Estonia Region summer campaign - day 5

(Please note that all today's photos were taken by Yura Pyld - thanks, Yura)

  
Glorious sunshine greeted us as we woke for the final day of the Songster’s tour. Cases were packed and loaded into the minibus and songsters made their final public transport journey towards Kopli corps for breakfast.

The breakfast and the break between meal and meeting was quite an emotional time. Souvenirs and thanks were exchanged – including words of tribute and chocolates from Territorial leaders Colonels Johnny and Eva Kleman. The realisation that months of planning and preparation were reaching such a fantastic and fruitful culmination got the better of more than a few emotions. 

After 4 incredibly demanding days, tiredness would have been quite natural – but Sunday worship was very evidently the climax of the tour and the brigade gathered in the upstairs children’s room for prayers with a spirit of anticipation.

The corps hall had been completely rearranged to accommodate the presence of the songsters, and it was particularly nice for the songsters to walk into the hall to be greeted by residents from Hope House - who had worked so tirelessy to ensure the success of the Paljassaare music festival - and a group of 11 who had travelled over 200 kms from Narva to participate in the Regional meeting.

When Ced introduced guests, a number of new soldiers from Narva (only sworn in 3 weeks previously) stood to be warmly congratulated as the Estonia Region’s newest soldiers.

Major Liz Chape had prepared a wonderful and perfectly apt act of worship. Full of variety, interest and challenge this was definitely a worship service and not a final concert. The African praise section was greeted as enthusiastically as ever and a highlight of the meeting for many was Craig’s mature and honest testimony – delivered via translation from Evelin (Estonian) and Anna (Russian) as if he was a practiced speaker in such settings! Well done, Craig!

The very small corps band was more than doubled in size as songsters supported the corps band members – and the singing, in 3 languages simultaneously, was noticeably so much more enthusiastic than usual. Having 20+ songsters singing along probably helped, too!

During the prayer time LIz invited open prayer and it was wonderful to hear prayers spoken in English, Estonian, Swedish, Shona and Russian. A reminder that our international Army has One Army, One Mission, One Message!

After Liz’s presentation of the Word and the Old

Testament parable of the Potter, the appeal was made and invitation given – and it was wonderful to see a large number step forward to make spiritual commitments at the mercy seat. It was particularly nice to see some of the Estonian officers kneeling alongside soldiers and corps members. Lloyd – who had such an enthusiastic witness at every open air meeting – moved around the congregation taking materials to those who wished to make decisions as they remained in their places.

After the meeting, the hall was quickly rearranged to accommodate everyone who had attended around dining tables. The songsters had often wondered whether the tour was a musical or gastronomic one, and another superb meal was presented. Everyone present in the meeting enjoyed fellowship and food.

As the congregation left for their homes the hall was transformed into a changing room as songsters prepared for the return journey.  As bulging cases were squeezed shut it appeared that more than a few miracles were taking place. How Doreen managed to close her case will remain forever one of the tour’s greatest mysteries!

Ced, Lyn and Evelin travelled to the airport to say a really fond farewell – and hugs and kisses from everyone seemed a perfect way to end what has been a perfect tour and a wonderful Summer campaign.

The Estonia Region will remain forever in the debt of the Portsmouth Citadel songsters for a fantastic and life-changing 5 days. Friendships have been forged and spiritual commitments made. Our prayer is that this will be the start of an emerging relationship and that opportunities to renew the friendship will be found in future day.

Estonia summer campaign - day 4

Saturday 5^th July was scheduled as a free morning – a chance to catch up on sleep or take a wander around the city. Most chose the latter and headed out fairly early to make the most of the wonderful surroundings. The sun was shining and the Old Town beckoned. The hunt for souvenirs and presents was high on the agenda, although the KGB museum was the target of a large group (sadly, fully booked and inaccessible).

The early afternoon rendezvous back at the hall gave chance to change into uniform and prepare for the shuttle service back to Hope House. This was Estonia’s biggest day of the year – the major day of the Laulupido. With the huge procession starting at 2pm all trams and many buses were halted, so songsters were ferried by mini bus to the Paljassaare music festival.

