But something else was stirring in my heart. The strangest and yet very strong feeling that I was being lead by the Lord to go to the Eastern European countries.
For a while I just down played the whole idea. I mean why would I go to Eastern Europe. But the Lord would not let up on the matter and in December of 2007, there were some chains of events that took place that made it known He wanted me to go.
One was being introduced to the wonderful people at EEMN.org.
East European Mission Network,
(
www.eemn.org)
is a very Bible based-Christ centered mission group that works in close relationship with indigenous believers, often Lutherans, in Belarus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Latvia, Poland, Russia, Slovakia, Ukraine and Turkey. EEMN’s highest priority is to help train a new generation of Christ-centered, Bible-based leaders committed to the fulfillment of the Great Commission and the rebuilding of their church.
I have been blessed that GentleWind Ministries International has build a strong relationship with East European Mission Network & Spirit of Joy Lutheran church in Indianapolis, IN who have supported me twice for this awesome out reach to the people of Latvia.
The first time I went (summer of 2008) I was kept busy.
During the day I was the worship leader, music & English teacher for the "English Bible Camp" at a school in Striki, Latvia. With the Bible as our main text book, the students (ranging from 1
st
to 9
th
grade) would learn English through God’s Word. The format is some what the same as doing a Vacation Bible School (VBS) as we include opening worship, English class, out side activities, arts & crafts, music class and a Gospel message every day.
In the evening I worked with pastor Martins & his wife Gunta who lined up several preaching & singing events for me.
The second time I went (October of 2008) was to present my "Fearfully & Wonderfully Made" ADHD workshop in Riga the capital of Latvia for 300 teachers from around the country. It was so well received, I have been asked by many of the teachers if I would come again and share in their schools.
My experience in Latvia both in June & October of 2008 and recently this past June of 2010 were life changing and rewarding for me. I have a deep love for both the country and the people who for over 50 years were under the former Soviet Union control and oppression. There are so many who have yet to hear about the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Since being back in the states, I have been feeling a strong leading the Lord wants me to go back to Latvia but for a longer length of time.
I am currently seeking the Lord about going back to Latvia. I have been blessed to have great friends as Nancy Honeytree & Karen Lafferty of whom both are musicians and missionarys. Nancy does many short term mission trips through out the year, while Karen has done long term overseas. To have both their input has been helpful.
My two personal pastors feel the Lord is leading me to go back to Latvia as well.
And if the Lord is leading me to go back, what is it that I'm going back to do.
What comes to my heart and mind is to continue my relationship with EEMN and with the students and teachers at the school in Striki Latvia. I feel I should offer to mentor the older students who were apart of the Bible camp in Striki and maybe even build a youth choir that travels with me.
If anything to be a bridge for EEMN and the local churches in the area.
The other is to build relationships with some of the pastors I met & continue my relationship with pastor Martins & his wife Gunta who are actively involed with many out reaches in Latvia and beyond.
The other thing that comes to mind is to also minister through Word & Song in church services and conferences through out the country and beyond.
I am not sure when I will be leaving, but the Lord has made it clear for me to get my house in order and be ready to go. So now all my events here in the states will be to help raise support for my time in Latvia.
I have once again set up a special on-line donation account on my web site for Latvia. Just go to the
to "Donation for GentleWind Ministries Mission Trips".
You can also send a check made out to "GentleWind Ministries International" & on the memo put "Latvia Missions" and mail it to
GentleWind Ministries International
PO Box 44601
Indianapolis, IN 46244
All donation & love gifts given on the link or checks with "Latvia Mission trip" goes for that purpose. GentleWind Ministries International is a Nonprofit religious organization.
I am really excited about this
possibility
I have to go back and 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) 513-7677 (cell)
Email:
gentlewindmusic@yahoo.com
I will be glad to keep you posted.
God bless
dmc
