I noticed a man, seemingly homeless, lying face down on the corner. Blood was coming from his head, and he was convulsing. Before I could turn to get ready to go out and help him, I noticed a business man crossing the street. He passed the man, put down his briefcase next to the building, then turned to help him. As another man crossed the street, he joined the business man in helping him. Gently bringing the injured man away to a grassy area, one looked after the him, while one rang for the ambulance. They stayed with him until help would arrive. My response to this sight was overwhelming joy. 'Good Samaritans' were in our midst! It left me feeling inspired and filled with hope that things, indeed, are changing.

You see, Maskvas Forštate, known in slang terms as - Maskachka, it my neighbourhood. It means little Moscow. When you say this is the region where you live, it is often met with such statements as – “You are a foreigner, why would you want to live there? It’s so dangerous”, "Nothing good can come out of Maskachka, and no one good can come out of there" "It’s one of the most criminal and poorest neighbourhoods in Riga. It’s mostly undeveloped areas with prewar buildings and narrow cobblestone-covered streets. Junkies, bums and poor people make here the hightest crime rate in Riga."

Well, I see it quite differently. It is a place whose people have suffered much hardship. Some have overcome, some have fallen victim to the difficulties, some have succumbed to hopelessness, making drugs and alcohol their only escape. From the outside, it is a place viewed as hopeless…but I see hope. While walking down the street to the tram stop, I often think, ‘if I had a bzillion dollars, this place would be restored’. Then, as soon as that thought comes to mind, I’m reminded that God can and is in the process of restoration. It starts with people’s lives, it starts with how we live and treat our ‘neighbours’. It starts with our thinking and what’s inside us, which indicates how we respond and behave. God transforms from the inside out – our hearts, our thinking, and that leads to transformation in a place. I was reminded that as a Christian, I should be leading the way as an example to the world.

What I witnessed was a small act, but one of great significance that turned my day around. It reflected the belief in the thinking of the businessman, that the homeless man lying in the street has value. He is worth the time to take to care for him. I reckon Jesus was well chuffed about that. The thought of it brought a smile to my face and I could not help telling everyone that crossed my path what happened. What an impact such a deed made.

…Later that evening, while taking a glance out the window, I saw the blood stained sidewalk, and remembered what I had witnessed. My attention was drawn to two women, arm in arm, walking very slowly down the street. One was disabled and unable to walk securely on her own. This woman’s sandal came off at one point, and I could see her struggling to get her friend to take her back the way they had just come. After some minutes, they turned around and headed back to get the sandal. A man walking toward them picked up the sandal. I expected him to just gently toss it on the ground in front of her. Instead, he knelt down, allowing the woman to put her hands on his shoulders for support, and he slipped it on her foot. There was an exchange of what seemed like a ‘thank you’ and ‘you’re welcome’, and off he went. Another small deed with a profound impact on me.

That day, I was blessed beyond measure. My faith and hope were increased…all because I witnessed these random acts of kindness. God used it to inspire me and remind me to do the same.

A New Focus - Life as Mission - Living Incarnationally and Intentionally

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

John 1:14

Imagine what things would be like if Jesus (the Word) moved in to your neighbourhood. Think of the things that are happening around where you live. In what things do you think He would participate? Where do you think Jesus could be found? Before you read further, take a minute to think about it… football matches, family barbecues, sitting with the homeless to have a chat?

The word ‘dwelt’ or lived, in the original language of Greek, means literally, to set up a tent. So, literally, the Word (Jesus) set up His tent among us. Jesus came into the world as a human being, someone we can relate to, and He moved into the neighbourhood! He did so, because He wanted to show us who God the Father is. He wanted to show us what God was like, and how much He loves us. He went to weddings, went to the synagogue, hung out at the beach, was often a dinner guest, and spent time with many different kinds of people.

Jesus did some radical things that showed God’s love. But, it makes sense, because God’s love for us is radical. He spent time with all kinds of people – church officials, children, Roman government officials, prostitutes, criminals, Samaritans (a people that the Jews despised), women, the poor and needy, and disabled, to name a few. He showed that God’s love could reach everyone, and that everyone was in need of this great love. Through showing this love people were forgiven, relationships were restored, people were healed, and they lived in freedom and hope.

Have you ever thought that you could have such an impact? Maybe with this approach – with ‘setting up your tent’, being with the people - do what they do, spend time with them, and point them to the Father through actions first, then words, we could have a great impact.

Years ago in my missionary career, I began to look at the number of relationships I had with people who were not Christians – followers of Christ. Then I began to consider, how intentional am I being about being involved in their lives and allowing them to be a part of my life. The strategy for simply going up to a stranger, or even someone with whom there was very little level of relationship and talking about Jesus led to their becoming annoyed and immediately closed the door for further conversations. However, as I began to simply talk with people, and slowly share my life with them, allowing them to see that any words I said were given authority by my actions, they were more open. I've found Jesus in places I didn't expect, and have found God already at work in peoples lives.