It was good to be greeted on arrival by Colonels Johhny and Eva Kleman, the territorial leaders of the Finland & Estonia territory. They had travelled from Finland to share in the songster visit and warmly welcomed every member of the brigade as they arrived. After a welcome speech from the Colonels and a short preparation for programme selection, the songsters started the festival’s 3^rd day with a short programme. The small crowd were really appreciative – about 40 people who had made their way back to enjoy more music.

The tea break of a couple of hours gave chance to relax, listen to some of  the other musical guests, and then enjoy a wonderful meal of spare ribs, sausages, and a full accompaniment of extras prepared by Arne and Andres in the Hope House kitchen.

After the meal a number of songsters joined Arne (currently resident in the centre) for a sing-song around the piano.
Returning to the tent for the 2^nd slot of the day (the final act before the last youth night event) the tent was much busier. If songsters were tired and drained after a really hectic few days, no one could have guessed – Julie had the crowd clapping and dancing and 3 encores were called for at the end of the programme.

Lieutenant Alexey Burunov, who had worked so hard with his team and our mission partners to organise the event, fittingly brought a massage from God’s Word. Spoken in Russian, we were unable to understand, but when the appeal was made about 12 people stepped forward and prayed a prayer of salvation. Obviously local residents, this small group were a powerful reminder of the purpose of the mission campaign and a clear sign that the Army’s mission to some of the poorest and marginalised in this city is so significant and needed.

Returning ack to the Guest House at about 8.30pm a group of 16 hardly songsters decided that the

night was young and the opportunity to experience Laulupio (a 5-yearly event) was too good to miss. We headed out by mini bus and public transport and eventually arrived at the Festival Site at about 10.15pm. The night was still bathed in bright light and – as we entered the Song Festival grounds the sight of dozens of thousands gathered respectfully for the Festival was almost breath-taking.  As the Festival drew to a conclusion the songs became increasingly significant to this patriotic Estonian audience who rose, quietly and almost reverently, to sing songs proclaiming their love for their country- incredibly moving and an event that was not to be missed.

Returning a midnight, the daylight was just beginning to close in and we retired for a night’s rest – looking forward to the final worship meeting at Kopli corps tomorrow.

Estonia summer campaign - day 3

Evelin interviewed by phone on Family radio

Day 3 began a little earlier than usual as songsters made their way by mini bus and trolley bus to Kopli corps for breakfast. As usual, a sumptuous feast was enjoyed – followed by a thought provoking prayer time led by Barry.

The coach arrived promptly and we boarded to make the journey to Narva. We delayed the journey a few minutes as Evelin (translator extrordinaire) conducted an interview by telephone with Family Radio.

The driver made good time and we arrived bang on time, to be met by Captains Liudmila and Mihal Baglai. They ushered us all into the small dining area where a ‘snack’ had been prepared. The snack turned out to be a full cooked lunch

Lunch at Narva corps

– many of the songsters were starting to question whether this was a music tour or a munching one! Hospitality has been excellent and the red carpet rolled out for visitors in typical Estonian style.

After lunch the heavens opened (metaphorically speaking) and we watched from the 3^rd floor worship hall as a deluge poured down. The enforced delay in leaving for the open air gave opportunity for a tour of the corps building-

A lull in the rain gave us chance to make a dash for the bus and, by the time we arrived at the very recently opened Artis shopping centre then rain had stopped and the sun was shining. The songsters formed up outside, where a small group of corps members were already waiting and ready. The music, and the crowd, attracted others to stop and listen and the music went down really well. Many people wanted to chat or have photos taken with the brigade and the songsters immediately felt very much at home in Narva.

Being so far east – and so close to the border – we couldn’t let visitors come without a short tour of the city. Captain Mihail had planned an interesting route and the coach driver expertly negotiated some rather tight roads around the city. The bus stopped on a hill overlooking the bridge crossing the river Narva. This marks the border between Estonia and Russia and the bridge was lined with vehicles waiting in the ‘no man’s land’

Russia on the left - Estonia on the right

area between the 2 countries.  The river is just a few metres wide at this point and gave a real experience of the geographical closeness between these two countries. The east/west divide that the media so often play on seemed remarkably small at this point.  It was a wonderful photo opportunity and the chance to sing at the border too great to miss – so a verse was sung with John Ellwood videoing to a backdrop of the view over to Russia (much to the delight of a small group of visiting tourists).

