teisipäev, veebruar 28, 2006
Countdown to Easter
Thanks to Ian McKenzie for the link to the Christianity Today page that brought me to this resource:
Countdown to Easter
Evelyn
Countdown to Easter
Evelyn
from Major Janet Munn
March 1, Ash Wednesday, marks the beginning of the 40-day season of Lent -- from Ash Wednesday until Easter Sunday -- a time observed by millions of Christians around the world.
This is an opportunity to focus on Christ as the sacrifice for the salvation of the world he dearly loves. It is also a season of repentance, where we can turn away from all that is unholy, and return to God, calling to Him for forgiveness and mercy.
I invite you to enter into this season with an intentional plan to fast (do without something you enjoy) and pray and seek the Lord.
2 Chron. 7:14 "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."
http://www.christianitytoday.com/history/newsletter/easter/lent.html
This is an opportunity to focus on Christ as the sacrifice for the salvation of the world he dearly loves. It is also a season of repentance, where we can turn away from all that is unholy, and return to God, calling to Him for forgiveness and mercy.
I invite you to enter into this season with an intentional plan to fast (do without something you enjoy) and pray and seek the Lord.
2 Chron. 7:14 "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."
http://www.christianitytoday.com/history/newsletter/easter/lent.html
Challenges
I had a long day in Tallinn today. I walked to the bus station and took the bus first thing this morning, then spent the day in a regional board meeting (basically a business meeting), then headed back to Tartu on the bus amidst heavy snow and finally walked back to the house and got in at around 9:00. I'm just happy I don't have to do that every day!
It was a tiring day, especially the meeting. Finland and Estonia are facing serious financial and personnel challenges, and that is having a dramatic effect on the work here. Much of what we were discussing was what the challenges are, how to address them and how to continue moving forward. By the end of the meeting I think all of the officers involved were feeling quite discouraged and overwhelmed by it all. As we closed the meeting in prayer, we put it all in God's hands, believing that His will can override any challenges if we look to Him in faith.
Please keep the Estonian officers in prayer: Majors Derek and Helen Tyrrell, Captains Dan and Anya Henderson, Captain Ave Kalme and of course me and Evelyn.
--Tim
It was a tiring day, especially the meeting. Finland and Estonia are facing serious financial and personnel challenges, and that is having a dramatic effect on the work here. Much of what we were discussing was what the challenges are, how to address them and how to continue moving forward. By the end of the meeting I think all of the officers involved were feeling quite discouraged and overwhelmed by it all. As we closed the meeting in prayer, we put it all in God's hands, believing that His will can override any challenges if we look to Him in faith.
Please keep the Estonian officers in prayer: Majors Derek and Helen Tyrrell, Captains Dan and Anya Henderson, Captain Ave Kalme and of course me and Evelyn.
--Tim
esmaspäev, veebruar 27, 2006
Steve-o said to put this on our blogs! ;-)
The following is all from http://primitivesalvationist.com/ps./ but I've put some things in bold myself -- Evelyn
Revolutionaries Amnesty Box and Direct Orders
February 17th, 2006
Revolutionaries! Fall in!
You are standing at the position of attention, so seal your lips and open your ears!
This is your time to get rid of any and all lukewarm, baby-bottle feeding, sorry excuse for a child of God, complacent Christian contraband.
Amnesty time has begun, the box is open, and you are welcome to toss out your air condition-loving, desk job having, garrison-living, class A uniform and suit up in full battle dress gear.
Before you hit the battlefield, I have a few orders that are not options, unless you want to put your hands back in the amnesty box and trade in your BDUs for a starched shirt, pressed pants, black tie, patent leather shoes, and a shiny belt buckle. That desk chair is still comfy, and the air conditioner is nice and cool.Otherwise, quit your whining and listen up!
There is no option for any of us to be timid or indecisive. We must be definite in our approach, firm in our purpose, and relentless in pursuit of fulfilling the mission. The battle is not pretty, nor is it a place for the spiritually lame or sleepy-eyed!
