neljapäev, märts 31, 2005
First Report Sent to Us
Chalk Farm Band visits Finland and Estonia Territory to open new corps in Tartu (photos!)
Chalk Farm Band was invited to tour the territory of Finland andEstonia during Easter 2005. The main emphasis behind the visit was tosupport The Salvation Army's (Päästearmee) return to Tartu insouth-east Estonia. 65 years since Päästearmee was forced to leave,the band marched into the town square to proclaim that a new corps wasbeing formed.
Saturday 26th March
After disembarking off of the boat we had a full English breakfast at'Café Carlos' in Tallinn and were soon on our way to Tartu. Peoplesheads leant out of windows and traffic stopped to see what washappening as the band 'formed-up' behind four flags; Estonian Nation,Päästearmee, Narva Korpus and Chalk Farm Band. As the band marchedthrough the cobbled streets, people followed and as we entered theReakoja Plats town square a crowd formed to see what was happening.Regional Commander Major Derek Tyrrell announced to the people ofTartu that the Päästearmee was here and with the help of Soldiers andYoung People from Narva and Tallinn corps the open air was a hugesuccess. As we headed to the 'Illusion Theatre', where the firstmeeting was to be held, people flocked with the band and followed onfoot and in the tour bus. We arrived at the theatre to find that itwas already filling up with people and by the time the meeting startedthe room was packed. With help from Pastor Leho Paldre (arepresentative of the other churches in Tartu) translating intoEstonian and Captain Anna Henderson (CO at Narva Korpus) translatinginto Russian the meeting was well received by all. The colours werepresented by Colonel Arja Laukkanen (THQ) after which we were led by arecently formed group in acts of praise and worship in English,Russian and Estonian. The 'Mission Team Dance' group from Tallinnperformed a mime entitled 'Chairs' and was used as an example that theSalvation Army is just as relevant to the young and old. An invitationto the next meeting was offered and afterwards over 35 people filled in an information form requesting to be contacted about their futurewith the Päästearmee in Tartu and Estonia.
Chalk Farm Band was invited to tour the territory of Finland andEstonia during Easter 2005. The main emphasis behind the visit was tosupport The Salvation Army's (Päästearmee) return to Tartu insouth-east Estonia. 65 years since Päästearmee was forced to leave,the band marched into the town square to proclaim that a new corps wasbeing formed.
Saturday 26th March
After disembarking off of the boat we had a full English breakfast at'Café Carlos' in Tallinn and were soon on our way to Tartu. Peoplesheads leant out of windows and traffic stopped to see what washappening as the band 'formed-up' behind four flags; Estonian Nation,Päästearmee, Narva Korpus and Chalk Farm Band. As the band marchedthrough the cobbled streets, people followed and as we entered theReakoja Plats town square a crowd formed to see what was happening.Regional Commander Major Derek Tyrrell announced to the people ofTartu that the Päästearmee was here and with the help of Soldiers andYoung People from Narva and Tallinn corps the open air was a hugesuccess. As we headed to the 'Illusion Theatre', where the firstmeeting was to be held, people flocked with the band and followed onfoot and in the tour bus. We arrived at the theatre to find that itwas already filling up with people and by the time the meeting startedthe room was packed. With help from Pastor Leho Paldre (arepresentative of the other churches in Tartu) translating intoEstonian and Captain Anna Henderson (CO at Narva Korpus) translatinginto Russian the meeting was well received by all. The colours werepresented by Colonel Arja Laukkanen (THQ) after which we were led by arecently formed group in acts of praise and worship in English,Russian and Estonian. The 'Mission Team Dance' group from Tallinnperformed a mime entitled 'Chairs' and was used as an example that theSalvation Army is just as relevant to the young and old. An invitationto the next meeting was offered and afterwards over 35 people filled in an information form requesting to be contacted about their futurewith the Päästearmee in Tartu and Estonia.
kolmapäev, märts 30, 2005
The Funeral Is Tonight
Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies."
John 11:25
By his power God raised the Lord from the dead, and he will raise us also.
1 Corinthians 6:14
Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.
1 Corinthians 15:20
We know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus.
2 Corinthians 4:14
We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.
1 Thessalonians 4:14
John 11:25
By his power God raised the Lord from the dead, and he will raise us also.
1 Corinthians 6:14
Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.
1 Corinthians 15:20
We know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus.
2 Corinthians 4:14
We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.
1 Thessalonians 4:14
The Funeral Is Tonight
My mother's funeral is tonight. The wake went really well yesterday. So wonderful to be surrounded by family and friends.
Tim is speaking at the funeral tonight.
We really need your prayer support right now, as we are under a particularly vicious attack from the enemy of our souls. I can't go into the details, but God knows all about it.
Please pray that God will give Tim the words to say as he represents my family tonight at the funeral. Pray that God will give us all an overwhelming realization of His presence and peace.
Pray for the Andersons. Mrs. Anderson was to do the funeral, but her husband is in the hospital. (They used to be our corps officers when I was a teenager.)
Pray for Dick. He had a really hard time at the grocery store when he realized that he was only shopping for one.
Thank God for Linda Ferreira and Betsy Parsons and all those who did what I could not do because I was in Estonia.
Thank God that from what I hear, the opening meeting went really well on Saturday.
Thank God for the Wittenbergs, whom Chris has been staying with since Saturday.
I really believe that Satan is pretty mad that I have been relatively calm these past few months, and he has found an effective way to destroy that. He is the master of sneak attacks and this did catch me off guard. I think that we need to step up our defenses. Thanks for your prayers on our behalf.
Evelyn
Tim is speaking at the funeral tonight.
We really need your prayer support right now, as we are under a particularly vicious attack from the enemy of our souls. I can't go into the details, but God knows all about it.
Please pray that God will give Tim the words to say as he represents my family tonight at the funeral. Pray that God will give us all an overwhelming realization of His presence and peace.
Pray for the Andersons. Mrs. Anderson was to do the funeral, but her husband is in the hospital. (They used to be our corps officers when I was a teenager.)
Pray for Dick. He had a really hard time at the grocery store when he realized that he was only shopping for one.
Thank God for Linda Ferreira and Betsy Parsons and all those who did what I could not do because I was in Estonia.
Thank God that from what I hear, the opening meeting went really well on Saturday.
Thank God for the Wittenbergs, whom Chris has been staying with since Saturday.
I really believe that Satan is pretty mad that I have been relatively calm these past few months, and he has found an effective way to destroy that. He is the master of sneak attacks and this did catch me off guard. I think that we need to step up our defenses. Thanks for your prayers on our behalf.
Evelyn
The Funeral Is Tonight
My mother's funeral is tonight. The wake went really well yesterday. So wonderful to be surrounded by family and friends.
Tim is speaking at the funeral tonight.
We really need your prayer support right now, as we are under a particularly vicious attack from the enemy of our souls. I can't go into the details, but God knows all about it.
Please pray that God will give Tim the words to say as he represents my family tonight at the funeral. Pray that God will give us all an overwhelming realization of His presence and peace.
Pray for the Andersons. Mrs. Anderson was to do the funeral, but her husband is in the hospital. (They used to be our corps officers when I was a teenager.)
Pray for Dick. He had a really hard time at the grocery store when he realized that he was only shopping for one.
Thank God for Linda Ferreira and Betsy Parsons and all those who did what I could not do because I was in Estonia.
Thank God that from what I hear, the opening meeting went really well on Saturday.
Thank God for the Wittenbergs, whom Chris has been staying with since Saturday.
I really believe that Satan is pretty mad that I have been relatively calm these past few months, and he has found an effective way to destroy that. He is the master of sneak attacks and this did catch me off guard. I think that we need to step up our defenses. Thanks for your prayers on our behalf.
Evelyn
Tim is speaking at the funeral tonight.
We really need your prayer support right now, as we are under a particularly vicious attack from the enemy of our souls. I can't go into the details, but God knows all about it.
Please pray that God will give Tim the words to say as he represents my family tonight at the funeral. Pray that God will give us all an overwhelming realization of His presence and peace.
Pray for the Andersons. Mrs. Anderson was to do the funeral, but her husband is in the hospital. (They used to be our corps officers when I was a teenager.)
Pray for Dick. He had a really hard time at the grocery store when he realized that he was only shopping for one.
Thank God for Linda Ferreira and Betsy Parsons and all those who did what I could not do because I was in Estonia.
Thank God that from what I hear, the opening meeting went really well on Saturday.
Thank God for the Wittenbergs, whom Chris has been staying with since Saturday.
I really believe that Satan is pretty mad that I have been relatively calm these past few months, and he has found an effective way to destroy that. He is the master of sneak attacks and this did catch me off guard. I think that we need to step up our defenses. Thanks for your prayers on our behalf.
Evelyn
teisipäev, märts 29, 2005
Evelyn Alice Groff Smith Banks
B u l l e t i n
E a s t e r n T e r r i t o r i a l H e a d q u a r t e r s
EVELYN BANKS
Captain Evelyn Clark mourns the loss of her mother, Evelyn Banks, who passed away on March 24, 2005, after a long illness. Evelyn Banks is also the sister of Major William Groff and the mother of Mr. Daniel Smith, Computer Specialist for the Northern New England Division.
The viewing will be held on Tuesday, March 29, from 2:00-4:00 and 7:00-9:00 p.m. at:
Hobbs Funeral Home
230 Cottage Rd.
South Portland, ME 04106-3802
The funeral will be held on Wednesday, March 30, at 7:00 p.m. at:
The Salvation Army
297 Cumberland Ave.
Portland, ME 04101
The committal will be held on Thursday, March 31, at 10:00 a.m. at Forest City Cemetery, South Portland, ME.
