Sunday, July 12, 2009
Program
Bible studies and concerts have gone great! Here’s our program:
All Give Thanks Anonymus
Kas Vins L. Breikss, E. Esenvalds
Halle, Halle, Halle Marty Haugen
Deep River John Leavitt, arr.
Si zeme Tava, Dievs V. Bastiks
Look at the World John Rutter
For the Beauty of the Earth John Rutter
Praise the Lord Mozart, Hal Hopson arr.
Amazing Grace traditional
You are My All In All Dennis Jernigan
Perfect Praise traditional
Jubilate Deo Emily Crocker
Sveti, Kungs R. Grantovska
All Give Thanks Anonymus
Kas Vins L. Breikss, E. Esenvalds
Halle, Halle, Halle Marty Haugen
Deep River John Leavitt, arr.
Si zeme Tava, Dievs V. Bastiks
Look at the World John Rutter
For the Beauty of the Earth John Rutter
Praise the Lord Mozart, Hal Hopson arr.
Amazing Grace traditional
You are My All In All Dennis Jernigan
Perfect Praise traditional
Jubilate Deo Emily Crocker
Sveti, Kungs R. Grantovska
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Friday, July 10, 2009
Friday notes
We received a good update on Portia, the woman from an ESL team who was hospitalized. She has shown improvement and hopefully will be able to fly home soon. Please pray for continued strength for her, strength and comfort for her team leader, Bill, and thanks that Pastor Schuschke was here and able to make a hospital visit.
Here is a list of some of the ways that we are serving this week:
- Teaching whole group Bible study
Participating in Bible study
Directing choir
Singing
Passing out and collecting music
Turning pages
Bass section leader in rehearsal
Accompaning songs on piano
Serving food
Helping pick up food at the store
Helping prepare food for campers
Washing dishes
Listening to the youth and discusing matters that are important to them
Giving a listening ear to the local pastors
Praying together
Making a hospital visit
Adding our presence to show we care
Making copies of school materiāls
Setting the table for meals, and clearing it when the meal was finished
Arranging an outdoor meeting area for small group discussions
Configuring indoor rooms for smal group dicussions
Recording events with the video camera and taking still pictures
Leading games like UNO and Jingo
Providing fellowship with the youth in the evenings
Preparing music in folders for rehearsals and performances
Making a few trips to the store for emergency supplies
- Just being present means so much to these lovely people. They are delighted that we returned to do ministry with them and to care for them.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Thursday News
During Pastor's Bible study this morning the topic was our motivation for service. Our motive depends upon our view of the world as well as our understanding of the relationship between faith and works. We talked about Ephesians 2:8-10 where we are told, "For by grace you have been saved by faith; and this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God – not because of works, lest any man should boast." Our discussion concluded that we do not serve to feel better about ourselves; but rather we serve in response to God's love for us.
We then went over to the church for the rehearsal. The Latvian choir is filled with incredibly lovely voices. The songs and hymns chosen for this concert have the potential for truly moving those who hear their messages. We recorded some of the practice and will try to post some clips from the recording in the near future.
Thank you for your continuing prayers for the team, for our gracious hosts, for the concerts and for those who might receive the message and grow stronger in their faith. Please add Portia and Bill to your prayer list. They served on another M.O.S.T mission team here in Latvia last week. Portia became ill and has been hospitalized. Her team leader, Bill, has sent the rest of his team home, staying behind in Latvia to obtain proper care for Portia. Pastor Schuschke and our M.O.S.T. team leader, Pat, have gone to Riga this evening to be with Bill and Portia. They will be back with us later this evening.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Wednesday Notes
During Pastor's Bible study this morning as he asked us what God requires us to do, all eyes suddenly went to the window as we saw luggage being unloaded from a van. We counted 7, 8, 9 and the last bags were taken off the van. Our first answer to Pastor's question then became "rejoice." Rejoice with us. We have found our lost luggage. Latvians 15:9 With St. Paul we can say, "I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation." Philippians 4:12.
Classes today were wonderful. In the morning it was sunny, so we had our small groups outside. We studied how to balance being a servant and a leader. There was excellent interaction and thought-provoking discussion in all of the groups. In the afternoon we studied about how God uses our talents, abilities, passions, and opportunities. Since we had several new students today who were not as proficient in English, a student volunteer translated the class for Pastor. How moving it was to end class saying the Lord's Prayer simultaneously in two languages, and ending together with "Amen."