Here are the Captain’s orders for The Salvation Army’s Revolutionaries:
No longer are we permitted to desire comfort rather than connection.No longer are we permitted to be satisfied with the status quo.No longer are we permitted to attach strings to our commitments and covenants.No longer are we permitted to hope others will come, while we are ordered to go.No longer are we permitted to withhold spiritual gifts as though they are ours to hold.No longer are we permitted to enable the weak to remain weak.No longer are we permitted to wait and hope that God will do our jobs of encouraging believers and advancing the Kingdom.No longer are we permitted to serve when we feel up to it.No longer are we permitted to feed on God’s feast, while others are allowed to starve.No longer are we permitted to worship traditions.No longer are we permitted to prevent people from experiencing the spiritual presence of Christ.No longer are we permitted to cower before legalism and ritual.No longer are we permitted to tiptoe with the Word of God.No longer are we permitted to starve our minds of deeper understanding in the Word.No longer are we permitted to accept slow death in the church, rather than actively pursue transformation.No longer are we permitted to gossip and slander our brothers and sisters.No longer are we permitted to hate the sinner, rather than the sin.No longer are we permitted to choose which sinners we will love and share Christ with.No longer are we permitted to live life outside deep and meaningful connections with God, saints, and sinners.No longer are we permitted to do because we’ve always done.No longer are we permitted to allow racism and prejudice.No longer are we permitted to retire.No longer are we permitted to privatize our walk with Christ.No longer are we permitted to steal from God.No longer are we permitted to lower the standards of being a Christian.No longer are we permitted to set our own rules and agendas.No longer are we permitted to discourage the laughter and noise of children.No longer are we permitted to deny our leaders the right to lead.No longer are we permitted to ignore social injustice around the world.No longer are we permitted to quench the spirit.No longer are we permitted to expect recognition.No longer are we permitted to make prayer an option.No longer are we permitted to only talk to God, and never take the time to listen.No longer are we permitted to be weekend warriors.No longer are we permitted to be a stumbling block.No longer are we permitted to be perfectionists in our ministries.No longer are we permitted to whine and complain.No longer are we permitted to compromise our witness.No longer are we permitted to place our names on plaques and take ownership of God’s accomplishments.No longer are we permitted to reject homosexuals, prostitutes, prisoners, and the insane.No longer are we permitted to bless in the light and curse in the dark.No longer are we permitted to worship God less than every minute of every day.No longer are we permitted to trust God as a last resort or a second option.No longer are we permitted to separate God from family, friends, work, school, and entertainment.No longer are we permitted to waiver in our faith.No longer are we permitted to be accountable to no one.No longer are we permitted to put God in a box or a building.No longer are we permitted to replace the gospel of Jesus with the gospel of church-growth.No longer are we permitted to feed the hungry, visit prisoners, and clothe the naked with pious words and fancy prayers.No longer are we permitted to offer ministry as long as it doesn’t cost anything.Finally, no longer are we permitted to accept temporary orders. “We’ll fight to the very end!”
For those of you who choose to get rid of your ironing board and cuff-links, grab your ruck, boots, and camo! You are chosen!
REVOLUTIONARIES!On the command to fall out, grab your gear and hit the battle field!FALL OUT!The Amnesty box is set to self-destruct in five minutes.
Captain Jonathan Gainey
Revolutionaries Amnesty Box and Direct Orders
February 17th, 2006
Revolutionaries! Fall in!
You are standing at the position of attention, so seal your lips and open your ears!
This is your time to get rid of any and all lukewarm, baby-bottle feeding, sorry excuse for a child of God, complacent Christian contraband.
Amnesty time has begun, the box is open, and you are welcome to toss out your air condition-loving, desk job having, garrison-living, class A uniform and suit up in full battle dress gear.
Before you hit the battlefield, I have a few orders that are not options, unless you want to put your hands back in the amnesty box and trade in your BDUs for a starched shirt, pressed pants, black tie, patent leather shoes, and a shiny belt buckle. That desk chair is still comfy, and the air conditioner is nice and cool.Otherwise, quit your whining and listen up!