Messages of condolence and support may be sent to:
Captain Evelyn Clark
Kalevi 90
Tartu 50104 ESTONIA
Major William Groff
23 Scandia Rd.
Congers, NY 10920
Mr. Daniel Smith
278 Woodford St. # 8
Portland, ME 04103
Please keep the family in your prayers during this difficult time.
Lt. Colonel Barbara Hunter
Secretary for Personnel
March 28, 2005
E a s t e r n T e r r i t o r i a l H e a d q u a r t e r s
EVELYN BANKS
Captain Evelyn Clark mourns the loss of her mother, Evelyn Banks, who passed away on March 24, 2005, after a long illness. Evelyn Banks is also the sister of Major William Groff and the mother of Mr. Daniel Smith, Computer Specialist for the Northern New England Division.
The viewing will be held on Tuesday, March 29, from 2:00-4:00 and 7:00-9:00 p.m. at:
Hobbs Funeral Home
230 Cottage Rd.
South Portland, ME 04106-3802
The funeral will be held on Wednesday, March 30, at 7:00 p.m. at:
The Salvation Army
297 Cumberland Ave.
Portland, ME 04101
The committal will be held on Thursday, March 31, at 10:00 a.m. at Forest City Cemetery, South Portland, ME.
Messages of condolence and support may be sent to:
Captain Evelyn Clark
Kalevi 90
Tartu 50104 ESTONIA
Major William Groff
23 Scandia Rd.
Congers, NY 10920
Mr. Daniel Smith
278 Woodford St. # 8
Portland, ME 04103
Please keep the family in your prayers during this difficult time.
Lt. Colonel Barbara Hunter
Secretary for Personnel
March 28, 2005
This is what Easter is all about
1TH 4:13 Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. 14 We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. 15 According to the Lord's own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 18 Therefore encourage each other with these words.
My Mother's Obituary
Evelyn Banks, 64
CAPE ELIZABETH - Evelyn Banks, 64, of Rand Road, Cape Elizabeth, died unexpectedly at a Portland Hospital, Mar. 24, 2005.
Evelyn was born in Bangor, a daughter of Reginald and Arline Booker Groff and was educated in the Portland Schools. She also graduated from the Southern Maine Vocational Technical Institute.
She worked at the Portland City Hospital and the Barron Center. She did private duty and also worked at Seventy Five State Street. As a nurse she specialized in geriatrics and loved working with these patients.
She was a people person and a humanitarian. She was a person who was able to give of her devotion, sense of humor, humility, kindheartedness and never expected anything in return.
She was a member of the Elm Street United Methodist Church where she was a Trustee, Chairperson of the Worship Committee, Coordinator of Liturgists and Greeters, served on the Staff Parish Relations Committee, the Missionary Circle and the Methodist Adult Club. She was also associated with the Salvation Army Portland Citadel Corps for most of her life.
She loved gardening, particularly tending her roses. She also loved reading and creative writing and was presently a member of the Mix n' Mingle Square Dancing Club. She met her husband while dancing at Sunset Squares.
Predeceasing her was a sister, Esther Ross; a brother, Reginald Groff; and sister-in-law, Joann Groff.
Surviving is her husband of 11 years, Richard A. Banks of Cape Elizabeth; five children, Daniel Smith of Portland, Robert Smith of Portland, Captain Evelyn Clark and her husband Tim of Tartu, Estonia, Mary-Kay Smith of Chisinau, Moldova, and Katherine Simms of Portland; four step-children, Karen Matthews of Owls Head, Linda Onnen of Loveland, Ohio, Susan Wright of Yarmouth, and Paul Banks of Durham; a brother, Major William Groff of Sandia, N.Y.; and a sister, Violet Kellam of Norway; 19 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren.
Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the Hobbs Funeral Home, 230 Cottage Rd., South Portland. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, 7 p.m., at the Salvation Army Portland Citadel Corps, 297 Cumberland Ave., Portland. Interment will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at the Forest City Cemetery in South Portland.
Contributions may be made to:
The Elm Street United
Methodist Church
168 Elm St.
South Portland, Maine 04106
or
The Salvation Army Corps
Tartu, Estonia
Checks may be made out to:
Richard A. Banks
10 Rand Rd.
Cape Elizabeth, Maine 04107
CAPE ELIZABETH - Evelyn Banks, 64, of Rand Road, Cape Elizabeth, died unexpectedly at a Portland Hospital, Mar. 24, 2005.
Evelyn was born in Bangor, a daughter of Reginald and Arline Booker Groff and was educated in the Portland Schools. She also graduated from the Southern Maine Vocational Technical Institute.
She worked at the Portland City Hospital and the Barron Center. She did private duty and also worked at Seventy Five State Street. As a nurse she specialized in geriatrics and loved working with these patients.
She was a people person and a humanitarian. She was a person who was able to give of her devotion, sense of humor, humility, kindheartedness and never expected anything in return.
She was a member of the Elm Street United Methodist Church where she was a Trustee, Chairperson of the Worship Committee, Coordinator of Liturgists and Greeters, served on the Staff Parish Relations Committee, the Missionary Circle and the Methodist Adult Club. She was also associated with the Salvation Army Portland Citadel Corps for most of her life.
She loved gardening, particularly tending her roses. She also loved reading and creative writing and was presently a member of the Mix n' Mingle Square Dancing Club. She met her husband while dancing at Sunset Squares.
Predeceasing her was a sister, Esther Ross; a brother, Reginald Groff; and sister-in-law, Joann Groff.
Surviving is her husband of 11 years, Richard A. Banks of Cape Elizabeth; five children, Daniel Smith of Portland, Robert Smith of Portland, Captain Evelyn Clark and her husband Tim of Tartu, Estonia, Mary-Kay Smith of Chisinau, Moldova, and Katherine Simms of Portland; four step-children, Karen Matthews of Owls Head, Linda Onnen of Loveland, Ohio, Susan Wright of Yarmouth, and Paul Banks of Durham; a brother, Major William Groff of Sandia, N.Y.; and a sister, Violet Kellam of Norway; 19 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren.
Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the Hobbs Funeral Home, 230 Cottage Rd., South Portland. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, 7 p.m., at the Salvation Army Portland Citadel Corps, 297 Cumberland Ave., Portland. Interment will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at the Forest City Cemetery in South Portland.
Contributions may be made to:
The Elm Street United
Methodist Church
168 Elm St.
South Portland, Maine 04106
or
The Salvation Army Corps
Tartu, Estonia
Checks may be made out to:
Richard A. Banks
10 Rand Rd.
Cape Elizabeth, Maine 04107
esmaspäev, märts 28, 2005
I Will Trust in You Alone
Stuart Townend. Copyright © 1996 Kingsway’s Thankyou Music.
The Lord’s my shepherd, I’ll not want.
He makes me lie in pastures green.
He leads me by the still, still waters,
His goodness restores my soul.
And I will trust in You alone.
And I will trust in You alone,
For Your endless mercy follows me,
Your goodness will lead me home.
He guides my ways in righteousness,
And He anoints my head with oil,
And my cup, it overflows with joy,
I feast on His pure delights.
And though I walk the darkest path,
I will not fear the evil one,
For You are with me, and Your rod and staff
Are the comfort I need to know.
The Lord’s my shepherd, I’ll not want.
He makes me lie in pastures green.
He leads me by the still, still waters,
His goodness restores my soul.
And I will trust in You alone.
And I will trust in You alone,
For Your endless mercy follows me,
Your goodness will lead me home.
He guides my ways in righteousness,
And He anoints my head with oil,
And my cup, it overflows with joy,
I feast on His pure delights.
And though I walk the darkest path,
I will not fear the evil one,
For You are with me, and Your rod and staff
Are the comfort I need to know.
Day 3
Day 3 - Grief Runs Deep: Where Is the Hope?
Dr. Joseph Stowell says, "Even though your heart is breaking and tears are clouding your eyes and staining your cheeks, God does give us something worth trusting in tough times. And that's Him, and Him alone."
When your heart is breaking, you can place your hope and trust in the Lord.
"Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD" (Psalm 31:24).
Anne Graham Lotz defines hope: "Biblical hope is absolute confidence in something you haven't seen or received yet, but you're absolutely confident that whatever God has said is going to come to pass."
She also declares that "Jesus is your hope for the future. One day Jesus Christ will come back, and He will set all of the wrong right. Good will triumph over the bad. Love will triumph over hate. Righteousness will triumph over evil. He's going to make it all right, and you can have absolute confidence that that's going to take place. That's your hope."
Sovereign God, I choose hope. I choose faith. I choose life. Give me an unshakable faith in You. Amen.
Dr. Joseph Stowell says, "Even though your heart is breaking and tears are clouding your eyes and staining your cheeks, God does give us something worth trusting in tough times. And that's Him, and Him alone."
When your heart is breaking, you can place your hope and trust in the Lord.
"Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD" (Psalm 31:24).
Anne Graham Lotz defines hope: "Biblical hope is absolute confidence in something you haven't seen or received yet, but you're absolutely confident that whatever God has said is going to come to pass."
She also declares that "Jesus is your hope for the future. One day Jesus Christ will come back, and He will set all of the wrong right. Good will triumph over the bad. Love will triumph over hate. Righteousness will triumph over evil. He's going to make it all right, and you can have absolute confidence that that's going to take place. That's your hope."
Sovereign God, I choose hope. I choose faith. I choose life. Give me an unshakable faith in You. Amen.
reede, märts 25, 2005
Day 1
365 daily devotionals to help you through the grieving process
Day 1 - Understanding Your Grief
Grief is not an enemy or a sign of weakness. It is a sign of being human. Grief is the cost of loving someone.
