The Blessing of Watching Them Become...

Blessings come in all shapes and sizes. We spent this weekend with our sons, Trey and Trent in their apartment at Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama. Spending time with our boys always involves great conversations and lots of love and laughter. This weekend was no exception.

Trey recently landed a new job in Mobile with the German-based company, Thyssenkrupp. Trey's chosen language for his International Business degree is German. He's actually become quite functional in the language and spent last summer in Germany for an internship. We're not certain if his ability to use the language helped in him getting this job, but we're certain that God has plans for him in the future that will involve his ability to speak another language and we're grateful. Trey will be working in the finance area with this company. As best as my non-business mind can explain, he will be involved with financial projections concerning the products the company produces. It sounds really exciting and challenging to him. That's what's important, right?

On Saturday, Janet and I drove Trey to Mobile to begin the process of looking for housing. As Janet so aptly put it, this seemed scarier than leaving him at Auburn. This time he will be on his own, though in our hearts we know that he will never be alone. God has always been his guide and his protector. After all, this is the kid that spent a summer in the mountains of Nepal--having to hike one day up from the Capital City of Kathmandu to an airstrip where he would fly further up the mountain on a small, single engine plane, then hike another day, fording streams and rivers, encountering leaches, etc., before reaching the remote villages where he would live and work--only after his freshman year in college. What's Mobile, Alabama in comparison?

Still, I could only look on quietly at times as I watched and listened to my adult son ask intelligent questions and questions of the residential managers that mattered to him concerning the potential apartments he would rent. All that ran through me was, "Where has the time gone?" Only yesterday this was our sweet little boy holding our hand as he crossed the street. He kept us in stitches with the funny things that would come out of his mouth--things that we repeat to this day, such as his word for muffins. You might always call them muffins, but they'll always be "muffnose" to us. Or, the president at the time was Bill Clinton. To Trey, he was "President Clintident." At the end of the day, Trey had evaluated prices and locations and had determined on his own where he would spend his first days in Mobile. He has chosen the downtown area. If I were him, I would, too. The place has so much character, so much history, and resembles the French Quarter of New Orleans in so many ways. It was fun to watch Trey come to these conclusions on his own with us only acting as consultants, helping him think through some things. He needed us there with him as his parents, but in a different kind of parental role.

When do your children suddenly grow up and when do you finally realize it? I think this became a reality for me on Saturday. How proud I am of both of our sons. Yes, they might still need our help in making some decisions in life and yes, we sometimes wonder why they choose what they do, yet, when we stop and consider who they are, what they have become, and who is Lord over them, we can only stand in awe. We play a large role, but God plays a role that is continuing. Our sons belong to Him and they truly are His. Never was this so real as when we were standing, singing together on Sunday (Easter Sunday) at Trent's church in Auburn. Both of our boys' voices were raised as they expressed their worship and praise to the One who has become more than just the God of their parents, but their very lives. This, God worked on His own. He used us, yes, but the reality of Himself in their lives is the result of His marvelous work. I will never regret raising our boys in the knowledge of Christ. We are their parents, but just as naturally as it is and should be, He has taken the reigns of their lives and it is apparent that He is leading them in the way of His will. Sad? No, not at all. Nostalgic? Of course. Proud? Immensely--not because of what I have done, but because God gave us two beautiful sons that are His treasure given to us for a short time.

I think if Hannah taking young Daniel to the Temple once she knew he was ready. After all, she had committed his life to God and she knew that although he was God's precious gift to her, her son, in the end, belonged to God. As I stood and watched Trey interact with each person at each apartment division, I, too, realized, "Lord, he's yours. Thank you for sharing his life with us. You have blessed us immensely through the lives of our sons."

Going Home

My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. --John 14:2-3.

It's hard to say at times which side of the Atlantic my heart most resides. Of course, my heart is wherever my wife and sons are, but there are deep connections to this country called Latvia that still draw my heart to take up residence, if in spirit and wonderful memories only.

I want to finish out my blogging of my journey back to Latvia by sharing specifically about the last full day. If you're like me, you connect music with places and events. For some reason, the theme from "My Dog Skip" seems to capture the sweetness of our days spent in Latvia when our family lived there and my boys were growing up in that little white house on Drustu iela (street). I invite you to click on it and play it as you read this section in order to capture the moment and know something of my feelings as I traveled back to that house.

Bob Adams awoke early to meet his taxi at 5:00 a.m. and begin his journey back to the U.S. and his family. He would not be traveling back to New Orleans, but to Michigan to be with his eldest daughter, along with her family, and Bob's wife, Janice. He had experienced something in this journey that he knew he could not fully and adequately express to his wife and children, but nevertheless, he was ready to make his way home to be with him and be next to his daughter as she came home from the hospital. By the way, the cancer was contained and this was a great answer to prayer.

