esmaspäev, oktoober 25, 2004
Mayor
We had a very good day today! We've been feeling like we've needed a good day because there have been so many challenges lately, so this was really a gift from God.
Evelyn and I met with the new mayor of Tartu, Laine Jänes. She had never heard of The Salvation Army before, so we had the opportunity to introduce the work and mission of the Army to her. She was very open and receptive, and willingly spoke about some of the social problems in the city and how they would would be glad to have us work in the city. In a way, I think she was glad to have someone in her office saying, "What can we do for you?" I had the impression that she thought we were business people who were looking to invest in the city but looking for something in return. Her overall enthusiasm seemed to be almost a sense of relief. She is arranging a meeting for us with the city's director of social services and director of childrens' services to help us get a better sense of where the needs are, which I think will further open doors for us.
She has only been mayor for a month, since the former mayor was appointed to a cabinet post in the national government. I feel like it will be good for us as we begin our work here to get to know her, and hopefully partner with her, as she begins hers. Please pray that we will be open to the opportunities that may arise from this meeting; I think it has the potential to be a good foundation for our work here. We are so thankful to God for this positive experience, and can't wait to see what comes of it.
I also ask that you continue to pray for Mario. He has been struggling lately, trying to find for himself what it means to be a cadet and, ultimately, an officer. He is a good guy who just needs some guidance right now. Please pray that God will help him to have a clear sense of his calling, that he will be open to God's plans for his life, and that we will be able to help him in this. We have been so glad to have him here and believe he can be an important part of building the work here in Tartu.
--Tim
Evelyn and I met with the new mayor of Tartu, Laine Jänes. She had never heard of The Salvation Army before, so we had the opportunity to introduce the work and mission of the Army to her. She was very open and receptive, and willingly spoke about some of the social problems in the city and how they would would be glad to have us work in the city. In a way, I think she was glad to have someone in her office saying, "What can we do for you?" I had the impression that she thought we were business people who were looking to invest in the city but looking for something in return. Her overall enthusiasm seemed to be almost a sense of relief. She is arranging a meeting for us with the city's director of social services and director of childrens' services to help us get a better sense of where the needs are, which I think will further open doors for us.
She has only been mayor for a month, since the former mayor was appointed to a cabinet post in the national government. I feel like it will be good for us as we begin our work here to get to know her, and hopefully partner with her, as she begins hers. Please pray that we will be open to the opportunities that may arise from this meeting; I think it has the potential to be a good foundation for our work here. We are so thankful to God for this positive experience, and can't wait to see what comes of it.
I also ask that you continue to pray for Mario. He has been struggling lately, trying to find for himself what it means to be a cadet and, ultimately, an officer. He is a good guy who just needs some guidance right now. Please pray that God will help him to have a clear sense of his calling, that he will be open to God's plans for his life, and that we will be able to help him in this. We have been so glad to have him here and believe he can be an important part of building the work here in Tartu.
--Tim