Since grief comes to everyone, why do some people seem to work through it better than others?
"Some people think that going through the losses or crises of life are the exceptional times," says Dr. H. Norman Wright.
"I see it differently. I see the times of calm as the exceptions. Life really is going through one loss after another, one crisis after another.
"Instead of avoiding talking about these times, let's do our homework. When you know what to expect, you're not thrown by them as much, and you're going to be better able to recover."
Join us each day for the next year as we walk with you on your journey through grief, strengthened and enabled through the Lord Jesus Christ.
"But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint" (Isaiah 40:31).
Lord God, teach me to embrace my grief and not fight it, so that I may experience the true healing that comes from You. Amen.
Day 1 - Understanding Your Grief
Grief is not an enemy or a sign of weakness. It is a sign of being human. Grief is the cost of loving someone.
Since grief comes to everyone, why do some people seem to work through it better than others?
"Some people think that going through the losses or crises of life are the exceptional times," says Dr. H. Norman Wright.
"I see it differently. I see the times of calm as the exceptions. Life really is going through one loss after another, one crisis after another.
"Instead of avoiding talking about these times, let's do our homework. When you know what to expect, you're not thrown by them as much, and you're going to be better able to recover."
Join us each day for the next year as we walk with you on your journey through grief, strengthened and enabled through the Lord Jesus Christ.
"But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint" (Isaiah 40:31).
Lord God, teach me to embrace my grief and not fight it, so that I may experience the true healing that comes from You. Amen.
My Mother Was Promoted to Glory Last Night
We got a call in the middle of the night from my Uncle Billy.
Now we are desperately trying to find tickets to get to America!
Tomorrow is the big opening meeting here in Tartu.
Chris is most likely staying behind.
Thank you for all your prayers on our behalf! Please keep it up!
Evelyn
Now we are desperately trying to find tickets to get to America!
Tomorrow is the big opening meeting here in Tartu.
Chris is most likely staying behind.
Thank you for all your prayers on our behalf! Please keep it up!
Evelyn
neljapäev, märts 24, 2005
My Mother
My brother just called about the meeting the family had with the doctor.
My mother is not expected to make it through the night.
I had a feeling that she was going to die on Good Friday (Estonians call it suur reede -- "Big Friday").
Prayers needed!
Evelyn
My mother is not expected to make it through the night.
I had a feeling that she was going to die on Good Friday (Estonians call it suur reede -- "Big Friday").
Prayers needed!
Evelyn
The band is coming!!
Good news. I was just at the Finnair web site and saw that there will be no strike! This means the band is coming!
--Tim
--Tim
from the Ravi Zacharias web site
from http://www.rzim.org/publications/slicetran.php?sliceid=860
A Slice of Infinity
by Danielle DuRant
More Than Words
It is only hours before Jesus will be arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane and handed over to be crucified. And Jesus knows this.
As we might expect, he spends his last hours on earth with his closest companions, his disciples. Yet unlike a man approaching his … death, Jesus celebrates Passover and tenderly washes his disciples’ feet—even the soiled feet of the one who would betray him. He speaks of his coming death, yet inconceivably, his words are filled with life, hope, and comfort.
Today we observe Maundy Thursday. We remember both Jesus’s intentional act of love in washing his disciples’ feet and his mandate (“Maundy” is the Middle English for “mandate”) to “love one another as I have loved you” (John 13:34).
After giving this command, in his longest recorded conversation, Jesus comforts his disciples: “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me” (Jn. 14:1). Then in a stunning revelation Jesus declares, “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you” (Jn. 14:16-18)….
On this eve of his disciples’ impending sorrow and confusion, Jesus offers them more than words of reassurance; indeed, he vouchsafes God’s very presence with them. Moreover, says Jesus, this promised Presence is nearer than you can imagine: “You know him, for he lives with you and will be in you” (Jn. 14:17b)….
Jesus assured his disciples that he would not leave them as orphans, and he did not. He makes this same promise to us, his followers. He is our Advocate, Counselor, Comforter, and Defender, who actively intercedes on our behalf, reveals God’s truth, assuages us with his presence, and upholds us with his righteous right hand.
© 2005 Ravi Zacharias International Ministries. All Rights Reserved.
A Slice of Infinity
by Danielle DuRant
More Than Words
It is only hours before Jesus will be arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane and handed over to be crucified. And Jesus knows this.
As we might expect, he spends his last hours on earth with his closest companions, his disciples. Yet unlike a man approaching his … death, Jesus celebrates Passover and tenderly washes his disciples’ feet—even the soiled feet of the one who would betray him. He speaks of his coming death, yet inconceivably, his words are filled with life, hope, and comfort.
Today we observe Maundy Thursday. We remember both Jesus’s intentional act of love in washing his disciples’ feet and his mandate (“Maundy” is the Middle English for “mandate”) to “love one another as I have loved you” (John 13:34).
After giving this command, in his longest recorded conversation, Jesus comforts his disciples: “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me” (Jn. 14:1). Then in a stunning revelation Jesus declares, “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you” (Jn. 14:16-18)….
On this eve of his disciples’ impending sorrow and confusion, Jesus offers them more than words of reassurance; indeed, he vouchsafes God’s very presence with them. Moreover, says Jesus, this promised Presence is nearer than you can imagine: “You know him, for he lives with you and will be in you” (Jn. 14:17b)….
Jesus assured his disciples that he would not leave them as orphans, and he did not. He makes this same promise to us, his followers. He is our Advocate, Counselor, Comforter, and Defender, who actively intercedes on our behalf, reveals God’s truth, assuages us with his presence, and upholds us with his righteous right hand.
© 2005 Ravi Zacharias International Ministries. All Rights Reserved.
from the Christian History web site
from http://www.christianitytoday.com/history/newsletter/2002/mar22.html
The Other Holy Day
In the rush toward Good Friday and Easter, don't forget Maundy Thursday.
By Elesha Coffman
Amid the bustle of Palm Sunday, Good Friday, and Easter, Maundy Thursday is easy to overlook. Few calendars label it, and some churches don't observe it at all, though it may be the oldest of the Holy Week observances. It's worth asking why, and how, generations of Christians have revered this day.
"Maundy" comes, possibly by way of one or more European languages, from the Latin "mandatum," meaning "command." The reference is John 13:34: "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." Jesus spoke those words at the Last Supper, which took place the Thursday before Easter....
It's common to hear from the pulpit that no one can fully appreciate the joy of Easter Sunday without experiencing the darkness of Good Friday. But the disciples would have been bewildered by both without the lesson of Holy Thursday. The day they received the command to love, had their feet washed by a king, and first understood the link between the Passover sacrifice, Christ, and the bread of life, shouldn't be missed by any of us, even if the calendar shows a blank square.
The Other Holy Day
In the rush toward Good Friday and Easter, don't forget Maundy Thursday.
By Elesha Coffman
Amid the bustle of Palm Sunday, Good Friday, and Easter, Maundy Thursday is easy to overlook. Few calendars label it, and some churches don't observe it at all, though it may be the oldest of the Holy Week observances. It's worth asking why, and how, generations of Christians have revered this day.
"Maundy" comes, possibly by way of one or more European languages, from the Latin "mandatum," meaning "command." The reference is John 13:34: "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." Jesus spoke those words at the Last Supper, which took place the Thursday before Easter....
It's common to hear from the pulpit that no one can fully appreciate the joy of Easter Sunday without experiencing the darkness of Good Friday. But the disciples would have been bewildered by both without the lesson of Holy Thursday. The day they received the command to love, had their feet washed by a king, and first understood the link between the Passover sacrifice, Christ, and the bread of life, shouldn't be missed by any of us, even if the calendar shows a blank square.
Update
from my brother:
It is now Wed. evening. Mama has improved some since this morning. She is still critical.
At Mama's Doctor's suggestion we are having a family member in her room 24 hours a day to make sure that she keeps her oxygen on & doesn't pull out her I.V.
Aside from her cancer; she is battling thrush, a blood infection, respiratory infection & a uninary tract infection
She is on strong pain killers as well as antibiotics to keep her comfortable and fight the infections.
Last night we went to a travel agent to discuss options for plane tickets to America. Our biggest prayer right now is for guidance and wisdom about when to go.
God knew what He was doing when He had me plan this Love Feast for tonight.
It is hard for me to make decisions and remember things right now, and those are the two biggest skills I need in these final days before the opening meeting!
Pray for Tim, who bears a double burden (his own as well as mine).
Evelyn
It is now Wed. evening. Mama has improved some since this morning. She is still critical.
At Mama's Doctor's suggestion we are having a family member in her room 24 hours a day to make sure that she keeps her oxygen on & doesn't pull out her I.V.
Aside from her cancer; she is battling thrush, a blood infection, respiratory infection & a uninary tract infection
She is on strong pain killers as well as antibiotics to keep her comfortable and fight the infections.
Last night we went to a travel agent to discuss options for plane tickets to America. Our biggest prayer right now is for guidance and wisdom about when to go.
God knew what He was doing when He had me plan this Love Feast for tonight.
It is hard for me to make decisions and remember things right now, and those are the two biggest skills I need in these final days before the opening meeting!
Pray for Tim, who bears a double burden (his own as well as mine).
Evelyn
kolmapäev, märts 23, 2005
My Mother Is Critical Now
My mother might not make it. She has a blood infection.
We are looking into plane tickets for America.
She already has her "ticket" for heaven!
Evelyn
(begging for prayer)
We are looking into plane tickets for America.
She already has her "ticket" for heaven!
Evelyn
(begging for prayer)
The Big Meeting -- Prayers Desperately Needed!
So here is what we really need prayer about at the moment!
