Merry Christmas from Saldus/Striki Latvia

Dear Family, Friends & Partners in prayer,

Merry Christmas & greetings from St Gregors Mission Center in Saldus Latvia!

Yes after 4 months of wrestling with the Lord in prayer, I find myself once again walking the country side of Latvia.

I arrived November the 16th just in time to celebrate my 45th birthday & Latvia's birthday which took place November 17th & 18th.

Life in Latvia:

It was great to be back in the Striki school were we hold our Bible English camp during the summer. Although now this is the regular school season which is very different from the summer. Many of the kids were both shocked and excited to see me again.

Since I arrived at the same time they had a national holiday, I was able to once again spend time with my good friends, Kristine, Edgers, Ralfs & Kristaps at the farm which is located in the country side between Saldus & Striki.

For 5 days all we did was eat, play games, have fun and eat some more. What a blessing to turn 45 with great friends.

My New Role as Teacher & Friend

I have already jumped in feet first helping out at the school. On Mondays afternoons I give guitar classes. Monday and Wednesday night are sports night with the boys from the school. Thursday & Fridays I help out with English & drama.It can be real tricky trying to teach English to students without a translator, but it can be done. What I did not know was that male teachers are very rare in Eastern Europe. During the soviet times it was consider a "women's" job only. The sad part was there has been no positive male role models for the boys and teen boys to follow or look up to.

Daina the head master of Striki school shared how glad I was not only willing to come back to help her, but that I was a male and would be a good example to the boys in the school.Please pray that my life will point them all to Jesus. It is very humbling to me when I notice that there are eyes both boys and girls watching every move I make.

Other Ministry in Latvia
Besides working in the Striki School, I will also be serving both St Gregors Mission Center/Bible School & St John Lutheran Church in worship services, youth out reach and street evangelism.

I also started my "Carols of Christmas" concerts for December were I'll be singing through out Saldus/Striki Latvia. So keep that in prayer.

Challenges
Well besides getting used to the snow, ice & extreme cold (St Gregors has been with no heat for the last week. So all of us have been shriving as we walk down the hallways wrapped in blankets.) I am so grateful the Lord open this door for me to come back to Latvia.
The challenge that I face is trying to connect with people. Because I only know English it can be very tough fitting in. As Americans, we are more outgoing were it seems to me that eastern European people are very reserved.

Unlike in the states were I have a fellowship to go for Bible study, again here I know not of any that would be in English. I think it would be very different if I spoke and understood Latvian.
Believe me, I rely on the Holy Spirit like crazy when I have to singing and speak in front of people and it is only in English when everyone around me speaks Latvian!!I think its time I just really buckle down and hit some "learn Latvian" books and CD's!

Yet even with those challenge, I know in my heart of hearts I am right were I'm supposed to be. One thing about missionary work is be ready and willing to be taken outside your comfort zone in so many ways. Flexibility is a must...believe me since I have been here, I have already been stretched in ways I never thought I'd could be and still survive.
So please keep me in your prayers. It has been both an exciting and at times a scary "ride" seeing the Lord move & use me in ways I'd never would have tried on my own.

Would you be a Mission Partner with me?
Unlike most missionary's who may have a year or so to raise support, I am taking a big step of faith that the Lord will bring in the support for me in this new ministry venture. Since I am in Latvia during this Christmas & winter season, I am believeing the Lord will open a door for me to do a few Christmas concerts in Latvia.

Would you prayerfully consider being a mission partner with me? Your prayers and fincial support will help me share the Gospel with the people of Latvia and Eastern Europe.
If you feel lead to give a one time gift or would like to give monthly, you may send your tax deductible gift to:

East European Missions Network
1443 Southfork Dr SE,
PO Box 277
Hutchinson, MN 55350 (U.S.A.)
On the memo put "David Michael Carrillo"

If you would like to make a tax deductible online donation, you may go to my web site at www.gentlewindmusic.com, go to the to the "Donation" link and then scroll down to the bottom to "Donation for GentleWind Ministires Mission Trips".
You can also send a check made out to "GentleWind Ministries International" & on the memo put "Latvia Mission trip" and mail it to

GentleWind Ministries International
PO Box 44601
Indianapolis, IN 46244
All donation & love gifts given are tax deductible. East European Missions Network & GentleWind Ministries International are a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit religious organization.

I am really excited about being back to share the Gospel in Latvia. I also wanted to say a big thank you to those who have supported me on my past mission trips. You have been not only a blessing to me, but to the people in Latvia.

If you would like more information feel free to contact me.
David Michael Carrillo
GentleWind Ministries International
PO Box 44601
Indianapolis, IN 46244
(317) 641-3600 (USA & International)
Email: gentlewindmusic@yahoo.com

Photo Albums
Check out my photo albums for October & November.
Follow me on facebook.com/davidmichaelcarrillo were I keep daily updates, pictures and videos of Latvia.

Well that is it for now. I want to wish you all a Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year.
God bless
dmc
Your musicianary to Latvia