March Forth! Marssige Edasi!

Mission Team members get a well-deserved rest and chance to cool off after the long day in Pori. Shown are Masha, Maria, Kristal, Heidi, Tanel and Chris. (see the blog below for the whole story.) 

Anton, Chris and Maria with youngsters during the water war. 

Kristal, Heidi, Maria and Chris teach children a line dance at the camp at Kuru, Finland. 

The Mission Team performs a drama during the Friday youth night. 

Tanel and Masha from the Mission Team perform a drama in Raekoja Plats in Tartu. 

After asking for all of your prayers, I wanted to share about all that happened last week.

It started with me and Chris heading to Finland on Sunday night for a Mission Team trip, the first one that I was completely in charge of. It was a smaller group because we could only take as many as could fit in my van, so we had two leaders, five Estonian kids and two Finnish kids. On Monday, we went to the city of Pori, where we did open air meetings in 80+ degree (f) temperatures. The kids were great, even though they were wilting after the fourth one. But it was a busy street and we had lots of people stop to watch and talk with us. There was even one lady whose little daughter danced along with the kids, and they even followed us to the next open air so she could dance again! We also did a children's program at an Army nursery school, and in the evening did a worship service at the corps. Through it all, the kids did great and really put their training into good use.

We spent the night at a small Army camp on a lake that reminded me of Camp Sebago in Maine. The kids had the chance to swim and cool off after the heat of the day, and I even taught them how to play croquet in the big yard. After the hard day's work, it was no problem getting them to bed on time.

The next day, we went to the Army's camp in Kuru where there were around 30 kids between the ages of 4 and 11. We started by just spending time with the kids and bouncing on the big trampoline they had there. After lunch, we did a program for the kids that included a few of the dramas we have prepared, but the kids enjoyed them so much I kept adding more (and the Mission Team handled the sudden schedule changes with no problem). We also sang with them, did a Bible story and made a craft. After a break for a snack, the camp leader had organized a water war, so the team got right out there with the kids and got soaked with sponges and buckets of water. We ended our time there by teaching the kids the line dance the team does. The kids liked it so much that they kept asking to play another song so that we could keep dancing! I think God used the trip to enrich both us and the children.

We returned to Estonia the Wednesday morning by ferry and then drove back to Tartu, where we jumped into finalizing our plans for the visit of the Salvationist rock band from Iceland. We had to squeeze a lot into that day, because the next two days were holidays, but we had done enough preliminary work that it worked out. It was fun driving around town seeing the posters we had put up on every available fence and phone pole promoting one of the concerts. We felt optimistic. But on Friday, the Jaanipäev holiday, the town was practically empty. It was astonishing that our bustling city could have so few people. But we had been told that this is a big celebration where everyone goes to visit family in the country, build bonfires and drink. Still, that night we had a youth event at Salem Baptist Church, and had over 20 turn out. The band really rocked and even had some of our straight-laced Estonian friends on their feet a few times. It was a great chance to connect with other Christians in town; the youth pastor from Salem even played drums for the band!

The next day, we had an open air meeting in Raekoja Plats (Town Hall Square) where it was sunny and gorgeous. We had lots of people stop and listen, and were able to give out information about the Army and talk to people. I even saw one of the guys we see every time we go to the homeless shelter, and although he was quite bleary-eyed, he still remembered me. We told him to be sure to bring our friends from the shelter to the concert that night.

After the open air, we headed to the Eeden shopping center, where we had a concert on a small stage they have in the middle. It was another good opportunity to meet people and have the band share the Word in song.

Finally, after a quick meal, we headed to the Sadamateater (Harbor Theatre) for the big concert we had been promoting. This was meant to be an evangelistic outreach, and I really wanted to do my best to fill the 300 seats. But the holiday and the nice weather meant there weren't as many people around. We still had over 100, though, which I was thrilled about. Many people even filled out papers with their contact information so that we can let them know about what we are doing in the future. We had a great opportunity to talk with people there and answer the question "Mis on Päästearmee?" (What is The Salvation Army). It was a great end to the band's time with us.

As we were loading up the vans with equipment, the sky suddenly grew dark, a strong wind whipped up and a minute or two later we were drenched with rain. We were so grateful for the wonderful weather we had during the two days and that the bad stuff held off until we were done!