After originally agreeing that we could have a march of witness, the city has now said we cannot, for safety reasons.
After much back and forth, the city has now said that neither the mayor nor a representative will be available to speak, as it is a holiday weekend and everyone is out of town.
We just heard that the Chalk Farm Band might not be able to come because Finnair might go on strike.
There are many details, some minor and some major, that we are still finishing up on.
My mother is still in the hospital, and of course that is on our minds.
Chris has been away at camp this week, so we are without his help in taking care of Peter.
We are having an informal Love Feast tomorrow night with some of our friends here in Tartu. Pray that it will be all that God desires!
The theme of the meeting is TO GOD BE THE GLORY, and that is our #1 goal and prayer request.
Thanks for praying, friends!
Evelyn
After originally agreeing that we could have a march of witness, the city has now said we cannot, for safety reasons.
After much back and forth, the city has now said that neither the mayor nor a representative will be available to speak, as it is a holiday weekend and everyone is out of town.
We just heard that the Chalk Farm Band might not be able to come because Finnair might go on strike.
There are many details, some minor and some major, that we are still finishing up on.
My mother is still in the hospital, and of course that is on our minds.
Chris has been away at camp this week, so we are without his help in taking care of Peter.
We are having an informal Love Feast tomorrow night with some of our friends here in Tartu. Pray that it will be all that God desires!
The theme of the meeting is TO GOD BE THE GLORY, and that is our #1 goal and prayer request.
Thanks for praying, friends!
Evelyn
teisipäev, märts 22, 2005
Please pray for my family!
from my brother:
Mama (jokingly) told me to tell everyone that she just got the lead in "A Chorus Line"!
Now, with that opening I have to tell you what is going on.
Mama has a respiratory infection & has been admitted to Maine Medical this morning. She will be there for a few days so that they can treat it aggressively.
Dick is there with her ... I left so that she can get some rest.
I will be stopping by intermittently & let you know what is going on.
Bobby
from my sister:
I just came back from the hospital seeing Mama. She is on 2 1/2 liters of oxygen and has IV fluids running.I guess she was also in a lot of pain and her blood pressure was all over the place and low when she first came into the ER. Now her blood pressure was 104 over 60 still a bit low but stable and she said she feels better. I asked right out to Dick what the doctor was saying if this was the end and he said at this time he didn't say that is where this was heading. She needs to treat a lung infection. Dick said that she was very congested yesterday and said if not feeling better that she would go to the ER, this a.m. when she woke up she was going to stay in bed about an hour later she told Dick to call 911. I hope I have given enough info that's the best I can do.
Love,
Katherine
Evelyn
Mama (jokingly) told me to tell everyone that she just got the lead in "A Chorus Line"!
Now, with that opening I have to tell you what is going on.
Mama has a respiratory infection & has been admitted to Maine Medical this morning. She will be there for a few days so that they can treat it aggressively.
Dick is there with her ... I left so that she can get some rest.
I will be stopping by intermittently & let you know what is going on.
Bobby
from my sister:
I just came back from the hospital seeing Mama. She is on 2 1/2 liters of oxygen and has IV fluids running.I guess she was also in a lot of pain and her blood pressure was all over the place and low when she first came into the ER. Now her blood pressure was 104 over 60 still a bit low but stable and she said she feels better. I asked right out to Dick what the doctor was saying if this was the end and he said at this time he didn't say that is where this was heading. She needs to treat a lung infection. Dick said that she was very congested yesterday and said if not feeling better that she would go to the ER, this a.m. when she woke up she was going to stay in bed about an hour later she told Dick to call 911. I hope I have given enough info that's the best I can do.
Love,
Katherine
Evelyn
esmaspäev, märts 21, 2005
Sermon
I just finished working on my sermon for the opening meeting. It still needs plenty of work, but I feel like I finally have a clear direction on what I feel God wants me to say. It has taken a while to reach this point; I kept running through different ideas, all of which seemed good but never worked out in the end. I am so thankful for God's leading tonight and have a real sense that I am now heading in the right direction.
It is late, so I won't add much more now (although I have so much to say about the great weekend we had!!!). I just wanted to be sure to ask that you pray for us over the next few days:
It is late, so I won't add much more now (although I have so much to say about the great weekend we had!!!). I just wanted to be sure to ask that you pray for us over the next few days:
- That we won't be too nervous as the day of the opening meeting nears
- That we won't feel overwhelmed by the preparations
- That the many last minute details we are still sorting out will come together
- That I will prepare and preach a message that will be true to God's will for Tartu
And also please pray for Chris, who is away until Thursday at "English Camp," which is a Christian program Chris described as like a Salvation Army youth councils. I think this will be a positive time for him to continue to settle in to Estonia, and to deepen his faith.
--Tim
kolmapäev, märts 16, 2005
I Surrender All
So I'm having a rather a hard time lately, feeling guilty and sad that I am not there for my mother (lung cancer, brain tumors, that lady!) and step-father (their 11th wedding anniversary is this Saturday!) with things like shovelling snow, going to the drugstore for them, taking them to the doctor, helping her as she goes through chemotherapy, etc.
And God reminded me of these words, which were so important as we were preparing to go to Training. Then they applied to my children, but they apply to my parents as well:
All to Jesus I surrender
All to Him I FREELY GIVE
I will ever love and TRUST Him
In His presence DAILY live
Our opening meeting is in a week and a half, and we have a million details to take care of.
Keep those prayers up! Thanks!
Evelyn
And God reminded me of these words, which were so important as we were preparing to go to Training. Then they applied to my children, but they apply to my parents as well:
All to Jesus I surrender
All to Him I FREELY GIVE
I will ever love and TRUST Him
In His presence DAILY live
Our opening meeting is in a week and a half, and we have a million details to take care of.
Keep those prayers up! Thanks!
Evelyn
teisipäev, märts 15, 2005
Posters
Today the kids and I walked around the downtown area of Tartu putting up posters for the opening. The posters came out rather nicely, with a white background; red, yellow and blue text; and a full-color picture of the Chalk Farm Band marching. We went armed with a staple gun and looked for the places where others put posters. Fortunately, in a college town there are plenty of wooden surfaces where people promote concerts, pubs and the like, so we would look for the massive groupings of papers and add our part to it.
The nice thing is that the simple look of our poster actually makes it stand out from the splashy design of the others. The kids were so thrilled when, after putting up a poster on one side of a building, we moved to the other side to put up another and looked behind us to see a lady standing there reading the first poster we put up. It almost makes me feel like people may actually come to this!
The kids and I were frozen by the time we finished, so we stopped into a little pageri pood (bakery shop) and each had a pastry and some tea. People here still know how to slow down and take a break, so at every table people we sitting and talking as they ate. When I am feeling like there are a million things to do to get ready for the opening, this is an Estonian trait I want to emulate.
I do ask that you continue to pray for us as we prepare. I have no doubt everything will be good in the end, but it is hard not to worry in the mean time.
--Tim
Tonight we prayed for my mother, Major Hilda Clark.
The nice thing is that the simple look of our poster actually makes it stand out from the splashy design of the others. The kids were so thrilled when, after putting up a poster on one side of a building, we moved to the other side to put up another and looked behind us to see a lady standing there reading the first poster we put up. It almost makes me feel like people may actually come to this!
The kids and I were frozen by the time we finished, so we stopped into a little pageri pood (bakery shop) and each had a pastry and some tea. People here still know how to slow down and take a break, so at every table people we sitting and talking as they ate. When I am feeling like there are a million things to do to get ready for the opening, this is an Estonian trait I want to emulate.
I do ask that you continue to pray for us as we prepare. I have no doubt everything will be good in the end, but it is hard not to worry in the mean time.
--Tim
Tonight we prayed for my mother, Major Hilda Clark.
Please pray for me (Evelyn)
"Anyone who loves his … mother more than me is not worthy of me…. and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it."
Matthew 10:37-39
"No one who has left home … or mother … for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age (homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields--and with them, persecutions) and in the age to come, eternal life."
Mark 10:29-30
As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, "I will follow you wherever you go."
Jesus replied, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head."
He said to another man, "Follow me."
But the man replied, "Lord, first let me go and bury my father."
Jesus said to him, "Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God."
Still another said, "I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say good-by to my family."
Jesus replied, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God."
Luke 9:57-62
If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
1 Timothy 5:8
Matthew 10:37-39
"No one who has left home … or mother … for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age (homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields--and with them, persecutions) and in the age to come, eternal life."
Mark 10:29-30
As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, "I will follow you wherever you go."
Jesus replied, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head."
He said to another man, "Follow me."
But the man replied, "Lord, first let me go and bury my father."
Jesus said to him, "Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God."
Still another said, "I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say good-by to my family."
Jesus replied, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God."
Luke 9:57-62
If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
1 Timothy 5:8
esmaspäev, märts 14, 2005
Major Evie Diaz in Riga, Latvia
When we went to America to visit my mother two months ago, I often asked Americans what they would like me to bring back for them. Major Evie Diaz, a USA Central Territory officer stationed in Riga, requested Twizzlers candy. Our Regional Commanders went to Latvia to visit her RCs last week, so she finally got her bag of Twizzlers from us!
This morning I was reading her newsletter, and found this in common with my life here:
"My new favorite snacks are fresh mandarin oranges, eaten like candy. Just peel and eat and so sweet and juicy!"
Evelyn
This morning I was reading her newsletter, and found this in common with my life here:
"My new favorite snacks are fresh mandarin oranges, eaten like candy. Just peel and eat and so sweet and juicy!"
Evelyn
laupäev, märts 12, 2005
Mission Team
Chris and I spent Friday and Saturday in Tallinn again for Mission Team training. It was a good weekend, and the young people are getting excited about the team.
