Latvia

Brief History

Latvia is a country rich in its heritage of music, dance, art, and its own folk art, ceramics, and needle work. It is believed that the capital city of Riga, established in the 12th century, is one of the oldest cities in Europe. This small but scenic country, located along the coast of the Baltic Sea, borders Estonia, Lithuania, and Russia, and has been independent from communism since 1991.

Originally, Latvia gained its independence in 1918, only to lose it again to communist forces after World War II. During the time of what they refer to as The Occupation, the people of this land were oppressed in every way, including their freedom to worship and celebrate their belief in God. Just before The Occupation and during it, Latvia lost over 500,000 people to death, imprisonment, and forced relocation to Siberia. Since their renewed independence in 1991, Latvians have had the opportunity to begin rebuilding a country based on freedom.

Ministry Outlook

This new found freedom in the country has reopened a door to the free pursuit of the knowledge of God, and many young people have positively responded to His Call. The ministry here is exciting and fast-paced, as the Holy Spirit spreads like wildfire through a country that has been a drought-land for 50 years!

What seemed a very simple summer camping ministry in the beginning has grown into a ministry that has touched hundreds of students with the message of Christ Jesus, and led many through discipleship to become student leaders in Latvia.

Since 2003, we have been working together with many others in Latvia to form an interdenominational organization dedicated to the task of youth leadership training throughout Latvia—helping make disciples who make disciples. Our school of leaders program is growing by the year and now we are partnered with the Latvia Baptist Union to do their youth leader training. Starting in the fall of 2007 we will be starting a 9 month intensive internship program for youth leaders in conjunction with the Baltic Pastoral Institute.

More official information about Latvia at http://www.lv/

Joe Brooks
Joe hopes to see many young Latvian men encounter Christ and to be transformed by Him. more...

Edgars Deksnis
Reaching the Latvian youth through Fusion. more...

Nick Fletcher
While in high school, Latvia captured Nick’s heart. more...

Kelly & Donna Hargan
A passion to mentor and disciple. more...

Susan Paterson
On a bus in Riga in 2007, Susan said, “Yes” to God and committed to serving the people of Latvia. more...