The next morning, we made the two-and-a-half hour drive to Narva (with Mission Team members Masha and Anton catching a ride home with us), where we did the Sunday meeting. It is always a treat to worship with the people there because the officers (who are on homeland furlough for three months) have built a strong fellowship, and we always feel like the people there have welcomed us into their family.

So as you can see, God was faithful through this hectic week. Not everything went perfectly, but even when we had snags (like my translatcancelinging at the last minute), we found that new opportunities always presented themselves. And I was honestly not as stressed about everything as I usually tend to be, which I believe was the direct result of your prayers. They really do sustain us and we are grateful.

Chris and I have another Mission Team trip this weekend (in Finland, again), then the next day our whole family is off to the Army's camp in Loksa, Estonia, where we will be taking part in Junior Soldier/Music Camp. Once that is through, we plan to get into a more regular routine here in Tartu, including Sunday programs. Please keep these things in your prayers as we look ahead. But we do so with confidence, knowing how God brought everything together in the past week--and even the past 11 months!
--Tim

The weekend with the band went well, as did our time in Narva. Thank you for praying for us during this time. I have so much I want to say about it, but for now I will just post some pictures and give you the details later (you can click on the picture to see a bigger image).

Again, your prayers really do make a difference. Thank you.
--Tim

The band (with added member, Estonian Regional Commander Major Derek Tyrrell) performs at the youth night on Friday at Salem Baptist Church. We had over 20 come out, which was good for a holiday when just about everyone left town. 

We met this man and his daughter (right) in April during our follow-up meeting. They told people at Salem that they are regulars at the Army and come to everything we do! The moved to Tartu from the country, and he is a devout man who is interested in the Army's work and ministry. 

Chris and Peter have some brother time at the church. 

One of the greatest thrills was having the band perform in Raekoja Plats (town hall square) in front of the famous statue of the kissing students. The program went well, and the ladies at the tourist info booth down the street were so impressed that they asked for fliers about the concert that night so that they could plug it! 

Although we didn't pack out the Sadamateater for the Saturday night performance, we still had over 100, and may of the people gave us their contact information so that we can let them know more about the Army. 

We were in Narva on Sunday to do the meetings at the corps there. While there, we went into the Narva Castle, which had LOTS of stairs. Here is Elizabeth climbing some of the ancient ones. 

On our way back from Narva, Elizabeth lost another tooth! She proudly displays the blank spot while riding home in the van. 

We took turns reading this last night around our fire.

The Day of the Sun
Rediscovering the Summer Solstice
Chris Zimmerman
For centuries, Midsummer’s Day has been celebrated not only as the solar event that marks the northern hemisphere's closest proximity to the sun, but also as a spiritual symbol—as the day of longest light; the day that brings us nearest to the great life force that warms our earth … observed with a communal gathering around a large outdoor bonfire, signifying the destruction of the old and—out of its ashes—the creation of something new: the flaring up of new light, warmth, and life….

Summer Solstice!
Diary, June 23, 1926…. Then came the most beautiful part of the evening—the great big fire. As it flared high, we joined hands in a chain and walked around the fire in the midst of the shower of sparks. Then Pasche said something that really expressed what we all felt as our goal—it united us all: "Flame, free us from everything in us that is evil; free us from it, O Flame! Let us not want to rule and lord it over others. Flame, let your glow fill our souls and consume us. Flame, become greater and greater in us. Thou, Flame, make us free, pure, and good!" … that is really what we want for ourselves‑‑that the Flame, the Light, may grow ever stronger in us.
Then we stood and let the fire, the holy fire, soak into us. The glow made our faces burn, but I wanted to absorb as much as possible of the great flame so that I would be completely consumed by it. Everyone was silent and looked into the fire, and what Pasche had said was like a vow spoken for all of us. Later he read from Faust about the eternal light. I had such a strong, free, and pure feeling—the feeling of life.
Then we sat around the fire and sang…. The fire gradually burned down, and then we jumped over the flames together. It was a wonderful feeling to fly over the fire, and we did it many times. The smoke stung our eyes, but that was part of it…. But then I thought: Live each moment, and take it all in, all the beauty of it. This gave me such a blissful feeling that I thought my heart would burst. I clasped my hands together so the bliss could find expression somehow….
Annemarie’s account is followed by two quotes from Gertrud Prellwitz, a well-known author who influenced many in the youth movement:
"If someone wants to change the world, let him begin with himself. Let him struggle within himself for the pure powers, at the same time applying everything he does and all his inner decisions to the world. In this way his every action will attain greatness, even though its sphere is a small one."
"Thoughts surge in waves through the world. An earthly human being would have to despair of any attempt to oversee them, to discriminate, to disentangle them. Long for purity! Be filled with light! This is what resolves the confusion into unity and clarity. We do not need to oversee it all; all we need is to stay faithful in the small things, and we will discover the law that governs the whole."
Summer Solstice! is an account from the diary of Annemarie Wächter (1909-1980), a long-time member of the Bruderhof with roots in the German Youth Movement.

