Dream, Develop, Deliver

Last year, in more than 100 churches, yes, 100 churches, Jill and I shared a DREAM for Latvia.  We were honored, when invited, to share what we felt God placed on our heart for the next four years.  40,000 miles later, give or take a few along with tired bottoms, the day arrived, August 6th we flew to Latvija with the DREAM.

Having a DREAM is one thing, developing it is altogether different.  Once we arrived, the short-term goals were to find an apartment, get long-term visas, purchase a car and re-connect with leaders, pastors and friends from a dozen years ago. Somewhat of a large task in its own.  However, quickly, and I mean quickly, things began to fall into place.

Each Sunday we visited churches we planted or where students we trained serve as pastors.  I would like to point out, this process was very fun.  We enjoyed hugs, meals, good conversations and memories from the past.  It was exciting to see God moving in the lives of so many. Each week the list of those we re-connected with grew.  It was not long before we clearly saw how the Lord DEVELOPED our steps.

By the second week, we found our new/old apartment. It is new to us and the perfect location for the capital city of Riga, yet the building itself is over 130 years old. We moved in and already, this place feels like our home.  Since moving in 14 guests have joined us for meals and 6 stayed over night for a total of 16-nights.  Bottom line, we believe God gave us this apartment to use for ministry and are thrilled every time a person comes through our door as a guest. In January, we hope to start a home group for unbelievers were the weekly discussion is on, "Who is Jesus to you?" 

During week three, we purchased our new Speed the Light vehicle (STL is an Assemblies of God program where youth raise money to purchase vehicles for missionaries, pretty cool), we also scheduled a meeting with the immigration department.  Both big events. 

Our STL car, a 2014 Kia 4-wheel drive, automatic Sportage along with the visa process are important events.  Without a vehicle, we are limited on where we can go and who we can help.  Our first month here, The Baltic School of Ministry blessed us with their van to use but once their fall season began, the school needed it.  Since purchasing our Sportage we have traveled across Latvija ministering and visiting with pastors.

Visas always seem to be a challenge for missions, and here, although much more favorable than many places, still not a guarantee that you will receive them. We met with the officials, turned in our papers and a few weeks after, received our long-term visas. Everyone we met with were friendly and kind. We even receive 10-year drivers licenses the same day. Each step of the journey God prepared.

However, as great as all that is, the big DREAM, the one I shared to thousands of believers across the states still needed to be developed. The big DREAM is to reach unbelievers, non-churched and help them discover Jesus, disciple and train them and release them to minister. Thousands upon thousands are waiting to hear, the DREAM is to reach them. With that in mind, the DEVELOP part of the DREAM is forming daily.  

January, 2015 the DELIVERY stage begins: working weekly with 4 groups, each with 6 believers from three regions with one common desire, see the country reached for Christ.  Nation changers.  And, this spring, we believe, there will be great rejoicing in heaven as people turn their hearts to Christ.  The next 6 to 8 months are going to be very exciting. This is part of the DELIVERY.




Many of you have been an important part of this DREAM and without you, it would not be possible. Thanks for your prayers, they prepare the way. Thanks for your giving, we are able to do what God calls us to do.  Thanks for your encouragement, it blesses us. 

Thank you for dreaming with us!

If you have any prayer needs, please let us know. Just as you support us in prayer, we want to pray for you.  We are in this together: 'One plants, one waters but God gives the increase.'

God bless you and remember: Dream, develop and deliver!