Together we can do it!

 
When for the past few months the Lord was speaking to us concerning our relationships with Him, we did not think this would result in encouraging us to boldly proclaim Jesus Christ in the streets of our city.
How should we do it now, in the 21st century? We had prayed about it again and again as we realized that the old methods of proclaiming the Gospel when simply stood with a guitar in the marketplace or handed out tracts at supermarkets were no longer the best option. And only after the events were over and we had distributed our "loaves of bread and fish" did we realize that had ministered in a different way. Praise God, we have something we can give away because with God's help we have developed our gifts and skills. I suppose, we are used to the events we organize for families with children when there are different competitions, playgrounds, creative workshops, concerts. But when we take into the account the fact that this has been done by one church and how such events are sometime organized with large advertising campaigns in others cities, not only in Latvia, by attracting financing from municipalities and other resources, we do not have to be ashamed.

There were not only creative workshops but also a horse cart, climbing wall, rope path, photo orienteering. Every hour the best contestants were awarded. Besides that in almost every competition children received a small gift. This was followed by rich concert for children and parents, beautiful entertainment afternoon and true worship at the end of the night. Such events were organized this summer in our own church yard, “Ziedondarzs” city park, “Vermanes darzs” city park, and the village of Misa, not to mention all social projects and youth activities. The last event of this kinds was "Thank You" On Saturday, September 11 – it was devoted to teachers, doctors and social workers with their families. More than 300 adults and 200 registered for the event. It was a beautiful time with extensive program and special activities and gifts for children.

Why am I writing all this? As I was thinking of the words of Jesus: "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another" (John 13:35), I suddenly realized that I have looked at this Scripture with certain stereotypes. Isn't that true love that people prove by giving away their holidays, finances, and efforts to be a part of a team? I estimated that there were more than 150 people involved to organize one event! Ushers, children's ministry, counselors, people in charge of workshops and games, technicians, TV team, photographer, musicians, singers, dancers, hosts, and organizers. Two events even had teams that organized a banquet for more than 500 people. What made it even more special was the fact that several church members brought their own pies, pastries, pickled cucumbers, cookies, and apples. Would people be ready to donate so much time in the last sunny days of summer unless they loved? No, it was a token of love which is a testimony to the world that we are disciples of Christ.

This was a good summer. In Jesus name, we were able to comfort the sad, deliver the captive, open blind eyes, show the way to the Father and proclaim the acceptable year of our Lord.

I am happy that we could use the God-given opportunities and on behalf of the church and the pastor we wanted to say thank you once more to all people who were planning, organizing, serving, coming to prayers, fasting, and everyone else who supported these projects with their efforts and finances. Thank you all!

I believe the work of love will bring much fruit. Let us keep praying and be determined to move on in the way God is leading us!

Best regards, Liga Gleske
 

Photo gallery - Ziedondarzs / Vermanes darzs
Video review of summer months