Luther allegedly said, "Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree." 

These words, to be honest, sound surprisingly real also in our days, as we are watching troubling daily news and ponder the uncertain times, not knowing what the future will bring. With the second wave of the pandemic and growing unrest in many parts of the globe, many people will think about self-preservation. Yet Luther’s statement urges us to think beyond all the threats and dangers. And even assuming that this world is ready to go under and be burned up (even all the trees), we are encouraged to face the future with confidence and faith that our Lord is doing something imperishable in our midst with his gospel. 

Of course, it is only natural to ask: Is there a point of planting anything new in such an environment? Only too well we recognize the fearful attitude of our sinful flesh, giving priority to our own needs. Yet, at the same time, we don’t want to live according to our flesh. We want to live by faith in our Lord and Savior who gave his life for us. Jesus assures that he did not come to judge and destroy us, but to save and renew us: “I am making all things new” (Rev. 21:5). He provides us not only with hope in the face of adversity but also with strong encouragement to act. 

Thus, at the time when other people become all too careful and fearful, we are brave and audacious. When others tend to distance from each other and their neighbor, we draw closer with the saving gospel. Frankly, it's impossible to predict what will happen tomorrow, yet we want to keep on working and serving. We must be confident that our “work in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Cor. 15:58). We must be ready to plant our apple tree with a living hope and calm faith, even if our eyes cannot perceive the times of growth and fruit bearing in the near future. 

Here in Riga we want to do just that: to plant something new. Our “apple tree” is a vision of a new congregation in downtown Riga. Some might argue that it is not the best time to start a new mission. Nevertheless, we respond that as long as it is called “today,” it is the perfect time of God’s favor (1 Cor. 6:2) for spreading the message. In these challenging times people need the gospel more than ever. And, with God’s help, we want to create a new, welcoming fellowship where people can gather around the Word. 

Currently, we are at the planning stage. We are a small group of five people eager to reach out and spread the Word. Two of our group are young men, Dāvis Domburs and Krišjānis Lācis, who hope to study theology and become pastors in the future. Our “apple tree” would be both a preaching station and an educational center providing catechetical courses and lectures, apologetical talks, and similar discussions introducing the faith. Our aim is to start with the basics of our Lutheran teaching while trying to speak to the problems of contemporary life. All kinds of media options will allow us to reach as far as possible. However, surely the best way, according to our experience, is friend-to-friend evangelism. 

In the very heart of the oldtown Riga there is a church building without a congregation or Sunday services. Historically it was a Reformed Church. During the Soviet times it was transformed into a recording studio. We have made an arrangement to rent these facilities and make it the place to plant our new mission. One of the possible names for our endeavor is “Dieva Dārzs” (God’s Garden). It is our sincere hope and prayer that the Lord would work through us, so that this garden could be blessed with many new plants, newborn God’s people, who can grow and flourish in becoming true “oaks of righteousness” (Isa. 61:3). 

Please pray for us and support the new mission!

Uģis Sildegs, pastor of Riga Lutheran Church

You may designate gifts to support this mission by marking them, “Riga Lutheran Church.” Give your gift either in the offering plate on Sunday morning or at www.kingofgracelutheran.com/give.