Latvia

After a brief period of independence between the two World Wars, Latvia was annexed by the USSR in 1940. It reestablished its independence in 1991 following the breakup of the Soviet Union. Although the last Russian troops left in 1994, the status of the Russian minority (some 30% of the population) remains of concern to Moscow. Latvia continues to revamp its economy for eventual integration into various Western European political and economic institutions.

Latvia, a former Soviet republic, has been independent since 1991. This Baltic nation is struggling to understand her destiny and rebuild after 50 destructive years of communism and a history of oppression. Latvia has 2.4 million people - ethnic Latvians are 55% and a large Russian-speaking minority.

YWAM in LATVIA:
Teams have ministered in Latvia in the 80's and early 90's. In 1993 a permanent team led by Latvians Maris and Judite Dzelzs established YWAM. Maris traded his car for a building in the Talsi region that has served as a training centre since 1995. There are now 35 full time staff (2/3 Latvians), involved with a broad variety of ministry, including: youth outreach, camps, children's work, festivals, church planting, strategic evangelism, King's Kids, family ministry, discipleship, mercy ministry, sports outreach, rock music outreach, and training. Small teams are working in Liepaja, Riga, and Kolka. DTS's are regularly held, as well as other short-term training opportunities. A major evangelistic thrust, IMPACT LATVIA, has the goal to give a revelant presentation of the gospel in every city and town. Recently during a one week mercy ministry outreach to a small fishing village, over 100 people became believers and many are now attending weekly follow-up meetings.

Maris believes that now is a season of harvest and discipling in the nation. The spiritual, economic and social foundations need to be rebuilt. Changes have taken place very quickly, but many people have not been able to keep up with the pace and are falling into hopelessness and despair. Alcoholism, broken families, suicide, abuse, immorality and unemployment are rampant.

Latvians are beginning to fulfill their destiny to the nations, with teams ministering in Russia, Ukraine, Lithuania, Estonia, France, Norway, USA, Belarus, and individuals to Africa, India and other parts of Asia.

prayer needs:
- for a penetration of the gospel into all aspects of society.
- concerning the division, fear, competition, mistrust and unforgiveness often hindering the church from impacting the community.
- for release of finances for IMPACT LATVIA and our young staff workers.
- for a revelation of mission vision for the churches.