Rock of Ages... Jesus Christ

Sunday morning, the team had breakfast at the pastor's home and drove to Johvi to attend church.  As we arrived and opened the door to the church, music and singing filled the air.  Artur greeted each church member and guest personally.  In the true spirit of community, each song was sung in Russian and in English.


Pastor Artur shared his message of the importance of faith built on a firm foundation which was quite appropriate because later he presented each team member with a rock from Camp Gideon with a painting of the church at Johvi.  Artur then introduced and welcomed our team, and Ted and April once again shared their inspirational testimonies of the power of forgiveness. Kelly Musick told of her journey to be part of the team and of her love of children in any country.

Wick Stuckey reminded the congregation in his message that each of us is a beloved child of God, and we need to wrap the love of Jesus around us as we go through life's struggles.  He challenged the congregation to remember that God is faithful and has a purpose for each one of us.  He blesses us and enables us to be strong warriors for Christ.

The choir is made up of members of Artur's family as well as others in the congregation, Christian, Artur's fifteen year old son plays the drums, while other family members sing or play instruments.  His sister- in- law played the flute and made the service especially meaningful as she was one of two who joined the church and committed her life to Christ during worship.


Later, in the evening, Wick remarked, "I was so moved by the relationships in the Johvi church community.  These people look after one another; they know each other's stories and struggles.
On Saturday,  these same people worked with us preparing the camp and shared meals with us. Their church and its members are living
examples of a real Christian community.

At the end of the worship service, there were hugs and tears of joy and celebration before we moved downstairs to break bread together and reflect on the last five days.  Emails were exchanged, and a few of the young women expressed their desire to learn English through the communications.


Much too quickly it was time to return to Tallinn for our departure home.  Erriki and Nadia once again drove us as we took our last glances at the green countryside of Estonia.  As I sat in the back of the van, I realized that the team had witnessed God's disciples at work for the last five days.  Camp Gideon is run by a family whose relationship is built on the rock of faith.  They support one another and reach out to others in the community.  They are a model family of Christ for all to see. The congregations at Johvi and Sillamae also serve as a family for those in the communities to see; they reach out to help strangers and young women in need.


Artur is a man of vision--he has plans for a women's center outside of Sillamae; Sunbeam will be a place of hope for handicapped children and their families when it opens in September giving parents a respite from the constant care and will open the doors of educational opportunity for the children.
Our prayer for Artur is that the Lord provides the foundation for a new church in Johvi and enables the congregation to bless and serve.

Our prayer for Mall Tamm is that she continues to find the strength and resources to help the young people that she serves.  They come looking for someone who cares and loves them, and they are constantly blessed by the staff at the Lighthouse. Now, there are young people who return to the Lighthouse to give back and help others to be productive citizens.  We have been blessed as a team to witness the Estonian people creating a community of faith sharing followers of Jesus Christ.

A Hedge Connection to the Lord

Saturday was a workday at the camp in preparation for all of the groups that will attend Camp Gideon this summer.  Members from both the Johvi and Sillamae churches, our team, and many friends and relatives arrived to trim hedges, rake newly mown grass, weed flower beds, set up furniture, and sweep the walks as others spent the morning cleaning and preparing rooms for the campers.

At the same time, construction workers were replacing windows, repairing the roofs, and bringing in supplies for the hundreds of meals that will be prepared during the next three months.  The sound of the lawnmower could be heard all over the grounds as Artur spent hours cutting the grounds after the long winter of snow and ice.
 
As team members worked side by side with Estonians, conversations began with hand gestures and always ended in laughter.  April commented that she felt as if she were working with her grandmother in the garden at home and not in a country thousands of miles away from Houston.  She and Valentina felt such a connection as they pulled weeds and swept the concrete.  On Sunday, she brought a family

Youth from both congregations joined
in the clean up. 

book with photos of her ancestors and family home to share with April.

As Vicki commented later, "As I raked grass in the play areas, I felt like this was REAL community working together with peoples of different countries with a common bond...  the love of Jesus Christ.

April added, "All of the work done at the camp today was a labor of Love not of Pain as was the case during the time of the Soviets."

Artur and his beautiful family smile over the prayer shawls, cross,
and baseball caps and bracelets. 

Our evening ended with the exchange of gifts as Artur presented each team member with a hand-painted rock illustrating the Brown House, the main building for the camp.  Wick and Ted gave Artur and his family prayer shawls, Astros caps and cups, and a beautiful hand-made cross from Brookwood.  The real gifts to each group was the community spirit and love of Jesus Christ shared by all.  One young man who attended the camp with Siiri shared that his favorite aspect of the trip was getting to practice his English.

Wick shared how impressed he was with the work ethic of the Estonians...we experienced real community through simply trimming hedges together.  He loved receiving the rock because it exemplified the heart of the Estonian people with their simplicity and authenticity.