After Bob was gone, I began my day by walking back through Riga's old city just as I used to do when I lived there. I needed to let its history seep into me once more before I left. This trip had made a big impact on me. In some ways, it had been a difficult trip because of the ways I knew my friends there were hurting. The economic and political situation there has so devastated lives that even some of my friends speak of the necessity of leaving their homeland in order to find work and provide a future for their families. Then there is our dear friend, Austra, whom we refer to as our "Latvian grandmother" or "Vecmamina." Austra is the same age of my mother who passed away in 2001. Austra loves our family as if we were her own, and in turn, we love her as part of our family. I met Ausrtra for lunch at the old Laima (Latvian chocolate company) clock. This is traditionally the rendevous point for Latvians. We walked to one of the Lido restaurants noted for their wonderful Latvian food and as we walked, Austra began to share with me the weightiness of the Latvian plight from the perspective of a pensioner. Her great fear is that the government will no longer be able to pay her pension and she will have nothing. Her other great fear is one of historic proportion from those who suffered and endured 50 years of occupation under the Soviets. She fears that Latvia will once again become so vulnerable that they will fall into the hands of the Russian government. Who knows if either of these fears are well-founded, but I listened to her as she shared these things and my heart grew heavy.

We enjoyed our lunch together, then walked to the bus stop. I told her I would ride with her as far as Alganskalns, where she would get off to make her way home. I would ride on to the neighborhood where I had lived with my family. I wanted to visit some friends there. Austra kissed my cheek and held my face in her hands as she looked at me, told me she loved me as her own son, got off the bus and then stood next to my window and pressed her hand up next to the glass. I touched the glass where her hand rested as if to say, "You are always in our hearts." Suddenly, I realized again how strong these people are. Though they may express their concerns, it does not reflect the faith and strength with which they move and seize life. The bus rolled slowly down the road until I reached my stop. The words came over the speaker on the bus--ones I had heard so many times before, "Bruklenu iela." I got off and made my way down the street on foot as though it were still part of my daily routine.

As I turned the corner, off in the distance I could see the rooftop of our old house above the fence line. I walked there, not sure if I really wanted to see how it looked. The last few times I had visited it was still not sold, but sat abandoned and looking very forlorn. This time would not be much different. Word was that it had been sold, but there was still no sign of life there. The fence had been repaired, but the house looked empty and did not have the appearance of being cared for. The yard had been cleaned up, which was an improvement over the last time. That was good because it had been difficult to look at knowing how much time we had spent in making the yard a setting for our home.

I peered over the fence and suddenly all of the memories came rushing back to me--memories of two young boys climbing apple trees, swinging on that swing beneath one of those apple trees, playing catch with gloves and a baseball, building a clubhouse out of our old crates with their friend Andris, whom they affectionately called, "Arbuzs." I thought of a Miniature Schnauzer we called, "Heidi" running happily through the yard, while Janet would be working in her garden. I remembered the boys flying up and down the streets on their bikes, or building forts in the yard out of the snow. I thought of the amazing Christmases spent in that house, the love, and the laughter. I remembered caroling up and down these streets--something both strange and full of wonder to our Latvian neighbors. And I thought of quiet moments standing out in the snow at night in that yard, being able to see everything as though it were daylight because of the brightness of the white, reflecting from the earth's surface. There is nothing quite so incredible as the quietness of a thick blanket of snow.

What was I meant to receive from these moments of flashbacks? What message was God relaying to me as I stood replaying such a serene time of my life? I couldn't help but thank Him for this place, that time, my family, and a circle of rich friendships and relationships with the neighbors who lived around us and didn't seem to mind that we were Americans, but treated us more like family. Anna, who would hand me a bouquet of flowers from across the fence from out of her garden. They were meant to give to Janet, whom she knew would use them to grace our table as an expression of her love. Maris and Inara, who would come weekly to speak Latvian with us and let us practice and destroy their language. They never missed. We cherished this time with them each Tuesday evening. Ligita, who always met us with a warm smile and a cheerful greeting--so gracious and giving. Then there was Andris who never was lacking with a joke. Oh, how that kid could make me laugh. Our boys adored him and looked up to him like a big brother. Trey knew him as his best friend and the bond is strong between them to this day as they speak of one another from out of some very happy moments in their childhood.