Midsummer’s Eve

Longest day of sun’s bright light,
shortest night of all dark nights!
Flames of joy leap up, burst in,
burn away the suffering of sin.
Come, rake the fire together
in the light, and find your brother,
serving, with one another,
God, who is unity.

Hate and greed divide men all.
Over earth lies night’s dark pall.
Yet thou cam’st, the world’s true light,
waking men to live aright:
to serve thy kingdom fully,
that injustice give way wholly,
and thy Holy Spirit reign only.
Thy will be done.

O thou never-ending day,
when com’st thou, eternal sun, to stay?
Bring us everlasting peace,
city bright of joy and bliss.
From thee pure radiance streams
as one church, united, gleams.
Its brightness forever streams –
Glory to thee!

[Sannerz, 1926]

Midsummer’s Eve is a poem by Else von Hollander, one of the three founding members of the Bruderhof. Set to a melody by Beethoven shortly after it was written, it is still sung in our communities.

A Powerful Symbol
One of the most powerful symbols … was the fire we often gathered around at evening on a little rise above our house. To us, fire symbolized the burning up of the old and the desire for a new glow and new love. Standing around a bonfire in silent worship, we would watch the flames shoot upward toward the sky - and we sensed the bond between us and the eternal church above. The showering sparks rising heavenward meant that we must send messengers out into the dark world, to spread the message of the coming kingdom of God….
When the fire had burned down so that only a few little licking flames were left, one or the other of us - sometimes two at once, holding hands - would leap over the fire. That too was a symbol for us: it was an unspoken expression of giving oneself completely to the fire of Jesus. Then we would go home in silence... [New Meadow Run, 1973]
In A Powerful Symbol, Karl Keiderling, another member who experienced the earliest years of our communal life remembers its frequent evening gatherings around a bonfire.

Then we sang this song together. Even Karl-Gustav joined in! (Estonians always amaze me with their singing ability.)

1.Thou Christ of burning, cleansing flame,
Send the fire!
Thy blood-bought gift today we claim,
Send the fire!
Look down and see this waiting host,
Give us the promised Holy Ghost,
We want another Pentecost,
Send the fire!

2.God of Elijah, hear our cry:
Send the fire!
To make us fit to live or die,
Send the fire!
To burn up every trace of sin,
To bring the light and glory in,
The revolution now begin,
Send the fire!

3.'Tis fire we want, for fire we plead,
Send the fire!
The fire will meet our every need,
Send the fire!
For strength to ever do the right,
For grace to conquer in the fight.
For power to walk the world in white,
Send the fire!

4.To make our weak hearts strong and brave,
Send the fire!
To live a dying world to save,
Send the fire!
O see us on thy altar lay
Our lives, our all, this very day,
To crown the offering now we pray,
Send the fire!

William Booth (1829-1912)

Here is our Jaanituli (St. John's fire). It's not a huge bonfire, but it was still fun to watch. 

Chris, Elizabeth and Karl-Gustav roast marshmallows over our Jaanituli. 

Today is Jaannipäev eve (St. John's Day eve), one of the biggest celebration days in Estonia. It is Midsummer day, the longest day of the year. Today, the sun rose at 4:06 a.m. and set at 10:24 p.m., and of course you have sunlight long before and after these hours. It never truly gets dark at night, just not as light.

