Wise women from the East

Cndidate Arina and the Johvi 'women in prayer'

A few kilometres have been covered this week as Lyn and I journeyed as far east as it's possible to go within Estonia on a 2-day visit to Johvi and Narva.  With all our corps 2.5 hours or more from Regional Headquarters, visits can sometimes be a little bit 'hit and run'. But with special invitations from the women leaders, Candidate Arina Danilova and Captain Ludmila Baglai, for Lyn to visit their respective Ladies meetings we scheduled a longer trip. And I am so glad we did! We enjoyed special fellowship with our corps leaders and opportunity to meet new church members and volunteers.

At Johvi corps, Arina has started a new Thursday activity - 'Women in prayer'. It was lovely to meet with 4 ladies who have recently started attending the corps. Interestingly, the women don't live in Johvi but travel 10kms from the area of Kohtla-Jarva. As the group sat together around the table Arina led them in a short Bible study and then a lovely time of prayer. The women clearly enjoy coming and feel the costly bus journey is worth while. A small  but very significant foundation has been planted and we pray that others might join in coming weeks.

From Johvi we headed further east to Narva - right on the border with Russia. The town has a very different

Ludmila translates as Lyn shares at Narva

feel about it to Tallinn, where we live. The language is almost exclusively Russian and the design of the buildings very Soviet in style. Having moved into a new corps building  earlier this year, the corps programme is really developing and expanding. The Friday Ladies fellowship meeting revolves around food -as does much of the corps programme here in Estonia. After enjoying sandwiches and drinks in the downstairs dining room the group of around 40 ladies moved upstairs to the worship hall. Lyn had prepared a short presentation of introduction but before she took part Captain Ludmila invited the ladies to share any personal thoughts. One by one they stood to  share readings or testimonies that they had prepared in advance and brought to share. From start to finish it really was a time of rich 'fellowship'.

Lyn even learned how to make a 'snowflake' Christmas decoration from one of the youngsters who had come along with her grandma.

This weekend, as I write this blog, news from home includes reports that the first female Anglican Bishop (in the UK and Ireland) is being installed in Ireland. We pray God's blessing on the Rev Pat Storey as she makes history. How thankful we are that our Salvation Army Founders recognised the significant place of women leaders in our church. This week we have seen first hand evidence of the wise leadership and fruitful ministry of our women leaders in the 'east'. We give thanks to God for them.

Next Friday I will be returning to Johvi again to participate in a special ceremony for a new and exciting partnership activity. I'll report it in next week's blog.

Estonia - Ready for Mission

The SA team gather - not sure who the guy in the white shirt is!

 The Willow Creek Global Leadership Summit is always an exciting event. Lyn and I have been privileged to attend a number of these in the UK. This year was our first experience of GLS Estonia and we were certainly not disappointed. Along with around a dozen of our colleague SA leaders we made our way to the Tallinn Technical college recently. The event was organised with the same high standard of professionalism as we had experienced from Willow Creek before. Bill Hybel’s opening session set the scene for a powerful conference and really challenged me. His theme was ‘Courage in leadership’ – and he shared movingly his personal testimony of the moments God has used words originally spoken to Joshua as challenge and encouragement: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.’” Joshua 1:9  I recognised those times in my life when I should have shown more of that godly courage and prayed that God might equip me for the leadership tasks ahead.

Opportunity for fellowship and discussion

The assembly hall of the Technical College was full – and it was particularly inspiring to look around and see so many young leaders present (or is this just a sign I am getting old!). I couldn’t help reflecting that here we were in Estonia – a country that only 20 years before had been annexed under Soviet rule – with so many young, enthusiastic leaders determined to share the Gospel and grow the church. I gave thanks to God for those older Christians and leaders who had kept the flame of faith alight when times must have been very dark and challenging. I looked around at our small SA group and gave thanks to God for the movement of the Spirit within the Army. I gave thanks for new officers and emerging leaders and prayed we might be true to our calling as a ‘salvation’ Army.