Can these people sing! Choir rehearsals are going very well. We leaned a new song today and polished up some of the songs we previously learned. Tomorrow we will have a dress rehearsal.
Thank you for your prayers. Please say a special prayer of thanks for our luggage. Pray for strength and rest for our hosts as they work so hard. Pray for continued growth in Bible study, and pray for us to learn our music well.
Classes today were wonderful. In the morning it was sunny, so we had our small groups outside. We studied how to balance being a servant and a leader. There was excellent interaction and thought-provoking discussion in all of the groups. In the afternoon we studied about how God uses our talents, abilities, passions, and opportunities. Since we had several new students today who were not as proficient in English, a student volunteer translated the class for Pastor. How moving it was to end class saying the Lord's Prayer simultaneously in two languages, and ending together with "Amen."
Can these people sing! Choir rehearsals are going very well. We leaned a new song today and polished up some of the songs we previously learned. Tomorrow we will have a dress rehearsal.
Thank you for your prayers. Please say a special prayer of thanks for our luggage. Pray for strength and rest for our hosts as they work so hard. Pray for continued growth in Bible study, and pray for us to learn our music well.
The luggage has arrived!
Friends:
Thanks for your prayers. All of our luggage arrived last night/this morning.
Blessings.
Thanks for your prayers. All of our luggage arrived last night/this morning.
Blessings.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Some bags have arrived
Good news at last! Three bags arrived tonight (10:45 pm). Now only 9 to go!
You won't believe it though. The three guys got their bags. We ladies will have to forget about being fashion concious for at least one more day. I wish some of the team bags would have come so we could have supplies. However, we have made do with photocopies and buying supplies. Praise the Lord for little things!
Tuesday morning
Still no luggage, but camp goes on!
We are completing our second day of camp. This morning our Bible study was on compassion. We read Psalm 23, the story of Ruth, the story of Dorcas, and others. It is amazing how we can discuss God's Word in spite of our language differences. In the afternoon leadership Bible study we learned that to lead and share Christ, we too must take the time to be fed by God's Word.
In our choir practices we are rehearsing Latvian and English songs for our concerts later this week. Some of these include "Halle, Halle, Halle", "For the Beauty of the Earth", and Amazing Grace. The choir has a beautiful tone and learns music quickly. What a joy!
As for our luggage, we have been told that it is sitting in Copenhagan in "mess" of bags. Apparently two bags have been identified, so hopefully they will be send to Riga on one of the next planes.
We will send pictures as soon as we are able. We presently are unable to use our laptop since the converter is packed in our luggage.
Please pray that the Word of God will continue to touch the lives of those in camp. Continue to pray that our luggage will arrive soon and that we will be able to continue improvising without our supplies.
We are completing our second day of camp. This morning our Bible study was on compassion. We read Psalm 23, the story of Ruth, the story of Dorcas, and others. It is amazing how we can discuss God's Word in spite of our language differences. In the afternoon leadership Bible study we learned that to lead and share Christ, we too must take the time to be fed by God's Word.
In our choir practices we are rehearsing Latvian and English songs for our concerts later this week. Some of these include "Halle, Halle, Halle", "For the Beauty of the Earth", and Amazing Grace. The choir has a beautiful tone and learns music quickly. What a joy!
As for our luggage, we have been told that it is sitting in Copenhagan in "mess" of bags. Apparently two bags have been identified, so hopefully they will be send to Riga on one of the next planes.
We will send pictures as soon as we are able. We presently are unable to use our laptop since the converter is packed in our luggage.
Please pray that the Word of God will continue to touch the lives of those in camp. Continue to pray that our luggage will arrive soon and that we will be able to continue improvising without our supplies.
Monday, July 6, 2009
No Luggage!
We have arrived in Sloka on Sunday, but we are not yet able to announce when our luggage will arrive! Please pray that our 12 bags will arrive soon! We are thankful for our hosts who have provided us with extra clothes and washing facilities. We are also thankful for careful packing of single copies of Bible study materials and photocopiers. Māra, the Sloka choir director, also had music that we needed.