A Firm Foundation...

Breakfast was quick, and the children were back out in the sunshine enjoying the trampoline and swings before heading to the chapel for songs with Siiri and the counselors.  The team joined in the singing before our slideshow reviewing Thursday's fun and activities as well as a powerpoint about Texas and Houston.  As Tallinn only has six tall buildings, the campers were very impressed with the Houston skyline and all of the lights.

Composer, singer Siiri Sisask leads the children in song

One of the most inspiring moments of the morning was listening to the young people of Estonia sing their national anthem with a great deal of pride.
After a last trip to the beach, several of the students returned with a rock that they had painted and signed as a gift to the camp and Artur and his family.

As the bus driver began preparing the bus for departure, the hugs and tears began to flow.
One young girl handed me a rock that she had painted and said, "I love you."  These students were simply hungry for the touch of a caring      adult and the joy of singing about the Lord.


After a brief meeting with Artur and his family, we headed to Sillamae to meet Galina and Lilja who run the soup kitchen for the church. These ladies lovingly prepare meals each day for women and others in crisis.  After coffee and treats, we toured the kitchen, the chapel, and a sample bedroom suite for women in need of shelter and help.

Siiri and her teachers and chaperones
have breakfast on their last morning 

At six o'clock, everyone went to the chapel for Friday evening services where Artur shared the message of the importance of building one's faith on a firm foundation.  Wick introduced the team, and Ted Desforges our team leader and April Halberdier shared moving testimonies of how God has worked in their lives through forgiveness and healing.  At the end of the service, Wick invited those in the congregation to come and pray with us and to allow us to pray for them.  Many stepped forward in tears after hearing the testimonies as they also had experienced similar pain and darkness.  It is such a blessing to be able to pray with others in a different culture and country and language, and yet, know that we, as beloved children of God, are all the same.

Parachutes and Prayers...

After breakfast on Thursday, the  team drove to Johvi with Artur to visit the soup kitchen where church members lovingly prepare the food each day, so folks can get a hot meal and a change of clothes as well as secure warm shelter from the cold.

On the road back to the Camp Gideon, there was much excitement as we anxiously awaited the arrival of a group of youth from south of Tallinn.  Singer and concert artist Siiri Sisask, brought about 50 young people to the camp. Her foundation Let There Be Light serves about 500 children.  In a matter of minutes, some were jumping on the trampoline screaming with delight as they bounced four to five feet up in the air with no fear. Others were busy trying out all sorts of riding toys, swinging, and enjoying the views of the Bay of Finland.

Lunch was fast and furious, and they were out the doors to enjoy the sunshine and the free time.
And then, the games began... Red Rover was a new game for most but one they found fun as their friends changed sides.  Kelly's soccer game provided lots of action and fun as they cheered their teammates.


The parachute provided laughter and exercise as campers manipulated five balls bouncing all over the chute.  At one point, all of the students were under the chute singing songs and moving from one side to another under the chute.

Across the field, cheers and shouts encouraged runners in the relay races. At the same time, Wick and Ted had a kickball game going with kids quickly learning the rules.

After dinner, everyone gathered at an outdoor stage where the Johvi praise band played songs including Open the Eyes of My Heart and Here I Am  to Worship. Next, Siiri Sisask entertained the group with her original music and songs. To the delight of the children, she had some of the girls join her on stage.  Then our own Vicki Jud joined Siiri on stage to sing Amazing Grace and then Vicki sang several solos including This Little Light of Mine and I Come to the Garden Alone. When the singing was over, Siiri led the students in some traditional folk dances as well as the Estonian version of the Hokey Pokey and the Chicken Dance.

 After a quick snack of sausage and salad, the children marched to the beach with their chaperones.  One by one, little bodies tiptoed into the cold water, and soon all 50 were in the water spalshing and shivering in the cold.

The cold air and water were no obstacle to taking advantage of the first opportunity to enjoy and swim in the bay.  Even the most hesitant found his way into the water

 In the background, a golden sun glistened on the water as the waves gently rolled in.  Tired and covered with goosebumps, the group slowly made their way back to the dormitories and dry clothes.

As the day came to a close, team members were
weary but filled with praise for the children and the events of the day.  Smiling faces and special
hugs were answered prayer for the team and the camp. We ended our day observing God's magnificent beauty and blessing.

A Special Sumbeam...

Wednesday we awoke to beautiful skies and sunshine at Camp Gideon.  A morning walk revealed God's beauty in this special place.  Birds flew overhead building nests and searching for food as I walked around the grounds.  The sounds of the water could be heard as I passed the soccer field and headed to the beach where huge rocks have sprung up during the long snow-filled winter.

Ursula and Lena display artwork done for the Open House
by local school children.

