YOUTH WITH A MISSION LATVIA

MARIS DZELZS
Email: marisdz@aol.com

Our primary purpose is to act as a catalyst in a collaborative effort to systematically evangelize and disciple every person and every generation in Latvia; using prayer, campaign-style evangelism and comprehensive discipleship to go into other parts of Latvia and beyond.

See Maris news letter further on below.

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During the 50 years of Communism the people were left with a moral and ethical vacuum which had devastating moral consequences-deceit, fear, unwillingness to make decisions, rampant crime, drugs, murder, alcoholism, and pornography are deeply embedded in the society. A deep yearning for something better has swept through the land. We have a unprecedented opportunity to share with them of the hope which lies in Jesus.

Maris Dzelzs was a moving force in Christian witness during the Soviet occupation of Latvia. His stories are legendary throughout the country.

Under communism it was highly illegal to print and distribute Christian Literature and Bibles. After leaving his daytime job Maris would work in an underground print shop producing Christian literature. During the communist occupation they produced books by Billy Graham and Louis Palu. These books were distributed throughout Latvia and Russia.

After being in the Christian underground for most of his Christian life on Christmas 1990 during the national revival he was able to meet with the Latvian President and Congress sharing with them the true meaning of Christmas. He was able to share the Gospel with an audience of open ears for fifteen minutes and give each of them a personal copy of the Bible. He told them the day was soon to come when they would need Jesus. Three weeks later on January 13, 1991 Latvia would experience its greatest political revolution ending communism as they knew it.

That January 13, 1991 over 700,000 people marched on Riga the capital city of Latvia. All eyes were glued to the TV News. Following that evening news Maris was given the microphone at the TV Station and in the next minutes he called the nation to repentance and prayed with hundred of thousands of people to turn to God as only He could deliver them out of the hands of the enemy. The power of God won and the communists power was defeated in Latvia. Within a few short weeks national elections were held and Latvia became a free nation after 50 years of Soviet occupation.

After the revolution in Latvia while Maris was establishing a prison ministry (which later along with others resulted in a Prison Fellowship Latvia ministry) and helping The Latvian Christian Mission in Riga he came in contact with some young leadership people from the Youth For A Mission movement in Europe. Together with others he decided to establish a YWAM work in Latvia.
For more information or to contribute to this important work email: marisdz@aol.com

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NEWS  LETTERS  July 3, 1999 Hello from Latvia where we are enjoying a sunny and warm summer so far. That means the kids are turning browner, since we live near a lake, and not so far from the sea.  But summer also brings a lot of activity...outreach, camps, and teams...so there are no dull moments around here. A couple weeks ago, we had a picnic/outreach at the base, and were surprised when approx 150 young people showed up.  There was sports, games, music and fun, but also the opportunity to share about having a
relationship with the Lord.  We know for some of these youth, it was the first time they heard something like that. We are planning more of these picnic/outreaches over the summer when we will have music groups and
outreach teams here.  It has been so encouraging to see the openess and response of young people lately.  And we sense the best is yet to come. This has also given us some opportunity to try out the tent, and help us
know what is still needed to see this more fully released.  Some other new things are on the horizon for us as a family.  We are going into our 7th year directing the YWAM work in Latvia, and felt that we should take some rest, and get away as a family, to be refreshed and refueled.  I have felt like YWAM Latvia is about to move into a new level of evangelism and outreach and this time of preparation is essential. These years of pioneering have been quite stressful, and I felt that if we are to continue on long term that we need to spend some time away as a family.  It has been pressing on our relationships and health.   I also have for some time felt that I needed to spend a little longer time in the US to develop a better support base for the ministry, possibly establish an
office for YWAM Latvia, do some recruiting and networking for the tent evangelism, and visit friends and supporters, as well as attend certain conferences (both YWAM and in general).  It will be kindof a working
sabbatical.  We also have been trying to work out some things for the children's schooling, and have some possiblities to pursue concerning this. As it looks now, we will be departing Latvia after the middle of August.
The children will be attending the school year in California, though I most likely will return to Latvia around March or April of 2000.  We are planning to be in Ventura, California with one church that has graciously
offered to help us with arrangements for this time. They have really rolled out the welcome mat for us and have gone the extra mile in making this possible. I will be doing a bit of traveling, and hope to meet many of our
friends.  The ministry in Latvia will be left in good hands...the staff are already planning for the fall Discipleship Training School which will be the major focus for five months.  Other preparations for the tent evangelism will continue with us away, and I will have my part in that from this end. So, this is a pretty big step of faith for us and we want to ask for your continuing prayer and support.  The flights costs for 7 of us to California
are over $7000, which is a pretty big chunk to come at once.  Also pray for all of the details to come together, and for the children to adjust to the schooling changes.  They all speak English very well, but it will be a
challenge to do all of their work in English, as well as adjusting to a different school system and new friends for this time.  I need wisdom as I set up my schedule, that I won't run around being busy, but have sensitivity to know when to rest and when to travel.  I would like to see as many of you as possible who have been such faithful friends and supporters. Thank you for standing with us in the times of plenty, and in the not so
easy times.  Your constant commitment and friendship reminds us of how even more faithful our heavenly Father is. Love and blessings!     Maris, Judite, Kristine, Solveiga, Laura, Arturs, and Viktors

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May 1, 1999Hello from the Dzelzs family! Spring has arrived in Latvia and with it the storks, green grass,longer days, and a lot more activity.  Here is a little idea of what we have been up to.