It is such a wonderful experience to hear four different languages spoken (Estonian, Russian, Finnish and English) and to see that it is not a barrier for them to work together. In fact, it gives the young people the opportunity to work more closely, giving help to someone who doesn't understand the language in which a particular instruction was given (I'm in that position a lot!). They are so generous with their help to one another, and they have a genuine excitement about the things they are learning. It is encouraging to know that they are the future of the Army here.
Below are a few pictures. Remember you can click on them to see a larger view.
--Tim
It is such a wonderful experience to hear four different languages spoken (Estonian, Russian, Finnish and English) and to see that it is not a barrier for them to work together. In fact, it gives the young people the opportunity to work more closely, giving help to someone who doesn't understand the language in which a particular instruction was given (I'm in that position a lot!). They are so generous with their help to one another, and they have a genuine excitement about the things they are learning. It is encouraging to know that they are the future of the Army here.
Below are a few pictures. Remember you can click on them to see a larger view.
--Tim
Some of the young people (including Chris, in the uper right) work on constructing wordless books, which they will use in their outreach.
The Mission Team group works on a dance to the song "The Heart of Worship."
A fuzzy picture of the mission team in the chapel of the Kopli Corps in Tallinn, featuring young people from Finland, and the Kopli, Narva and Tartu Corps in Estonia.
reede, märts 11, 2005
Field of Dreams? by Captain Steve Court
Proverbs 24:26 First plant your fields; then build your barn.
Ironically, one of the leadership areas that often fails to observe this proverb is the Christian Church. You'd think that the keepers of the Bible would follow its instructions! The specific aspect of failure that I've observed is in that of pioneering congregations. While the sage of the Scriptures instructs us to plant first and then build the barn, some organizations adopt the exact opposite approach....
This faulty approach sees a "leader" ... appointed, a name chosen, and a building acquired. I call this the "Field of Dreams" fallacy.
The Field of Dreams Fallacy believes that if you build it, they will come (from the popular movie). And so, precious resources are poured into the barn with the expectation that people will show up when the doors are opened. And it does not work. After a couple of tries with the Field of Dreams Fallacy I would probably move on to something else. But some people figure it was not what they did, but how they did it, that was wrong. The barn was not fancy enough or the name was not relevant enough and so they fine-tune their names and add a gymnasium or a nursery, and build away. And it does not work.
You can't succeed if you build your barns before you plant your crops. These leaders failed for a lack of understanding at what the Church is. They understood that the Church is a building, or at best, a congregation gathered on a Sunday morning. And so they built the building, thinking that they were building the Church, or, at best, they built a hall for nice Sunday meetings. The Church is not a building. The Church is not only the gathering of a congregation once a week. The Church is made up of saints living in community. It seems that the "leaders" misunderstood what they were trying to pioneer, and in missing the opportunity to plant the crops of relationships with people who would become saints living in community, they ended up building barns that were literally just empty rooms.
How many times do we build the barn first because we misunderstand the very nature of our initiative or project?
from Proverbial Leadership: Ancient Wisdom for Tomorrow's Endeavors
by Wesley Harris & Stephen Court
Ironically, one of the leadership areas that often fails to observe this proverb is the Christian Church. You'd think that the keepers of the Bible would follow its instructions! The specific aspect of failure that I've observed is in that of pioneering congregations. While the sage of the Scriptures instructs us to plant first and then build the barn, some organizations adopt the exact opposite approach....
This faulty approach sees a "leader" ... appointed, a name chosen, and a building acquired. I call this the "Field of Dreams" fallacy.
The Field of Dreams Fallacy believes that if you build it, they will come (from the popular movie). And so, precious resources are poured into the barn with the expectation that people will show up when the doors are opened. And it does not work. After a couple of tries with the Field of Dreams Fallacy I would probably move on to something else. But some people figure it was not what they did, but how they did it, that was wrong. The barn was not fancy enough or the name was not relevant enough and so they fine-tune their names and add a gymnasium or a nursery, and build away. And it does not work.
You can't succeed if you build your barns before you plant your crops. These leaders failed for a lack of understanding at what the Church is. They understood that the Church is a building, or at best, a congregation gathered on a Sunday morning. And so they built the building, thinking that they were building the Church, or, at best, they built a hall for nice Sunday meetings. The Church is not a building. The Church is not only the gathering of a congregation once a week. The Church is made up of saints living in community. It seems that the "leaders" misunderstood what they were trying to pioneer, and in missing the opportunity to plant the crops of relationships with people who would become saints living in community, they ended up building barns that were literally just empty rooms.
How many times do we build the barn first because we misunderstand the very nature of our initiative or project?
from Proverbial Leadership: Ancient Wisdom for Tomorrow's Endeavors
by Wesley Harris & Stephen Court
Evelyn has always loved the sight of an Estonian house with smoke coming out of the chimney. This is our house (we've had a lot of snow lately) and if you look carefully you can even see the smoke.
Hellenurme
Here are some pictures of the church building outside of Hellenurme that Pastor Peeter Sula showed to us during our recent visit.
The outside of the building, where you can also see Pastor Peeter Sula.
A Sunday School classroom in the upstairs of the building.
A Prayer Warrior
http://www.houseofmyrrh.org/i_stand.htm
Here I Stand!
originally titled: 'I Am A Soldier'
by Pastor Cindye Coates, M.Div.
Solomon's Porch, Atlanta
I am a soldier in the army of my God!
The Lord Jesus Christ is my commanding officer!
The Bible is my code of conduct!
Faith, Prayer and the Word are the weapons of my warfare!
I have been taught by the Holy Spirit, trained by experience, tried by adversity and tested by fire!
I am a volunteer in this army and I am enlisted for eternity!
I will either retire at the Rapture or die in this army, but I will not get out, sell out, be talked out or pushed out!
I am faithful, reliable, capable and dependable!
If my God needs me, I am there!
If He needs me to teach children in Sunday School, to work with the youth, help adults, or just sit and learn, He can use me, because I am there!
If He needs me in church Sunday morning, Sunday night, midweek, during revival or a special service, I am there!
I am there to preach, teach, sing, play, work or worship!
God can use me because I am there!
I am a soldier! I am not a baby!
I do not need to be pampered, petted, primed, pumped up, picked up, or pepped up!
No one has to call me, remind me, write me, visit me, entice me, or lure me!
I am a soldier! I am not a wimp!
I am in place, saluting my King, obeying His orders, praising His name and building His kingdom!
No one has to send me flowers, gifts, food, cards, candy, or give me handouts!
I am committed!
I cannot have my feelings hurt bad enough to turn me around!
I cannot be discouraged enough to turn me aside!
I cannot lose enough to cause me to quit!
When Jesus called me into this army, I had nothing!
If I end of with nothing I will still break even!
I will win!
My God will supply all my needs!
I am more than a conqueror!
I will always triumph!
I can do all things through Christ!
Devils cannot defeat me!
People cannot disillusion me!
Weather cannot weary me; sickness cannot stop me: battles cannot beat me!
Money cannot buy me!
I am a soldier!
Even death cannot destroy me, for when my Commander calls me from this battlefield, He will promote me to [Glory] and then bring me back to rule this world with Him!
I am a soldier in God's army.
I will never surrender to the enemy!
I will never turn back!
I'm a soldier, marching heavenward, claiming victory as I go!
Here I stand!
Will you stand with me?
Here I Stand!
originally titled: 'I Am A Soldier'
by Pastor Cindye Coates, M.Div.
Solomon's Porch, Atlanta
I am a soldier in the army of my God!
The Lord Jesus Christ is my commanding officer!
The Bible is my code of conduct!
Faith, Prayer and the Word are the weapons of my warfare!
I have been taught by the Holy Spirit, trained by experience, tried by adversity and tested by fire!
I am a volunteer in this army and I am enlisted for eternity!
I will either retire at the Rapture or die in this army, but I will not get out, sell out, be talked out or pushed out!
I am faithful, reliable, capable and dependable!
If my God needs me, I am there!
If He needs me to teach children in Sunday School, to work with the youth, help adults, or just sit and learn, He can use me, because I am there!
If He needs me in church Sunday morning, Sunday night, midweek, during revival or a special service, I am there!
I am there to preach, teach, sing, play, work or worship!
God can use me because I am there!
I am a soldier! I am not a baby!
I do not need to be pampered, petted, primed, pumped up, picked up, or pepped up!
No one has to call me, remind me, write me, visit me, entice me, or lure me!
I am a soldier! I am not a wimp!
I am in place, saluting my King, obeying His orders, praising His name and building His kingdom!
No one has to send me flowers, gifts, food, cards, candy, or give me handouts!
I am committed!
I cannot have my feelings hurt bad enough to turn me around!
I cannot be discouraged enough to turn me aside!
I cannot lose enough to cause me to quit!
When Jesus called me into this army, I had nothing!
If I end of with nothing I will still break even!
I will win!
My God will supply all my needs!
I am more than a conqueror!
I will always triumph!
I can do all things through Christ!
Devils cannot defeat me!
People cannot disillusion me!
Weather cannot weary me; sickness cannot stop me: battles cannot beat me!
Money cannot buy me!
I am a soldier!
Even death cannot destroy me, for when my Commander calls me from this battlefield, He will promote me to [Glory] and then bring me back to rule this world with Him!
I am a soldier in God's army.
I will never surrender to the enemy!
I will never turn back!
I'm a soldier, marching heavenward, claiming victory as I go!
Here I stand!
Will you stand with me?
Human Milk for Human Babies (and Toddlers!)
