Early Sunday morning in Riga, January 15

Sunday morning again! I am slowly getting used to write 2012 instead of 2011. Yesterday the first snow came to Riga. Almost two months late.

This week has been very much about the School for Officers Training (SFOT).
- Monday the second year cadets started their studies in the new facilities in Agenskalns, Riga.
- Wednesday was the internal welcome meeting for the new first year cadets.
- Friday we had the teaching for the first second year cadets while the Becketts were drilling the two first year cadets for the welcome meeting on Sunday.

And today is Sunday and the welcome meeting. Everything is prepared. The printed programs with our greeting to the new cadets and the prayer cards so everybody remember to pray for the two new cadets (See right).

Here is our greeting to the cadets:
"Dear Cadets
We welcome you as cadets in the Salvation Army in Latvia.
We are thankful to God for calling you and thankful to you for being obedient to His calling.
Above the entrance to the Hall where we are celebrating your entering training there is a big flag with the text “Latvia for Christ”. That is our mission. Our mission is to tell people in Latvia they need Christ. Your name is “Proclaimers of the Resurrection” and you are called to tell people about the possibility to experience  resurrection in their lives.
That is what happens when a person receive Christ. A new life starts. What was dead is made alive.
So many people in Latvia do not know about resurrection life. They do not know that there is forgiveness and a new hope. They do not know about the love of Jesus or the power of the Holy Spirit.
That is why God is calling “Proclaimers of the Resurrection” today. We pray that your name will be what you are.
We can assure you that our prayers will follow you during your training and in your ministry.
“Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to give them” (Josh 1:6)
Rut and Peter Baronowsky, Regional Commanders Latvia"

Directly after the welcome meeting Ruth is leaving for Prag for a meeting with the group preparing the European Congress in Prague in October. I think that will be the first European Congress ever. Are you coming?

But before that I wish you a blessed coming week
Peter Baronowsky