NEWS FROM LATVIA

We're delighted to report the baptisms of Brothers MISHA, VASYA, VIKTOR, NAURIS, MARIS, VALDIS and VALERIJ, and ; Sisters ALLA, LUDMIL A, ELENA, ELLA, LUDMILA and NATALYA. May God bless them in their journey to His Kingdom.

AIZKRAUKLE

I continue to be very touched by the Winter welfare parcels I am sent. Thank you so much. And also for the effort you make producing magazines and literature for those like me, so we feel connected with the rest of the body.

--Sis. Irena

LIEPAJA

Bro. Vladimir with his wife, son and daughter. They are all baptized and are all deaf. Note the bear skin on the wall.

After moving here I am pleased to say I found work, although it is shift work in a factory, and I have to travel at inconvenient hours there and back. But it is work and I can support the family. Our pipes froze and broke and we are still struggling with lack of water and needing to use a well. We so miss attending the meetings.

--Bro. Vladimir

PILTENE

Words are inadequate to express the joy I derive from going through the `Gospel News' magazine. May the God of peace and love guard and guide you so the Word of God might be preached to reach the farthest corner of the planet, across the seas to me in Latvia.

All of us have struggles. They may be related to age and other difficulties. There is burning pain in my ankle. The wound does not heal up; but I must be patient. Patience is a virtue that has to be learned. Sorrow works patience. God in His wisdom allows trouble to come our way to teach patience.

Heaven's choir came down to sing when Heaven's King was born to save. As the stars shone brightly on a quiet night long ago, love blanketed the world in the form of a tiny baby. Friends are flowers in the garden of life: this I send in loving friendship.

--Sis. Olga Goldmane