So, this will be the focus of the blog - life as mission. We pray 'Your Kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. God uses us to see bring the Kingdom and see His will done on earth; and that, through every day life.

Springtime in Latvia

The snow has melted, and there seems to be more sunshine this Spring than I ever remember there being. While everything remains brown, and no sign of trees budding or flowers blooming is seen, there is such an expectation lingering in the air. A sense of excitement builds in my heart...I know it will come. Although no signs are evident, one can 'feel' it. Soon, new life will abound, people will walk more freely, and more happily. Experiencing life more abundantly will become the norm, and we will live with greater hope. It is only a matter of weeks before what is shown in the photo will become reality. On sunny days, I find myself taking the long way to my destination, being intentional to walk on the sunny side of the street, and simply choosing to be outside. Soon people will have business meetings at street-side cafe's, just to be outdoors, taking in every bit of lovely light and sunshine.

"In Him was life, and this life was the Light of men, and the Light shines in the darkness, but the darkness did not comprehend it" - John 1:4 - 5

Living in Latvia, specifically, northern Europe, where winter is long, and days are filled with more darkness than daylight, has given me such an appreciation and sensitivity to daylight and sunshine. It paints for me a living picture of what happens to us when we are in the light...and when we are in the Light...we live...we live life abundantly...to it's fullness. The more we are in the Light, the more life we exude, the more we truly live!!!

"Martha said to Him, 'I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day'. Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?' "

John 11:24 - 26

Simple Expressions of Jesus' Love

Just over two months ago YWAM Riga hosted a DTS outreach team from the Texas. YWAM Resonate and YWAM Riga joined together to carry out the idea the team received in a prayer time.

The vision - to simply give away fresh bread as a symbol of Jesus' love.

They raised finances to start this project, were willing to be a part of putting feet to the vision, joined with us in Riga...and the rest...

Well, have a look at the video's to see the beginnings of the project and see it in action. They will speak for themselves.

The team has since gone back to the States, but the Baltic Bread Project carries on. To date, we've been a part of distributing 3100 loaves of bread. Every other Saturday we give out bread, talk with people, pray with them, listen to their stories, encourage them to give it away if they are not in need; reminding them that we are all in need of God's love, and indeed He does love us.

This is so simple, yet so powerful. Enjoy the videos! Thank you YWAM Resonate for these!

Mission Days Conference

Amidst one of the coldest winter on record in Latvia, approximately 250 people, local and from around the globe, gathered in Riga to attend the Mission Days 2010 event. People from Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Canada, USA, UK, Brazil, Sri Lanka, China, Korea, Argentina, and Netherlands, among others, were represented there. People from different denominations gathered to worship, pray, learn, and understand their part in fulfilling the Great Commission. Indeed, God was up to something bigger than we could imagine, and over the three days of this event, it would unfold before our eyes.

On the opening night, our keynote speaker, Dr. Lindsay Brown, International Director for the Lausanne Committee on World Evangelization, challenged us to be open to take up the call to Missions. The barriers that serve to hinder our ‘going’ were matched with truth. The testimonies that followed served to inspire us to go and caused us to see that we are without excuse if God calls.

Throughout the event, God’s heart for the nations became more evident. We saw the extravagant love of God toward Latvia, as He called a young Brazilian to come for 3 days. His purpose was to encourage people, and remind Latvians of the treasures that exist in them - treasures needed by other nations, that will bless the nations, and serve to build His Kingdom among the peoples.

We experienced the power of God to do the impossible as a young mainland Chinese girl shared in a seminar about her family, 5 generations of Christians, who were ‘missionaries’ within their own nation. God called her to study to be a missionary in other lands, provided finances and visas, and ultimately brought her to Latvia to share His love, tell of His faithfulness, challenge us to walk in the reality that nothing is impossible for Him.

A young Latvian girl, impacted by participating in a missions training course and outreach to Albania, obeyed the call of God to gather a small team of Latvians to go there to minister in that nation on a short term outreach.

On the final evening, opportunities to take all we’d learned and heard, and all our inspiration and put feet to it. Several groups shared of the many opportunities that exist from Latvia. One group of young people lined the front of the church whilst passing loaves of bread, which were piled up on either side of the pulpit. It was 200 loaves all together. A message was being shared about how this bread was representative of Jesus’ love. We’ve freely received His love, we’ve experienced it, and can therefore give away what we’ve received. Then, each participant was encouraged to come up and receive some bread to either keep or give away. The Mission Days event, marked the beginning of what has become the Baltic Bread Project. Many who attended have continued to participate in this and other projects.