So every year on this day Estonians stay go to their family out in the country, light bonfires and celebrate through the night. We decided to have our own bonfire in the back yard. It was great fun! We watched the fire, roasted marshmallows, read together about light triumphing over darkness and sang. I'm not sure how Estonian the celebration was, but we enjoyed it.

Now we are getting ready for the concerts with the Salvationist rock band from Iceland. We are excited about it, even though things have not worked out quite as we have expected. The translator we had arranged is not able to attend; we were able to find someone for Friday night, but not Saturday yet. Please keep this in prayer. Another dissappointment is that only four members of the Mission Team are coming. I had big plans for what they would do here, but with only a few members we will be limited in what we can do. But overall I know that God can be glorified no matter what happens, so I am still excited about the possibilities. I ask that you please keep us in prayer over the next few busy days.
--Tim

I was interested to read the following in Southern Spirit, the USA South territorial newspaper:
With the exception of the last few sessions, all Southern officers may recall another tradition that has gone by the wayside: the singing of “I Cannot Leave the Dear Old Flag” while the session flag makes its entry during the Sunday morning Commissioning and Ordination Service. “I realize the flag still enters to another anthem, and it is still a very solemn moment. But to those who know the words to that song, and to hear it just before you are commissioned as a Salvation Army officer – I always thought it challenges us to be faithful in our service to God through the Army,” another major said.

1.They bid me choose an easier path,
And seek a lighter cross;
They bid me mingle with Heaven's gold
A little of earth's dross;
They bid me, but in vain, once more
The world's illusions try;
I cannot leave the dear old flag,
'Twere better far to die.

2.They say the fighting is too hard,
My strength of small avail,
When foes beset and friends are fled,
My faith must surely fail.
But, O how can I quit my post
While millions sin-bound lie?
I cannot leave the dear old flag,
'Twere better far to die.

3.They say I can a Christian be,
And serve God quite as well,
And reach Heaven just as surely by
The music of church bell;
But, O the drum and clarion call
Of band make my pulse fly!
I cannot leave the dear old flag,
'Twere better far to die.

4.I answer, life is fleeting fast,
I cannot, cannot wait;
For me my comrades beckoning stand
Beyond the pearly gate;
I hear their hallelujahs grand,
I hear their battle cry:
O do not leave the dear old flag,
'Twere better far to die!

Frederick Booth-Tucker (1853-1929)

This is the chorus I associate with this moment of commissioning:
My all is on the altar,
I'm waiting for the fire;
Waiting, waiting, waiting,
I'm waiting for the fire.

I remember playing it in band practice at the Chester Corps one time shortly before our commissioning. I got so choked up, I could barely keep playing! I could just picture the spotlight on the flag as it entered.

I wonder what USA South uses for a song now?

Speaking of fire, it is Midsummer's Eve here and we have lit a small bonfire in our backyard! The kids are waiting for me to go see it.

Evelyn

Click here to see this article at the international Salvation Army web site, with PHOTOS! (The bottom picture is in our Raekoja Plats, or Town Hall Square, here in Tartu just before the big meeting with the Chalk Farm Band. We were on our way to America for my mother's funeral that day.)

Finland and Estonia: Report on Youth Mission Team

The Finland and Estonia Territory's youth mission team began a year and a half ago when a group met to plan the territory's response to the General's declaration, '2005 – A Year for Children and Youth'.

One of the ideas that came out of that brainstorming session was to put together a mission team of teenagers from Estonia to visit Finland and one from Finland to visit Estonia. Under the visionary leadership of Colonel Gudrun Lydholm the groups were combined so that working together they might help to create a healthy bond with young people in both countries. It was her suggestion, too, that the team would travel throughout the year instead of in one 10-day campaign, thereby keeping this special focus uppermost throughout the year.

The team came together in January at Loksa, a camp in Estonia, for a week of intensive training. The teens worked hard on writing, expressing their life testimonies and exploring their spiritual gifts, as well as spending time in Bible study and prayer. At the end of their stay they shared their testimonies and experienced an outpouring of the Spirit. This was the moment when the team became fused together, united in love.

From February to April the team members met once a month at weekends, putting together aids to their ministry, such as dramas, dances (sacred, line and other forms) and object testimonies. These meetings always centred on Scripture and prayer so that personal spiritual growth took place on each occasion.

