Journey to Riga 2

The conference which we were attending in Riga was called Mission Days and was organised by Bridge Builders International. This is an organisation begun by a Latvian American, Charles David Kelley. Chuck, as he is called by all who know him here, was brought up in the USA. His grandfather was a Latvian who had fled the country with his family towards the end of the second World War, eventually reaching America. Chuck himself was born in the US, and pastored baptist churches in Corvallis for twenty years before giving himself to the vision of building bridges for the gospel to and from Latvia.
(A fuller account can be found in “Surprised By The Father’s Plan” by Charles David Kelley with Kristen Zetzsche)

Whilst I can be suspicious of well meaning Americans forcing their ideas and vision on some of the former Communist countries, it is apparent that Chuck’s heart is to serve, and his work is well respected by those who lead the churches in Latvia. The conference brought in 250 people, mainly from the Lutheran, the Baptist and the Pentecostal churches in the land. The IFES student movement was also involved, as were YWAM and some other societies.
Our plane was delayed somewhat, so when we arrived the conference had already begun. The conference took place in one of the largest church buildings, The Salvation Temple of the Riga Mission Baptist Church. This is an imposing building with a large main hall, a refectory, and many other rooms. Chuck’s grandfather had been married in this church before he was forced to flee the country. During Communist times the building had been taken over by the government, but it was returned to the church after the fall of the Soviet Union. In the first meeting, which we missed, the Lutheran archbishop, an evangelical pastor, had welcomed everyone. We arrived in time for food and an introduction to some of those involved in the conference.
The conference was held in the Baptist building, was chaired by a Pentecostal pastor, and involved people from a cariety of church denominations. Lindsay Brown (Seen in the photo in full flow) was asked to give five talks on the Challenge of Mission. Another brother, Wally Schoon, who had run a Capernwray Centre in Switzerland for many years, led the morning devotions. Both speakers were competently translated by Kristina Ecis one of the leaders of YWAM in Latvia. The singing was led by Valdis Indrisonoks, one of Latvia’s rock stars who is a Christian.
There were seminars on various subjects, and Lindsay and I were asked to contribute to one for leaders. The subject discussed here was recognising God’s voice and call. It became apparent that this is a bone of contention among Christians with people taking their lead from dreams and “words from the Lord”. Our words of caution were to use the Bible as the only true authority, alongside using our wisdom and the advice of respected Christians within the church.
Lindsay’s talks were:
1) Why Bother with Mission – based on Psalm 96:1-10
2) Applying the Teachings of Scripture to Every part of Society – from Mathew 5:13 – 16
3) An Example of how they preached the Gospel in the New Testament – Acts 17:16 – 34
4) The Christian Witness of the Early Church – 1 Peter 1:1-8
5) How can we serve joyfully for 50 years – 2 Timothy 2

Lindsay’s expositions were faithful to Scripture, rich in principles which could be practically applied, and full of illustrations from the mission fields around the world. It was encouraging to see these young people responding to the solid Bible teaching, and considering how to work it out in their own witness.