You are gracious to me, oh God. How you have expressed Yourself through the lives of these and in this humble setting. How You have graced the lives of our sons and given them an upbringing that is filled with wonder. How you have extended Your love to us in richness that cannot be replaced. I admit--it's hard to go back and remember, not because the memories are painful, but because we never wanted that time in our lives to end. Nevertheless, You use moments like these to remind us that our lives are but a mere vapor and You have called us to the purpose of making You known so that one day we will stand before You in the place that You have prepared and that day will be a reality unlike any we have ever known. It will be filled with unending joy. Those whom we have loved will encircle our lives and we will never have to say, "goodbye" again.

I stepped onto the plane early the next morning not knowing what the future would hold--whether I would return again to my beloved Latvia. My plans are to return, but only God really knows. Nevertheless, I rest with the assurance that the future truly is in His hands and He has worked a marvelous and indelible mark onto our lives by His hand through such a wonderful people. It continues on today. They're hurting right now. They seem to need us more than ever. I yearn to be with them and yet God reminds me that His yearning is that I would come to His side, walk with Him, and talk to Him about them. He has it all in hand. He wishes to give them comfort and assurance even as He assures me that He will never turn loose of them, but is there as their constant companion and guide. He is God and anywhere He is . . . I am going home.

Days 6, 7 & 8--Mixtures

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. - Eph. 2:10

These have been eventful days back in the capital city. Bob and I checked into the guest rooms at the Baltic Pastoral Institute. They are more than comfortable--newly renovated. We got settled in and went to buy some groceries for breakfast the next morning in that we have a kitchen to prepare simple meals. Bob would begin the next morning teaching a group of men in the BPI. He was a little apprehensive, not knowing what to expect, realizing also that they did not know what to expect of him. He was also concerned about how he would handle everything being translated into the Latvian language. I sat in on a bit of Bob's first session and it was easy to see that he had both a good translator and that he was going to do great! Bob teaches from the heart and teaching about shepherding is his heart. What could be better? 

Bob was off and going and I had plans of my own. I was going to be meeting an old Latvian friend that I had not seen in years. I'm not exactly sure when we last visited. Aivis Ilsteris is his name. When I lived here, Aivis had a regular day when we would meet just to talk and pray. Sometimes that meant sitting in a coffee shop, sometimes it meant nice long walks through park areas and the streets of Riga, and sometimes it meant sitting in the living room of his flat. Our prayers were ernest as we prayed over each other's lives and ministries. My prayer for Aivis had been that God would send a godly woman into his life, for he had so much love to give. God answered this prayer, wonderfully. He brought Sarah into Aivis' life. She is from the UK here working with the Salvation Army. Aivis' ministry has always been through The Navigators. They have now been married nearly 10 years and have a beautiful 6-year-old son, Josh. 

Aivis came to BPI to meet me at 11:00 and we struck out just like we used to do. We walked into the old city of Riga and into the art deco district, just catching up with one another's lives, snapping pictures, telling stories, and doing a lot of laughing. At one point I turned to Aivis and said, "This has been such a joy. The true test of a friendship is that after many years we can just pick up where we left off as if no time had ever passed." We sat in a quaint little restaurant and Aivis shared with me a beautiful story about a man he and his wife had known and ministered to. He had been a poor "ragamuffin" as Aivis described him. He had struggled with alcoholism, but through the course his struggle and their ministry this man, Ivars, had come to know Christ in a profound and deep way. After the profession of his faith, Ivars lived a life of poverty, but a life of joy and that joy was exuberant. Ivars died this winter. Just a few weeks ago, in fact. Aivis relayed the day of his funeral. It had snowed the night before so there was fresh snow blanketing the cemetery and the sun was also shining. Aivis said that this was not a sad occasion, but a joyful one, just as Ivars had lived his last days and months. Aivis knew that Ivars was finally home where he belonged and where he wanted to be--in the arms of Jesus. I sat and listened to Aivis weave his story with tears in my eyes. Aivis is a gentle man with a deep, resonant, but peaceful voice and thick European accent as he speaks English. His godliness is pervasive in every aspect of his life and his speech--just as I had remembered. In this moment I realized deeply how I had missed my friend and these quiet exchanges of life and the love of Christ that permeated our friendship. What a sacred moment this was. 

Later that evening, me and Bob went to see "The King's Speech" at a local theater. It was in English with Latvian and Russian subtitles. On the walk there, Bob filled me in on his day only to relay that it had been a really good day and how impressed he was with Vesma, his translator. She didn't miss a beat, but kept pace with him so that it was almost as though there were no translator at all. That was great to hear. This meant Bob could teach with freedom and not feel hindered. Many of the students speak and understand English, but the translation is for the sake of those who don't. 