AAP RELEASES REVISED BREASTFEEDING RECOMMENDATIONS
Below is a news release on a policy statement appearing in the the February issue of Pediatrics, the peer-reviewed, scientific journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
CHICAGO - A long-time advocate of breastfeeding, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is issuing a revised policy statement on "Breastfeeding and the Use of Human Milk" to replace its existing policy developed in 1997. The new recommendations reflect new research on the importance of breastfeeding.
Studies on infants provide evidence that breastfeeding can decrease the incidence or severity of conditions such as diarrhea, ear infections and bacterial meningitis. Some studies also suggest that breastfeeding may offer protection against sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), diabetes, obesity and asthma among others.
Research indicates that breastfeeding can reduce a mother's risk of several medical conditions, including ovarian and breast cancer, and possibly a decreased risk of hip fractures and osteoporosis in the postmenopausal period. Increased breastfeeding also has the potential for decreasing annual health costs in the U.S. by $3.6 billion and decreasing parental employee absenteeism, the environmental burden for disposal of formula cans and bottles, and energy demands for production and transport of formula.
Although breastfeeding initiation rates have increased steadily since 1990, exclusive (no water, juice, nonhuman milk or food) breastfeeding rates have shown little or no increase over the same period of time. Similarly, the proportion of infants who are exclusively breastfed until about six months of age has increased at a much slower rate than that of infants who received mixed feedings (breast milk plus infant formula).
The policy recommendations include:
Exclusive breastfeeding for approximately the first six months and support for breastfeeding for the first year and beyond as long as mutually desired by mother and child.
Mother and infant should sleep in proximity to each other to facilitate breastfeeding;
Self-examination of mother's breasts for lumps is recommended throughout lactation, not just after weaning;
Support efforts of parents and the courts to ensure continuation of breastfeeding in cases of separation, custody and visitation;
Pediatricians should counsel adoptive mothers on the benefits of induced lactation through hormonal therapy or mechanical stimulation.
Recognize and work with cultural diversity in breastfeeding practices
A pediatrician or other knowledgeable and experienced health care professional should evaluate a newborn breastfed infant at 3 to 5 days of age and again at 2 to 3 weeks of age to be sure the infant is feeding and growing well.
The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 60,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults.
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© COPYRIGHT AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
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American Academy of Pediatrics, 141 Northwest Point Blvd., Elk Grove Village, IL, 60007, 847-434-4000
Below is a news release on a policy statement appearing in the the February issue of Pediatrics, the peer-reviewed, scientific journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
CHICAGO - A long-time advocate of breastfeeding, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is issuing a revised policy statement on "Breastfeeding and the Use of Human Milk" to replace its existing policy developed in 1997. The new recommendations reflect new research on the importance of breastfeeding.
Studies on infants provide evidence that breastfeeding can decrease the incidence or severity of conditions such as diarrhea, ear infections and bacterial meningitis. Some studies also suggest that breastfeeding may offer protection against sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), diabetes, obesity and asthma among others.
Research indicates that breastfeeding can reduce a mother's risk of several medical conditions, including ovarian and breast cancer, and possibly a decreased risk of hip fractures and osteoporosis in the postmenopausal period. Increased breastfeeding also has the potential for decreasing annual health costs in the U.S. by $3.6 billion and decreasing parental employee absenteeism, the environmental burden for disposal of formula cans and bottles, and energy demands for production and transport of formula.
Although breastfeeding initiation rates have increased steadily since 1990, exclusive (no water, juice, nonhuman milk or food) breastfeeding rates have shown little or no increase over the same period of time. Similarly, the proportion of infants who are exclusively breastfed until about six months of age has increased at a much slower rate than that of infants who received mixed feedings (breast milk plus infant formula).
The policy recommendations include:
Exclusive breastfeeding for approximately the first six months and support for breastfeeding for the first year and beyond as long as mutually desired by mother and child.
Mother and infant should sleep in proximity to each other to facilitate breastfeeding;
Self-examination of mother's breasts for lumps is recommended throughout lactation, not just after weaning;
Support efforts of parents and the courts to ensure continuation of breastfeeding in cases of separation, custody and visitation;
Pediatricians should counsel adoptive mothers on the benefits of induced lactation through hormonal therapy or mechanical stimulation.
Recognize and work with cultural diversity in breastfeeding practices
A pediatrician or other knowledgeable and experienced health care professional should evaluate a newborn breastfed infant at 3 to 5 days of age and again at 2 to 3 weeks of age to be sure the infant is feeding and growing well.
The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 60,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults.
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kolmapäev, märts 09, 2005
"With Your help I can ..."
To the faithful you show yourself faithful,
to the blameless you show yourself blameless,
to the pure you show yourself pure....
You save the humble....
You are my lamp, O LORD;
the LORD turns my darkness into light.
With your help I can advance against a troop;
with my God I can scale a wall.
(2 Samuel 22:26-30)
PS 18:1 I love you, O LORD, my strength.
PS 18:15 The valleys of the sea were exposed
and the foundations of the earth laid bare
at your rebuke, O LORD,
at the blast of breath from your nostrils.
PS 18:25 To the faithful you show yourself faithful,
to the blameless you show yourself blameless,
PS 18:26 to the pure you show yourself pure,
but to the crooked you show yourself shrewd.
PS 18:27 You save the humble
but bring low those whose eyes are haughty.
PS 18:28 You, O LORD, keep my lamp burning;
my God turns my darkness into light.
PS 18:29 With your help I can advance against a troop;
with my God I can scale a wall.
PS 18:47 He is the God who avenges me,
who subdues nations under me,
PS 18:48 who saves me from my enemies.
You exalted me above my foes;
from violent men you rescued me.
PS 18:49 Therefore I will praise you among the nations, O LORD;
I will sing praises to your name.
to the blameless you show yourself blameless,
to the pure you show yourself pure....
You save the humble....
You are my lamp, O LORD;
the LORD turns my darkness into light.
With your help I can advance against a troop;
with my God I can scale a wall.
(2 Samuel 22:26-30)
PS 18:1 I love you, O LORD, my strength.
PS 18:15 The valleys of the sea were exposed
and the foundations of the earth laid bare
at your rebuke, O LORD,
at the blast of breath from your nostrils.
PS 18:25 To the faithful you show yourself faithful,
to the blameless you show yourself blameless,
PS 18:26 to the pure you show yourself pure,
but to the crooked you show yourself shrewd.
PS 18:27 You save the humble
but bring low those whose eyes are haughty.
PS 18:28 You, O LORD, keep my lamp burning;
my God turns my darkness into light.
PS 18:29 With your help I can advance against a troop;
with my God I can scale a wall.
PS 18:47 He is the God who avenges me,
who subdues nations under me,
PS 18:48 who saves me from my enemies.
You exalted me above my foes;
from violent men you rescued me.
PS 18:49 Therefore I will praise you among the nations, O LORD;
I will sing praises to your name.
teisipäev, märts 08, 2005
Lõuna Eesti (South Estonia)
We saw more of Estonia today! We had several meetings in southern Estonia to look into the possibility of expanding the Army's work there. It was a lot of driving, but well worth the trip.
We started off in Võru, which is about 75 km south of Tartu. We, along with our translator Ermo, our regional commanders Majors Derek and Helen Tyrrell, and a local Methodist pastor, met with the director of social services for Võru to talk about the possibility of the Army working there. This man would very much like to see the Army working in his city, and identified several programs where we might get involved, such as a youth hostel, a feeding program and a day center for pensioners. All of these things fall in line with the Army's mission, and there is clearly need in the community. Now it is simply a matter of working out what would be the best place for the Army to start, and how it can happen. Please pray that God will guide our leaders as they try to discover the Army's place in Võru.
From there, we went to Hellenurme, a small town that is around 35 km southwest of Tartu. The drive was gorgeous, because there are no main roads leading to Hellenurme. We have had around 8 inches of snow in the past few days, so the roads were snow-covered, but so were the trees and the landscape was a brilliant white. It was like out of a post card!
We went to Hellenurme to meet a pastor who contacted our regional office in Tallinn. In the past, a Salvation Army corps in Sweden had provided support for his church, but they are unable to do this any more. He wanted to see if there was some way he could work together with the Army in Estonia. He is a great guy who sincerely cares about his community. It is a small village of less than 300 people. Most people are moving away to the larger cities, and those who remain are either at the old people's home or on farms. Most of these people have very little. Evelyn said to me, "I feel like I'm seeing the real Estonia." He showed us his church building, told us how many of the people who come are from the old people's home and how they used to have a church in a nearby town, but had to close it. It was sad to see. He is hoping the Evelyn and I can do church services at his church occasionally, and possibly from time to time help with humanitarian aid, such as food and clothing. We are excited by this prospect.
We ended the day by going to Elva, which is just north of Hellenurme. We had dropped Chris and Elizabeth there in the morning to spend the day with the Harrisons, and American missionary family. They have six children, and our kids love spending time with them. We had dinner with them, and enjoyed the chance to talk and relax. It was the perfect ending to the day.
Tomorrow we go full steam ahead, talking to someone about arranging an Estonian language class, finalizing the printing of posters for the opening, arranging for a caterer for the opening, and hopefully arraging regular programs at the childrens home. Please continue to pray for us in these various endevors, that we will keep focused on mission and not feel overwhelmed by the preparations for the opening.
--Tim
Today we prayed for Evelyn's neice Jessica, and her daughter Jalin.