Today was our first day of choir camp, and twenty-four participants were in attendance. We had Bible study in the morning with good discussion about what it means to be a servant. In the afternoon our leadership study dealt with the topic of Christian character, again with good discussion and questions. We also had two choir rehearsals of Latvian and English Christian songs.
Please keep our team and the Latvians in your prayers.
Today was our first day of choir camp, and twenty-four participants were in attendance. We had Bible study in the morning with good discussion about what it means to be a servant. In the afternoon our leadership study dealt with the topic of Christian character, again with good discussion and questions. We also had two choir rehearsals of Latvian and English Christian songs.
Please keep our team and the Latvians in your prayers.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Flights Delayed
There was a problem with the Friday evening flight out of Dulles International Airport in Washington D.C. The group spent the evening at a hotel before returning to the airport Saturday. They should be departing about 5 p.m. Saturday on their way across the Atlantic.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
St. Luke's Latvia Mission Trip 2009
Please pray for us as we share the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the people in Latvia.
Friday, July 3 - Departure
• Prayer for safe travel from Orlando to Washington, DC, then on to Copenhagen andRiga.
• That God would prepare our team for the mission in Latvia.
• For the Latvian people, that their hearts and minds would be open to the work we will do.
• For Pat, our MOST Ministries team leader.
Saturday, July 4 – Arrival
• Prayer for continued safe travel as we arrive in Riga, Latvia.
• Deeper appreciation of the Latvian people as we tour the Museum of the Occupation in Riga. This museum chronicles their experiences under both Communism and National Socialism.
• Our families and loved ones back home, that they would have peace of mind as we do God’s work.
• Our host families and for Māra, Velga and the other volunteers from Sloka Lutheran Church and Sunday School who organize the Choir Camp.
Sunday, July 5 – Worship and Preparation
• For our brothers and sisters in Christ in Sloka as we worship together.
• For successful preparation, set up and favorable weather.
• For our hosts as they provide food, lodging and support for our team.
Monday, July 6 - Choir Camp begins
• The Servanthood Bible study begins this morning. Biblical Theme: Christ Teaches About Ambition (Mark 10).
• Pray for deeper understanding of God’s Word as we study together with the members of Sloka Lutheran Church.
• For a productive choir rehearsal as we prepare to travel with the Gospel later in the week.
• Pray for the beginning of our leadership development classes this afternoon. Today’s Leadership Topic: Leadership and Character.
Tuesday, July 7 - Day 2
• Biblical Theme: Examples of Servanthood (Psalm 23 and Colossians 2)
• Pray for continued blessing on our Bible study and leadership development.
• Today’s Leadership Topic: Those Who Feed Others Must also be Fed!
• Pray that the choir will grow into a group prepared to share the Gospel.
Wednesday, July 8 - Day 3
• Biblical Theme: The Servant King (1 Kings 12 and Mark 10)
• Leadership Topic: Leaders Use Their God-given Gifts.
• Pray that God would enable us to work through the language barrier and grow together.
• Pray for our family and friends as they carry on in our absence.
Thursday, July 9 - Day 4
• Biblical Theme: Motivation for Service (Romans 5)
• Leadership Topic: Leaders are Pace Setters.
• Pray that we have grown in our appreciation of God’s Word to reach all people.
• Pray for the first performance of the new“traveling choir” at the Sunday School in Sloka.
• Pray for strength to keep going even though we may have had some sleepless nights and long days. (The sun rises at 4 am and sets at 11 pm.)
Friday, July 10 - Day 5
• Biblical Theme: The Context of Service(Romans 12)
• Leadership Topic: Leaders are Genuine and Authentic.
• Pray for receptive hearts as we travel to the village of Kemeri to sing and share the Gospel message at the church there.
• Pray for our safe travel.
Saturday, July 11 - Day 6
• Biblical Theme: Attitude of the Servant (Philippians 2)
• Leadership Topic: Leaders Prepare.
• Pray that God would be at work in our time of study and rehearsal today as we prepare to travel again.
• Pray that our performance in the Lutheran Church in Sloka will be a blessing to the people who attend and that God would move them to join us in worship tomorrow.
Sunday, July 12
• Pray for the worshipping community that gathers at the Sloka Lutheran Church this morning.• Ask that God would grant us safety of travel as we journey to the city of Dubulti for the evening performance.
• Pray that we and the Latvians can witness to Christ through our words and actions.