The youth mission team was made up of 17 young people whose native languages were English, Finnish, Estonian, and Russian. Prepared to serve the Lord wherever he led them, the team made its first trip to Hyvinkää Corps in Finland from 5-8 May, when the members also visited Helsinki Temple and Helsinki Corps.

The visit to Hyvinkää started with an open-air meeting at the local market place, where, once they had attracted attention with a line dance, the young people moved into a drama expressing the need for Christ. Testimonies were given without hesitation and the gospel was preached. By the end of an hour, many people had stopped, listened and talked with the team members.

After lunch and fellowship with the corps people, the teens held a programme for families and children from the corps weekday children’s centre. They weren't sure who would come because it was Saturday, but many did, and the high-energy programme prepared by the team received an overwhelming response. Crafts, games, snacks, the Bible story, and even the baking, were all well received.

The next morning, which also happened to be Mothers' Day, the mission team ministered at Helsinki Temple and then at Helsinki Corps.

This first weekend was one of 12 trips the mission team will make throughout the year. It will travel in both Finland and Estonia, proclaiming the gospel and telling everyone who will listen that Christ is the hope for all, and for eternity.

As the team members have grown in their spiritual maturity so their love for each other has grown. There has been such kinship and prayer support that even while apart they will be praying for or encouraging one another, perhaps in an Internet chat room. It is wonderful to see the glory of God's Holy Spirit living and moving among these young people, and it is exciting to contemplate where and how he will use them in years to come.

Sarah with Peter (looking kind of like they both just woke up!) 

Another of our friends, Sarah Wittenberg, is going to America. She leaves today for Camp Happyland in Virginia. Please pray that she will have safe travels and that God will show Himself to her in new ways over the summer.
--Tim

Here's another view of our yard. You can see the grass clippings from when Chris mowed yesterday (it takes around 2 hours). Peter thought the clippings were a great new toy. 

The weather lately has been beautiful, so Elizabeth and Peter spent some time in our yard playing together. They are great pals! 

The next few weeks will be busy for us, so I will share our schedule so that you can pray specifically for us. We are excited to have so much happening, but also desire to glorify God in what we do. Your prayers in the past have been immesurabley valuable.

Tomorrow, 17 June, Chris will go to Finland to be a part of the Army's Helsinki Youth Festival with the rest of the Mission Team. I will join him late Sunday night in Helsinki, then we, along with a small Mission Team group from Finland, will travel to the towns of Pori and Kuru for two days of outreach and work with young children.

We will return to Estonia on Wednesday, 22 June and finalize two days of concerts with a Salvation Army rock band from Iceland. The band arrives on Friday, 24 June, along with the Mission Team. We will have a youth event for Christian teens that night at Salem Baptist Church. The next day we will have an open air at noon in Raekoja Plats, a mini-concert at a local shopping mall and an evangelistic concert at the 300-seat Sadamateater.

That same day, Saturday 25 June, Chris and Karl-Gustav will be going to a week-long English Camp sponsored by the Estonian Christian organization Going Up.

The day after that, 26 June, we head to Narva to do the Sunday meetings at the corps there.

We'll have a few days to get ourselves together--and to attend the Hansa Days in Tartu--before Chris and I head back to Finland with the Mission Team, this time to the towns of Kuru and Nummela on 2-3 July.

The next day, our whole family will head to the Army's Camp Loksa for a six-day Junior Soldier/Music Camp where we will share leadership responsibilities.

As you can see, it will be a whirlwind of activities, but all in the service of the Kingdom. We truly value your prayers. I know they have sustained us in our time here; we realize our own strength isn't enough. We thank you for your faithfulness in prayer.
--Tim

from my big brother Danny, the relieved dad:
I got a phone call at 11:40 last night that his plane had touched down in Bangor on their way to Kansas.
He is Safe!
Praise God!

Evelin & Anneli Aavik 

Two more of our Estonian friends are going to America for the summer. Anneli and Evelin Aavik will work at The Salvation Army's Camp Swoneky this summer, along with Meghan Wittenberg. Meghan left last week, and the twins leave today. They are great girls and have a lot to offer. It is a great loss to Estonia this summer, but a real benefit for America.