There is no option for any of us to be timid or indecisive. We must be definite in our approach, firm in our purpose, and relentless in pursuit of fulfilling the mission. The battle is not pretty, nor is it a place for the spiritually lame or sleepy-eyed!
Here are the Captain’s orders for The Salvation Army’s Revolutionaries:
No longer are we permitted to desire comfort rather than connection.No longer are we permitted to be satisfied with the status quo.No longer are we permitted to attach strings to our commitments and covenants.No longer are we permitted to hope others will come, while we are ordered to go.No longer are we permitted to withhold spiritual gifts as though they are ours to hold.No longer are we permitted to enable the weak to remain weak.No longer are we permitted to wait and hope that God will do our jobs of encouraging believers and advancing the Kingdom.No longer are we permitted to serve when we feel up to it.No longer are we permitted to feed on God’s feast, while others are allowed to starve.No longer are we permitted to worship traditions.No longer are we permitted to prevent people from experiencing the spiritual presence of Christ.No longer are we permitted to cower before legalism and ritual.No longer are we permitted to tiptoe with the Word of God.No longer are we permitted to starve our minds of deeper understanding in the Word.No longer are we permitted to accept slow death in the church, rather than actively pursue transformation.No longer are we permitted to gossip and slander our brothers and sisters.No longer are we permitted to hate the sinner, rather than the sin.No longer are we permitted to choose which sinners we will love and share Christ with.No longer are we permitted to live life outside deep and meaningful connections with God, saints, and sinners.No longer are we permitted to do because we’ve always done.No longer are we permitted to allow racism and prejudice.No longer are we permitted to retire.No longer are we permitted to privatize our walk with Christ.No longer are we permitted to steal from God.No longer are we permitted to lower the standards of being a Christian.No longer are we permitted to set our own rules and agendas.No longer are we permitted to discourage the laughter and noise of children.No longer are we permitted to deny our leaders the right to lead.No longer are we permitted to ignore social injustice around the world.No longer are we permitted to quench the spirit.No longer are we permitted to expect recognition.No longer are we permitted to make prayer an option.No longer are we permitted to only talk to God, and never take the time to listen.No longer are we permitted to be weekend warriors.No longer are we permitted to be a stumbling block.No longer are we permitted to be perfectionists in our ministries.No longer are we permitted to whine and complain.No longer are we permitted to compromise our witness.No longer are we permitted to place our names on plaques and take ownership of God’s accomplishments.No longer are we permitted to reject homosexuals, prostitutes, prisoners, and the insane.No longer are we permitted to bless in the light and curse in the dark.No longer are we permitted to worship God less than every minute of every day.No longer are we permitted to trust God as a last resort or a second option.No longer are we permitted to separate God from family, friends, work, school, and entertainment.No longer are we permitted to waiver in our faith.No longer are we permitted to be accountable to no one.No longer are we permitted to put God in a box or a building.No longer are we permitted to replace the gospel of Jesus with the gospel of church-growth.No longer are we permitted to feed the hungry, visit prisoners, and clothe the naked with pious words and fancy prayers.No longer are we permitted to offer ministry as long as it doesn’t cost anything.Finally, no longer are we permitted to accept temporary orders. “We’ll fight to the very end!”
For those of you who choose to get rid of your ironing board and cuff-links, grab your ruck, boots, and camo! You are chosen!
REVOLUTIONARIES!On the command to fall out, grab your gear and hit the battle field!FALL OUT!The Amnesty box is set to self-destruct in five minutes.
Captain Jonathan Gainey
laupäev, veebruar 25, 2006
some stuff I need to hear
When pride comes, then comes disgrace,
but with humility comes wisdom.
(Proverbs 11:2)
He gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:
"God opposes the proud
but gives grace to the humble."
(James 4:6)
All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,
"God opposes the proud
but gives grace to the humble."
(1 Peter 5:5)
but with humility comes wisdom.
(Proverbs 11:2)
He gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:
"God opposes the proud
but gives grace to the humble."
(James 4:6)
All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,
"God opposes the proud
but gives grace to the humble."
