13 January 2026 | Riga, Latvia [Lyubova Tihomirova with tedNEWS]
A new chapter of ministry is unfolding in Riga, Latvia, where a dedicated space for community outreach is under development. A three-storey building, purchased in October 2023, is being transformed into a community centre. The project is the result of collaboration between local church members and international partners, united in their commitment to serving the needs of people in the city.
“This is a major breakthrough in the history of our Conference,” said Lubova Tihomirova, director of the project. “It has been a long journey, but we truly believe the Lord has led us to this point.”
The new Riga Community Centre builds on nearly three decades of ministry, beginning with a summer camp initiative that started 28 years ago as a grassroots project to engage young people in outdoor and spiritual activities. “The community centre is a continuation of the spiritual work that began with the summer camps,” Tihomirova explained. “We aim to create a space where people of all ages can experience growth—physically, spiritually and emotionally.”
A number of key donations have made this possible, including a contribution from the 13th Sabbath Offering, administered by the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists (US$350,000), the Baltic Union Conference (€100,000), and the Sixth Riga Seventh-day Adventist Church (€70,000).
Renovation work began in the summer of 2025. While structurally sound, the building had not been repaired since its construction, requiring substantial investment to bring it up to modern standards. In a major boost to the project, the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) facilitated a partnership with TX Foundation, a sponsor based in Taiwan. This collaboration enabled renovation work to begin on the ground floor.
The partnership was marked by a groundbreaking ceremony in July 2025, during which representatives from TX Foundation were hosted for a special celebration. The day included a family fun event with inflatables and activities for children, guided tours of the facility, and time for fellowship between guests and local members. “Hosting the representatives from TX Foundation was a moment of celebration and hope,” said Tihomirova.
The project received further support in autumn 2025 through the Global Mission Impact Fund (US$90,000), coordinated by the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. This funding will support the centre’s continued development and the planning of future programmes.
Currently, the centre’s team is working on legal registration, designing interest-based clubs, preparing ministry programmes, and continuing renovations across all three floors. The anticipated opening ceremony is scheduled for October 2026, once construction work is complete.
“Our vision is to create a welcoming place where children, youth and adults alike can come, learn, grow, and experience God’s love in a practical way,” said Tihomirova. “God has led us this far, and we trust He will finish what He started.”
[Photos: Gustavs Melngalvis]
