Nynke Zaal – Latvia

In Mt 28:19 it is written: Go therefore and make disciples of all nations. This is the mission Jesus has given to all of us. We are all uniquely made by the Father and we can share the gospel in many different ways. My passion for Jesus and for people is known by many, and I love being an ambassador of God and showing others His love and presence.

As a missionary in Latvia, God allows me to use my gift of a mother’s heart to develop relationships, pray for others, and share the hope of Jesus. I work with youth and young moms, help organise a church service for English-speaking foreigners, participate in short-term outreaches, and reach out to broken and hurting women.

Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me. (Mt 25:40).

One of the missions I am involved in – Freedom61 – reaches out to prostitutes. We love them with Jesus’ love and they feel we really care for them. We see in the Scriptures how Jesus cared, served, and showed mercy to the broken and hurting women. In John 8 when the Pharisees brought a woman caught in adultery before Jesus, Jesus’ focus was not to condemn and humiliate the woman, but rather to save her. God’s grace is amazing! Jesus shows how simple it is to serve these women. Just by being there for them and offering food, but also in sharing the gospel and offering to pray means a lot to them. We celebrate together with them when they are willing to leave the work and even more when one of them accepts Jesus as their Saviour.

My house is a safe place for women who come for short visits or time-out. It is a space where the women and youth share their hearts and talk about the struggles they are facing. In some cases, I am the first person who listens to them without judgement. This gives them room to really open up. I always encourage them and bless them and most times I can pray for them. When I pray with them, the Holy Spirit often gives visions or words of knowledge that shows them that the Lord hears, sees, and knows them deeply. To let God’s power work through me has brought healing, miracles, hope and new life, all glory to God! Sometimes this leads to a journey of walking together in life and discipling women individually. In these moments, I share my struggles and weaknesses too and also how I overcome them with Jesus’ help.

I love to share what Jesus has done and is doing in my life. God has called me to reach out to the lost and the broken. The Holy Spirit empowers me when I step out in faith and gives me the words to share my faith with others. It can change a person’s life and bring God praise and glory.

Wherever I am: at an outreach, in church, at home or on the street, when the Holy Spirit pushes me to step out of my comfort zone I have to obey. Without the Lord I am nothing and I can’t do anything, but with Him and through Him all things are possible. It is His power that works in me (Eph 3:20).

My life is all about people, because the Lord is my example and He is all about people. I feel privileged to work with people and tell them about Jesus as He remains the hope for this world. Although I am serving the Lord abroad, He calls each of us to serve Him right where we are. For some it will be in practical areas while for others it might be evangelism or preaching. Just remember, we can share the gospel in many different ways!

Let us continue challenging ourselves to step outside the box and seek the Lord’s guidance on how to faithfully live out His call for mission in our lives.