Prayer Alert

Here is a prayer newsletter sent out officially from my office.  If you think about praying for us, would you also add this personal request?  I am very concerned about being able to clearly and effective communicate these most important matters to the candidates, mostly via translation.  I know I’ve said it before, but next weekend is probably the most significant thing I will have done yet in Latvia and while the future of Latvia does not lay in my hands, I have a vital role in helping people to understand the commitment they are making and the demands of being in the training program.  So, please pray that my words would be clear and that the translators would be extraordinarily gifted to communicate the heart of the matter.

Now the official prayer concerns:

The Training and Education Office exists to support the Latvia Region in the area of Leadership Development and Multiplication by providing training opportunities in three key areas:
1.) Develop Existing Leaders  
2.) Raise Up Local Leadership in Corps/Institutions
3.) Raise Up New Officers
Will you support us by praying for the following important matters related specifically to Raising up New Officers in Latvia :

• Assessment Conference, 7-9 October, 2005 where prospective candidates for officership, both cadets and lieutenants, will join together for interviews and discussion about God’s calling on their lives and the process for becoming an officer.


• 12 prospective candidates for officership as they complete the application process and prepare themselves for training to become Salvation Army officers in Latvia.  Praise God that they have responded willingly.  Pray that they will continue to be obedient to God’s voice.


• Latvian Candidates’ Board as they review the candidates’ applications and give recommendations as to their acceptance for training.


• The training program which is being created by Evie Diaz, Training Officer and a working committee.  The main outlines of the plan have been sent to THQ for review and approval. The remaining details need to be developed in the next few weeks.  Pray that all of these plans would become the tool for training effective officers for the future work of The Salvation Army in Latvia.


• The start of the Training Program for cadets and lieutenants is scheduled for January 9, 2006.  Additional instructors, translators and resources are still needed.


• Other soldiers of The Salvation Army in Latvia who have not yet responded to God’s call to give themselves for full time service as an officer.  The time is quickly passing for the opportunity to join the training program in January, 2006.  If you are one of these people, you should contact your corps leader or Evie Diaz before the Assessment Conference begins, 7 October.

Learning Latvian

The Latvian language belongs to the Baltic group of the Indo-European family of languages. Its closest and only living relative is Lithuanian (Latvian is a non-Slavic and a non-Germanic language). Latvian has inherited a lot from the Indo-European proto-dialects, and as well as Lithuanian, it has preserved a lot of archaic features in its sound system and grammar. Typologically Latvian is a fissional, inflectional language. Latvian nouns have 7 cases, verbs may inflect for tense, mood, voice and person. There is also a rich system of derivational affixes. The order of clause constituents is relatively free. The majority of speakers distinguish between two tones or intonations in long syllables. Latvian stresses the first syllable of each word and vowel length may occur in an unstressed syllable.

maza grupa

What do you do?

What do you do when 8 young women show up filled with energy, chatter, are very hungry and don’t want to leave? Let them in and enjoy the time. My small group started officially tonight and they are going to be a handful, a blessing but a handful. They love to talk - often all at once and in English and Latvian together. They love to eat – whatever I put out is gone when they are. They love Jesus – that’s the blessing of being with them. We are studying “Witnessing 101” and already have a list of several family members and friends who need to hear about Jesus. It’s so exciting to think about what God is going to do through these girls, as they learn more about sharing their faith and we pray together weekly for specific people. The corps is doing once a month outreach Sundays and that fits perfectly with our study. There is something specific to invite their ‘lost’ ones to. I’m thinking about having a pizza party after church on one of those Sundays which they can bring their guests to, too. I think you will often read about this group and I would be grateful for your prayer support. I’m including pictures of some of them from last week’s girls’ night. Still trying to find a good name for us, any suggestions are welcome.