(1 Peter 5:5)
The Impossible Dream
I heard this song on the Olympics today and I couldn't help but look it up!
ALDONZA Why do you do these things?
DON QUIXOTE What things?
ALDONZA These ridiculous... the things you do!
DON QUIXOTE I hope to add some measure of grace to the world.
ALDONZA The world's a dung heap and we are maggots that crawl on it!
DON QUIXOTE My Lady knows better in her heart.
ALDONZA What's in my heart will get me halfway to hell. And you, Señor Don Quixote-you're going to take such a beating!
DON QUIXOTE Whether I win or lose does not matter.
ALDONZA What does?
DON QUIXOTE Only that I follow the quest.
ALDONZA (spits) That for your Quest! (turns, marches away; stops, turns back and asks, awkwardly) What does that mean... quest?
DON QUIXOTE It is the mission of each true knight... His duty... nay, his privilege!
To dream the impossible dream,
To fight the unbeatable foe,
To bear with unbearable sorrow
To run where the brave dare not go;
To right the unrightable wrong.
To love, pure and chaste, from afar,
To try, when your arms are too weary,
To reach the unreachable star!
This is my Quest to follow that star,
No matter how hopeless, no matter how far,
To fight for the right
Without question or pause,
To be willing to march into hell
For a heavenly cause!
And I know, if I'll only be true
To this glorious Quest,
That my heart will lie peaceful and calm
When I'm laid to my rest.
And the world will be better for this,
That one man, scorned and covered with scars,
Still strove, with his last ounce of courage,
To reach the unreachable stars!
ALDONZA Why do you do these things?
DON QUIXOTE What things?
ALDONZA These ridiculous... the things you do!
DON QUIXOTE I hope to add some measure of grace to the world.
ALDONZA The world's a dung heap and we are maggots that crawl on it!
DON QUIXOTE My Lady knows better in her heart.
ALDONZA What's in my heart will get me halfway to hell. And you, Señor Don Quixote-you're going to take such a beating!
DON QUIXOTE Whether I win or lose does not matter.
ALDONZA What does?
DON QUIXOTE Only that I follow the quest.
ALDONZA (spits) That for your Quest! (turns, marches away; stops, turns back and asks, awkwardly) What does that mean... quest?
DON QUIXOTE It is the mission of each true knight... His duty... nay, his privilege!
To dream the impossible dream,
To fight the unbeatable foe,
To bear with unbearable sorrow
To run where the brave dare not go;
To right the unrightable wrong.
To love, pure and chaste, from afar,
To try, when your arms are too weary,
To reach the unreachable star!
This is my Quest to follow that star,
No matter how hopeless, no matter how far,
To fight for the right
Without question or pause,
To be willing to march into hell
For a heavenly cause!
And I know, if I'll only be true
To this glorious Quest,
That my heart will lie peaceful and calm
When I'm laid to my rest.
And the world will be better for this,
That one man, scorned and covered with scars,
Still strove, with his last ounce of courage,
To reach the unreachable stars!
Days Before the Word
Please pray for Tim as he is in Narva all day today. We missed this regional event last year (Days Before the Word) because we were in America visiting my mother before she died. Tim has a vanful of people with him, and I'm sure it's not always easy for him to do crowd control without me there! (I'm home with Peter who has a bad cold.)
Accompanying him are:
Andrei
Chris
Daisi (one of our friends from the homeless shelter; she also want to Home League Camp)
Elizabeth
Karl-Gustav (disappointed, as am I, that I'm not there today)
Liis
Maret (one of our junior soldiers; she's also singing a solo today)
Ülle (who just moved into her own apt. which is great, but is missing the fellowship of the homeless shelter I think)
Please also pray for Captains Anya & Dan Henderson, who are hosting the event today. And also for Victoria, who is babysitting the five Henderson children!
I'm pretty happy because it's noon and I've cleaned the living room, got a sinkful of dishes soaking, got Peter to take a nap, and lit a fire in the ahi!
