Last week, we were greatly encouraged and refreshed by fellowship with our brothers and sisters from Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Norway, Ireland and Canada.
Although Latvia is technically not a Scandinavian country, we found that many of the issues we face in the Baltics are similar to the rest of Northern Europe. We found ourselves received and knit to this group of about 60 believers that sometimes call themselves "the frozen chosen" - I guess because of the cold winters and feeling of being a small remnant of faithful Scandinavians.
But the weather from July 30 to August 3 was quite warm and we even enjoyed a swimming in the fjord with the jelly fish.
I helped with worship services and gave a devotional teaching about communion. Other pastors and Bible teachers took turns teaching chapter by chapter through the book of Daniel. You can listen to the messages here:
- Daniel 1 - Joel Wickstr�m (Stockholm, Sweden)
- Daniel 2 - David Guzik (CCBC Siegen, Germany)
- Daniel 3 - Stan Block (Calgary, Canada)
- Daniel 4 - Daniel Jacobsen (Denmark)
- Daniel 5 - Theis Br�gger (Denmark)
- Daniel 6 - Kevin Fitzgerald (Ireland)
- Daniel 7 - David Guzik (Germany)
- Daniel 8 - Aaron Pratt (Finland)
- Daniel 9 - David Guzik (Germany)
- Daniel 10 - Kevin Fitzgerald (Ireland)
- Daniel 11-12 - Glen Nudd (Calgary, Canada)
As a result, our kids were not so clingy and needy and Lena and I were much more laid back about being together without being constantly aware of where our kids were. Good preparation, I'd say, for Caleb going to kindergarten later this month and Lena not needing miss my teaching every Sunday to help the children's ministry.
Overall, we were all really blessed with the Acts 2:42 environment "continuing steadfastly in the teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread and prayers". Below is a picture of Lena with a sister in Christ from Sweden whose last name is the same as Lena's Swedish grandmothers maiden name, could they be related?
Hey Guys,
ReplyDeleteNice to read your account from the conference. We were glad to meet you and your family and are hoping to to keep in contact with you. I was curious about your missions team the next couple weeks. What are your plans for that? Did you guys get home safe and sound? Can you send me your email address?
thanks,
dave Pischke