My Calling to Latvia & Eastern Europe
In the summer of 2006, I was starting to see a major shift in my ministry. What started out as just a worship/concert ministry in 1990 was now being transformed into an evangelistic out reach. I was moving more into the preaching/speaking role. It was also the year that I released my first book and began to present my ADHD workshops to churches and Christian schools called "Fearfully & Wonderfully Made" Living with ADHD through stories & Songs. The music part was now more of a supportive role to my speaking engagements.
But something else was stirring in my heart. I felt a 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 should 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 East European Mission Network.
East European Missions Network, ( www.eemn.org )
EEMN 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 Missions Network & Spirit of Joy church in Indianapolis, IN who have supported me in this awesome out reach to the people of Latvia.
So what is it I do in Latvia??
I am excited as the Lord open the door for me to serve Him in Latvia since November 2010. In many ways I feel like I'm the one in "school" as I slowly learn a new language, adjust to a different culture, and being open to be taken outside my comfort zone at anytime.
So what does the Lord have me doing in Latvia? Here is a break down in how I am serving in Latvia.
1) To be an example of a Christian to the students & teachers..
For many, Striki school (which is not a "Christian School"), is the first interdiction to Jesus Christ and Christianity. This due in part because of the English Bible camp that East European Mission Network host in the summer as well as the school director, Daina Zandberga who has a deep desire that the children would at lest know about Jesus by offering Christian education and morning devotions. I have the honor to lead the morning devotions on Friday.
2) To Serve Striki, & St Gregors Schools.
In Striki School,
I serve the kids on Wednesday & Friday as a guitar & English/drama teacher. On Wednesday I am there as a support for Daina or the teachers that may need help. On Friday I work with fellow teacher Aniti Zandberga as we team teach English using drama and games. I teach from 1st to 9th graders so believe me it is never boring! I also lead morning devotions on Friday's.
In St Gregors
St.Gregor's Christian Mission Center in Saldus, Latvia is a meeting place for missionaries from all around the world, established for people to be called, trained and sent out into ministry "to the ends of the earth".
I have the honor to live here at St Gregors, (when I'm not at my Latvian family home). I serve under pastor Raimonds Mezins who is the director of St Gregors. He has a big heart for out reach. Here at St Gregors, I have given Bible studies/ Lectures and offer guitar class and join them for ministry outreach.
3) Speaking & Singing Ministry.
Many have asked me if I ever speak/preach or sing anymore now that I am in Latvia. Well the answer is yes.
Since I have been here in November 2010, the Lord has open up many doors of ministry for me to preach and sing at different churches and ministry conferences. Of course unlike in the states were I have many contacts and I am known, here in Latvia the doors open as people get to know more about me.
It's almost like "starting over again". Press kits, past achievements or music awards really don't mean a thing here. But having a strong witness and knowing "the right people or they getting to know you" are what the Lord has been using to open doors.
I look forward to see what other doors will open in the coming years.
4) English Bible Camp
As a missionary on behalf of East European Mission Network , one of my prayers is to be used not only during the English Bible Camp that we host in late June/July, but to hopefully do follow up with the kids who may come to Christ during the camp. Would you begin to pray that the Lord will soften the hearts of both the kids and the teachers? In many ways this is one of the biggest outreach to the kids at Striki & Riga Latvia.
Would you partner with me?
One of the biggest changes I notice is having a sense of stability. While in the state's I pretty much lived outside of a suitcase traveling all over the states doing ministry events. The Lord has always been faithful in supplying for all my needs through my ministry events.
Now for the first time in years, it has been different to be at the same place every day and invest in the lives of the kids in Striki and Saldus. The one thing I always missed out when traveling on the road, is not seeing the fruit that the Lord may have brought forth from my ministry event. Now as I have been here in Latvia, to see the Lord move among the hearts of the kids has been exciting. It is almost like being a farmer who plants and now waits for the harvest. But unlike the states, I am not supported by my ministry events.
As with any missionary ministry, it does take funding. As an official missionary with East European Mission Network, I must at lest raise $500.00 per month the minimum required by the Latvian government to stay here as a missionary.
Any love offering of $5, $10, $25, $50 or $100.00 per month or as a one time gift does make a difference to the lives of the children and the families we are reaching here in Saldus & Striki Latvia.
Would you prayerfully consider being a mission partner with me? Your prayers and financial 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
2111 Gulf Course Rd. SE, Suite C
Rio Rancho, NM 87124 (U.S.A.)
On the memo put "David Michael Carrillo"
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
If you feel lead by the Lord to make an online donation, my friends at East European Mission Network made a special page for me on their web site (www.eemn.org-online donation for David Michael Latvia Missions
You may also make an online donation to GentleWind Ministries International (
gentlewindmusic-online donation for Latvia Mission
All donation & love gifts given are tax deductible. East European Missions Network & GentleWind Ministries International are a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit religious organization.
Contact information
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Love & God Bless
You're Musicianary
David Michael Carrillo
Serving with
East European Mission Network
2111 Gulf Course Rd. SE, Suite C
Rio Rancho, NM 87124 (U.S.A.)
In Latvia
David Michael Carrillo
St Gregors Christian School of Ministry
Liela iela 26 Saldus, LV 3801. Latvia
In the states
David Michael Carrillo
GentleWind Ministries International
PO Box 44601
Indianapolis, IN 46244