Songtsers sing - with Russia in the background

The 2^nd tour stop was at Narva castle (or fortress) which gave another view of the river and a reminder of the battles that have been fought over this strategic location.

The delayed open air meant that time was short and a dash back to the hall for tea – another cooked meal – and a very brief ‘loo stop’. Not so easy in a rather old building with only 2 toilets J With the evening concert due to begin at 6pm and the songsters still in the coach at 5.40 it was a rather anxious journey to the Alexander cathedral.  

As we drew up outside there was a group being given a tour of the building outside and a briefing from the Minister in charge. We made our way through into the empty church. to set up. The

historic building is an amazing place for a concert – but the fact that not one person was waiting in the congregation when the concert was due to start in 15 minutes was rather disappointing. Our concern turned out to be a misplaced lack of faith – as a crowd of people suddenly entered the church in unison. Equipment was set up, an impromptu sound test was carried out and Julie led the songsters into the first item. The audience of 140 people lapped up everything that was offered.  Few of the audience would have been familiar with Salvation Army songster tradition, but the quality of singing and the superb programme choice immediately won them over. As usual, timbrels brought the house down and the singing of the male quintet worked especially well.

Afterwards, songsters confessed that the building had been really difficult to sing in – the acoustics being hard work on the vocals and leaving each person feeling as if they were singing alone. This feeling certainly hadn’t translated to the audience and the sound of the brigade was excellent.

After the programme the songsters were mobbed with friendship! Hugs, kisses and requests for photos. John Ellwood was particularly flattered by the approach from a very attractive young lady for a photo – only to realise that it was his unique bass guitar she was really interested in! John managed to squeeze into the shot as she posed proudly wearing the bass!

Corps members had turned out in good number, including a small group from Johvi corps (1 hour’s drive away) – and the signs of open friendship were quite moving.

One of the problems of historic buildings is the lack of ‘facilities’ and the one portacabin loo outside was not a great attraction – so an unscheduled trip back to the hall was quickly added to the itinerary and songsters lined the corridors waiting for their turn in the bathroom – rationed to 15 seconds each as we were in a hurry to get back on the road home. The departure was delayed a little as we tried to prise Mona Lisa away from 2 teenage corps members (male) who she seemed to have made a special impression upon.

The driver made excellent time and we arrived home at 11pm, still broad daylight.

Tomorrow is a free morning before the songsters return to Hope House for 2 sessions at the Paljassaare music festival.

Estonia summer campaign - day 2

Despite a rather disturbed first night’s sleep (rowdy youngsters in the hotel – no, not Craig, Harriet and Tom!) everyone was up and ready on time to leave to make the journey by trolley bus to Kopli corps. Breakfast was ready and waiting – even porridge! Major Kath led prayers which delightfully set the scene for a day’s ministry through music and witness.

The weather forecasters had got it wrong (thankfully) and we

A rather odd sight at the tram stop!

stepped out into bright sunshine to wait for the tram, which would take us all the way across town to the first open air concert in Kadriorg Park. The sight of 30 fully uniformed Salvationists  waiting at the stop created considerable interest. After seeing two  number ‘2’ trams pass through 'chock a block' full with passengers, our number ‘1’ arrived with room for us all to board together.

Kadriorg is a beautiful park, the jewel of Tallinn, created by Peter the Great as a summer play place for his wife. The songsters gathered near the swan lake as Capt David and Freddie set up the generator and PA system. We were a little surprised to see few people around, but once the

David and Freddie prepare the set

music started people gathered to listen. Many stayed a respectful distance away – definitely interested enough to stand for the full 30 minute concert but not wanting to appear to show too much interest! Some very encouraging conversations took place. The songsters were on good form and the first venue gave a very useful opportunity to test the set up and have a public run through of the programme.

A tram ride back into the city took us to Viru Street and the small informal concert area known as Musimagi. This area is situated right by the gates to the Old Town – a really busy thoroughfare – and immediately the songsters started to so sing the crowds were drawn from the

Crowds watching at the musimagi

nearby tourist walkway. Many were tourists – one admitted to having been at a Melbourne Staff band concert just a week before, and many knew the SA from around the world. The response was great and many conversations took place.

Captain Ave turned up with a wonderful packed lunch and we sat and enjoyed the sunshine – even eating a very welcome ice cream.

