Over the years YWAM Latvia has established a variety of ministries. We’re passionate about reaching out to people from all different walks of life, and every part of society – from reaching and discipling children to reaching out to families in need. Though they vary greatly in form, they all share one vision: to see God’s kingdom in all areas of society and reach out to the lost. Our ministries fall into various categories: equipping and discipleship, reaching out to those who aren’t yet following Jesus, and ministering to people in need, whether it be physical, spiritual or emotional. At our core is a heart for missions and the nations, but we also believe we are to be salt and light where we live, and to reach out to the lost and broken in Latvia. Here are a few of the outreach ministries that we are involved with.
Hosting Teams & Volunteers
Short term teams are an essential extension of our long term work, and enable us to go much broader and deeper. We focus on unreached villages and towns, as well as cities where our long term staff are located. Teams can be focused on a specific practical or outreach project, or serve in a variety of ways. It’s an amazing possibility to see what God does both in and through the teams as they reach families, do street evangelism, visit orphanages and bless local churches. We partner with many other churches and organizations to see teams placed in the best way possible. Come work with teams or send your teams here!
Mercy Ministry
From the beginning, YWAM Latvia has felt the call to reach out to the hurt and needy. We do this by reaching elderly people and families, supporting them with food or clothing, as well as emotional support and friendships. We see this often as the first step towards discipleship. We as a staff, DTS or other teams visit people at home blessing them with food bags and warm hugs.
Transitional Care
Helping youth thrive in society. We want to reach out to youth that is aging out of the orphanage/foster care system and help them build up a stable life in society. Research and experience have shown that a lot of these youth do not know how to live life once they’ve left the system. We see a lot of these guys end up in prison, girls becoming victims of human trafficking, many falling into addictions and some committing suicide. We want to see these youth thrive in society by teaching them life skills (laundry, budgeting money, cooking etc.), encouraging them to stay in school, teaching them what healthy relationships are, etc. We hope that they will get to know Jesus as their Savior through the things we teach them and by the examples of our lives. This ministry is in a pioneering stage and we are looking for people that are ready to see this ministry being established. Do you have a heart for youth and/or do you want to see this ministry happen in Latvia? You can either be involved by becoming a staff (after successful completion of a DTS) or by partnering with us financially. Please contact us to find out more information!
Children & Youth
God has opened many doors for us to reach children and youth, especially in the smaller villages in Latvia, where they come together in youth centers or libraries to spend their free time. We also have many connections with orphanages and crises centers where we, either as staff or DTS groups go and spend time with the kids. We have been going to the crises center every week, spending time with kids, doing things together (sports, making food together) and blessing them as much as we can of showing Gods love to them. During the summer we run camps for children that live close to the Training Center. The camps give a great opportunity to impact many lives. Often, ongoing relationships are born and most participants come back the following year for more!
Mobilization for Cross-Cultural Mission
We believe we are to see a wave of young people mobilized to life on mission, especially to our eastern neighbors. Over the years we have sent teams to Ukraine, Belarus, Estonia, Lithuania, Moldova, Georgia, Armenia, Albania, Russia and other nations in Europe. As well as Brazil, Egypt, and India.
Family Ministry
We desire to help families be renewed and build strong godly foundations. We are organizing events for couples, running family camps and meeting with people. he goal is to strengthen, disciple, and see healing, in order to build strong families. Follow us in Facebook and Instagram. For more information visit their website.