Orphans’ Sunday

On the first Sunday of November, Latvia observes Orphans’ Sunday – it is not a public holiday, but a reminder of children who have been left without a family. Thanks to the initiative of Christian organizations, the first Sunday of November is traditionally dedicated to supporting orphans and praying for them. In Latvia currently (in 2024), approximately 366 children live in children’s homes who have no parents who could call them their own.

The Bible says that by accepting Christ, we become God’s children—His adopted—gaining a Father who is always with us:

For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry: Abba, Father! The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God. And if children, then heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ; indeed, if we suffer with him, we will also be glorified with him.

Romans 8:14–17

This encourages us to treat with special care those who have been left without parental care. Countless orphans are familiar with the feeling of rejection and loneliness, and we, as Christians, have the opportunity to help these children experience warmth and care and gain a family—find a Father.

How to support ministry to orphans?

Prayer:

Pray for children, for families who have already taken in children, for those who are still considering this step, as well as for volunteers and organizations working in this field. God is the defender of orphans, and our prayers can give them strength and support

Training:

The Christian Alliance for the Support of Orphans organizes training where foster/adoptive parents and specialists gain skills for working with children who have experienced emotional trauma. This knowledge will help better understand children’s needs and will be useful in work at camps, Sunday schools, and in your own families. More information about courses and training is available here: https://tiltaresursi.lv/

Volunteering:

The Alliance needs volunteers, youth mentors, and host families. You can share your skills, become a mentor, or help children during holidays. To learn more or apply for volunteering, click the “Help Orphans” button on this website: palidzibareniem.lv, fill out the form, and you will be contacted.

Financial support:

Financial support is important to provide various programs and initiatives to support children who have been left without parents.

Taking a child into a family:

You can become a guardian, adoptive parent, foster family, or host family, giving a child the opportunity to spend at least holidays in the warmth of a family. More information about options for taking a child into a family is available here: How can you take a child into your family?

Organizations

Family Support Center TILTS

The goal of the TILTS Support Center is to help adoptive parents and foster families, as well as guardians and host families, receive sufficient support and appropriate training so that children end up in receiving families who understand the impact of trauma, are knowledgeable about how to help such children, and will not hesitate to ask for help and support when it is necessary.

Christian Alliance for Orphans Family Support Center TILTS
Mārupes iela 14, Riga, LV-1002
Reg. No. 40008278853
Account No.: LV51HABA0551050605357
Bank: Swedbank
Payment purpose: Donation

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Latvian Christian Alliance for Orphans

The Latvian Christian Alliance for Orphans (Alliance for Orphans) brings together Christian congregations, initiatives, and organizations that have responded to God’s calling to care for families and children at risk of social exclusion who have been left without parental care. The Alliance for Orphans is part of the international organization “Christian Alliance for Orphans”, which supports local mission work in more than 50 countries.

Donations to support the Alliance for Orphans can be transferred to the following details:

Association Latvian Christian Alliance for Orphans
Mārupes iela 16, Riga, LV-1002
Reg. No. 50008227331
Account No.: LV91HABA0551041321349
Payment purpose: Donation

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Initiative “Bag with a Thought”

The association “Mājvieta” has launched the project “Bag with a Thought” – a backpack with essential items for children who are going to guardians. This tool helps create a sense of care for the child in these first, important days, making them feel like a welcomed family member rather than a guest. More information is available on the church “Mājvieta” website in relation to the initiative “Bag with a Thought”. The average cost is 85 EUR per bag, and every euro helps fill a new bag and deliver it to a foster child.

Donations with the reference “Bag with a Thought” are invited to be transferred to the association “Mājvieta” account:

RIGA BAPTIST CHURCH “MĀJVIETA”
Lāčplēša 37, Riga, LV-1011
Reg. No. 99500001422
Account No.: LV27UNLA0055000320780
Payment purpose: Bag with a Thought

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