A Warm Reception
Today we left the hotel earlier (9am) than usual. We were on our way to
Rundale Palace, about 70km from Riga. What a magnificent structure! My camera died today, so I wasn't able to take any pictures, but all of the members of the project who have cameras will pool their pictures so we can create a CD of our travel photos.
Then we traveled to Mezotnes Palace, where we had a lunch. Maris has taken us to lunch several times this week and each time we have been expected and our meal has been prepared and served as we arrived. Latvian food is outstanding!
When we returned to Riga, we had about an hour to wait until we had a rehearsal at Matthews. After our two-hour rehearsal, we played an hour concert at Matthews, which was very well received. Contrary to what we were told might happen, we received applause after each piece and the audience even began clapping with the last selection we played, a ragtime rendition of
We'll Understand It Better By and By.
What was more fun, though, was the reception afterwards. We were greeted by many members of Matthews and others who had attended. I had the opportunity to meet Kristine, a young woman who was a member of the local Catholic parish. She comes to Matthews from time to time for the music and I encouraged her to come more often and—since she sings—get involved at Matthews. We exchanged e-mail addresses, so perhaps I'll have more opportunities to encourage her toward that.
Rehearsal Day
Today was
rehearsal day. We started the morning off with some much needed sleep. Several of our members spent the morning sight seeing. At noon we walked to Riga with our Simona. The town is pretty amazing considering we were looking at buildings built in 800 years ago. Afterwards we went to rehearsal for the first time since we arrived. It was wonderful. We actually warmed-up and tuned! Amazing! Afterward we sat in the Student Service while Brad and Dan played. Following that Service we fellowshipped and rehearsed with the Matthews Baptist Orchestra. It was refreshing to have a day of preparation rather than presentation. Thank you Lord!
Palace Day
Today was
palace day and concert night. We spent the morning seeing some of Latvia’s more extravagant palaces. We were able to visit one that had so much beauty it was almost incomprehensible as to how someone could think that big.
After that we hand a wonderful lunch and then went to Riga to prepare for our concert. The rehearsals went well and the performance was awesome! The solos tonight were Betty and I. Curtis, Don, and I also sung our trio. The testimonies were presented by Curtis and Kathy, which God really blessed as both their testimonies worked well together to present the Gospel. Afterward there was a fellowship. In that fellowship we found severeal non-Christians who wanted to talk to us which opened doors to share the Gospel. I was able to speak to a young man from France who was a humanist or Naturalist and he was really, really, really opened minded. This means he believes in no absolute truth. Therefore, I explained that Jesus died for his sins and there was only one way to heaven. He kind of beat around the bush but at least I know he heard the Gospel. After I finished speaking with him I had the pastor go talk to him so he would have a personal invitation to Matthews Baptist Church. Tonight was blessed and I am so happy to see the musicians realizing how their music can be used.
