History of YWAM Latvia
In the late 1980’s, YWAM teams came to Latvia, which was still a part of the Soviet Union. In 1990 and 1991, the first Discipleship Training Schools took place on a part-time schedule. Maris and Judite Dzelzs helped organize these first DTS’s and were invited to YWAM Salem and Slavic Ministries in Oregon for further training in 1992. In 1993, a small team led by Maris returned to begin YWAM Latvia.
Under the direction of God, Maris traded his Russian car for a building in a small town named Valdemarpils. In 1995 it became YWAM Latvia’s first permanent facility. Later, as YWAM Latvia began to grow, teams working full time in Liepaja and Riga were established.
YWAM Valdemarpils
YWAM Valdemarpils is situated in an old manor house in a peaceful, scenic area near a beautiful lake and dense forests. Our team is focused on various training programs, in the areas of discipleship, studying the Bible and principles of counseling, camps, and events. We also are a mobilizer for missions, launching teams to all over Latvia and to the nations. We have a special focus on children and youth, through Kings Kids. And we use Ropes Course (team building), and NIKO wilderness camps for a different way to train. Our goal is to be a catalyst towards seeing the principles of the Kingdom of God come to reach individuals and impact society, in Latvia and outward to the nations of the world.