reede, detsember 10, 2004
Another Step
Yesterday we meet with representatives of the city of Tartu's departments of childrens services and social services. This was a follow-up to our meeting with the mayor, and was another important step in developing our work here. We were very encouraged by the discussion.
Although they were not familiar with Päästearmee (The Salvation Army), they were were glad to speak with people they were told were willing to help the people of Tartu. After giving them an overview of the Army's work and mission, they gave us a detailed view of the social problems in Tartu and the challenges children face here. The topics ranged from homelessness to alcoholism to AIDS to broken homes to unemployment ... and on and on. It is certainly no worse than the troubles we have seen in America, but we were glad that they were willing to share this things with people they don't know who are from an organization they have not heard of.
The encouraging thing is that they have a good system in place to meet the needs of the people, but they feel that in some areas they are lacking and need help, and in others they need to develop new programs. We saw so many opportunities for partnership and for establishing the Army's holistic work in this place. At one point, one person listed a wide range of work, from direct service to education to support, and asked which things we did. I responded, "Around the world, The Salvation Army does all of these things. What we want to do is find what is most needed in Tartu and begin a work that is most appropriate here." I think they were glad to here that we are not coming with a pre-conceived notion of what we will do or what the needs are here. They seemed genuinely happy that we are in Tartu and interested in working together.
So I ask that you pray that we will see clearly where we should focus first. During the meeting Evelyn said something like , "In 10 years we may be doing all of the things we are talking about, but we are looking for where there is the greatest need so we can start there." It is an overwhelming thought.
One wonderful thing that came from this is that we were invited to a Christmas gathering they are having next week to recognize the groups that are working to serve the people of Tartu. There will be representatives from the childrens homes, old peoples homes, homeless programs and everything else that is happening in Tartu. It will be a great opportunity to introduce ourselves to those with whom we hope to work alongside, and to hear from others what they are doing. We are so grateful for the opportunity.
Tomorrow we go to Tallinn for a business meeting, which will be followed by a carol service where our family is doing a little drama depicting scenes from the Christmas story. Elizabeth will be Mary, and she is so excited. We will spend the night there and attend the Kopli Corps on Sunday.
--Tim
Today we prayed for my father. "May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you his grace and peace."--2 Corinthians 1:2, NLT
Although they were not familiar with Päästearmee (The Salvation Army), they were were glad to speak with people they were told were willing to help the people of Tartu. After giving them an overview of the Army's work and mission, they gave us a detailed view of the social problems in Tartu and the challenges children face here. The topics ranged from homelessness to alcoholism to AIDS to broken homes to unemployment ... and on and on. It is certainly no worse than the troubles we have seen in America, but we were glad that they were willing to share this things with people they don't know who are from an organization they have not heard of.
The encouraging thing is that they have a good system in place to meet the needs of the people, but they feel that in some areas they are lacking and need help, and in others they need to develop new programs. We saw so many opportunities for partnership and for establishing the Army's holistic work in this place. At one point, one person listed a wide range of work, from direct service to education to support, and asked which things we did. I responded, "Around the world, The Salvation Army does all of these things. What we want to do is find what is most needed in Tartu and begin a work that is most appropriate here." I think they were glad to here that we are not coming with a pre-conceived notion of what we will do or what the needs are here. They seemed genuinely happy that we are in Tartu and interested in working together.
So I ask that you pray that we will see clearly where we should focus first. During the meeting Evelyn said something like , "In 10 years we may be doing all of the things we are talking about, but we are looking for where there is the greatest need so we can start there." It is an overwhelming thought.
One wonderful thing that came from this is that we were invited to a Christmas gathering they are having next week to recognize the groups that are working to serve the people of Tartu. There will be representatives from the childrens homes, old peoples homes, homeless programs and everything else that is happening in Tartu. It will be a great opportunity to introduce ourselves to those with whom we hope to work alongside, and to hear from others what they are doing. We are so grateful for the opportunity.
Tomorrow we go to Tallinn for a business meeting, which will be followed by a carol service where our family is doing a little drama depicting scenes from the Christmas story. Elizabeth will be Mary, and she is so excited. We will spend the night there and attend the Kopli Corps on Sunday.
--Tim
Today we prayed for my father. "May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you his grace and peace."--2 Corinthians 1:2, NLT