We started off in Võru, which is about 75 km south of Tartu. We, along with our translator Ermo, our regional commanders Majors Derek and Helen Tyrrell, and a local Methodist pastor, met with the director of social services for Võru to talk about the possibility of the Army working there. This man would very much like to see the Army working in his city, and identified several programs where we might get involved, such as a youth hostel, a feeding program and a day center for pensioners. All of these things fall in line with the Army's mission, and there is clearly need in the community. Now it is simply a matter of working out what would be the best place for the Army to start, and how it can happen. Please pray that God will guide our leaders as they try to discover the Army's place in Võru.
From there, we went to Hellenurme, a small town that is around 35 km southwest of Tartu. The drive was gorgeous, because there are no main roads leading to Hellenurme. We have had around 8 inches of snow in the past few days, so the roads were snow-covered, but so were the trees and the landscape was a brilliant white. It was like out of a post card!
We went to Hellenurme to meet a pastor who contacted our regional office in Tallinn. In the past, a Salvation Army corps in Sweden had provided support for his church, but they are unable to do this any more. He wanted to see if there was some way he could work together with the Army in Estonia. He is a great guy who sincerely cares about his community. It is a small village of less than 300 people. Most people are moving away to the larger cities, and those who remain are either at the old people's home or on farms. Most of these people have very little. Evelyn said to me, "I feel like I'm seeing the real Estonia." He showed us his church building, told us how many of the people who come are from the old people's home and how they used to have a church in a nearby town, but had to close it. It was sad to see. He is hoping the Evelyn and I can do church services at his church occasionally, and possibly from time to time help with humanitarian aid, such as food and clothing. We are excited by this prospect.
We ended the day by going to Elva, which is just north of Hellenurme. We had dropped Chris and Elizabeth there in the morning to spend the day with the Harrisons, and American missionary family. They have six children, and our kids love spending time with them. We had dinner with them, and enjoyed the chance to talk and relax. It was the perfect ending to the day.
Tomorrow we go full steam ahead, talking to someone about arranging an Estonian language class, finalizing the printing of posters for the opening, arranging for a caterer for the opening, and hopefully arraging regular programs at the childrens home. Please continue to pray for us in these various endevors, that we will keep focused on mission and not feel overwhelmed by the preparations for the opening.
--Tim
Today we prayed for Evelyn's neice Jessica, and her daughter Jalin.
esmaspäev, märts 07, 2005
Pictures from Peter's Birthday
Here are some pictures from Peter's 1st birthday.
One of the birthday cakes lovingly hand-decorated by our friends from Tallinn. This one says Happy Birthday in Estonian.
Peter took right to the drum giv en to him by our regional commanders, Major Derek and Helen Tyrrell.
Peter in the kitchen with some of the many friends who came for the party: (from left) Kerli, Janice, Meghan and Kristi.
International Women's Day: 8 March
from the U.N.:
History
International Women’s Day: Looking Back
IntroductionInternational Women’s Day is celebrated in many countries around the world. It is a day when women are recognized for their achievements without regard to divisions, whether national, ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic or political. It is an occasion for looking back on past struggles and accomplishments, and more importantly, for looking ahead to the untapped potential and opportunities that await future generations of women.
In 1975, during International Women's Year, the United Nations began celebrating International Women’s Day on 8 March. Two years later, in December 1977, the General Assembly adopted a resolution proclaiming a United Nations Day for Women's Rights and International Peace to be observed on any day of the year by Member States, in accordance with their historical and national traditions. In adopting its resolution, the General Assembly recognized the role of women in peace efforts and development and urged an end to discrimination and an increase of support for women’s full and equal participation.
History: International Women’s Day first emerged from the activities of labour movements at the turn of the twentieth century in North America and across Europe.
1909: The first National Woman's Day was observed in the United States on 28 February. The Socialist Party of America designated this day in honour of the 1908 garment workers’ strike in New York, where women protested against working conditions.
1910: The Socialist International, meeting in Copenhagen, established a Women's Day, international in character, to honour the movement for women's rights and to build support for achieving universal suffrage for women. The proposal was greeted with unanimous approval by the conference of over 100 women from 17 countries, which included the first three women elected to the Finnish Parliament. No fixed date was selected for the observance.
1911: As a result of the Copenhagen initiative, International Women's Day was marked for the first time (19 March) in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland, where more than one million women and men attended rallies. In addition to the right to vote and to hold public office, they demanded women’s rights to work, to vocational training and to an end to discrimination on the job.
1913-1914: International Women's Day also became a mechanism for protesting World War I. As part of the peace movement, Russian women observed their first International Women’s Day on the last Sunday in February. Elsewhere in Europe, on or around 8 March of the following year, women held rallies either to protest the war or to express solidarity with other activists.
1917: Against the backdrop of the war, women in Russia again chose to protest and strike for ‘Bread and Peace’ on the last Sunday in February (which fell on 8 March on the Gregorian calendar). Four days later, the Czar abdicated and the provisional Government granted women the right to vote.
Since those early years, International Women's Day has assumed a new global dimension for women in developed and developing countries alike. The growing international women's movement, which has been strengthened by four global United Nations women's conferences, has helped make the commemoration a rallying point to build support for women's rights and participation in the political and economic arenas. Increasingly, International Women's Day is a time to reflect on progress made, to call for change and to celebrate acts of courage and determination by ordinary women who have played an extraordinary role in the history of their countries and communities.The United Nations and Gender Equality
The Charter of the United Nations, signed in 1945, was the first international agreement to affirm the principle of equality between women and men. Since then, the UN has helped create a historic legacy of internationally-agreed strategies, standards, programmes and goals to advance the status of women worldwide.
Over the years, the UN and its technical agencies have promoted the participation of women as equal partners with men in achieving sustainable development, peace, security, and full respect for human rights. The empowerment of women continues to be a central feature of the UN’s efforts to address social, economic and political challenges across the globe.
For information about recent themes and commemorations by the United Nations of International Women’s Day, please visit: http://www.un.org/womenwatch/feature/iwd
History
International Women’s Day: Looking Back
IntroductionInternational Women’s Day is celebrated in many countries around the world. It is a day when women are recognized for their achievements without regard to divisions, whether national, ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic or political. It is an occasion for looking back on past struggles and accomplishments, and more importantly, for looking ahead to the untapped potential and opportunities that await future generations of women.
In 1975, during International Women's Year, the United Nations began celebrating International Women’s Day on 8 March. Two years later, in December 1977, the General Assembly adopted a resolution proclaiming a United Nations Day for Women's Rights and International Peace to be observed on any day of the year by Member States, in accordance with their historical and national traditions. In adopting its resolution, the General Assembly recognized the role of women in peace efforts and development and urged an end to discrimination and an increase of support for women’s full and equal participation.
History: International Women’s Day first emerged from the activities of labour movements at the turn of the twentieth century in North America and across Europe.
1909: The first National Woman's Day was observed in the United States on 28 February. The Socialist Party of America designated this day in honour of the 1908 garment workers’ strike in New York, where women protested against working conditions.
1910: The Socialist International, meeting in Copenhagen, established a Women's Day, international in character, to honour the movement for women's rights and to build support for achieving universal suffrage for women. The proposal was greeted with unanimous approval by the conference of over 100 women from 17 countries, which included the first three women elected to the Finnish Parliament. No fixed date was selected for the observance.
1911: As a result of the Copenhagen initiative, International Women's Day was marked for the first time (19 March) in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland, where more than one million women and men attended rallies. In addition to the right to vote and to hold public office, they demanded women’s rights to work, to vocational training and to an end to discrimination on the job.
1913-1914: International Women's Day also became a mechanism for protesting World War I. As part of the peace movement, Russian women observed their first International Women’s Day on the last Sunday in February. Elsewhere in Europe, on or around 8 March of the following year, women held rallies either to protest the war or to express solidarity with other activists.
1917: Against the backdrop of the war, women in Russia again chose to protest and strike for ‘Bread and Peace’ on the last Sunday in February (which fell on 8 March on the Gregorian calendar). Four days later, the Czar abdicated and the provisional Government granted women the right to vote.
Since those early years, International Women's Day has assumed a new global dimension for women in developed and developing countries alike. The growing international women's movement, which has been strengthened by four global United Nations women's conferences, has helped make the commemoration a rallying point to build support for women's rights and participation in the political and economic arenas. Increasingly, International Women's Day is a time to reflect on progress made, to call for change and to celebrate acts of courage and determination by ordinary women who have played an extraordinary role in the history of their countries and communities.The United Nations and Gender Equality
The Charter of the United Nations, signed in 1945, was the first international agreement to affirm the principle of equality between women and men. Since then, the UN has helped create a historic legacy of internationally-agreed strategies, standards, programmes and goals to advance the status of women worldwide.
Over the years, the UN and its technical agencies have promoted the participation of women as equal partners with men in achieving sustainable development, peace, security, and full respect for human rights. The empowerment of women continues to be a central feature of the UN’s efforts to address social, economic and political challenges across the globe.
For information about recent themes and commemorations by the United Nations of International Women’s Day, please visit: http://www.un.org/womenwatch/feature/iwd
laupäev, märts 05, 2005
"Whatever you do...."
On Monday, all of the Salvation Army officers stationed in Estonia will come to Tartu for a business and fellowship time. We were asked to bring a Bible verse that pertains to our appointment. These are the verses God has brought me to.
"Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed." (Proverbs 16:3)
"Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.... I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved." (1 Corinthians 10:31,33)
"Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." (Colossians 3:17)
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." (Colossians 3:23-24)
Evelyn
"Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed." (Proverbs 16:3)
"Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.... I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved." (1 Corinthians 10:31,33)
"Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." (Colossians 3:17)
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." (Colossians 3:23-24)
Evelyn
Friends from Kolgata
reede, märts 04, 2005
Peter Is One Year Old Today
I woke up early this morning, with memories flashing through my mind. As such thoughts often are, the following is all out of chronological order....
