Simple Lessons

We had been in Prague, Czech Republic, for five days at a special conference with colleagues, all of us having been on the field for around a year. Most of the people attending this conference had also been in orientation with us so it was a wonderful time of catching up and fellowship. Now it was time to return to Riga.

We were told that a shuttle van would be there to take us to the airport at 9:00. We were also told that it would be best if we were "at the curb" at that time for our pick up. There were four of our colleagues who were to take the same shuttle. Nate was anxious so we went out to the "curb" early while our friends waited in the hotel lobby for the shuttle to arrive.

We had only been standing there for a few minutes when one of our friends came out to tell us that there had been some sort of mix up and the shuttle would not be coming. I asked how would we get to the airport, and our friend said, "I don't know. The lady at the office just said the shuttle wasn't coming and she would work on how to get us to the airport."

As we went into the lobby God prompted me that this was a good teachable moment for Nate. We tell Nate all the time that we can stop and pray for anything. So when we were inside and Nate had gone to sit with his two "aunts" (our colleagues here are referred to as aunt and uncle to make it a little easier for the kids) I explained to Nate that the shuttle wasn't coming. I asked him what we should do. Nate said, "I don't know, what?" I replied, "I think you should pray to God and ask Him to send us a taxi or van to take us to the airport." Immediately, Nate folded his hands, bowed his head and said, "Dear God, could you please send us a taxi to take us to the airport. Amen." I thought, "This is good because whenever our ride to the airport comes we can thank God and Nate would see God answer his prayers."

Moments later I had one of those "Oh ye of little faith" moments. Within five minutes of Nate's prayer a taxi driver walked into the lobby, over to our group and said,"Pol Rid?" I looked somewhat in amazement and said, "Paul Reed?" "Yes", said the driver. "I take you to the airport." I looked over to my precious little son and said, "Nate, God sent us a taxi. What should we do now?" Nate bowed his head and said, "Thank you God for sending a taxi for us. Amen" Once again I was amazed and humbled by my son's believing faith.

Lauris Zukulis

In the southeastern part of Latvia there is a region called Latgale. This region has a long history of independence and was only incorporated into Latvia proper by a treaty in 1920. Some would say that Latgalian in a dialect of Latvian. Others would say that because Latgalian has its’ own standardized written form that it is a separate and distinct language. The Latgale region has a large ethnically Russian population especially in the city of Daugavpils, but most Latgalians would consider themselves to separate from this group as well. The region is strongly Catholic by confession and fiercely independent.

For many years, in fact, for generations both Latvian and Russian speaking Latvian Baptists have attempted to start evangelical Baptist churches in this region. None of these efforts have succeeded. The consensus of opinion has been that this is primarily due to the fact that all of these efforts have been attempted by non-Latgalians. In addition, none of these efforts have been attempted in the Latgalian language. This lack of church planting success in an area of such need has led to a long and passionate prayer effort. Now, in the 2009 class of BPI students, we believe God has begun to answer these prayers.

Lauris Zukulis is one of our 2009 students. He has come to faith out of a Catholic background. He is a gifted artist and is passionate about sharing the gospel. There are two other things that we are praising God for in bringing Lauris to study and prepare for ministry here at BPI. You see, Lauris is Latgalian and believes that God is calling him to start the first Baptist church in the Latgalian language!

Please pray with us as we train, equip and encourage Lauris to follow God’s call. Pray that Lauris would be strengthened in this pursuit and that God will provide the resources he needs to launch a church planting church in the Latgale Region!