Hello! (Or “Sveiki!” in Latvian)
We are the Strong family from King, NC: Jake, Vaida, and our three little boys—Niko (4), Anthem (4), and Honor (1). Throughout 2025, the Lord has made it abundantly clear that He is calling our family overseas to serve with YWAM (Youth With A Mission) Latvia in Northern Europe from January through July 2026. We hope to join a YWAM team full-time in the future, likely around 2027, though we do not yet know when or where; all decisions regarding this will be prayerfully made after we return in July.
We are currently seeking one-time donation support to cover the costs of our six-month mission. During this time, Vaida will complete a Discipleship Training School (DTS), preparing her to go on staff with a YWAM team in the future. Jake, who completed his DTS in 2004, will immediately serve on staff with the YWAM Latvia team, discipling young men from all over the world. The other half of Jake’s time will be spent caring for our three boys in a foreign country—a big responsibility, indeed!
The DTS includes approximately 3-4 months of classroom training with intensive Bible discussions, prayer and worship sessions, local outreach, and discipleship training, followed by a 2-month outreach to another country (location TBD). This may require additional flights for our family, adding to the cost. Other expenses we must cover include:
Flights to and from Latvia (and potentially our outreach country)
Fully furnished apartment rental for six months
Continued utility payments for our home in King, NC
Car rental and gas for six months
International health insurance for our family of 5
Cell phone service
Groceries, toiletries, and clothing (brrrr…Latvia is cold!)
Passports
Savings to cover living expenses upon return, in case Vaida cannot immediately resume work
With all of this in mind, our financial goal is $50,000 to support our family of five for these six months. We know this is a big goal, but our God is bigger, and we trust Him to provide. Currently, we are only requesting one-time donations. Once we return and discern our next steps in ministry, we will pray for ongoing monthly supporters to help us continue God’s work, wherever He calls.
YWAM provides a unique opportunity to invest in the lives of young people from all over the world. Through this ministry, we can honor Jesus’s Great Commission:
"Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you." – Matthew 28:19–20
These young disciples will return to their home countries, spreading the Gospel further and faster. We are thrilled to be part of what God is doing through YWAM Latvia.
Would you prayerfully consider supporting God’s work through our family? Even if you are unable to give financially, please commit to praying with and for us. Please pray for God’s provision, boldness in sharing the Gospel, fruitful discipleship opportunities, and mighty works through our family—including our children.
We are deeply grateful for your partnership and support.
In Christ alone and for His glory,
Jake & Vaida
Please email us if you have any questions - jacobjstrong@gmail.com