After spending two years searching for treasures on Dole Island, we decided that this year we would continue our fellowship day tradition in a different location. The choice of venue is usually guided by how well it meets the needs of people with disabilities, and this time the facilities were kindly provided by St. Simon’s Church in Valmiera. Valmiera Baptist Church also offered both financial and practical support. God’s guidance and care were evident at every step. Once again, we were reminded that He cares and delights in bringing joy to people for whom the opportunity to leave home or simply meet friends means so much.
The weather finally improved, and on July 12 it perfectly matched our planned program. The theme of the day and the opening lecture, “Pearl of Wisdom,” was chosen to help us reflect on how to distinguish God’s wisdom from worldly wisdom and to discern what is truly important. Throughout this day, filled with joyful impressions, we experienced God’s manifold wisdom—“full of mercy and good fruit”—in many ways: in worship and prayer together, in learning from God’s Word and having meaningful conversations, in the guided tour of Valmiera, and in the testimonies shared around the campfire.
We thank God for this beautiful day when we could grow wiser in Him! A heartfelt thank-you to our friends who came to this meeting and made it special and memorable. We are also grateful to St. Simon’s Church in Valmiera, Pastor Ilvars Ieviņš and the volunteers from Valmiera Baptist Church, tour guide Ineta Amoliņa, and the store Mājai un dārzam.
Here are a few excerpts from participants’ feedback:
Daina: “In short—my little jar of emotions was filled to the brim! This was my fourth time attending this event, and I felt completely at home—joyful, sometimes laughing, sometimes reflecting on serious things as I listened to how everyone had been doing. Everything was just right—nothing was missing, and nothing was excessive. Thank you, dear organizers!”
Edgars and Iveta: “The meeting in Valmiera stood out for its free and relaxed atmosphere. No super-deep theological lectures this time. We really enjoyed the city tour guided by someone so knowledgeable and insightful. We loved the traditional closing campfire and people’s testimonies.”
Līga: “It was so nice to meet everyone again after a break and have conversations. I was really touched by the time spent at the campfire.”
Druvis: “What mattered most was the emotional and spiritual fulfillment of being among my own people—among Christians, among those who are special, perhaps a bit different from most others. We were like one whole. And as Christ says: ‘Where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.’ Truly, Christ was the Leader of our day together! Thank you all for the blessing and joy of this reunion!”
Madara: “The meeting in Valmiera was something I had been looking forward to for a long time. Wings for Wheels events are always full of warmth and kindness. I was incredibly happy to meet my friends in Valmiera. I realized that everyone was happy to see me too. Feeling valued means a lot to me.”
Photo: B. Biezbārde
More photos here