After the movie, which is great, by the way, we made our way back in the cold night air. When we got back to BPI, we grabbed a bit to eat and Bob checked his e-mail. He learned that his oldest daughter had been hospitalized with some sort of intestinal blockage. Bob was concerned, but took the news as well as could be expected. Later, he would learn that his wife, Janice, was planning to travel from South Louisiana to Michigan where their daughter and family live. The next day the news was not so good. They determined that the blockage was indeed a tumor and would have to be removed. With each time Bob checked e-mail he learned that the news had grown worse. The next would tell him that the tumor was cancerous. We worked at getting Bob a flight out of Riga for this coming Friday, but to no avail. Everything is booked and he wouldn't be able to get out until Sunday. With the expense of changing the ticket and knowing that he would be leaving early Monday morning, Bob had no choice but to resign himself to staying. I just began to pray that God would tell me what I needed to do to walk with my friend through this hard news. These are moments when we're reminded what missionaries go through when they are so far away from home. I remember when the e-mail came from my sister saying that it was time for me to come home because my mom was close to death. That's an entirely situation and there is much hope in this case, but Bob awaits the next word from his daughter's surgery--far across the Atlantic. 

Bob is torn. He longs to be with his family as they walk through this storm, and his heart is also here with these young men he has been teaching. It has been a great joy to him, and yesterday he looked at me from out of the quietness of his thoughts and said, "Monte, this place is in me." I knew exactly what he meant. He meant that the call he had once known to come here and work and was now being fulfilled, was right, and would be right for the future. That's good, because in the time we spent with Peteris Sprogis, the Latvian Baptist president yesterday, an invitation came for Bob not only to return and teach again, but to return and lead Latvian Baptist pastors in a conference. I was amazed at how God works.

At one point during the day, Vesma, Bob's translator stepped out of the classroom during a break time and saw me seated in the lounge area. She came and sat down, looked at me and exclaimed, "Thank you so much for bringing Bob to us!" I smiled. I knew what she meant. She went on to explain how she had been concerned in the beginning because they never know what they're going to get from American pastors. She said, "We usually get the 1, 2, 3's of how to be a successful pastor, but that's not what these men need. Bob, on the other hand, speaks from the Word, from his heart, and from the wisdom of his own experiences." I looked at her and said, "That's Bob. He will always speak from out of the grace and humility in his own life." I thanked Vesma for her work of translation, acknowledging that this was hard work to sit and translate all day long in a classroom. She said, "No, I have enjoyed it! I have learned so much from him." I was very pleased. Bob is a pastor's pastor. His highest call in life has been to pastor and shepherd his people. He understands the implications of this--not just preaching and teaching, but caring and nurturing his people, as well as casting vision. Bob speaks of the great sacredness of the call to be a pastor. For me, he has been a model pastor. I suspect that many of these men have not had a right model. They're getting one this week! 

In the meantime, I've been battling some kind of virus--a really bad cold or something to the effect. It really stinks, to put it bluntly. At times I've run a little bit of fever. Yesterday I stayed in for most of the day when I longed to be out and about Riga, visiting with friends and seeing familiar sights. Yesterday evening after Bob finished teaching I felt caged and was ready to get out. The sky was clear and you could tell it would be a cold evening, but I didn't care. We made our way to the old city and walked its cobble-stoned streets, walked past the cathedrals, and to a familiar little pancake shop I used to frequent--again, like old times. Later, we made our way into the Dome Square where so much history was made in the break-up of the Soviet Union. Latvia was one of the first of the republics to declare their independence from the Soviets in 1991. They barricaded themselves into that square, awaiting the Soviet army to arrive from Moscow. They were prepared to die for the cause, if need be. The armored forces arrived, but ultimately stood down with little violence. It's an awesome thing to stand in that square and realize that the undoing of one of the greatest forces in the world began right there.

It's another beautiful day outside. It's cold, but the skies are clear and sunny. Bob has begun his last sessions with his men. No doubt, he's feeling a mixture of feelings--a longing to continue on with these men, and a longing to be home. I know he would appreciate your prayers as he works through these next few days. God has not allowed this trip to be uneventful for us, nevertheless, He uses moments like these to cause us to learn something new about who He is as we experience Him in our lives. We walk with Him in trust and grace as He displays Himself to us as Hope, Peace, Love, Grace, Glory, and ministers to our lives through unassuming men and women from a far off land called, Latvia. No matter what the next several days hold it is rich to be here and we will look back on this journey with the fondness of the memory of how God worked in the lives of others and in our own. What a great God we serve. It is His work, "which He prepared in advance for us to do." 