Up, up, up!
I'm okay, I can do it.
Don't touch me!
Chris, open the door for the paramedics!
My baby, my baby, my baby!
Bring me every clean towel in the house.
Calling Bea Connell, calling the midwife, Pauline Harding calling, calling 911.
8 pounds exactly.
Talking the paramedics through everything. Refusing to be transported to the hospital. Getting up and taking a shower and driving to the birth center.
Eating a Peter Rabbit Easter bunny at the birth center. Chris trying to fix the Nintendo there. Stopping at the McDonald's drive-through on the way home trying to get a shamrock shake.
I got the homebirth I always wanted, although not in the way I had envisioned (it was unplanned)! I got the 8-pound baby I always wanted, and God made him exactly 8 pounds to make sure I didn't miss the point!
A busy day for us today, off to Tallinn!
Evelyn
Up, up, up!
I'm okay, I can do it.
Don't touch me!
Chris, open the door for the paramedics!
My baby, my baby, my baby!
Bring me every clean towel in the house.
Calling Bea Connell, calling the midwife, Pauline Harding calling, calling 911.
8 pounds exactly.
Talking the paramedics through everything. Refusing to be transported to the hospital. Getting up and taking a shower and driving to the birth center.
Eating a Peter Rabbit Easter bunny at the birth center. Chris trying to fix the Nintendo there. Stopping at the McDonald's drive-through on the way home trying to get a shamrock shake.
I got the homebirth I always wanted, although not in the way I had envisioned (it was unplanned)! I got the 8-pound baby I always wanted, and God made him exactly 8 pounds to make sure I didn't miss the point!
A busy day for us today, off to Tallinn!
Evelyn
neljapäev, märts 03, 2005
"The Chronicles Of Chris"
hey it's chris and now i've started my own blog! it's called "The Chronicles Of Chris"! my parents have a link to it on the left and if you just want to go to it yourself type in: http//www.chrischronicles.blogspot.com. so quit reading my parents stuff and read my blog. if you liked the story about camp then you'll like the story about the sauna, just go to my blog and read it. so just go, hurry up, read it!!
from the Army Barmy Blog
Lifted from Captain Stephen Court over at ArmyBarmy:
"This is a little mid-week reminder to all of you in the thick of it that we are engaged in a war with eternal consequences and that the enemy hates our guts. The Salvation Army is a revolutionary movement of covenanted warriors exercising holy passion to win the world for Jesus.
To get there we have to fight through a bunch of evil demons.
Don't get confused.
Don't get distracted.
War is on."
As always, words I needed to hear!!
Evelyn
"This is a little mid-week reminder to all of you in the thick of it that we are engaged in a war with eternal consequences and that the enemy hates our guts. The Salvation Army is a revolutionary movement of covenanted warriors exercising holy passion to win the world for Jesus.
To get there we have to fight through a bunch of evil demons.
Don't get confused.
Don't get distracted.
War is on."
As always, words I needed to hear!!
Evelyn
teisipäev, märts 01, 2005
"Camp Loksa" by Chris Clark
hey!! it's chris again!! yay!! ok i'm gonna tell you guys about this camp i went to that was like really cool. the salvation army has a camp in loksa estonia, thats north of tartu, and they let this really awesome youth group from tartu use the camp. what makes this youth group awesome is that it's the youth group i go to and of course if i go there it must be cool (hahahaha). well anyway this youth group from the kolgata (calvary) baptist church was gonna have a youth camp and they invited me. at first i was all like cool, i can hang out with estonians! but then it dawned on me...i would would be the only native english speaker there! i just sorta had this little idea that the whole time i'd be sitting in a corner having nothing to do, having no idea what was going on around me, and just being so sad and depressed. but then on the other hand i knew these were cool people who would be willing to translate, and i also knew that this camp was gonna rock. so i sorta weighed the pros and cons and decided to go. first they come to the house and pick me up, we get in the car, we drive and pick up 2 more people, and then we leave. i think this car we rode in was never designed to carry 3 big estonian guys (by big i dont mean fat i mean just plain big) 1 estonian girl and me. we were squished for the whole 2 and a half hour trip and that seat was the most uncomfortable seat i've ever sat in. but we survived! yay! then we get there and it turns out i went with the people who were going 3 hours early to make sure everything was ready. so we got there and everythings ok (except the place was freezing cold, but we coudn't really help that much) so we sat there for 3 hours. now heres something cool i wanna tell you abuot, so we get there and one of the estonians named tõnis (don't even try to pronounce it) asks me if i have any slippers (slippers are a very big estonian thing) and i say no, not with me. so his parents live in loksa, where we were, and they are the baptist pastors there and so he goes and gets me from nice new slippers from the church, along with some wonderfully warm nice thick estonian socks. this just goes to show how cool estonians are, without me even asking for slippers or complaining i was cold he just went out and got me some. so then that night we ate and that was cool and then everyone else got there and we had a snack. little did i know that this innocent looking pastry contained the most potent and deadly of poisons, sült (jellied meat)!! i'm sorry but i will never understand how anyone can eat that stuff, it makes me sick! now i didnt noticed what these were and i was hungry so i do the american thing, i take the biggest bite i can...bad move! i had to leave the room for a minute and spit it out in the trash. blagh! nasty! so after that i was much more careful about what i ate. so then we did some stuff, sang songs, watched skits and joked around. like i said, this is a cool group. and the whole time i have my team of three translaters trying to translate for me. i think i should have paid them or something they were really great. so then we go to bed and i'm happy to hear that we're alowed to sleep in 'til 9:00!! thats the estonian way. late to bed and late to rise. thats my way too so i was happy. so next day we wake up at 9:30 (thats right, no one woke up on time) and did all sorts of cool stuff. the freakyest thing though was breakfast. estonians like porridge for breakfast, i had expected this, but there where cans of sardines on the table! the smell of fish was overpowering, i was so sure i was gonna pass out. then the guy next to me grabs a can of sardines and starts covering some bread in sardines! i was just sickened, thats all i gotta say. and i don't really like porridge at the best of times. ugh! i didn't eat much, but i had i meat pastry in my room so i ate that to supplement the breakfast. then in the middle of a lecture thing (which i was having huge amounts of trouble understanding becuase my translaters were having trouble) we split up in groups! and guess what, none of my translaters were in my group and i didn't wanna complain so i gave them a break and tried to let other people translate. after this group time i made up a joke:how many estonians does it take to translate for chris? 6, 3 to say they dont speak english, 2 to look up words in the dictionary, and one wonderful girl to translate. this is what was cool, i was put in a group with my friend (well, not really friend. more like person who doesn't speak much english and i don't speak much estonian so we both try to talk occasionally but always do a crappy job. but her english is WAY better than my estonian.) marilise (i don't know if thats how you spell it). well she turned out to be the best english speaker/translater in the group. so well 3 guys sat in a corner saying they don't speak English, and 2 other guys looked up words in the dictionary, she translated wonderfully. even though i never understood what was going on the whole time i still think she did a very admirable job translating. then we went sledding and the whole time i had no idea what was gonig on, we'd be sledding one place and then hopping in the car and going somewhere else. and it was so cold! and no one ever told me what to do, or what was going on. so i was feeling kind of stupid one time and this girl kristie (who is like marilise's best friend, they act like sisters and are always together) just says "chris come here with me". now i was feeling completely forgotten until she said this, so this just made my day. someone actually knew i existed! and the fact that she was a teenage girl might, just maybe, have something to do with why this made me so happy. so then we go back and have lunch which was some chicken thing that was awesome, it was nice and spicy after being in the cold. then we went back outside until like 8:00 pm. then we come home and all the guys are gonna go to the sauna. let me explain about the sauna and estonians. the sauna is a necesity rather than a luxury, almost every house has one. it's like having a bathroom, you just need one. so all these estonian guys are just like all excited that where going to a sauna, and i'm like i dont think i'm gonna go. becuase maybe i'm just wierd but the thought of being in this steaming hot room with a bunch of naked and sweaty men while i get all sweaty myself has never really thrilled me. and i usually go wearing a bathing suit, when you're an american people will make exceptions for you. but i didn't have anything to wear so, its so sad, i had to go in like an estonian, completely naked. i swear these guys were testing me they kept makiing it so hot and i'm just like about to scream IT'S SO HOT, WHAT ARE YOU TRYING TO DO, KILL ME? but i was able to survive the sauna, i think i did a good job since they had to talk me into going and sauna is something i usually avoid. so now i can proudly lift my head up and say "I SURVIVED THE SAUNA!!" i should get that printed on a t-shirt. so after the sauna i just crash, they were downstairs watching some movie (russian with estonian subtitles, so no good for me) and i just knocked myself out and woke the next day at 9:30 (no one ever woke up on time). so the next day we went to the baptist church and that was cool because they don't have many youth so they were glad to have us all there. then halfway through the meeting me 3 estonian guys and an estonian girl left early and piled into the car. after another 2 and a half hours of torture in the car i was finally home. yay! but i forgot my coat in the guys car and still haven't got it back yet, so sad. wow, that took me a while to write. oh, and by the way, i'm thinking of starting my own blog becuase it seems thats cool. i think it should have a cool name like...THE CHRONICLES OF CHRIS!!!! well anyway i'll put something on my parents blog to tell u if i start my own blog. and i'm gonna put my email again becuase you guys all sent me such cool emails last time. so my email is:chrisjohnclark@juno.com. well, Cya.
Chris Clark
Chris Clark
Take a Moment to Encourage My Nephew in Iraq
SPC David M Smith
D Company Maintenance 1-41Inf
APO AE 09303
D Company Maintenance 1-41Inf
APO AE 09303
