This morning Lily thanked God for friends, a safe place to live, and snow because we get to play in it. Caleb thanked God that we always have enough food, for our kittens and toys to play with. Lena and I thank God for our family, our baby boy that will be born at end of January, and the believers in Calvary Chapel Riga, Latvia. Most of all, I give thanks to God for the salvation we share through faith in Jesus Christ (2Thes 3:13).
And we thank God for your prayers and contributions have helped us to spread the gospel in Latvia for 3 and 1/2 years now. You have sent us to preach and already tens of thousands of Latvians and Russians have heard of who Jesus is, and how He died and rose again to save them. In the last 6 months, more than 25 people have believed and called upon the Lord for salvation. Let us rejoice that Christ is being preached in Latvia (Philippians 1:18) and that more than one sinner has repented (Luke 15:7), knowing that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his from death and will cover a multitude of sins (James 5:20) and as their faith is proven it will result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ (1Peter 1:7).
Your continued support is also helping us to plant a church in Riga, Latvia. At Calvary Latvia, we are making disciples of young men and women, children and adults, Latvians, Russians, Estonians, Americans and a German. On Sundays and Thursdays, believers are fed the word of God and are becoming healthy sheep. They getting equipped for ministry and are inviting more people. I thank Jesus Christ who has put me into ministry (1Tim 1:12) being confident that He who began a good work in us, is continuing to work through us, and He will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:6) By being generous and ready to share, you are storing up treasure in heaven, laying of a good foundation for the future (1Tim 6:19). You are making friends and disciples that will greet you and welcome you into everlasting habitations (Luke 16:9) in the presence of God's glory with great joy (Jude 1:24)! For what is our hope, or joy, or crown or rejoicing? Is it not even you [fellow believers], in the presence of our Lord Jesus at His coming? (1Thes 2:19)
So, in this season of thanksgiving, I hope you are as thankful as we are to be sustained and used by the Lord. And even though it's a sacrifice to be away from family for the holidays, we look forward to visiting next spring or summer (Lord willing). We endure all things for the sake of the elect that they too may obtain salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory (2Tim 2:10)!
May God bless you.
Brenten Powers
CalvaryLatvia.com
