Prayers for Latvia: November 2006

22 November 2006

December Prayer Requests

We are waiting on God to open the door in His timing
Need several documents to get legal permission to live and minister in Latvia
Financial provision – (still need commitment of about $1500 monthly)
God’s provision for housing that is affordable and allows for a home fellowship

How much will it cost? According to the Latvian Embassy, foreign religious workers must be fully supported from outside of Latvia with a minimum of $900 per adult and $550 per child. Before we can move to Latvia, we need to raise $2,900 a month for ministry and living expenses.

Latvian Language Lessons 320
Bibles, Christian Books, Tracts 80
Music Ministry Equipment 100
Hospitality / Ministry Meals 100
Apartment Rent and Utilities 1000
Family’s needs (food, clothes, etc) 550
Transportation / Gas 300
Furlough Account / Airfare 250
Medical Insurance / checkups 200
TOTAL PER MONTH $2,900

But more than financial support, we need your prayer support to make all this possible. If you would like to support us, please send in the enclosed response card ASAP. Thank you for your care and support!

HOW YOU CAN SEND SUPPORT:
Make checks payable to “Calvary Chapel”
Do NOT write Latvia or Powers on the check.
Include a separate note that this is for the Powers mission to Latvia
Send the note with your check to:
Calvary Chapel Monterey Bay
3001 Monterey-Salinas HWY
Monterey, CA 93940

01 November 2006

Seeing the Multitudes

Matthew 9:36 "But seeing the crowds, He was moved with compassion on them, because they were tired and scattered like sheep having no shepherd."
Latvia is a small developing country in Eastern Europe. Since the Iron Curtain fell 15 years ago, few missionaries have worked in Latvia. It was the poorest country to join the European Union in 2004. There are no Calvary Chapels and few pastors are equipped to teach God’s word. Russian is commonly spoken but Latvians are more open when speaking Latvian. Only 2% go to church. The more we learn of Latvia the more we are moved with compassion.
How did our preparatory trip go?
Our summer trip to Latvia helped us get oriented with the culture and spiritual needs of the people. We were able to share the gospel of Jesus Christ in Russian with all kinds of people who did not know Him. We met Christian friends who are hungry for God’s word, worship, prayer and fellowship. We also made important contacts who will help us get official residency and religious workers permits.
What do they need now?
1) To hear the gospel of Christ in their own language.
2) To know Spirit-filled Christians who love them.
3) A Bible church that equips disciples for ministry.
Vision for Church Planting:
We hope to move to the Riga area in January 2007. While it is winter we can get settled, begin studying the Latvian language and start a home fellowship. We are called to make disciples by teaching God’s word. As the church grows, nationals will be equipped for ministry. When the weather warms up, we can do more evangelistic outreaches like outdoor concerts, and street witnessing and children’s festivals. I would love to raise up a praise band for church services and outreach concerts.