Kristin Caddy just told me about the Xanga blogsite for The Salvation Army at home. I checked out lots of the bloggers and was overwhelmed by their unashamed passion for Jesus. They are mostly young people and I’m not sure the older generation realizes the powerful movement that is happening among the youth in the Army. If anyone feels hopeless about the future of the Church and specifically, The Salvation Army, talk to a teen or college student. I’m sure they can tell you about all the amazing things happening among them. No, they aren’t perfect and beware, they will want to change things. The Army will not look the same when they are in charge. But, they are committed to who we are at our Roots and who we are supposed to be as part of the Kingdom on earth. They are excited about being Christians and believe it or not, about being Salvationists. I can’t wait to see what happens next!

Currently reading: Red Moon Rising, the Story of 24-7 Prayer. I’m reading it because the Army in Latvia is known for our powerful prayer life. We have our regional mission and prayer conference at the end of October and so, this is my personal preparation for that event. I expect you will be reading lots of quotes in the next few weeks. Here are a few: We need an army to arise because the poor and the oppressed are crying out to God for urgent intercession and some ray of hope.
There is no other place where the heart should be so free as before the mercy seat.
He loves us too much and has called us to too much to allow us to settle for less than full spiritual health.

Awesome God

How can I explain what an amazing answer to prayer I had today? I've been frozen in my brain over putting the curriculum schedule and calendar together for the Latvian training program. I look at all of the lists and information I have and go blank. In one of those inspired (really) moments, I decided to ask Zoe to help. She agreed and immediately put her teacher brain to the task. We sat down tonight and in less than 2 hours created the calendar for the first 6 months of the training program. God is awesome!

Girls, girls and more girls

Pestišanas Armija doesn’t attract a lot of men, especially young and sober ones. We have so many beautiful, smart and mature young women. Sometimes I wonder if they are too smart and confident. Not that that is a bad thing, but it might scare away the guys. Anyway, it is definitely a prayer concern for the future of the Church in Latvia. I don’t know if it is quite the same in the other churches, but from the lifestyle of most of the young men I see on the street, I would say Christianity is not having much of an impact on their way of life. On the positive side, we have loads of beautiful, smart and mature (or maturing) young girls and women. They are eager to learn and get involved. They also like to have fun. Friday evening Liz put together a regional girls’ night, with all those girlie kinds of activities like manicures, facials, hair styling and food and movies. Nearly 50 girls came and they did have fun! I have to admit I only stayed for about an hour, enough time to do a short Bible study and take some pictures.

I've been reading through some blogs linked to other Salvation Army blogs and my first reaction was "Hmm, maybe I don't have so much to say." Most of them seem to raise controversial issues, challenge some tradition or at least be much edgier than I am. I'm just trying to record a little of my daily life for my friends and whoever else lands here. And while I do 'have issues', maybe I'm at a stage in my life where they don't seem quite so vital. I wonder if I've gotten too content in a lazy way or if it's a good content, as Paul describes? Maybe it's a combination. Latvia has certainly caused me to take a look at traditions and the Army way. But, instead of me challenging the Army to change, I think the Lord has been challenging me to change. I still believe as I said earlier in my short blogging life, we need people to speak up and be controversial to keep the rest of us thinking and evaluating what is good about us and needs to be maintained and what is only kept for the sake of tradition and should be put aside for the sake of the Kingdom. My prayer is that I will listen to those who are calling us to take a look at who we are and that I will be discerning and obedient to the Spirit. Wow, from manicures to discernment in one posting...

Prayer for Poland

My prayer for The Salvation Army in Poland as the work is officially opened there this weekend: "Lord, you have already done amazing things through your team there. I pray that this weekend they will feel affirmed and encouraged and especially, certain that You are at work and want to continue Your movement in Poland. I pray especially for Vibeke, that You would give her vision and wisdom as she leads the team. I pray that you will protect her from temptation and discouragement. I pray that her relationship with Dick and her children will remain healthy and strong as she goes back and forth between Poland and France. I pray for Herve and the rest of the team, that they too will experience Your protection for themselves and their families. I pray that You will continue to show them Your purposes for The Salvation Army and their part in Your plan. I pray especially for this weekend. Send people to help them build Your kingdom - workers, visionaries, pray-ers, translators - all of the body parts necessary to keep Your kingdom growing and strong. I pray especially for the new Captains who will lead the work daily - send them support and friendship, help for their practical needs, emotional support for their transition into a new country and ministy and especially surround them with Your spirit and love them today. Thank you because You do all things well and You will do this, not for their sake or for mine but for the sake of Your Kingdom."

