In Christmas 2004 my church was participating in a Christmas shoebox gift ministry. My family always took part, so I decided I would, too. I filled a box for a boy in the 11-13 age bracket with items I thought any young boy would like.
Andris Avotins of Latvia, pictured with his mother and two of his sisters, became friends with an Iva family after receiving a shoebox filled with gifts at Christmas.I especially remember our pastor, Jerry Gray, praying that the gifts would bring some joy and happiness to children in other parts of the world. Not knowing where the box would go, I put my address inside. I never realized I would be the one to receive a blessing in the months to come.
The following March I got a letter from Andris Avotins, an 11-year-old boy living in Latvia, a European country that borders Russia. He lives in the small village of Tilza, where the winters are cold and they have lots of snow. He has three sisters, twins Aija and Liga, and Ilse, and a brother, Kaspars. Liga is working with a youth ministry team, organizing camps and Bible study groups for youth and children. She is very dedicated to doing God’s will in her life. Andris’s family asked to be put in our prayers; I ask you to include them in yours, too.
My wife and daughter and I have been communicating with the Avotins family regularly. They sent us cookies and candy, and we have exchanged pictures and stories; we have become friends through our letters.
I believe the best things that happen in life, like being saved through Jesus Christ, cannot be bought with money. Being friends with a family in Latvia has made Christmas much more special. I don’t do a lot of traveling, and may never have the opportunity to meet this family here on earth, but I can look forward to a heavenly meeting.
They have one request: that we send them more Christian books in English so they can teach them to their people in the ministry. This is one way that we help in our mission outreach.