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Project - "More Harvest!" ... church planting across Latvia

Now the time has come to consolidate and build on the foundation laid in Latvia. As a result, Colin called together a consultation of the five main leaders representing most of the geographic regions. Inspite of our recent sickness and a serious throat infection, Colin left for Latvia the same week as our return from the USA (February). For those who receive our e-bulletins, you will be aware of this visit and we thank you for your prayers. It was with great joy that Colin met with 20 leaders to discuss the pioneering of new churches and how we could best assist them. The day started with an introduction on why Horizons are responding to how we perceive God's leading for the past year, giving our personal views on pioneering and a scriptural basis for the expansion of the Kingdom. Here are summary points to the day:

There was a time for them to share their hearts, followed by an incredible time as some of them shared their fears and others shared their disappointments at past failed efforts. However, amongst it all there were those whom God is clearly leading to 'launch the boat' out into deeper waters of faith.
Cultural and geographic issues were discussed as well those of partnership and finance.

Committments

The outcome is that Colin felt very strongly led to initially assist two couples who will work under the covering of Daniel and Damaris.

The first couple - Roman & Zhana - are already holding children's clubs in several villages every Sunday afternoon. After church and lunch, they pack up the van and some equipment and head off into the country. I turned up unannounced at one of these events and what a thrill to see 60+ children and also very encouraging to see 10 parents. This couple already have the heart to pioneer and have commenced with children, having a view to expand from this base to the adults.

Our committment is for one year:

Provide equipment especially as the spring and summer months approach and being outside will be part of the activities.
Finance to provide refreshments.they are poor villages and we would like to give them something to eat and drink whilst they are in the club.
Finance for the rent of the halls and rooms being used each month ($100/ £60).

We heard on our return that they held their first meeting in Dubeni the Sunday after we left and 3 ladies, 8 teenagers and 7 children attended. They served coffee and tea after the service and everyone stayed for the fellowship time. We were able to send initial gifts to Roman and Zhanna for the refreshments and a simple sound system. Things are great and attendance has not been below 25 people every Sunday:a good group of teenagers that came before service began, didn't leave the church, not even to go to the bathroom! (as it is usual there). They are serving coffee and tea after service and they are having good times.

The second couple will soon start in a town of 9000 people, which is relatively large for Latvia. We will seek to provide similar support and some sound equipment for them.

How you can help

We ask that you pray about your possible involvement in a team to assist in drama, puppets, testimonies, etc.

Our initial budget for this first year is $5000/£3000, which will include some support of the couples themselves. We pray for 5 churches to donate $1000 each for the year OR 10 people to donate $500. If you live in the USA, please ensure your donations are designated LATVIA.

If you feel that you or your church would like to be involved in any aspect of this project, please contact us.

The Future?

Naturally, this is only the beginning and there are other couples who are about to commence pioneering and we will re-assess our involvement after initially helping these two precious couples.

We will put in the sickle, will you join us?
Now is the time.MORE HARVEST, Lord!

News/Events:

» Diary dates for 2006

Current Projects:

» Building restoration for church in Bosnia
» Project 'More Harvest!' in Latvia