Days 3, 4, & 5--Playing Catchup!

But Jesus came and touched them. "Get up," he said. "Don't be afraid." When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus. --Matt. 17:7-8

I've managed somehow to already get behind in recording the events of our Latvia journey. That's not a good thing because so much has happened in the time I took the break. Suffice it to say, the days were full and when I came in at the end of the day I was tired and wanted to fall into bed. Plus, I think I'm battling something viral, which hasn't helped--sneezing, coughing, stomach trouble, and a low-grade fever at times. Oh well, it hasn't stopped me.

On Friday morning my dear friends Arturs Kulpe and Pastor Martins Balodis drove some 3 to 3 1/2 hours from the City of Liepaja to pick us up in Riga and carry us back. Liepaja (Lee-a-pie-ya) is located on Latvia's west coast on the Baltic Sea. If you were to go straight across the sea to the west, you would be in Sweden.

It's hard to describe the love, admiration, and respect I have for Arturs and Martins. Both have the most generous spirit and are servants at heart. I've known Martins for several years--getting to know him while we lived in Latvia. Arturs (and his wife, Ieva) I've only come to know in the last two years and already they, like Martins and his wife, Ilze, are more like family than dear friends. That's the way of those who are bound together in Christ

Several years ago, as we were preparing to leave Latvia to return to the States, I had traveled to Liepaja several times to work with Martins. He continued to share with me his vision for reaching his city for Christ. When we had to leave, I felt as though I were abandoning him in that work, for I already felt committed to helping in whatever ways I could. I cried out to God to allow me to somehow be able to help in facilitating the vision He had given to Martins. God honored that request. Several years later I was back in Latvia on a vision trip--one I had not put together. One of the places we were traveling was to the City of Liepaja. I thought to myself at the time that if we were going to Liepaja I would really love to be able to see Martins. Little did I know that those who had put together the vision trip had made him their contact person in Liepaja. We drove into the city and he was waiting for us. We went to have lunch with him and Martins shared an even greater vision that I had known while here. I was amazed and greatly moved in that experience of hearing him share. I was suddenly made aware that God was making good on a prayer I had prayed several years before. He was throwing open the doors for me to become involved once again. I later wrote to Martins and said that I would be willing to help and facilitate in whatever ways God would allow. God has allowed, and I have been back to Latvia every year since. Sometimes I sense that my purpose in being there is for no other reason than just to encourage and cheer these believers on. They are up against many obstacles. I don't live in the world they do. But, I can come along side of them and remind them that they are truly "fighting the good fight," and God is using them in ways they may not even realize.

Last summer I returned with a team of youth and adults from my church to do VBS, sports camps, chronological Bible storying, and beach ministry. This spring my good friend Bob Adams has returned with me and while there, he led Martins and his set of new elders in a leadership retreat based on the Sermon on the Mount. Wow! It has been incredible. For one thing, it's been incredible watching the questions arise in the hearts and minds of these men as they struggle to own new truths that will facilitate their leading and ministering of God's people who are reaching out to this great community.

I have to say, my heart sank as I listened to the testimonies of things that are happening in Latvia during this time. Latvia has fallen into very troubled times, yet again. Their history has not been without trouble as a small nation surrounded by larger nations hungry for their land, warm water ports, and natural resources. But Latvia is in the middle of an economic depression, which is taking a great toll on its people. Though resilient in so many ways, many are finding that they do not have a future in their homeland, nor do their children, and they are leaving to other parts of Europe, and the UK. Martins said that the City of Liepaja has been reduced by as much as 20,000 people in the last two years. It took me a while to process all of this news. I felt the need to get alone and be still for a while as I contemplated a hard reality.

Later, on my last night in Liepaja, Arturs shared from his heart about the corruption in Latvia both in the government and in the business sector. He said that Latvia offers its people little of any real hope for good in the future because the mentality among so many here has become "every man for himself." It is as though they are on a sinking ship and some are diving into the life boats, taking them for themselves. He said that no one was thinking about the good of the nation, but rather the spoils they can take from it before it drowns. This news is heartbreaking!

Nevertheless, at the same time this is taking place, a spiritual renewal seems to be awakening in Latvia among Baptists and other denominations. There is a drive to take back what the enemy seems to determined to steal and destroy. While in Liepaja, we met a young couple named Marcis and Agnese Dejus. Can I just say that every part about their being just seemed filled with joy?! They left good professions in the City of Riga to move to one of the most difficult places in all of Latvia to start churches... and they LOVE it! Agnese beamed with delight as she stated that she loved her life! There really is no reason why they should be happy with where they are and what they are doing except that God has so filled their lives with the joy of His purposes and ministry. They unashamedly preach Christ and Him crucified. To be with them was to be caught up in their enthusiasm. What a great honor and privilege it was to share just a brief part of our time in Liepaja with them.