Please pray for this important weekend and the continuing work in Poland.

Psalm 16 revisited

from late November, 2004 - my version of Psalm 16

Keep me in You, for only in You am I secure and at peace.
I rejoicein Your saints here - Arija, Tanya, Regina, and so many more and younger!
You are my everything - past, present and future.
You have taken me to good, right places and given me amazing 'history'.
You are blessed because You are wise and so You bless me with Your guidance.
My eyes will look to You first and always,
because I cannot function any other way.
Only then is my heart joy-filled and content and my spirt peace-filled.
I do trust You because You will never leave me.
Your presence will always show me the way
And give me life, joy and adventure!

Simple pleasures

I’m a simple person! I’ve been in Stockholm for a couple of days (she says casually…) and am amused by the things that have brought me pleasure. I was in a grocery store last night wondering around and came upon Zataran’s Rice mixes. They were one of my favorite additions to any Mexican meal and I haven’t even thought about them since leaving the States. But, I was so happy to see them – I bought 2 boxes and already have a plan to fix a dinner for friends. Then today while I was in the very long line at the airport I started talking with the woman behind me who is from Chicago and we had a simple, comfortable conversation about life while waiting. She said as I went my way “Our conversation has made the time go much quicker.” I said I’m simple. But, here’s the surprise simple pleasure. I’m sitting at the gate waiting and a plane has just arrived from Riga. After hearing so many Swedes, I realized that it was comforting and ‘normal’ to hear Latvian. And I subconsciously began thinking in Latvian (OK, limited but still) because there was a loud noise and my first thought was not “what is that” but “Kas tas ir”? Forši! (Cool!)

About my days in Stockholm, I’ll work backwards. Yesterday afternoon I shared our training proposal with the staff at the college here. While they are very interested and supportive, I ended that time realizing again that I’m really on my own. But, they did affirm the work we have done and were very encouraging about that plan. I needed that. I spent the morning teaching the cadets and Bible school students about worship. It was fun and they were very responsive, in spite of some language hindrances. For instance, I used “worship” to describe a way of life and a specific event and as an action word. It was very confusing for them, because there isn’t a comparable word in Swedish. But, they let me know and I think that the conversation and thought process that followed was good for them and me. I need to be clearer and more careful. When I arrived on Wednesday, Johanna met me and took me to her home for dinner. We had such a nice time and again I felt a real connection between she and Anders and me, which is such a blessing. It was a quick dinner but I’m glad we managed to fit it in. And the food was great!

Sometimes I'm slow

Why do I fret and fuss about things for no reason? I've been complaining about going to Sweden to teach a day of classes on Worship. I love this subject and I love teaching, but I've been whiny anyway. So, today when I sit down to put it together I find I'm energized and excited about the day. Why does it take me so long?

Besides teaching, I'll also get to spend some time with Johanna. That will be special I know. So, now I'm looking forward to the trip. No more whining! I promise!

Here comes the mystery

I finished Out of the Question… last night. You know I love Leonard Sweet’s writing, but I had a ‘stupid’ moment while reading. Here’s what he writes:

The science of chaos and nonequilibrium physics is based on embracing uncertainty and unpredictability while knowing that underlying everything is a fundamental interconnectedness, purposefulness, and endless possibilities. Superstring theory hypothesizes the existence of multiple dimensions of existence far beyond our local space-time continuum.