Mission Days 2010 was a great success as so many are taking seriously the call of God to go, and saying “here I am, send me”, instead of “here I am, send…him”.

2009 The Year in Pictures and a few words...and a window into 2010 (part 1)

This is supposed to be the year in pictures...but as photos were being compiled, I realised that I've done a poor job at documenting my life with photos. There are so many events that are left out...the Mission Days Conference, small groups, working with outreach teams, Mid-summer worship event, just to name a few. So, the first 'window' into 2010 that's open is one that shows I need to do a better job at documenting my life with photos.

2010 marks Youth With A Mission's 50th Anniversary. We're located all over the globe! 2010 marks my 17th Anniversary working with YWAM as a missionary. Thanks to you, your encouragement, prayers, and support - this has been possible.

Summer is always a busy time with camps, short-term missions teams, and various events. This is the children's art camp - Adventures in Art, here in my neighbourhood.

Adventures in Art Camp '09 indoor classroom...

Our outdoor classroom
'09 had many opportunities for me to teach in YWAM schools throughout the world. Here are some of the students from a Discipleship Training School (DTS) in Melbourne, Australia.
Some of the staff in YWAM Adelaide, where I taught in the Christian Missionary Leadership School. We look quite smart, don't we!
The DTS from Adelaide, Australia
Wings for Wheels - a YWAM Riga ministry to adults with physical disabilities ran another camp this summer. I taught art classes during the week.
Creative genius!
Art Night remains a regular part of the Impact Art Ministry here in Riga.
Art Night
Art Night

Adventures in Art - the ArtExperiment

Maskava Forstate, the region of Riga, in which I live claims to be one of the roughest and most impoverished area in the city. I don’t believe that is the case, or maybe God has given me a glimpse of His heart, and what could be if people would see that they can be a part of the solution to this happening.

The last week in July, the dream to run a day camp for the children of this area came to fruition. With the help of several others, God opened the doors, gave us favour in the neighbourhood, provided a place to hold the camp, and threw in some amazing weather for good measure.

We had 13 children attend regularly, with upward of 25 when we took the camp to the local parks. They were from different backgrounds – Romani (gypsy), Latvian Latvians, and Russian Latvians…and me…they Yank!  A bit of a picture of the Kingdom, I reckon.

Indoors, outdoors, in the yard/garden area of my apartment building, in parks, in our little studio/classroom, we were everywhere. The use of story-telling, singing, and poetry served to inspire the imaginations of all of us, giving scope for our compositions. Some of the best stories came from the kids themselves. It was an amazing time!

Now…we are faced with what to do… This could open up to a full-time ministry in an instant. If we are honest, none of us feel called to work specifically with children. So, would you join with me in praying that God would bring a person (or small team) of people that would come to Riga to establish this facet of Impact Art to minister to children.

Until that time, the ‘Little Gallery’ will be open during school holidays.

Have a look at the photos in the previous post and see for yourself what we did. Also, the photo above is the poster advertising the ArtExperiment.

Photos from Adventures in Art - the ArtExperiment

Photos from Challenge Camp 2 - Teaching art to adults with physical disabilities

My World...of late...A World of Contrasts...Random Thoughts

...summer is here - 20's (70's). sunshine. UK outreach team this week. IMPACT ART summer studio set upopen. fragrance of flowers. This is the day that the Lord has made, REJOICE! Will my Mac be fixable? Lord, please heal it. beach today. good time with God. grateful that my residency permit interview went so well...


Summer has finally come to Latvia. Warm days like this are rare in the northern climate of the Baltic State. It's a welcome thing, indeed. Long hours of daylight, and warmth. Summer is also a time of things going differently. If the sun is shining on a YWAM Riga staff meeting day, we will move our meeting outdoors. The 'routine' of the other seasons is altered by camps, outreach teams, and team-building outings that can't be done in the colder, darker months.

Next week we will be hosting a missions team from the Sheffield, England. The IMPACT ART summer studio will open, and preparations made for the art classes/day camp the following week. The variations in my work are so life giving. I often think of how often I thank God for my calling, and exclaim (mostly silently, but sometimes audibly), 'I love my life!'.

Last week, my computer became a casualty of one of the worst wind/rain storms Riga has ever seen. A window blew open and formed a lake in my livingroom. The driving rain, drove clear across the room, and met my laptop. It's in the Apple hospital, awating a diagnosis of whether or not it can be fixed. I've been praying for it's recovery, and trying not to fear the worst.