Then there was the Russian Baptist pastor, Serge. Again, a man with the zeal of Christ written across his face and his smile, as well as his cheerful laugh. He could only tell about how his church was a miracle in the 12 years it has existed. The Orthodox Church had forbid him to reach out to the Russian people in that area, yet, he would not be swayed. Consequently, many have come to know the Lord as Savior and the extent of his ministry grows wider with each passing year. All He could say was, "God is so good!"

Finally, on our last day in Liepaja--yesterday--Sunday--Bob had the opportunity to preach in Pastor Martins' pulpit, where he shared the simple, encouraging hope, that after Jesus had revealed to His disciples His intent to suffer and be crucified on the cross, plus telling them that they, too, would suffer and be put to death, He then took Peter, James, and John to the mountain where He was transfigured--displaying who He was from the inside out--a great light. These disciples witnessed Him in ALL of His glory. This came on the heels of having been told that they would suffer and be put to death! Perhaps they had felt that they were all defeated. Yet, here Christ displayed His true nature as God. Oh, what a timely message for these people in Latvia--not knowing what the future holds for them they were confronted with God's wonderful power. He is God and they KNOW Him. Beyond all of their fear and doubt lies the reality of the marvelous hope we have in Christ. Suddenly that fear and doubt is overshadowed with the grace of knowing the One who is control of everything. This is a hope we can live with! This is a hope our Latvian friends can share with those in their community who have no hope.

I had the opportunity to sing yesterday in the service. I want to share with you the words I shared with them in closing.

There is a name above all names;
let mine be lost in His.
Hide me in His crimson heart,
O, way of secret bliss!
One life alone is worth the find!
Nail mine onto the tree
till Jesus, ever shining here,
is all beheld in me.

Bring Him forth each day I live,
and leave me in the tomb.
I seek no other glory here,
make not the smallest room.
Blessed anonymity!
Count my life but loss.
Jesus, the One and Only,
tread over me, dear cross.

Jesus, the One and Only,
tread over me, dear cross.

How I pray God used us to encourage these great saints of the faith once again. They are not faint-hearted. We cannot begin to realize the persecution they have already suffered. They stand as His light in a dark world. We lift them before the Father and only ask that He use them in ways they cannot fathom for His Kingdom purposes. "Jesus, the One and Only, tread over me, dear cross."

Day 2--A New Day

"As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. Where can I go and meet with God?" - Psalm 42:1-2

I awoke this morning at 2:00 a.m. Let's just call it the curse of jet lag. I literally watched the sunrise over a beautiful skyline of the old city of Riga. I'll have to post some pictures now that I have my camera (my bag arrived yesterday evening). The view from my hotel window looks across the Daugava River to the notable, iconic display of spires--what an incredible city with 809 years of rich history.

Somehow I think God knew that I needed this time to be alone--to reflect, to hear Him speak to me, and to give me this symbolic view that embodies a nation I have come to love--and one to which He has called me to love and minister. Both Bob and his wife, Janice, suggested that this might be the reason why Bob was not on that original flight with me. Who knows? But, I do know that when God gets me alone He begins to speak in ways that I had not considered before.

I finally gave up the sleeping fight at about 6:30, decided to shower, and put back on the clothes that I'd worn since I started the journey, because my luggage had not yet arrived. Nevertheless, I had enough toiletries and things to get me going for this day. I went down and had an awesome breakfast. I should note that this hotel is where Janet and I used to come for special occasions, such as birthdays and anniversaries because she is fond of having breakfast out, and they serve a feast here. It was no different this time and in fact, it just caused me to walk down memory lane all the more. I only wished that she were here to experience it with me like in the past. What a special treat that was in those days. Note: it doesn't take much to humor us.

After breakfast I got my "stuff" together in my backpack and set out to explore the city as I had done so many times during the years we lived here. Only the ride was just across the bridge this time on the tram as opposed to a bus ride from the outskirts of the city that I so remember riding--almost daily.