Evelyn
Accompanying him are:
Andrei
Chris
Daisi (one of our friends from the homeless shelter; she also want to Home League Camp)
Elizabeth
Karl-Gustav (disappointed, as am I, that I'm not there today)
Liis
Maret (one of our junior soldiers; she's also singing a solo today)
Ülle (who just moved into her own apt. which is great, but is missing the fellowship of the homeless shelter I think)
Please also pray for Captains Anya & Dan Henderson, who are hosting the event today. And also for Victoria, who is babysitting the five Henderson children!
I'm pretty happy because it's noon and I've cleaned the living room, got a sinkful of dishes soaking, got Peter to take a nap, and lit a fire in the ahi!
Evelyn
reede, veebruar 24, 2006
Are you out of your mind?!
MK 3:20 Then Jesus entered a house, and again a crowd gathered, so that he and his disciples were not even able to eat. 21 When his family heard about this, they went to take charge of him, for they said, "He is out of his mind."
AC 12:15 "You're out of your mind," they told her. When she kept insisting that it was so, they said, "It must be his angel."
AC 26:24 At this point Festus interrupted Paul's defense. "You are out of your mind, Paul!" he shouted. "Your great learning is driving you insane."
2CO 5:11 Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men. What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your conscience. 12 We are not trying to commend ourselves to you again, but are giving you an opportunity to take pride in us, so that you can answer those who take pride in what is seen rather than in what is in the heart. 13 If we are out of our mind, it is for the sake of God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. 14 For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. 15 And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.
AC 12:15 "You're out of your mind," they told her. When she kept insisting that it was so, they said, "It must be his angel."
AC 26:24 At this point Festus interrupted Paul's defense. "You are out of your mind, Paul!" he shouted. "Your great learning is driving you insane."
2CO 5:11 Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men. What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your conscience. 12 We are not trying to commend ourselves to you again, but are giving you an opportunity to take pride in us, so that you can answer those who take pride in what is seen rather than in what is in the heart. 13 If we are out of our mind, it is for the sake of God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. 14 For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. 15 And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.
Faith
Faith, mighty faith, the promise sees
And looks to that alone;
Laughs at impossibilities
And cries: It shall be done!
(SASB Chorus #118)
And looks to that alone;
Laughs at impossibilities
And cries: It shall be done!
(SASB Chorus #118)
Another good Independence Day article
Independence Day!
February 24: Independence Day
The Republic of Estonia was founded on 24 February 1918, when the Salvation Committee (Päästekomitee) declared the independence of the Republic of Estonia. This date was celebrated as Independence Day until the Soviet occupation of Estonia in 1940. During the Soviet occupation, Independence Day was celebrated in Estonian communities around the world. Every year, the US Secretary of State honoured this day by sending greetings to the chief diplomatic representative of the Republic of Estonia to the United States Ernst Jaakson. On 24 February 1989, the red flag of Soviet Estonia was replaced by the blue-black-white Estonian national flag on Toompea, and since that time Independence Day has been celebrated once again as a public holiday. This year Estonia will celebrate the 88th anniversary of the declaration of state independence. A Quest for Independence For centuries, the Estonian people dreamed of establishing a state free of foreign domination. The 1917 revolution and the generally unstable situation in Russia created the opportunity for Estonia to gain its independence. The impetus for independence was provided by the National Front, Estonia's main ideological movement, which based its ideas on US President Woodrow Wilson's principle of self-determination. On 8 April 1917, Estonian organisations and military personnel totalling 40 000 people held a demonstration in Petrograd (St. Petersburg) in support of Estonian self-government. The peaceful demonstration achieved its goal when, on 12 April, the Russian Provisional Government signed the Law on Estonian Autonomy, which united the Livonian counties of Tartu, Võru, Viljandi, Pärnu and Saaremaa with Estonia. For the first time an Estonian, Jaan Poska, was appointed as a Provincial Commissioner of Estonia. A six-member Provisional National Council, the Maapäev, was formed. The Maapäev appointed a national executive that began to organise and modernise local government and educational institutions. Prior to its forceful dissolution by Bolshevik authorities and the impending invasion by German forces, the Maapäev took a decisive step toward sovereignty by declaring itself the supreme authority in Estonia on 15 November 1917. Independence Proclaimed The Estonian Constituent Assembly elections were held on 3-4 February 1918. The parties that supported the idea of national independence gained two-thirds of the popular vote. With Soviet forces hastily retreating and German forces advancing, the Maapäev elected a three-member Salvation Committee (Päästekomitee) and granted it full decision-making powers to ensure the continued activity of the Maapäev. The Päästekomitee drafted a declaration of independence. On 19 February 1918, the elders of the Maapäev approved the manifesto and on 24 February 1918, the Päästekomitee publicly proclaimed Estonia an independent and democratic republic. After declaring its independence, Estonia was forced to fight a war of independence against Soviet Russia and German forces. During this war, Estonia secured its borders and signed the Tartu Peace Treaty with Soviet Russia on 2 February 1920. Independence Restored As the hope of restoring the nation's independence grew stronger in the late 1980s, the people began to celebrate Independence Day publicly before the end of the Soviet occupation. Since the restoration of independence on 20 August 1991, Independence Day continues to be a day of celebration and a day of reflection for the Estonian people.
