Here's a few pictures of friends and sights in Cesis, Latvia....
My best friend at our apartment complex...
A Latvian sling shot...
Castle of Cesis...
Everybody likes a free balloon...
Laura's middle name is actually 'Lavonia'...close enough.
A friend of ours from the streets of Cesis...
The last day of July is the first day of the summer that our apartment has not been filled with summer interns and their friends. While our neighbors might be glad for a little peace and quiet, we are definitely missing the activity and happiness that the interns brought us.
Amanda, Thomas and Landry decided to spend their summer in Cesis and we are so grateful for them. They have added much to the outreach programs for the youth in our city and have helped the members of Cesis Baptist Church in so many ways.
Weekly activities included a day camp for the younger kids, youth meetings, worship services on Sunday, individual friendship time and manual labor in helping with the church property remodeling. They assisted with VBS and the construction projects that the team from First Baptist – Athens completed.
They also attended several camps, spent a day at the Cesis Boys’ Prison, took part in a Latvian baptism ceremony, made numerous new friends, shared their testimonies, saved a woman from a railroad disaster, climbed to new heights on apartment roofs, tore down and built up and ate more potatoes than they ever imagined.
God has given each one of these young people many talents and through the work this summer, we believe their eyes were opened to what God may have in store for them in the future.
Throughout our stay in Cesis, we have tried to be aware of the best way to reach out and connect with people of all ages. We can have close friendships with the young people but there is nothing like another young person reaching out and explaining the Gospel to them. They were able to open doors that will allow us to continue the relationships long after they return to Texas.
We are indebted to the families of our interns that allowed them to stay and work with us. We also appreciate the support of Athens First Baptist Church for making this summer a reality.
God always seems to send just the right people, at just the right time to help us minister here. Amanda, Thomas and Landry were the perfect fit for the summer in Cesis. Where does he want to send you?
-Mark & Laura-
For the thoughts and impressions of the interns while they were in Latvia, here are links to their blogs:
Amanda: http://www.trainridesairplanesandboats.blogspot.com