As I crossed the river, I sort of felt my heart jump thinking about the routine I had always known living here. That is, to get off at the first stop and walk through the historic old city with its vibrant history heralding me as though it were singing a very detailed song. This place has so captured my imagination and I have never been able to get it out of my soul. Always--always I would get off at that same stop and walk through the old city, whether I was close or far from the place I had to be for any sort of meeting. I would just build in the time to do it. It never failed to lift me up and cause me to wonder. So, as the nostalgia set in, I made my way across the cobble-stoned streets of Riga, once again admiring the ornate art-deco of the buildings from days preceding the reformation up until now. It was cold, but if I hit pockets where the sunlight beamed through I could feel the warmth. It didn't bother me so much. It just served to invigorate my spirit all the more and carry me down memory lane to the times I had walked these streets in the winter.

Things in Riga really don't get going until almost 10:00. Latvians and Russians don't really seem to be early morning kinds of people--at least, not in the city. Nothing is open before 10, so it was me and a few people making their way to work. It wasn't until the crowds started to stir that I once again noticed something that had not really changed all that much--the haunting looks. I saw once again the emptiness in the eyes of those expressionless faces. These are people who long for, "pant for" God and perhaps don't even know it. My awareness took me back to the times I would walk the streets feeling overwhelmed with all the people--realizing I had a message to share, but could not possibly share it with every single one of these people in a personal way. So, I found myself then and again this time praying that God would bring someone into their lives of whom they would listen to and perhaps respond in yielding their lives to Him--the One for whom they so longed. Somehow, before, I had become so aware of God's presence and sovereignty in those moments that I truly believed He was saying to me, "Done!" It was as if that's all I needed to request for those I saw and prayed over as I passed each one. Maybe it wouldn't be me, but it would be someone who would deliver the good news to them in such a way that they could respond.

Yesterday, I walked so much through the city that I literally wore blisters on the bottom of my shoes. I remembered that the place to buy band-aids was not a place like you might think--something like a Wal-Greens, but at an Aptieka--a pharmacy--which is never mixed in with places where you can purchase other things, like toiletries. I went in and bought some band-aids, found a park bench, removed my shoes and socks (in the cold weather--that had to be a sight to these people who already think that Americans are strange), and felt almost instant relief. My exchange with the lady behind the counter in the pharmacy is another story for another time. But, I just gotta say, I love these people, and she was no exception! She made my day.

Oddly enough, the language that I'm always fearful that I've pretty much forgotten seems to creep back in at the times I need to use it and I surprise even myself at what's coming out of my mouth. The great thing is--people understand! I had a few moments like these yesterday morning--like with the lady at the pharmacy.

After buying some food to carry back to the hotel and snack on for lunch, I took a nap and later made my way back to the airport by buy bus to meet Bob Adams, who had missed our flight in Chicago--nearly 48 hours prior. I knew he would be travel weary. I also had high hopes that my bag might also be on that flight. Once at the airport, I ran into a familiar face--actually, someone who had been more like family to us during the time we had lived here than a friend. He was my son Trey's best friend who had lived a stone's throw from our house. He was at our house so much that he was more like a third son to us--"Arbuzs," or "Watermelon" was the nickname we had always called him. It's not like he looks like one or is shaped like one, but is just the nickname that one of our summer missionaries had given him and it stuck. His real name is Andris. I can't tell you how good it was to see him and hear him joke with me as he always did. Love that kid!

Bob's plane arrived on time, and as the doors would open and close separating those of us waiting from the arrivals in the baggage claim area, I could occasionally catch a glimpse of the people inside. I saw Bob enter with an almost lost look on his face. After a few moments he emerged. I was nearly standing directly in front of him, but it was obvious he was fatigued. I motioned and called his name and when he made the connection I saw an instant look of relief come over him. All of his luggage had arrived and for that I had prayed as well. I sent him off to exchange some money while I tried to find out information on my bag that I also prayed had come on this plane. Within five minutes I, too, emerged with a relieved look on my face. It was there! Bob and I got a taxi and off we went to our hotel to get him checked in.

After getting settled, I asked Bob if we were ready to eat, and he was. There's something about traveling that long that makes you famished when you arrive. So, we bundled up (it was cold!), took off to purchase transport cards, and hopped onto a tram to take us across the bridge and further into the city. I was amazed at all the things Bob was seeing and remembering from his two previous visits. He remembered every detail. But, the treasure was when he looked at me and said, "It's so good to be back. I'm deeply moved." I watched him wipe a few tears from his eyes. I thought to myself, "Here's someone who GETS it!" "Yes, Bob. I understand, completely," was my response. We got off the tram, walked through the park area and arrived at the Lido restaurant on Elizabetes iela (Elizabeth Street). Lido is a famous Latvian chain of restaurants with "comfort" Latvian food. Bob and I enjoyed the food and enjoyed one another's company as we talked about deeply meaningful things--like we have so many times before. There I sat, in a city, in a country, among a people who have left an indelible mark on me with a friend, pastor, and mentor who has walked me through some of the most meaningful and critical times and decisions of my life.