During the last few weeks I have been touched by the generosity of many friends and corps in the UK who have responded to our ‘Ready for Mission’ appeal. We asked for help to fund officers’ meeting and training days. You have responded so generously and warmly and we would like you to accept our sincere thanks. Because of your kindness and support we can not only look forward with confidence to those Ready for Mission days planned for 2014 but we have also committed to take 12 leaders to participate in the Baltic Church Conference in February 2014. The theme will be ‘Building Life – Changing Churches’. It sounds really exciting and we hope God will use it to inspire us to build His church in Estonia.

These are exciting and challenging days and we pray we might be responsive to His leading and ‘Ready for Mission’.  

We will remember them

As Lyn and I made our way to the Remembrance Day service yesterday I was reminded what a difference a day (or a year!) makes. This time last year I was taking my place on the steps of the Portsmouth Guildhall, looking out over the square at the thousands gathered for this special act of Remembrance in that military city. The centre of the square filled with uniformed representative of the services; with the band of the Royal Marines taking centre stage. The highlight of the ceremony was watching as the crowd applauded the arrival of the surviving WW11 veterans, led by our Portsmouth Citadel corps band. This was always a proud moment for me as Corps officer – and one that every band member considered a great honour and privilege.

Yesterday was rather different.  We received invitations from the British Ambassador to attend the  

Far left: British Ambassador Mr Chris Holtby pays his respects

Remembrance service at the Tallinn military cemetery so donned our full uniforms, fixed our poppies and found our way there. We were not expecting a Portsmouth-sized crowd but we were greeted warmly by fellow Brits as we arrived. A contingent of Estonian soldiers was already in place, receiving final instructions for their duties. We were there very early (as usual!) and as the small crowd grew we were surprised at the level of interest. It was not the size of the crowd (probably around 100) but the diversity of attendees which surprised us. Representatives of various national Embassies, along with their military attachés’, mingled with British ex-pats who had travelled to Tallinn from around the country. The variety of uniforms was fascinating. Camera crews and photographers from national TV and media busied themselves getting shots.  There was a surprisingly high level of interest for what was a numerically small affair.

The Last Post - played by an Estonian military bandsman

It was very nice that our Salvation Army uniforms were so readily recognised – and not just by the Brits. The usual ‘I won’t forget what the Sally Army did for me’, was replaced by ‘I didn’t know the Sally Army was in Estonia – what are you doing here?’ It provided an unexpected opportunity to explain our role and a little about the ministry of the‘Paasetearmee’ in Estonia.

It was a powerful reminder that we Brits are just one of many nations touched by the suffering of war. The tombstones at which the wreaths were laid by Embassy personnel honour the fallen from various countries. It was very moving to join with so many nationalities to pay tribute to those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice ‘in the service of peace and freedom’, to thank God for the peace we enjoy now and to remember those many people around our world who still, today, suffer the indignity of conflict or who serve in Armed forces in those theatres of war. I silently lifted a prayer for many personal friends serving in the Forces.

Estonian soldiers guard the international memorials

I also lifted my thoughts to those hundreds of thousands of families impacted by the recent natural disaster in the Philippines; along with members of Humanitarian organisations serving the needs of survivors and, yes, those many troops who will be using their expertise and logistical capacity to search for survivors, assist the aid effort and help bring organisation amid the chaos.

A year on from 2012, our lives have changed. Tallinn’s military cemetery was a very different place to the Portsmouth Guildhall, but the sentiment was the same. Prayers that we will honour the fallen, remember their contribution to our ‘today’, learn from our past and work together for peace.

The kettles are coming!

