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.

After lunch we had choir rehearsal in our usual location, preparing for our rehearsal later in the afternoon in the lovely church in Sloka where our hosts worship.

The afternoon Leadership Training class explored the topic of "Thermostat vs. Thermometer." We discussed the fact that people are either thermometers or thermostats. Some reflect the climate around them, or they will set it. Leaders develop values and principles by which they live, setting the tone for others.

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.