It was our great pleasure to help host a seniors conference this week in Cesis. Richardson FBC has a long history of commitment to the people of Latvia. One of the areas they work with are the senior citizens. They do a great job of reaching out to the most neglected strata of Latvian society, the elderly.
It is hard being old in any country but here a senior is likely to be trapped between economic problems, a changing culture, healthcare that is spotty and expensive as well challenges that have hung on as a result of the oppression years.
The main goal of the conference was to provide hope through Jesus Christ. Personal testimonies were shared, practical advice given and many new friendships were made.
A Texas Celebration was held on Monday night complete with hot dogs, cowboys and lots of ya’lls, howdies and yee-haws. The crowd was entertained with Texas music and a few tall tales. Pastor Ellis concluded the night with a short devotional that was well received.
We hope that the conference becomes an annual event and will grow in numbers as well as scope. It was an honor to help fellow Texans as they reached out to some of Cesis older citizens. We have extended an invitation and hope they return soon. This group was extremely organized and it was evident they had worked hard long before reaching Latvia. The Baltic Pastoral Institute allowed several of their students to attend the conference and they were a huge help.
Pastor Ellis kept a day-by-day account of the Richardson group’s activities and you can read his blog here: http://kerooso.blogspot.com/2010_05_05_archive.html
Next up for us: home to Texas for a few few weeks. Check back soon!
Each day began with music and devotionals…
Tabita provided her expertise on the piano…
Karlis and James spinning a yarn with truth…
Morning conference…
They spit tobacco in Texas?
You couldn’t keep this sweet lady away…she traveled a couple of hours to get to Cesis.
Smiles and laughter…
One of our Cesis men that was involved…
Tommy and Karlis…
Cesis Baptist Church ladies chorus entertained on Tuesday. Great!