After breakfast, the team drove to Johvi and visited Sunbeam which will be a place of sanctuary, fun, and education for handicapped children and their parents.  We toured the facility that is being renovated by members of Artur's church.  There we met Ursula and Lena who will work with the children in September when Sunbeam officially opens.  In this facility, parents will be able to have assistance with their special needs children... another example of this pastor's vision and love for his congregation. Before we left, we prayed with these ladies for their success and good health as their prepare for this new     responsibility.

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With the tour of Sunbeam over, Artur took us to his church where we will attend services on Sunday.  With a membership of over 200, they are already dreaming of expansion and a new church building.

Earlier in the day, Artur's daughter Liana took us to the Narva Museum and castle which is right on the Russian border.  It is filled with historical information about the region.  From high up in the tower, we were able to see across the river into the Russian territory.

It is so inspiring to see a family totally committed to working together doing the Lord's work.  Christian, Artur and Valentina's fifteen year-old son is comfortable greeting and hosting guests just like his dad. Liana, Artur's daughter was our guide and driver today, and she has many responsibilities at the church and at Camp Gideon. This family made us feel at home from the moment that we arrived.  All during the day, this family welcomes workers, church members, guests, and friends from all over the community.

Our day ended with reflections of the moments that we saw God at work in this amazing place.


April Halberdier presents cards from kids at Chapelwood to Artur Pold, his daughter Liana, and the two teachers for Sunbeam.

Watermelon and Blessings...

Tuesday morning, we checked out of the Old Town Hostel and headed to the Lighthouse where we enjoyed another day with the children.  As they arrived, some participated in a game of soccer while the girls enjoyed nail painting. As Estelle Tees remarked, "It was a really good day from the moment the kids arrived because of all of the smiles and hugs."

 Wick added,  "The kids seemed much more comfortable with us today, and I was so impressed with their knowledge of digital cameras."  Monday afternoon, the team turned over their cameras to the kids and let them take photos of one another and the team members.

One of the highlights of the day was watching them learn the game of kickball and how quickly they caught on. Ted and Wick explained the rules, and the game was on...

Students use team cameras to capture special moments of the day and their friends.

Decorating a cross and meeting new friends was the favorite
part of Monday for many.  

After a delicious lunch of typical Estonian fare, the slideshow reviewing our day Monday began.  One could hear laughter as the students viewed their friends on the screen.  Next, each young person illustrated his favorite part of the day.  Many drew cameras while others illustrated the game of musical chairs.

 After a slideshow of Texas showing the students a longhorn and the Houston Ship Channel as well as steer wrestling at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, the kids began a scavenger hunt around the Lighthouse.  Once the item was located, the student teams photographed the item and their group.

Watermelon and strawberries purchased at the market were an afternoon treat for the childen. 

Following the scavenger hunt, children and adults enjoyed delicious watermelon and strawberries that we purchased in the local market.  At the end of the day, the team presented gift bags to the students filled with candy and gum and Bible coloring pages. Chapelwood sent a beautiful cross signed by each team member for Mall Tamm.

 Before we said our goodbyes, the team prayed for the women at the Lighthouse...Tina who teaches the children in Russian and Mall who gives her whole heart to this ministry.  To watch her with the children is to see Jesus on earth                 once more.

As we loaded the van and left Tallinn, we passed lush green fields with wind turbines.
Pastor Artur Pold sent his son Erriki  and his fiance Nadia to pick us up.  On the way to the camp, we shared a delicious dinner in the forest at an Armenian restaurant where the meat was cooked outside on a large pit.
 Artur Pold  who is the pastor of the Methodist Church in Johvi and director of Camp Gideon stood waiting at the door waving a warm welcome.  Our evening devotional brought reflections of God's presence in our day and the blessing of being in this beautiful place.

God's Disciples in Mission

Our team woke up to beautiful sunshine and the steeple of St. Olaf's church.  After breakfast, Mall Tamm met us, and we attended an inspiring worship service at EMK Tallinna and the home of the Baltic Theological Seminary. At the beginning of the service, our team and others were welcomed, and Wick Stuckey shared how we are all one body in Jesus Christ even though we may speak different languages.

The team pauses at the top of the stairs at the church before entering the sanctuary with the huge cross hanging above the altar.

Later, one of the ministers spoke about the characteristics of a disciple of Christ and challenged us to all to be willing to follow in the footsteps of Jesus by following his example.   After the service, we visited with the staff and visitors from Asbury in Tusla, Oklahoma.The music was especially beautiful sung under the massive cross suspended from the wall under the soaring ceiling.

When church was over, we toured the Lighthouse where we will be working for the next two days.The Lighthouse staff works with at-risk youth and provides a safe place for the young people to receive emotional and educational support as well as unconditional love.  In addition, the Lighthouse often provides basic essentials like clothing and food when needed.

