Over the years YWAM Latvia has established a variety of ministries. 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 ministry falls 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 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.
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!
Team Hosting & Mission Adventures
We love to host short-term outreach teams and over the years we have been hosting many of them. 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. 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.
Mission of Hope Latvia
This charity project is led by Hans Storm (together with Jaap Derks), a Dutchman who received the blessing of Ans and Tjebbo van den Eijkhof who led the Latvia Outreaches in the past. Tjebbo recently, to our great sadness, passed away. This outreach is a continuation of what Tjebbo and Ans started. For Hans, it is a privilege and honour to be able to continue this. He has experienced and co-organized many outreaches in Latvia and the Netherlands. For now, there is a wonderful team, a mix of Dutch, Belgian, and Latvian people who prepare for this outreach.
This August a new outreach will be organized in Kārsava, a town in the east of Latvia. We hope 100 to 150 enthusiastic people to join in the great event.