Our traveling spring discipleship school began this week, and we are encouraged by the turnout.  In the city of Liepaja, we saw 90 people attend the first two evenings.  This traveling school will continue for seven
weeks, and we are excited to see many Latvians and Russians challenged and equipped to serve.  Please pray for this school, as the youth explosions that we will hold in numerous towns this spring...the first one is coming
up in a couple days.

I recently turned the big 40.  I decided to celebrate this on the 29th of April when my good friend YWAM North American Director Pete Ilyin would be here.  I have also been waiting for the right opportunity to set up the
evangelism tent that we received, so that we could see what it takes to do this.  Last week the tent was set up on the base property.  It is bright yellow and white, and you really can notice it from a distance.  Everyone
around the area is curious to know what it is all about.  I celebrated my 40th with a party for closer friends and relatives, and then later in the evening had an open concert with one of the best Latvian Christian music
bands.  Many young people came from the small towns and I had the opportunity to share my testimony and challenge them about giving their hearts to Jesus

A couple months ago, Judite together with Kristine and Solveiga started an informal youth gathering Saturday nights in Talsi.  The plan was to have a place where teenagers can come and have fun and fellowship, so they play games, watch videos, and hang out.  Weekly there are over 40 kids coming. Some of the kids are young Christians, and some don't know the Lord yet. Some of the evenings someone shares a testimony or little teaching. Already as a result of this, some teenagers have commited their lives to the Lord and others have been ministered to.

Thank you for your support and prayers for our family and the ministry here.  We were able to purchase a 93 Ford Escort, so I have something to drive.  The cost of living continues to rise in Latvia, but we are trusting
the Lord to meet all of our family and ministry needs.  It is always great to hear personal news from you.  We appreciate you!

Blessings! Maris, Judite, Kristine, Solveiga, Laura, Arturs and Viktors

June 12,1998 The kids are out of school, camps are already beginning, and it seems to be full steam ahead for the next months. Viktors only wants to do one thing---go outside, and he really loves to play in water. He has more energy than all of us combined. I have been involved with preparations for many of the summer evangelism outreaches. I am looking forward to being involved with these in July. Judite has been helping with set up and translation for a team of youth who are ministering in camps here this month. Right now at the base we have 75 children attending camp for the week. Many of these children gave their hearts to the Lord, even though we thought there were mostly Christian children coming. Next week 85 teenagers have signed up for the youth camp. We have never had such a big response for camps and are now wondering where we will put everyone and if we have enough camp staff. It is crazy, but we are happy to see the base full of young people. In July we will have up to 60 young people coming to be trained in evangelism and then head out to three cities in Latvia to share the gospel in many different ways including one on one evangelism, sports, drama, music, childrens outreach, and large evening campaigns. Pray for the cities of Ogre, Jekapils and Liepaja where we will be working. Recently in Riga, there was a large gathering of Christians confessing the sins of the nation and asking the Lord for His mercy. Our staff participated in this, and I was asked to lead in one prayer for the nation. We really felt this was a significant time for Latvia and that more times like this are needed. There is so much going on that it is hard to even communicate it all. The base is hosting a Kings Kids Mega Camp with teams from Latvia, Finland, Poland, and Belarus. Our children will be participating in this camp followed by 2 weeks of outreach. Please also keep the Jesus Festival in Liepaja in prayer. This will be held in a large amphitheater July 21-25th. Maybe you would like to come for this festival? Thank you so much for your support and prayers. Your joining with us is a big encouragement and help for us. We always enjoy to hear from you. Blessings!

December 5, 1997 We want to wish you a blessed Christmas and Happy New Year! Our hearts are full of thanksgiving for all that the Lord has done for us and in our lives during this past year. Thank you for being a part of what the Lord is doing here in Latvia. As we have just finished a corporate 40 days of prayer and fasting, we have expectation of much more that is on His heart, and are looking forward to many releases and breakthroughs. Judite is enjoying working with the DTS, and being involved in the growth in the lives' of the students. These students have such a hunger for the Lord and have grown so much during this time. They are preparing now for outreaches to Russia, Lithuania, Latvia, and France. Our children are studying hard in school, and busy with many activities. Just a few days ago, Arturs had an emergency appendectomy, but he seems to be healing well. He will have to take some time out from playing hockey. I recently had the opportunity to be on national TV, sharing about God who changes our lives. Last weekend we hosted a worship conference, and saw people from many churches come and be encouraged and refreshed in the Lord's presence. The Lord has been speaking to our hearts about obedience, and being in the place to hear from Him before moving out. We have a growing desire to see the lost reached throughout this land, and know that only with the Spirit of God can this be accomplished. We don't want to be just busy with projects and activities, but walking in the place of faith and obedience. Please continue to uphold us in prayer, especially for our health, finances, and strength. Our financial situation has been very tight these past few months and we need to see about $4000 released to catch up and take care of needs. Our cars have needed a lot of repairs in order to keep running, and we have not yet been able to finish getting our water put in. We really need to see these things taken care of. Please keep in touch with us, and let us know how we can be praying for you.