Captain Ave Kalme (CO at Kopli) with her new kettle

I know that the mere words 'Christmas kettle' send a shiver down the spine of many officer friends around the world. The kettle is a symbol of the wonderful generosity of supporters but also, probably, the busiest season the year. Well, this week the iconic Salvation Army red kettle arrived in Estonia.  Our kettle programme in Estonia has been developing in recent years, largely in the Tallinn area where we are blessed to see many tourists and visitors who know the work of The Salvation Army and recognise our uniform (and kettle!) from back home. This year we are hoping to expand our programme - and all corps are making plans for locations and volunteers. Trouble is, whilst we had some collecting boxes we needed more if we were to move out around the country.
So a quick shout for help and an appeal to colleagues (in the USA) generated an immediate response from Majors Philip and Susan Wittenberg, leaders of the Hempstead Citadel corps in New York. Philip and Susan know the needs and opportunities in Estonia very well - having served here themselves a few years back. Actually, years later, Susan is still revered for her ability to learn and speak fluent Estonian (I'm so jealous!). They stepped up with an immediate offer of help. And courtesy of generous donations from soldiers and advisory board members, 4 brand new kettles arrived in Tallinn this week. The donation would not have been possible without the assistance of UPS - the international shipping company. As part of their support for The Salvation Army they shipped the kettles free of charge. So it's a big 'thumbs up' to our friends in Hempstead Citadel and UPS. Now, let's pray for some good locations, generous givers and that Estonia won't be quite as cold as usual for our first Christmas here!

EU: Gravy train or god-send?

Last weekend I travelled to Prague where more than 30 officers and SA project workers from around Europe met to learn about The Salvation Army's relationship with the EU. I went with anticipation and much interest. During my time working on IHQ I had been involved with others in developing positive links with the EU and particularly their humanitarian arm - ECHO. Having travelled to Brussels in 2007 with my then boss, Commissioner Don Odegaard, to sign an ECHO partnership agreement I was aware of earlier attempts to generate ECHO support and the subsequent struggle to access funding.

Certainly in the UK the EU is not always spoken of in glowing terms. Phrases such as 'gravy train' are regularly used; incidents of corporate waste are often quoted - not to mention the huge salaries and personal benefits that appear to be awarded to those who are able to secure the votes to represent us as MEPs or secure work at Brussels. Then there are the mountains of new rules ('elf n'safety spring to mind!) and bureaucracy which are regularly imposed by this remote office. I think it fair to say that if you say the words 'European Union' and 'Brussels' in the UK they are not likely to raise smiles or conjure images of a benevolent supporter.

Delegates of the EU conference

Despite that, the conference was a great success and personally very inspirational.  We learned that our colleagues in the Czech Region have nurtured a very positive and supportive relationship with the EU. They secured their first grant in 1999 - a small 1,000 Euro project, but have steadily and deliberately built upon this is subsequent years. Funding from the EU has been used to develop SA programmes, build new properties and provide financial stability for the SA's mission in that country. It was really encouraging to learn that EU money can be used so well. We were reminded early in the conference of William Booth's attitude to using songs of the music hall and adapting them for mission and worship ("why should the devil have all the best tunes?"). Well, why shouldn't EU funding be used to support God's mission?

I returned back to work on Wednesday and, after a little research, learned that a branch of the EU based in Estonia is inviting applications for small grants to support Estonian-based NGOs help build financial income and social entrepreneurship. That seems to fit our situation perfectly as we endeavour to develop  our firewood project and explore other income generating possibilities. The sums offered are modest, but we will try. After all, the Czech Region started with a €1,000 grant, right? I'll keep you posted on progress. Some might say, 'gravy train' - I say, 'godsend, possible mission opportunity' :-)

Endings and beginnings

It’s been another interesting week in Estonia.  Sadly, the week ended with emotional farewells as we waved Shelby off on her return journey to western USA. Having been with us for 20 months, Shelby has established 

Farewell prayers for Shelby

a special place in the hearts of the Estonian Salvationists. Last Sunday we said our formal farewell at Kopli corps and Shelby was invited to give the sermon. Although not an experienced preacher, Shelby’s message was just perfect – she spoke an encouraging and challenging word from God and it was wonderful to see a number of people respond when the appeal was made. Seeing God’s people kneeling in prayer at the mercy seat is one of those uniquely Army things – and such a sacred moment; evidence of the grace, mercy and approachability of God.