WHAT??!! I actually wrote on the sidebar “you have got to be kidding!” I have no idea what he is talking about and I’m sure it’s not his problem! Anyway, chalk that up to one of the mysteries of life for me. I love the way he ends the book:

Truth is found as we get lost in the mystery of faith. You can maintain your bearings while getting lost…if Jesus is leading the way. There is a time to leave words behind for a walkabout with Jesus of listening and seeing and adoring a world rimmed with sunsets but brimming with sunrises. As Henry Ward Beecher, one of the great preachers of the nineteenth century, drew his last breath, he uttered his final words:

“Here comes the Mystery…”

Random Thoughts

Here are a few things I’ve been considering recently –

Words - A few days ago a journalist for The Salvation Army’s Swedish magazine told me he liked my writing style because it was ‘simple.’ I know he meant that as a compliment and I took it that way. But, afterward I started thinking about what that meant. I’ve always tried to improve my vocabulary and I know I have a ‘folksy’ style but still I like to write with descriptive words and variety. But, since I’ve come to Latvia, I have had to simplify my style. I can’t be too descriptive or use uncommon words because either I’m being translated or the person I’m talking with isn’t a first language English speaker (weird phrase.) I also am a parenthetical writer and speaker as you can tell from my blog writing. That’s why I like Paul’s writings – he is the same way and I understand it. I don’t always agree, but I get it. Anyway, sometimes I feel like I’m forgetting how to speak intelligently and with any depth. But, once in a while I know the Spirit does intervene and I’m able to have real, intimate conversations. And in all of this, I hope I’m learning to communicate more clearly so that wherever I am and whoever I’m talking with will really be able to hear and understand. That will be a valuable lesson from Latvia.

Asterisks – Eric has a blog named ‘Asterisks’ and I’m intrigued by that idea. I didn’t really begin to think about it until I was in the UK to observe a conference. In the program, my presence was indicated by an asterisk. Every time I was to sit in on an interview or group project there was an asterisk next to the delegate’s name. You can imagine their concern when the * was first noticed and there was no explanation provided. So, I became the asterisk for the weekend. Did that mean I was significant or not to be noticed? I wonder. When I put * next to something in my Bible somewhere else on that page you will find my thoughts on the text or a quote from a speaker I’ve heard. It’s something to be remembered and maybe to ponder on later. It’s important at the time, but is it really significant – does it become a life changing sign? Not usually. Hmmm…

www.asterisklog.com


Hospitality – My flat is unusually large for Latvia and especially for a single person. I’m very grateful for its comfort and space. I do feel at home here. But, I have begun to think that it’s important to share this blessing. Last year my small group met here and it was fun. I’m trying to make it more available and accessible for people to stop by and have a cup of tea or just to say hello and talk for a few minutes. And I’m trying to make myself more available for conversations and sharing. This week feels like a successful one in that area. My small group came and I could hardly get them to leave. On Friday, Veronika, Dana and Marina came over for dinner and we had so much fun. They even were gracious enough to look at all of my photo albums (bless them!) Today I had a nice lunch with Guna at a new (for us) restaurant and we sat for a long time talking. Then a few minutes later Linda and Erika called to say they were coming over and spent quite a while talking, listening to music and enjoying a quiet Sunday afternoon together. I feel very blessed.

Unpredictable Mystery

I know I just posted something, but I can’t wait to share these thoughts from Leonard Sweet (I’m almost done with the book, finally!)
     
     “The Bible delivers a warning sign on every page, saying, “Beware all who enter.  You can never be the same again.”
     “If you haven’t gotten lost in some mystery today, it hasn’t been much of a day.”
     “How unpredictable is your life?  How open is your life and your church to alternate realities?”

(Evie’s comment – not ‘new age’ alternative stuff, but a new perspective and unexpected paths…sounds like fun to me!)

     

A day of Grace

Some days start out feeling like disasters and then grace comes along. Today was one of those. I went to prayers and just felt grouchy about the whole day – mostly because I was overwhelmed and didn’t know what to do about it. Instead of attacking everyone I went home for a few minutes to calm down and pray. It wasn’t helping or I wasn’t letting myself settle down. I had a meeting all morning and it didn’t help, so I headed for home hoping to get some work done and thinking maybe that would help. I did get a lot done and I felt energy coming that I didn’t know I had. Then I had a really nice conversation with Dace, my neighbor and along come her roommate, Evita who I needed to talk to. So, along with good conversation, I could check something off of my list. Then Sarah stopped by and we had a great talk about all kinds of things. It was what I needed. By the end of the day, I felt like God had given me lots of grace moments, even more than I’ve written here, and He had been faithful to my morning prayer of desperation.

