Make Friends with God 2013, Ogre
For the 7th year already, the children of Ogre city are getting to know the Bible!
Two wonderful weeks have taken place from 1 to 12 July at the interdenominational children's summer Bible school “Make Friends with God” with servants from the U.S. state of Tennessee. During this time the children of Ogre could hear exciting stories from the Bible, play interesting games, make new friends, read the Gospel of Mark, receive answers to many questions, and enjoy tasty lunches.
Teaching took place in Latvian and Russian, and we also provided translation from English. During the two weeks 136 children registered. A team of 35 people from 6 different churches served, and two more churches supported the work in other ways.
Bible truths were taught to the children by professional Bible lesson teachers, who together with the children went on historical journeys through Bible stories, theatre, and games. It was an exciting journey into the world of God's love! Each child was given the opportunity to invite Jesus Christ as Saviour into his or her life, and many did so.
In the second week the children were served by an excellent team from the U.S. state of Tennessee led by pastor Dr. Gale R. Hartley. The children were taken on an interesting journey through the whole Gospel of Mark, listening to it, reading along, and acting it out as theatre. It was wonderful! Since the main goal was to tell about God's love, we tried to make every child feel loved and special during this time.
As we heard from the children, they wanted the Bible school to continue all summer. We are offering that to the children as well. Every Monday and Wednesday from 17:00 to 19:00, children continue to study in the Bible school in Ogre, Brivibas Street 30, where an interdenominational children's and youth centre is being formed. Professional teachers from various denominations continue to serve there.
Every child is warmly invited! Attendance for children was free, because we received financial support from donations by local churches, sponsors, and supporters. Therefore we thank the cafes “Pures Bekereja”, “Zelta Rudens”, “Senjorita Kuku”, and the supermarket “Elvi”. Special thanks to our annual supporters, the cafe “Niko” and “Modra Skujina Foto”, and to Vladimir for making the banner. Great thanks to the supporters: pizzerias “Picu Studija” and “Stoka Pica”, SIA “Annels”, beauty salon “Nai_s Cosmetic”, hair salons at Malkalnes pr. 9 and “Lavi”, hairdresser Santa Liepina, the company “Nail-s Cosmetiks” and Olga Zeltina, SIA “Fazer”, Daina and Zigurds Eglitis, and SIA “Apdrukas Darbnica”.
Thanks to the hostesses of Ogre Evangelical Church, who provided lunches for two weeks. We express gratitude to the wonderful translators - Anastasija from Daugavpils, Ugis and Evita from Ogre. Thanks to pastor Vadims Kovalevs of Ogre Evangelical Church and to Nadezda Juksa for organizing this project and providing the premises!
The greatest thanks go to V. Kovalevs, vice-president of the Latvian Evangelical Alliance, and his wife Alina for spiritual and financial support, because 7 years ago they were the ones who began this ministry for the city of Ogre. Thank you! At the close of the Bible school every child was delighted to receive a gift from “Samaritan's Purse” - the “Greatest Gift” project in Latvia.
THANK YOU!
VBS leader
Daiga Balcere