The 3^rd open air venue was the steps of Freedom Square. This is a huge square surrounded by street cafes. The songsters stood on the steps in the shadow of Freedom

Freedom Square

monument. Despite it being the 3^rd programme and at the latter part of a very hot day, the energy that the songsters put into the songs was amazing. The crowd loved it and Julie was even presented with a small posy of flowers. I’m not sure if he was a music ´- admirer or a ‘Julie admirer’ – either way, he was a little the worse for drink and was gently chaperoned away by Capt David Kotrikadze, Julie’s Georgian minder J

As we walked back towards the corps the rain came – amazing that the 3 open airs had all taken place in glorious sunshine (despite the forecast) and we hurried back to shelter at the Hall. As we waited for tea/coffee people collapsed around the hall – it had been a long and very draining day. We reflected on the hundreds of people who had listened to the songsters and the many conversations that had taken place and thanking God for a wonderful time of witness.

The music festival at Hope HOuse

The break wasn’t long – we were soon up and ready for the transport shuttle to Hope House for the start of the Paljassaare music festival. Arriving at the centre, we were met by yellow vested stewards (Hope House residents) who were marshalling the cars and people safely into the venue-. Dinner was served by Olga and Arne and we sat to eat. Time was short as we needed to test equipment and do a sound check. Most of us were amazed by the high tech set up in the tent. The staging, lighting and PA were complimented by an array of cameras, including one on a roving boom which seemed to float around the tent.

Sound test over and we were quickly into the opening words of introduction by the leader of Mission 21^st Century (our festival partners). A solo, female voice led the first 30 minutes with some powerful renditions of Russian worship music. The tent was beginning to fill with members of the local community who had been attracted by extensive advertising and a leaflet campaign of the local streets. The songsters were introduced and stood to sing. The singing was great – the acoustics in the tent much better than we imagined – and ‘odd’ items such as the cornet trio and timbrels were greeted with cheers by the appreciative audience. Our music may have been a little different to the rock music featured by other guests, but it went down really well and the songters were a credit to their corps and to The Salvation Army.

After the performance the brigade stayed and listend for an hour, during which a very powerful testimony was shared by a severely handicapped Pastor who shared his life story.

Returning to the hotel everyone was very noticeably much quieter than the night before (they were shattered!) – the main entertainment being a fashion show of ‘wigs around the world’, modelled by Julie and Debbie.

If you can access You Tube why not check out the recording of the warm up to the Festival:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNP2TKlDIHM

An early start tomorrow – but a great day at Narva anticipated.

Estonia Summer Campaign - Day 1

Our summer campaign has finally started, beginning with the safe and timely arrival of our friends from Portsmouth Citadel. I am delighted to report that the songsters landed safely in Tallinn – and managed the journey from Portsmouth without losing anyone en route!

En route to the corps we passed one of the advertising posters

A short bus journey from Tallinn airport to the Humala Guest House (which will be ‘home’ for the next few days) allowed just an hour’s settling in time before we all made for the bus stop and the journey by public transport to Kopli corps. With limited local SA transport available, the songsters have been issued with 5-day public transport passes and will be travelling around the city by bus, tram and trolley bus. This, in itself, will be a witness, with 30uniformed Salvationists mingling with locals.

As is traditional, Captain Ave, Major Julia and their team had prepared a great welcome dinner and the fellowship around table was great. Julie enjoyed the biggest bowl of vegetables ever seen - and Barry did a great job as host :-)



After a few official words of introduction, welcome and thanks, we went for a walk and tour of the Old Town. Tallinn is blessed with a beautiful, medieval city, and the opportunity to see the sights before the real hard work begins tomorrow could not be missed. The walk up the steep steps to Toompea looked a little daunting, but the view from the top was worth the effort. Evelin did her best to lead the group - holding high the Union flag for the group to folow. At significant points Evelin gave a little information about the points of historical interest. Was it helpful - or was she just making it up? We might never know! Either way - great fun.

Evelin leads the group - with her flag!

Returning to the Guest house around 9pm, we proceeded to take over the small lounge on the 3^rd floor, making it our own unofficial ‘songster room’. The laughter went on long into the evening, as people adjusted to the 2-hour time difference and the very light nights that Tallinn is blessed with during the summer.

The hard work starts tomorrow with 4 concerts; 3 in popular open air tourist venues around the city and then the opening night at the Paljassaare music festival.