As part of our introduction to the city, we visited the Tallinn TV Tower which provides a view of Tallinn and all of the surrounding area. It was built in preparation for the 1980 Moscow Olympics when Tallinn hosted the sailing events.  In 1991, this tower was the site of the beginning of the Singing Revolution, when the Estonian people joined in a peaceful revolution to expel the Soviets.
The road back to town led to lunch and a walking tour of Old Town.

In our devotional and planning meeting, Wick showed his expertise with the Hokey Pokey and Red Rover, Red Rover as other team members loaded team bags with materials for tomorrow's crafts and games.  Following our game planning complete with Estelle and April moonwalking on paper plates,  Wick shared a message of experiencing God's presence immediately challenging us to use our eyes and ears to notice God's activity in us and around us.   Filled with excitement about tomorrow and filled with God's spirit, we said goodnight.  

Packing and Weighing...

Today was a day of packing and weighing and excitement as we prepared for our Estonia Mission trip.
We checked the weather, packed the coffee and snacks and then weighed our suitcases.  And then weighed again and again!  Our first treat of the day was seeing old friends at the church to say goodbye and pray with us.  Kevin Hodges, Julie and Bill Bailey, Harold Block, Melissa Maher, and Rita Stuckey arrived to send us off with special wishes for a safe and rewarding journey.  Our second treat was seeing all of the M&M's and other goodies that Chris Archer had brought us for the trip.  Our ride to the airport was filled with conversations of former trips and expectations for this one.  A quick count of the bags, and we waved good-bye to Doug Cheeves and headed into the airport to check our bags.

As we headed to security, a  young man noticed our shirts and commented that we were going on a mission to serve the Lord. Then, he recognized April as a former Alpha group leader at Carol Vance unit. This young man is now part of the worship team at a church in Angleton.  Like this group, he too is on a new journey and mission.

After a short stop in Minneapolis, we boarded our over night flight to Amsterdam.  After a few minutes of luggage drama, we were on our way.  We enjoyed a good dinner and hours of quiet time to reflect on lessons, new friends, and doing the Lord's work.  Our time in the airport gave us opportunity to read, rest, and reflect together.  The last leg of our journey was a short flight to Tallinn and rest.

Ena  met us at the airport with smiles and a driver, and we headed to Old House Hostel where we were able to unpack and get much needed rest.

Included with our luggage were team bags filled with games, treats, and crafts for the children at the Lighthouse and Camp Gideon.  What a blessing to be a part of such
important programs.

Planning and preparing for our journey...

In the past few weeks, much planning and preparation has taken place.  Ted has written and provided wonderful skits for drama with the young people we meet.  In our meetings, background material on Estonia and its people and culture has been shared with the team. We have enjoyed some of the country's music as well as a video on Camp Gideon.  Letters of testimony from campers have given us a sense of excitement and focus as we prepare to experience first hand God's plans for this country and its people.
April and Kelly have put together fun activities for the young people and the team to enjoy together.
Estelle has worked at making certain that we have mail from home with special prayers for each member of the team, and Janet has discovered the challenges and fun of writing a blog for the trip.

Ted Desforges shares letters and email from young people who have just attended Camp Gideon .

As we prepare to leave on this trip, we ask that you keep us in your prayers that we are flexible with unexpected changes that most certainly will occur, that we remember to be REAL with those we meet, and that we show our love for all.  Pray for our safety and good health as we travel.

Commissioning and our team dinner

What an exciting day... first our commissioning at the 11:10 service with Dr. Jackson and then in the Upper Room Service with Christian Washington where he challenged everyone present to be REAL.

 As friends and staff put hands on us and prayed for us on our journey and for ur safety, several thoughts went through my mind...we are disciples of Christ and Chapelwood going to work with special young people in Estonia.  It is our challenge to be real with them... to listen and to be present in the moment and to take them where they are in their personal journey with Christ.

Estelle Tees remarked, "How wonderful it made me and my team feel knowing that we had the support of our church!  Although I regularly attend the service in the sanctuary, the Upper Room was a new experience for me.  A REAL experience that will help me in Estonia to Restore myself and others, Encourage those around me, Accept people who are like me as well as different, and Love all of God's children."

After a delicious meal of fajitas and all of the trimmings, our team sat down to pray for those we will work with and for one another...that we will be able to offer ourselves to the people of Estonia on their mission pilgrimage.  As a result of our prayer time, our lives seemed bonded more deeply.

Ted Desforges summed up the team's feelings with, "What stood out for me today is the love and support of our entire Chapelwood community.  It is very inspiring to have people that I do not even know approach me and express their support for our team and mission."

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Our team prepares to share a meal together
along with Rita Stuckey and Harold Block.
Ted Desforges, Wick Stuckey, April Halberdier,
Vicki Jud, Kelly Musick, Estelle Tees, Janet Sims.
Afterwards, Ted shared beautiful letters of testimony from two young people who had just attended Camp Gideon.