New Community Centre in Riga, Latvia, to Serve City’s Residents After Decades of Ministry Work
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A new hub for community outreach is taking shape in Riga, Latvia, with the development of a three-story community centre purchased in October 2023. The project,a collaborative effort between local organizations and international partners,aims to address the evolving needs of the city’s population.
A Legacy of Outreach
The new Riga Community Centre builds upon nearly three decades of dedicated ministry work. It originated with a grassroots summer camp initiative launched 28 years ago, designed to engage young people through outdoor activities and spiritual development. “The community centre is a continuation of the spiritual work that began with the summer camps,” explained a project leader. “We aim to create a space where people of all ages can experiance growth-physically,spiritually and emotionally.”
Funding and Partnerships Fuel Progress
Significant financial contributions have made the project possible. The 13th Sabbath Offering, administered by the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, provided US$350,000, while the Baltic Union Conference contributed €100,000 and the Sixth Riga Seventh-day Adventist Church donated €70,000.
A pivotal partnership between the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) and the TX Foundation,a sponsor based in Taiwan,has been instrumental in initiating renovation work on the ground floor. This collaboration was formally celebrated with a groundbreaking ceremony in July 2025, featuring a family fun day and tours of the facility. “Hosting the representatives from TX Foundation was a moment of celebration and hope,” a senior official stated.
Further support arrived in autumn 2025 through the Global Mission Impact Fund (US$90,000), coordinated by the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, to support ongoing development and future program planning.
Renovation and Future Programming
Renovation work commenced in the summer of 2025,addressing necessary upgrades to the structurally sound building,which had not been repaired since its original construction. Currently,the centre’s team is focused on completing legal registration,designing interest-based clubs,and preparing a diverse range of ministry programs.
The anticipated opening ceremony is scheduled for October 2026, contingent upon the completion of construction. “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 a project leader.”God has lead us this far, and we trust He will finish what He started.”
[Photos: Gustavs Melngalvis]
