Rēzekne

Rēzekne is the capital of Latgale, the 2nd biggest region in Latvia. Driving through the region was a refreshing experience - green hills, yellow fields, all trees and flowers in bloom... ahh.. beautiful landscape! Not only the scenery is great but the people are friendly and hospitable.

One day after we came from the "special kids" center, we were asked to do some woodwork for an elderly lady. It happened to be her name day so she offered something more than tea and cake, and so we thought to ourselves, "we shouldn't have eaten lunch. Anyhow, speaking of old folks, we went to another village called Ružina, where we stayed overnight. Our host has been given such favor from the local government to bring clothings to the villagers. It was also encouraging to see what the Lord has been doing through him - working with the social welfare department, pensioners' center, meeting with priests and pastors of different churches, and starting Latvia House of Prayer for All Peoples. I think it's very interesting how God connects people. Ivars happened to be one of those who came to Turku during the Christ Day! One more thing, when he took us to the Old Folks home, we were so glad to hear that one of the biggest supporters was people from Finland.

Well, I must say (and I think the team would agree with it) that our visit to the Old Folks home was really fun! Not only did we entertain them through songs and drama but they responded with Psalms and folk songs (in Russian, Latvian and Polish). Some of them were bedridden so we visited them in their rooms. I believe many were touched and felt somebody cares for them... that they too have value. Words aren't enough to describe how happy and thankful they were. We too were so blessed and felt God's compassion and love for them, especially for those who didn't have any relative to visit them. Tomorrow, we'll be visiting another Old Folks home somewhere in the center town.

For the remaining days of our stay in Latvia, we'll be doing some street evangelism and fellowship with some pastors. We leave for Lithuania on Monday morning.... another loooong drive so pray for travelling mercies! Paldies un ciao!!!