God, how you quench the longings of my soul. How you infuse me with your grace and your love, which is more than sufficient to meet my needs, my desires, and beyond my dreams. "You alone are my strength, my shield. In you alone may my spirit yield. You alone are my heart's desire and I long to worship you."

I'm at "home" in Latvia. A good day--indeed.

Day 1--Hard Start

The flight to Riga did not begin uneventful. I wondered yesterday morning when I was hearing reports about bad weather that would be moving into the Chicago area. I had my bags packed and ready to go Monday evening and was pretty much on target. I was dropped off at the airport at 2:30, anticipating a 4:30 flight to Chicago. While checking in, the agent looked at me and said, "You won't be leaving at 4:30, but more like 6:30." "Okay," I thought. "What's a couple of extra hours?" Try six! Six hours later I was finally on my way to Chicago!

Bob Adams and I had been texting, comparing the times we thought we might be leaving. His predicament looked worse than mine in that he texted saying that he would not get out of New Orleans until almost 9:00. I landed in Chicago with little more than an hour to get clear across Chicago O'Hare in order to catch my international flight to Copenhagen. I prayed that Bob might just get in a little early and make the flight. I managed to take the train/shuttle from one concourse to another and managed to make it to my seat on the plane with a few minutes to spare. Bob, on the other hand, didn't make it. I kept saying, "Lord, it wasn't supposed to happen like this." But, just as Bob had reminded me--He had known and was not surprised.

The SAS flight to Copenhagen was one of the best crossings of the "pond" I've had in a long time--mainly, because I slept! That rarely happens. But, for whatever reason, the plane was practically empty and there was lots of space to stretch out and get comfortable, which is usually not the case. I arrived in Copenhagen on time with time for mishaps, if they were going to happen before my next flight. They didn't.

On the Air Baltic flight over the Baltic Sea, the sky was clear and the sea below looked calm. Through the haze in the distance I could see the coastline of my beloved Latvia and felt a chill fun up and down my back. I never get tired of returning and the excitement runs through me with the floodgates of memories opening wide as I approach her shores. I love this place and these people! One of the first joys is being on the last leg of the journey and hearing the familiar Latvian language ring in my ears as I hear others conversing and as I hear announcements made by flight attendants and the pilots. It's always a feeling of satisfaction in knowing that I still understand a great deal of what's said.

Well, to top it all off, I got off the plane in Riga only to discover that my luggage had not arrived. It must not have made the transfer in Chicago. Fortunately, I brought enough to get me by for a couple of days. This has happened before. So, we'll take the next steps in faith as we start our time here in Latvia. This is God's journey. He's in charge. Bob is to be here by 5:30 tomorrow and we'll start this all over again. Pray for his safe arrival. Pray that all of our luggage arrives as well. Pray that we will begin this trip heeding the reminder that God is in control and we're to trust Him. Maybe He intended this all the time so that we would never get the sense that we were making something happen and feel satisfied in and of ourselves. He reminds us that belong to Him and we walk in trust of who He is in His plans and purposes--making Him known.

So, under the great influence of jet lag, I say, "Good night!"

Travel to Latvia

The 2011 trek to Latvia is about to begin. I will be joined by my long time friend and mentor in the faith, Bob Adams, pastor of First Baptist Church, Bogalusa, Louisiana. Bob and I will meet in Chicago, board a flight at about 11:00 p.m., and begin the longest part of the journey to Copenhagen, Denmark. From there we'll make our way to Riga, the capital city of Latvia. We will spend the first night in Riga then make our way to the Liepaja, a historic city on the Baltic Seacoast. There we will lead in a church leadership conference. Afterward, we will make our way back to Riga where Bob will be teaching at the Baltic Pastoral Institute, Latvian Baptist's church planting school. I plan to do some visiting with Latvian Baptist leadership and church planters to once again make myself familiar with what God is doing among Latvian Baptists and in the country from a spiritual standpoint. I also plan to do some writing. We want to return with a clear picture in order to determine future needs in helping to facilitate a church planting movement that has already begun in Latvia.

Please join us by praying for us in these ways:

1. Pray that God will speak through us clearly and that we will be able to be an encouragement to those who are seeking to make Him known among their people.

2. Pray that God will make the things we teach and share reproducible in a different culture from our own.

3. Pray that God will use us as His instruments in sharing His truth of redemption.

4. Pray that churches will be planted and God will be made known throughout this beautiful country and across Northern Europe.

5. Pray for our safety and health in travel to Latvia and while in Latvia.