Small group conversations

I just had the nicest evening with my small group. I think we need to come up with a more original name but otherwise I love everything about this group. Tonight was our first meeting for this season. There are a few changes which will make the dynamics of the group very different. Our strongest girls (sisters) will probably not be part of the group – one has moved to the USA to go to school and the other just got accepted as a flight attendant with Air Baltic. She may come once in a while, but her schedule will be crazy. We’ve added two girls – Aija, a brand new Christian who is eager to get very involved and so joined the group to be part of the Sunday School teaching team. I’m not sure she knew that our study and fellowship group was part of it. Anyway, she is a joy to watch as she grows in her faith and will be a nice addition. The other, Vika, is a new girl to our corps who has been looking for a place to worship and serve. She is young but vocal and definitely growing in her relationship with the Lord. There are 4 more who will be returning and they are all delightful, fun and eager to learn and be together. It will be a good year.

We spent the last hour or so (they stayed late) talking about the overwhelming use of tobacco, drugs and alcohol in the public schools and in Latvia, in general. They have very strong feelings against the use of any of these things and have taken a stand with their friends and peers. They talked more tonight about their own life and the choices they have made to be pure and true to their beliefs than they ever did last year. I am very proud of them but also feel a sort of desperate need to pray for their protection from this crazy world. And I am convinced they need to be teaching the Sunday School kids because they will give them good guidance and training.

The fun part was our interaction with language! They all want to practice English and I want to learn Latvian. Sometimes our conversations get pretty crazy but it’s so much fun. They are doing much better than I in improving their skills. But, they are patient and do want to help me. I am so grateful that the Lord has put this little extra blessing into my life in Latvia.

Worship and a wedding

Today was a wonderful day at Riga 1 corps. One of the families who are attached to the corps through Patverums (day center for kids) asked Sarah, corps leader, if they could renew their wedding vows at the corps. They’ve been married for years legally, but never had a church (blessed) wedding. Sarah decided to incorporate it into worship today. Everyone was so excited. The mom is special, needing lots of attention, but obviously very loving toward her family. So, we weren’t really sure how it all would work but knew it would be fun. They showed up early all dressed in their best and Leonita even wore white. Sarah did a great job with the ceremony and they were beaming like newlyweds. The kids were so proud, too. It was very meaningful and the spiritual significance was clear to them and to the congregation.

I got to be part of the worship team today. I feel like they are just being nice when they ask because they know I love to sing, but its fun anyway. And I’m feeling pretty confident about singing in Latvian. Today I actually felt like I was worshipping with some understanding of what I was singing. And I love being able to watch others worship – seeing how they respond to certain themes and how the Spirit moves through the congregation. I was especially moved when we sang ‘Nebaidisos, tu esi Dievs’ which means “I will not fear, You are God” (or something like that.) Alina, one of the girls in my group is leaving tomorrow for a year in America at a mission school. Of course, she is worried about things and she leaves her fiancé here, too. I have to admit, I’m a little concerned, too. As we were singing I was overwhelmed by the sense of that song being just for her and her family. There are so many more stories about people who need that assurance, including me. I found great comfort in those words today.

Picture: Alina, Evie and Olesja (sisters)







Add to this day, another lovely day, yesterday. Zoe, Graeme and Sian invited me to go sightseeing in Lielvarde, a nice little Latvian town. We had a really nice time wondering around a sculpture park and an old wooden castle. It wasn’t the most fabulous tourist spot, but it was nice to spend time together and to be out in the fresh air. Sian is getting to be pretty funny and very expressive. My favorite moment was when I went walking away from them and she yelled, “Evie, wait” and came after me. Nothing special, just a good moment. And I thank God for those moments.


