14/08/2026
This beautiful view looks across the historic heart of Riga, Latvia’s capital and largest city. Founded in 1201 along the Daugava River, Riga has been an important center of trade and culture for more than eight centuries. Its remarkable historic center, with its medieval streets and outstanding architecture, is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Today, approximately 589,000 people live in Riga—nearly one-third of Latvia’s population. Latvia itself, one of the three Baltic nations of northern Europe, has about 1.8 million inhabitants as of the beginning of 2026.
Seventh-day Adventists have a long history here. The first Adventist church in Latvia was established in Riga in 1896, and the city became an important center for the Adventist work in this part of Europe. Today, the Latvian Conference has 50 churches and 3,321 members, and there are currently eight Adventist congregations or groups in Riga.
It is encouraging that the work continues to move forward. Earlier this year, church members and leaders gathered in Riga for Mission:Latvia, with a special emphasis on planting new congregations and reaching more people with the everlasting gospel.
Please pray for the people of Riga and all of Latvia. Pray that our members there will be filled with the Holy Spirit and strengthened to share Christ’s love, His Word, and the wonderful hope of His soon return.
Wherever you are in the world today, may you find rest, renewal, and joy in the presence of our Creator and Redeemer.
