16 January 2018 | Riga, Latvia [Victor Hulbert] A creative evangelism project co-sponsored by the Latvian Conference, the Pathfinder department and the Trans-European Division Mission board has shared the story of Daniel with over 4,500 Latvians in eight cities.
Twenty-four young, non-professional actors joined with more than 35 musicians, technicians, dressmakers, filmmakers, photographers and many other helpers to bring The Secrets of Daniel to life.
Pathfinders is a major presence in the Latvian church with many youth, both from inside and outside the church, attending clubs across the country. The highlight of their year is always the summer camporee, a place where many commitments to Christ are made. Vilnis Latgalis, President of the Adventist Church in Latvia, notes that Pathfinders is one of their best outreach programmes, attracting 600 youth to summer camps with up to half of them from non-Adventist backgrounds. [Read more in ‘Faith and prayer stop rain at Latvian pathfinder camporee.’]
The Secrets of Daniel was first performed in July at Latvia’s 20th Pathfinder camporee before going on tour through the autumn at 12 venues in eight cities.
According to Mindaugas Pikūnas, Baltic Union Youth director, the outreach was prepared as “an alternative theatrical play” to encourage visitors to think through issues and develop a positive sense of life now, together with a hope for a better future. It seemed to succeed as, with its grand stage decorations, actors, costumes and performance, it captivated the attention of children, youngsters, young adults and grown-ups—Christians and non-Christians alike.
“The faithfulness of Daniel is something we all should ponder upon, so that our characters may be transformed,” Pikūnas commented. He shared how the play recounted events from the first six chapters of the book of Daniel, carefully weaving in themes such as healthful living, prophecy and the Sabbath.
The public reaction was very positive with books being sold, questions asked, and commitments to Bible study being made. Some who had slipped away from faith confessed that it had brought them back towards belief.
While there was a small charge to attend, the principal reason for the play was to attract public attention, and each venue was carefully chosen as a well-known city location where people would want to spend an evening out. Profits from ticket sales are being invested in future productions; news which brings great joy to the team as the time they spent together in rehearsals, prayer and fellowship, drew them closer to God and to one another.
Find out more about the play by visiting www.danielanoslepumi.lv [tedNEWS]
tedNEWS Staff: Victor Hulbert, editor; Deana Stojkovic & Sajitha Forde-Ralph, associate editors
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tedNEWS is an information bulletin issued by the communication department of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the Trans-European Division.