On Wednesday, Estonia region’s officers and centre leaders gathered at Tartu corps for our first ‘Ready for mission’ day. Having arrived during the summer when leaders take their holidays and corps programmes are usually curtailed, Lyn and I have been looking forward to our first opportunity to share in fellowship, worship and discussion with our team.  We’re shaping these days around a 5-fold focus:

1. ‘Building together’ - creating unity and support amongst those in ministry (Exodus 17:12)

2. ‘Spiritually healthy’ - providing opportunity for worship and spiritual retreat (Isaiah 40:31)

3. ‘Growing well’ - learning about our faith and our church (Colossians 1:10)

4. ‘Organisationally equipped’ – discussing business and organisational issues (Prov 24:27)

5. ‘Vision focussed’ - shaping strategy and planning programmes. (Genesis 13:14-15)

We have a wide range of leadership experience within our group; officers with 10+ years of service and candidates with only months of relationship with The Salvation Army. So, every time we meet for these special days, in addition to the inevitable moments of business and programme planning, we will be looking at

a chapter from the Spiritual life commission’s findings, ‘Called to be God’s people’.  We hope this will be a pertinent reminder for the ‘old hands’ and useful information for our newer leaders. For our first meeting we explored the chapter that looks at the mercy seat; it’s Biblical roots, its Army and church history and the central place that the mercy seats holds within Army worship. Colleagues shared testimony of their own mercy seat experiences. Others voiced prayerful concerns that the mercy seat is not being used regularly within their corps.

This morning as Lyn and I explored, for the first time, a large shopping centre in northern Tallinn, we found a shop selling home furnishings. It was one of those shops displaying quaint plaques and humorous signs with mottos and slogans. In it we found a large free standing room divider, decorated with the words, ‘Grace is not a short prayer said before meals – it’s a way of life’.

God’s grace is an amazing gift – ‘God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense’ was how I was taught to understand it. It’s such a shame when our mercy seat (or the ‘grace place’!) stands unused or even shunned.  Wherever you gather in worship this weekend my prayer is that you will encounter again God’s grace, love and mercy.

Small steps – big deeds

Thanks for dropping in again on us –I’d like to share a couple of exciting project updates with you this week.

Introducing Ljuba - the project manager

This week marked the launch of a new project in northern Tallinn. We were recently approached by the north Tallinn council who asked if we would help them with a project to support some of the neediest families in the north of the city. The partnership project is called ‘Small steps – big deeds’ (their choice of name) and offers families the opportunity to choose toys and clothes for their children. The council have been collecting items but discovered that they were legally unable to implement this programme themselves. We have a good relationship with them – so they turned to us and asked us to partner with them. The council provided a small facility which will act as the distribution point and we identified a project manager. 

Ljuba, a young Salvationist and member of the Kopli corps, has agreed to manage the distribution. A few display racks have been gathered and the clothes have been sorted and laid out. Families are referred to the project by social workers. They come to the centre and Ljuba helps them choose whatever items might be helpful to them. The project officially opened on Wednesday and around 35 families received help in the first couple of days. 

The project is only planned to run until Christmas but we are watching progress carefully to assess whether this might form the basis for our first Thrift store after the partnership programme concludes.

Regular readers of this blog might remember my ‘Send the fire, send the fire, send the fire(wood)’ posting of a few weeks ago. Well, the great news is that a Norwegian businessman helped set up links for us with the National forestry commission (RMK). This has resulted in RMK offering

The wood splitter in action

us a contract for a regular and reliable supply of wood. This will be at a fixed price – and with a small credit facility so that we do not have to pay for the materials ‘up front’.  A locally-based British businessman has even offered to cover the first 2-months invoices as a loan to help us with our cash flow as we build up a good stock of firewood for sale. So our prayers for a wood supply have been answered and we give thanks to God for friends who have come alongside to help. Additionally, the wood splitting machine that was not working has been repaired and is helping us as we ramp up our capacity. The wood yard has been hindered by not having its own electricity supply. Well, after months of hassling the electricity company, work has started this week on laying electricity cables along the main road. We hope this might mean we finally have our own electrical supply installed very soon! Further discussions are taking place with our Norwegian friend this week on how we might make other improvements to this project so we pray for further progress.

This week we look forward to our first ‘Ready for Mission’ officer and centre leader meeting. we gather together at Tartu on Wednesday. I’ll tell you how it goes next week. Thanks for your continued prayers and support.