Please pray for their travel, and that God use them in new ways this summer and deepen their knowledge of Him.
--Tim

Vladimir Lenin looms over Peter, Chris, Elizabeth and Karl-Gustav at Narva Castle. 

Chris, Elizabeth and Karl-Gustav stand on the Estonian side of the Narva River. Behind them is a castle in Russia. 

The kids look across the Narva River at the castle in Russia. 

We were in Narva again this Sunday. The corps officers, Captains Dan and Anya Henderson, are on homeland furlough in America for the summer and so the other officers are helping out with the meetings. Today was one of five times we will be there.

We really love doing meetings there. We have come to know the people so when we go it is like being with family. We always receive a warm welcome and enjoy the fellowship. The Hendersons have done such a great job of training their people that we didn't even have to plan the meeting. They picked the songs, had a dance and drama prepared, lead the worship and had testimonies to share; Evelyn just had to preach. At one point she said how seeing things in Narva, which started just over two years ago, gives us hope for what can be in Tartu.

We arrived in town early because we wanted to visit the Narva Castle, which we've only seen once and Karl-Gustav has never seen. When we first got there, we stopped for lunch at a little pizza place, and saw that down the street was a folk festival. We wandered down to see things and came to a row of booths representing people of the various nations that can be found in Narva. As we walked past one, a lady nearly knocked others over in an effort to grab us and show us her table. It was a woman we had met at the corps in the past and Evelyn had spoken with quite a bit. She saw us in uniform and had to introduce us to her friend at the Polish booth. They both talked away in Russian, which left us fazed since we have only a rudimentary knowledge of Estonian and essentially no Russian. But their enthusiasm and recognition warmed us.

Several minutes later, another lady grabbed us to speak with us--the Narva Deputy Mayor for Social Services. She recognized the uniform and wanted to talk because of her good working relationship with the Hendersons. It is so unusual to be recognized as the Army here that it was almost overwhelming to have it happen twice in the span of minutes! Life is always a wonderful adventure.

We did eventually make it to the castle for a quick visit, but will have to see the inside next time we go back. But enjoy the pictures!
--Tim

Yesterday I met with the Tartu Deputy Mayor for Social Services and the head of the Social Department to talk about where the greatest needs are in Tartu and to learn more about where we should work first. They were very receptive to the Army being in Tartu. The head of the Social Department had heard about the things we have done at the childrens' home and so had a favorable opinion of the Army before I even had the chance to speak! I feel so grateful to God that He is bringing things together in His time. We have been patiently laying a groundwork and He is now proving faithful.

I hope to have at least one program, if not several, targeting the homeless and pensioners in place by September. They want to work with me to help make this happen, and felt that this was a realistic goal. I am so excited by this!

Tomorrow morning at 8:00 Evelyn and I will go to the homeless shelter to meet the staff and learn about how things are done there. We are hoping that this will help us to see where there are still needs in serving the homeless and what we can do to meet them. Please pray for this meeting, that our eyes will be open and that we can know God's direction for us.
--Tim

It has been a busy few days! We went to the homeless shelter again on Sunday and felt again that these are our people; they are the ones we need to begin with and reach out to. We welcomed Karl-Gustav into our home yesterday. Today I was in Võru with our regional commanders preparing for the arrival of Captain Ave Kalme. Tomorrow we will meet with the Tartu deputy mayor for social services to see how we can work together with the city to meet needs here. It has been exciting.

Please pray especially for this meeting tomorrow. I believe it will open doors for us to work with the homeless and pensioners, but we want to be sensitive to the Spirit's leading in this area.

We are looking forward and, although there is much to be done, we believe that God has much in store for us as well!
--Tim

Today Evelyn asked me some questions that she has asked in the past, but today somehow they struck me differently. Why am I an officer? Why did I come to Estonia? What is my vision? I didn't have a ready answer.

These questions open others. So many questions call for searching honesty; that's not an easy thing, but it's necessary. Part of me wants to embrace the questions; part of me wants to run from them. It brings to mind a song by Miranda Stone. On "Remedy" she sings: "I need a living faith, not a limp excuse/Your dangerous wine, not some fake grape juice/A contrite heart you will not despise/Sprouting from the ground where my body lies."

Honesty brings authenticity. Pray that this will be reality for me.
--Tim