ALCOHOLICS

It is no secret that alcoholism is a huge problem in Latvia. Whether its roots are found in tradition, culture, hopelessness or dark winters, the fact remains that many people suffer from the grip of addiction.

Wednesday is our regular men's Bible study time. We are reading through "The Purpose Driven Life" by Rick Warren. Last night we had a couple of regular attendees gone but we picked up two new ones. One of them I knew from the Soup Kitchen but the other one was a new face (and he even spoke some English).

As we began discussing prayer requests I realized that all of the men at the table (except for me) had severe drinking problems at one time or still suffered from the effects of alcohol. Included in the group was one guy that has been to prison several times, another that was severely beaten up (and still shows the scars) by his drinking 'buddies', a former alcoholic that now counsels others and one guy that has turned his life around and now has a wife, family and is a steady Christian.

It was a neat experience to watch and hear (the words I could understand) as the men talked to each other about the problem and how with the help of Christ they had conquered their worst enemy. The two new guys are on the losing end of the battle right now. The others were trying to use their own history to show them that it could be done. One of the new guys has some strange ideas concerning God, the Bible and who Jesus is. The others did not back down at all and showed him in the Bible where his errors were. He finally turned to me and wanted my opinion. It was great to be able to say that what my Latvian brothers had told him was absolutely correct and I couldn't agree more with them.

Maybe this is a start for these two new guys. They are in their late 40's and if something doesn't change they will not survive much longer. Latvian winters, poor access to medical care, and easy access to cheap alcohol will cause them to become old men very quickly.

May God bless these two that are struggling and bless the men that have reached out to help them through their sickness.

SUNDAY-TO-SUNDAY

Yesterday was our first Sunday back. I thought I'd compare my last Sunday (Jan. 18) in Athens with our first Sunday in Cesis.

In Athens, I checked the weather forecast to see how WARM it was going to be (I believe it was about 70 degrees for a high). In Cesis you check to see how COLD it is going to be. (Yesterday...about 29, which is actually a little warmer than usual.)

In Athens, you know that if you make it the few steps from the parking lot to the church, you will be plenty warm. In Cesis, there is no parking lot. You aren't going to be too much warmer in the church (usually it is about 55 degrees inside) unless you get a seat near the wood burning heater.

In Athens, the first smell is that of freshly brewed coffee (from the Global Cafe). In Cesis, the smell is of wood smoke. Depending on who built the fire and how good they are, the smell can be a pleasant reminder of the heating system or a smoky distraction.

In Athens, we have an excellent multi-piece praise band (guitars, drums, keyboard, piano), great sound system, multiple cameras and PowerPoint slides. In Cesis we have an outstanding musician, Tabita, that plays the keyboard.

In Athens, it requires six people to take up the offering. In Cesis, we have one young man that passes the collection box.

In Athens, we had many, many people express that they would be praying for us, God's work and the Cesis people. In Cesis, we had many, many people express that they would be praying for us, God's work and the Athens people.

Two cultures of worship, two completely different facilities, two distinctive climates but people of one mind, worshipping the same God. What a privilege for us to be able to be a part of both worlds. Thank you!

WE MADE IT!

After a very l-o-n-g flight, we were picked up by Olegs for the final leg of our trip back to Cesis. I don't think either of us got much sleep on the planes so we weren't very good guests on the ride. We started out catching Olegs up on all the latest Athens news and he was updating on the Cesis activities. Before I knew it, I was drifting off and the last thing I heard was "Maybe we should wait until tomorrow to tell you the rest." I was hoping that Laura would be able to chime in from the back seat and pick up my slack but I'm afraid she was out also.

Thank you to all in both Latvia and the US that were praying for our safe return. Also, a special thanks for our drivers, Dwight and Olegs. You're the best!

GOING (to our second) HOME

In just a few hours we will begin the journey from Texas back to Cesis, Latvia. We always have very mixed feelings as we pack and say good-byes. We miss our family and everyday life while we are in Latvia but we are looking forward to seeing our Latvian friends and getting back to doing the work we were sent there for.

While we have been in Texas the weather has been absolutely beautiful. Yesterday we had a high temp of around 74 degrees. There wasn’t a cloud in the sky … lots of sunshine.

When we arrive in Riga it will be quite different. Highs in the upper 20’s and I’m sure we’ll see a lot of snow.

Different culture, different weather, different lifestyle BUT the ONE God is as much alive in Latvia as in Texas. We look forward to serving him.

See you soon, Cesis!

THANKS FOR 2008

There is no way that I can list all of the blessings that have been showered on the two of us in Cesis, Latvia. But, these are just a few that have popped into my mind as I think back on the year. Thank you God…

• Olegs and family moving to Cesis
• The 41-hour train trip to Arkangelsk, Russia. What a great experience!
• The Cesis youth group
• Ainars: his talent of woodworking and his witness as a new Christian
• The ‘Davana’
• Health
• Our family in Texas…they sacrifice so we can stay on the mission field
• Inese, Peteris and boys for making us feel (and feeding us) like family
• A special lady in Canada that is so encouraging to us
• Our ‘Soup Kitchen’ friends
• The support from FBC-Athens and all of its members
• A Chrysler Town & Country van
• A wood shed full of wood
• The 3-punkt camp team at Valle
• Brother Samuels
• Liene’s friendship and growth as a Christian
• Pastor Michail and the ‘colony’ boys
• Elvi grocery store
• New friends Joe and Robbie
• The literally unknown number of people that support us financially and spiritually
• Seeing, hearing and feeling God’s encouragement when we need it
• What-A-Burger when we arrive back in the States
• Pastor Kyle’s vision for his church and our life in Latvia
• WorldConneX, Bill Tinsley and Walter Justl
• The people of Cesis Baptist Church
• Man-hu
• and the list goes on and on….

BACK IN TEXAS

We have been back in Texas for a couple of weeks. Christmas was celebrated with our family and we have enjoyed our time with friends and relatives.

A trip to Dallas and one to Austin has kept us on the road for a few days but we are now bringing in the New Year back at our home in Athens.

I have watched a lot of football and NBA basketball and next week will try to catch a few high school games.

Laura has been busy cooking, shopping and spending time with her family (and as far away from the football games as possible!).

Next week we will begin meeting to plan the 2009 activities, especially the summer work in Latvia.

It has been good to be home, to enjoy 70 degree temperatures, to visit with some of our family that we only get to see once a year and to tell people how God has blessed us this year.

Here are a few pictures from our celebrations:

 

Laura, Jordan and Jacob happy with their presents…

My three aunts (all over 90 years of age)…

 

Has Santa come yet?

 

Guess what the Princess got?