For the first year, the application process for my residency permit has gone smoothly. All the required documents were acceptable and received. This has been a bit of a team effort - letters from YWAM, invitations, rent agreements, medical examinations, and on it goes. It's all good, and will once again be granted a Latvian residency permit in 30 days. Woo hoo!

In the midst of it all, the ups and downs...little things all around remind me that God is near, involved, loving...a relaxing, beautiful day at the beach with friends, awakening to the sound of birds singing, sunshine, the fragrance of flowers, truth that God's word speaks right into the depths of my heart, His provision in everything...

Challenge Camp 2

Another amazing year of camp with adults who have physical disabilities has come. There are some new faces and some familiar faces. As I drove up to the place where the camp was run, I was filled with varying emotions. Excitement to see those familiar faces and meet new people, joy from the expectation that grew, knowing God would be touching lives, and sadness for the loss of two participants who have died since last years camp, all filled my thoughts and heart.
For some, this camp is the one of the few times each year they are away from home, experiencing new things, interacting with people other than their families. However, for all, it is a time of rich fellowship with God and others. It is a time to meet and overcome new challenges. 

Kaspars and Evelyn Apinis, who are a part of YWAM Riga staff run the camp. It's my privilege to work with them, and teach art in the camp. 

Teaching art these days has been great! Lots of laughs, lots of paint, and beautiful creations. Genesis 1 tells us that, 'in the beginning, God creates...'. We also read that God created man and woman in His image. There are aspects of who God is, that we are. We have a will, intellect, emotions, and we are creative. Everyone is creative. Our challenge is to find HOW we are creative. I explained that some are creative with painting, drawing, music; some with food, some with decorating, some with photography, writing, with technology. The possibilities for our creativity are limitless. So our time together began with the challenge that, indeed, we are creative! 
We used out of the ordinary ways to create our paintings...hands, leaves, flowers, sea sponges, feathers, and crumpled plastic wrap as our 'brush'. Some creativity came as participants looked around the room and out the windows to see what kind of 'brush' we could use, others displayed their creativity in what went on the canvas. Others still, with the wit and humour used during our sessions. 
Once again, it has been a great camp, and hopefully this will mark another highlight in my year. 

Now I'll be getting ready to open the summer gallery / studio for a few weeks, starting next week.

More photos to come!

It's Official...Summer is Here!

Summer is officially here in Latvia, marked by the summer solsctice celebration, which has come and gone.  The summer solstice is technically June 21st, but Ligo and Jāņi ('mid-summer') are celebrated on the night of the 23 into the 24th in Latvia. Spring ends, summer begins, the days get shorter, the nights get longer. This same type of celebration happens in various ways throughout Northern Europe. I never truly understood it's significance, until living up here on the 57th parallel where the sun goes away to hide for months on end, only to come up a few hours in November and December. 

Yes, the days are beginning to get shorter, but they are still very long. The sun shines and it is quite warm (for Latvia). Summer is here and it's affects are far reaching. As often as we can, we will have our staff meetings outdoors, or do outdoor activities together. If we are to meet someone, even to discuss business, it happens at an outdoor cafe., park, or whilst taking a walk. Indeed, the light and sunshine are welcomed.

Another side of the mid-summer celebration is marked by pagan traditions and practices. Instead of worshipping the Creator, the creation is worshipped - he sun, and the pagan gods. People stay up all night 'so that the sun will rise the next morning.  Large bonfires are made so the wondering sun can find a light once it approaches. There are countless songs sung and dances done around the fire, speaking of these things. 

However...this year brought a different way of celebrating in Latvia.

The vision of one Latvian worship leader, who owns property in the countryside, was to run an all night worship and prayer gathering on this night. So, on the 23rd - 24th, non-stop worship, and prayer went up from the nation of Latvia. People from all denominations led times of worship and were there participating. Truly a unified body of Christ.  Also, this night, throughout the nation, people from all denominations gathered to pray for Latvia. 'Prayer Nights' have begun to pop up all over the nation on a regular basis, specifically to pray for Latvia. 

Yes there was singing, maybe even some dancing, and there were bonfires to cook our food. We stayed up all night (well some did). However, the songs were in praise of the Creator of the universe, the Light of the World, Lord of heaven and earth. This was a most significant night in the history of Latvia, and has set the foundation of more celebrations like this. 

As for me...

I did get about 45 minutes sleep...

ate some amazing barbecued meat...

got to be a guest percussionist for one of the bands...

was so refreshed in God's presence...

then, came home and took a 3 hour nap that afternoon...

Now that summer is officially here, it's the season for camps, hosting outreach teams, having our own outreaches into the city and elsewhere, and taking IMPACT ART to the streets and the countryside. It is an exciting time to be in Latvia to co-labour with God in seeing His Kingdom more firmly established here. 

June Art Night Photos