Picture: Zoe and Sian at the castle

Renewed and Exhausted

I am so tired! I feel like I haven't had a chance to process (not sure I like that word) one thing and the next significant something has started. This is a good tired though, because what's happening is great and I feel like I'm headed toward a really important place - both for me and for our work in Latvia. Here's what the last few weeks have been like:

Vacation in Sweden - I spent 5 beautiful days touring around Sweden with my friend, Birgitta. She gave me such a gift by driving me around and walking all over the place, even to places she had seen before. We had lots of talks about life, history and the future - some pretty intense but all helpful. We also laughed much and ate lots of good food. One of my favorite parts of those days was having lunch every day outside, often near the water. They were restful and renewing days. In the midst of the historical tour of Sweden I got to spend an evening with Johanna and Andres who are young and contagiously enthusiastic about being part of Kingdom work in Sweden. They also patiently listened to my stories about Latvia and about Steve and Ketsia in Haiti. Being with them reminded me again of how much I love working with and being in the presence of young(er) adults. People who are discovering God's way in their lives and look at life from a different angle. Personal renewal came through seeing the beauty of God's creation and, although it wasn't always easy, getting a different perspective from Birgitta about life here.

Alpha in Latvia - I returned to hurriedly get ready for the first Alpha training conference in Latvia, which Pestisanas Armija was hosting and I was managing. We had wonderful and energetic guests from Denmark who were such fun and also a nice retired couple from the UK who shared their passion for Alpha. While it was a lot of work, it was a joy, too. We had fun, got inspired and enjoyed each other's company. For me, the greatest joy was spending time with pastors from other denominations. I have been in Salvation Army isolation since being here and it was like a breath of fresh air to sit at meals with a Catholic priest or a Lutheran lay minister and share in our common purpose. This was a landmark event in so many ways, but mostly we all felt that God was and is trying to do something exciting in Latvia through our meeting together. It may be Alpha or it may be the ecumenical experience, but there is no doubt that God did wonderful things and opened our eyes to new possibilities.

Assessment Conference in the UK - Two days later I was on my way to London to join their Candidate Assessment Conference as an observer. We need a process for reviewing and accepting Candidates for officer training and I was there to steal what I could! I love London!!!! So, it was no hardship to make this trip. And I love my friends, Steve and Morag who live there. We spent one day together before the conference started walking around London, seeing the new IHQ and mostly, talking as fast as we could about everything since we haven't seen each other for over a year. For me, one day in London is almost painful, because it just makes me want to come back and spend a week! So, maybe I will. On to the assessment conference...it's an intensive time of interviews and projects and review. I sat in on several different things, but mostly had to keep my mouth shut (you can imagine how hard that was.) Fortunately, there were some free moments and meal times when I could have lovely conversations with some of the candidates and team. I've already said how inspired I am by youthful people, so once again I found myself enchanted by several younger adults who were lively and even seemed to be interested in my story! One of my favorite people was a not so young woman who lives by the sea and has a peaceful and encouraging manner. I could have sat and talked with her for hours. Maybe a visit to the sea will have to be on my holiday agenda. Another joy was getting to know the assessment team, who accepted me into their fellowship right away. It's one of the characteristics of the Salvation Army that I love - you can be at home anywhere when you are with other Salvationists. The conference gave me plenty to think about and will be a great starting point for what we do here.

But, as often happens, the Lord also had something for me. First, I took a little personality survey that each of the delegates took. It is computerized and spit out my results saying "YOU ARE IN TRANSITION"!!!! It then went on to describe how crazy I have been feeling this year. I wasn't surprised - it's not magic. I gave it these answers and knew that by the nature of the survey I would show up this way. Anyway, I had a bit of quiet time and decided to read. I also needed to prepare my testimony for one of the sessions. In the midst of that time, the Lord clearly told me that I have been struggling too much, trying to work out every question, every hard thing, every uncertainty with my own answers. Instead, He wants me to enjoy the questions (ala Leonard Sweet) and most importantly, enjoy the journey. He'll take care of the rest. That is so freeing for me. Now, I need to put it into practice and see what God has for me tomorrow! And now you know why I'm so tired!