Monday, July 13
• Pray for our team and hosts as we enjoy a bit of relaxation and the beauty of the city of Riga.
Tuesday, July 14 – Travel Home.
• Pray for safe travel back home to our friends and families.
• Thank God for this amazing opportunity to make new friends, to experience a new culture, and share the Gospel with others.
• Pray for the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives and in those of our Latvian friends.
• Finally, pray for comfort for all of us as we share happy, but somewhat tearful farewells.
Friday, July 3 - Departure
• Prayer for safe travel from Orlando to Washington, DC, then on to Copenhagen andRiga.
• That God would prepare our team for the mission in Latvia.
• For the Latvian people, that their hearts and minds would be open to the work we will do.
• For Pat, our MOST Ministries team leader.
Saturday, July 4 – Arrival
• Prayer for continued safe travel as we arrive in Riga, Latvia.
• Deeper appreciation of the Latvian people as we tour the Museum of the Occupation in Riga. This museum chronicles their experiences under both Communism and National Socialism.
• Our families and loved ones back home, that they would have peace of mind as we do God’s work.
• Our host families and for Māra, Velga and the other volunteers from Sloka Lutheran Church and Sunday School who organize the Choir Camp.
Sunday, July 5 – Worship and Preparation
• For our brothers and sisters in Christ in Sloka as we worship together.
• For successful preparation, set up and favorable weather.
• For our hosts as they provide food, lodging and support for our team.
Monday, July 6 - Choir Camp begins
• The Servanthood Bible study begins this morning. Biblical Theme: Christ Teaches About Ambition (Mark 10).
• Pray for deeper understanding of God’s Word as we study together with the members of Sloka Lutheran Church.
• For a productive choir rehearsal as we prepare to travel with the Gospel later in the week.
• Pray for the beginning of our leadership development classes this afternoon. Today’s Leadership Topic: Leadership and Character.
Tuesday, July 7 - Day 2
• Biblical Theme: Examples of Servanthood (Psalm 23 and Colossians 2)
• Pray for continued blessing on our Bible study and leadership development.
• Today’s Leadership Topic: Those Who Feed Others Must also be Fed!
• Pray that the choir will grow into a group prepared to share the Gospel.
Wednesday, July 8 - Day 3
• Biblical Theme: The Servant King (1 Kings 12 and Mark 10)
• Leadership Topic: Leaders Use Their God-given Gifts.
• Pray that God would enable us to work through the language barrier and grow together.
• Pray for our family and friends as they carry on in our absence.
Thursday, July 9 - Day 4
• Biblical Theme: Motivation for Service (Romans 5)
• Leadership Topic: Leaders are Pace Setters.
• Pray that we have grown in our appreciation of God’s Word to reach all people.
• Pray for the first performance of the new“traveling choir” at the Sunday School in Sloka.
• Pray for strength to keep going even though we may have had some sleepless nights and long days. (The sun rises at 4 am and sets at 11 pm.)
Friday, July 10 - Day 5
• Biblical Theme: The Context of Service(Romans 12)
• Leadership Topic: Leaders are Genuine and Authentic.
• Pray for receptive hearts as we travel to the village of Kemeri to sing and share the Gospel message at the church there.
• Pray for our safe travel.
Saturday, July 11 - Day 6
• Biblical Theme: Attitude of the Servant (Philippians 2)
• Leadership Topic: Leaders Prepare.
• Pray that God would be at work in our time of study and rehearsal today as we prepare to travel again.
• Pray that our performance in the Lutheran Church in Sloka will be a blessing to the people who attend and that God would move them to join us in worship tomorrow.
Sunday, July 12
• Pray for the worshipping community that gathers at the Sloka Lutheran Church this morning.• Ask that God would grant us safety of travel as we journey to the city of Dubulti for the evening performance.
• Pray that we and the Latvians can witness to Christ through our words and actions.
Monday, July 13
• Pray for our team and hosts as we enjoy a bit of relaxation and the beauty of the city of Riga.
Tuesday, July 14 – Travel Home.
• Pray for safe travel back home to our friends and families.
• Thank God for this amazing opportunity to make new friends, to experience a new culture, and share the Gospel with others.
• Pray for the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives and in those of our Latvian friends.
• Finally, pray for comfort for all of us as we share happy, but somewhat tearful farewells.
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