Ellen discovered Sergejs through an equipping ministry in Minnesota. Sergejs, a Russian, was planting churches among Russian people in Latvia, his home country. Sergejs is not only a church planter with a national vision, but he has served as a coach for other church planters, as well. In 2005 and again in July 2007, together with Maris Dupurs, a Latvian church planter, and an ASON short-term mission team, we conducted a tri-lingual youth camp for high school and college age youth. The two camps were highly successful. More than 100 campers from 17 cities around Latvia, from 21 churches of more than 5 denominations and 8 nationalities participated! Sergejs and Ilona's vision has grown to include all the nations surrounding the Baltic Sea. As a result they have become cross-cultural missionaries residing in Germany.

To establish a self-sustaining ministry in East Germany to reach nonbelievers in the Baltic Region. To open a café in the town of Reichenbach which will provide an opportunity for fellowship with those who reside in the community and an income for the ministry, to plant a church, establish a retreat and educational center that will include English language classes, and an after school program for children as a means for sharing the Gospel.

1. Monthly financial support

2. Short-term mission team to lead youth camps for Russian/Latvian youth from all over Latvia July 2005 and July 2007

3. Personal visits for prayer and encouragement

4. Recruiting and leading short-term teams to teach English, assist with renovation and ministry in Germany.