Evangelical Lutheran Church of Latvia
Rev. Janis Vanags, Archbishop

The CID provides financial support to our partner church, the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Latvia.

Latvia gained her independence from communist Russia in the early 1990’s. Fifty years of Soviet rule had almost wiped out the Lutheran Church. Before the communist take over the majority of the people in Latvia were Lutherans. With the coming of freedom in the 1990’s, the church had few members, few pastors, no seminary, and they were given back 300 church buildings, all in need of much repair.

By the grace of God, the “new” church in Latvia numbers 40,000 people and a seminary training new pastors. Their economy is weak, poverty is widespread and the church has little money. They are a church faithful to the Word of God and have a great desire to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ to others. Our Central Illinois District support is purchasing cars and computers for pastors, building a Children’s Center, providing Sunday school and Biblical materials and assisting the church in other areas.

Latvia Mission Trip - The purpose of this trip was to get a first hand look at and experience with the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Latvia (ELCL) and then return to encourage churches in the circuit to support the Latvian Church with financial offerings and prayers. Learn more...

For more information on foreign missions, contact:

Rev. Joel Cluver, Mission Executive
Central Illinois District – LCMS
1850 North Grand Avenue West
Springfield IL  62702-1626
Phone: 217/793-1802
Fax: 217/793-1822
E-mail: jcluver@cidlcms.org