We pray God will watch over us all – keep us safe as we travel, but (more importantly) use the campaign as a witness to His love and the ministry of The Salvation Army in Estonia.

Life returns to Loksa

It was wonderful yesterday to spend time at Loksa with officers, cadets and their children. Our June ’Ready for Mission’ day was designed as a family day. We met at Loksa – which was the first time the Region has used the camp in well over a year – and the first time Lyn and I had been there for a Regional event.

The first thing we noticed when we arrived was the height of the grass and the weeds! It was like a jungle – and the unkempt state looked rather embarrassing when compared to our neighbour’s rather immaculate garden – oops!

We hadn’t intended the day as a gardening programme, but Alexey had come prepared with his

petrol powered strimmer and others quickly volunteered to help. Rakes and scythes were found in the storeroom and young and old worked together to hack away at the undergrowth.  Gradually the ’jungle’ started to clear and the place looks much better now.

 

A few of the guys took to clearing out the barbeque area and setting up a fire ready for cooking lunch. Amazing how women don’t seem to get a look in as soon as the cooking moves outside, eh? David and Kirill were great chefs! Lunch was wonderful, and as we sat around the pit and enjoyed fellowship in the sunshine we began to realise why Loksa holds so many special memories in the hearts of Estonian Salvationists.

With a number of leader’s children present we had planned to use

the afternoon session for fun and learning. Lyn had planned a ’messy church’ session as a way to introduce this concept to our leaders. After explaining the principles of ’Messy church’ we all joined in a session themed around ‘creation’.

The day came in the middle of a really hectic period for many of us – with the Region’s summer campaign starting next week. I confess, the thought of cancelling the day and concentrating on all the preparations for next week was a temptation but we are so pleased we didn’t. It was really nice day together, we really enjoyed each other’s company as we worked, relaxed and worshipped together.

 

Be still and know that I am God

The psalmist encourages us to 'Be still and know that I am God'. (Psalm 46:10) Estonian leaders took the opportunity to do just that this week. Our 'Ready to mission' day took the form of a spiritual retreat & quiet day.

Our own camp at Loksa is sadly still out of commission - new water tanks need to be purchased and installed and repairs completed to the balconies before it will be fit for use - so we acted upon recommendation of Christian friends and booked a day at Rabav, a remote forest home owned by Kerlin and Meelis.

They purchased land and property near Ardu (an hour's drive south of Tallinn) around 10 years ago, believing God's vision for them was to create a spiritual retreat centre - a sanctuary of prayer and ministry. During the last decade their vision has become a reality and the lovely home they share with their 3 small children, horse, dog, cat and other animals is now opened up for groups to come and enjoy the blessing of being still and spending time with God.

Lyn planned and organised the day. Materials for meditation were prepared based on the themes of 'pools of provision', 'rivers of refreshment' and 'lakes of learning'. After sharing in worship (and some delicious coffee and home made biscuits) we separated out either alone or in small groups to try and find our own time with God.

I think the concept of a quiet day was a new experience for some, and it was obvious that not everyone found it natural or easy. But it was wonderful to see people praying and meditating, enjoying the sunshine and finding God in the quietness. Our good friend Mikki Chastain joined us as an independent prayer counsellor and some took opportunity to benefit from her prayer ministry,

As we gathered around the firepit before lunch to share on lessons learned from the morning session it was wonderful to hear how God had revealed Himself through scripture.

Meelis prepared a wonderful stir fry for lunch in a huge garden wok (I want one of those!) before leading a number of energetic volunteers on a guided walk and meditation through the forest. Pausing to explain natural phenomenons of the forest he linked lessons from nature with spiritual parables.

The walk was a great way to ease away the effects of the lunch but was also an unusual

form of spiritual learning. I had pictures of Jesus teaching on the hillside, using stories of agriculture and farming to explain truths of the Kingdom.

Gorgeous home made cake helped the afternoon tea break along and after a period of corporate worship we returned to our appointments.

Stopping and taking time out of a busy schedule and ministry programme can sometimes feel a little 'indulgent' but we believe time with God is essential if we are to maintain the spiritual resources necessary for ministry and leadership.

We thank God for the blessings of Rabav, the opportunity to withdraw and refresh and the privilege of spending time with Him.