Gospel News — Sep-Dec 2013

July 2013 Impressions of Latvia and Russia

Brother John & Sister Erica Galbraith of the Castle Hill, Australia, ecclesia visited Latvia and Russia in July, where brother John gave studies at the Moscow Bible School. Here is their report and news from the field there:

LATVIA

On our way to the Moscow Bible School we were able to spend a few days in Riga. Being the middle of summer the weather was actually warm (certainly not hot) and Riga looked at its beautiful best, hiding the fact that in winter temperatures may get down to minus 20 degrees C and those without heating may freeze to death.

We spent some time with Bro Duncan and Sis Cindy Heaster and their two delightful little children. Then on Sunday we were able to participate in the activities and break bread with over 70 brothers and sisters in the Ecclesial hall. As we went through the three readings and partook of the emblems we pray that all were encouraged as we were, as we considered the great things God has done for us in Jesus Christ. After the meeting we were able to help a little (very little) in providing hot soup to all who came. Many were Russians with no job and no social security entitlements and so struggle to feed themselves and find shelter. They greatly appreciate the nourishing

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soup Cindy and Duncan provide. On Sunday afternoon we drove to the beach on the Baltic Sea and were delighted to witness the baptism of ANDRE and his mother EMMA. Emma is very sick with advanced cancer and Andre's care and love for his mother is apparent to all and very touching to witness. They have both been regular attendees at Riga meetings for 2-3 years. We drove them home to their one room containing a double bed and all their possessions. There is power but not enough for winter heating, no hot water or bathroom and only a shared outside toilet. Surviving winter will be a problem so as Duncan said "We will have to monitor their situation". On Monday we tripped around beautiful Riga before lunch at Duncan and Cindy's place. Erica and Cindy then headed off to peel potatoes and prepare the soup for bible class attendees in the afternoon/ evening. We are not sure what is called evening here in June as it is only dark for about 4 hours in 24. After consideration of Matthew 8, over 60 enjoyed Erica's and Cindy's beautiful thick soup and I enjoyed communicating with the few brothers and sisters that spoke a little English. Our reaction to what we see here in Riga? We thank God for the spiritual and physical food that He is providing for the poor here in Riga and urge Him to send His Son back to bring in the time when all those who hunger and thirst for physical and spiritual food will be filled.