The Republic of Estonia was founded on 24 February 1918, when the Salvation Committee (Päästekomitee) declared the independence of the Republic of Estonia. This date was celebrated as Independence Day until the Soviet occupation of Estonia in 1940. During the Soviet occupation, Independence Day was celebrated in Estonian communities around the world. Every year, the US Secretary of State honoured this day by sending greetings to the chief diplomatic representative of the Republic of Estonia to the United States Ernst Jaakson. On 24 February 1989, the red flag of Soviet Estonia was replaced by the blue-black-white Estonian national flag on Toompea, and since that time Independence Day has been celebrated once again as a public holiday. This year Estonia will celebrate the 88th anniversary of the declaration of state independence. A Quest for Independence For centuries, the Estonian people dreamed of establishing a state free of foreign domination. The 1917 revolution and the generally unstable situation in Russia created the opportunity for Estonia to gain its independence. The impetus for independence was provided by the National Front, Estonia's main ideological movement, which based its ideas on US President Woodrow Wilson's principle of self-determination. On 8 April 1917, Estonian organisations and military personnel totalling 40 000 people held a demonstration in Petrograd (St. Petersburg) in support of Estonian self-government. The peaceful demonstration achieved its goal when, on 12 April, the Russian Provisional Government signed the Law on Estonian Autonomy, which united the Livonian counties of Tartu, Võru, Viljandi, Pärnu and Saaremaa with Estonia. For the first time an Estonian, Jaan Poska, was appointed as a Provincial Commissioner of Estonia. A six-member Provisional National Council, the Maapäev, was formed. The Maapäev appointed a national executive that began to organise and modernise local government and educational institutions. Prior to its forceful dissolution by Bolshevik authorities and the impending invasion by German forces, the Maapäev took a decisive step toward sovereignty by declaring itself the supreme authority in Estonia on 15 November 1917. Independence Proclaimed The Estonian Constituent Assembly elections were held on 3-4 February 1918. The parties that supported the idea of national independence gained two-thirds of the popular vote. With Soviet forces hastily retreating and German forces advancing, the Maapäev elected a three-member Salvation Committee (Päästekomitee) and granted it full decision-making powers to ensure the continued activity of the Maapäev. The Päästekomitee drafted a declaration of independence. On 19 February 1918, the elders of the Maapäev approved the manifesto and on 24 February 1918, the Päästekomitee publicly proclaimed Estonia an independent and democratic republic. After declaring its independence, Estonia was forced to fight a war of independence against Soviet Russia and German forces. During this war, Estonia secured its borders and signed the Tartu Peace Treaty with Soviet Russia on 2 February 1920. Independence Restored As the hope of restoring the nation's independence grew stronger in the late 1980s, the people began to celebrate Independence Day publicly before the end of the Soviet occupation. Since the restoration of independence on 20 August 1991, Independence Day continues to be a day of celebration and a day of reflection for the Estonian people.
need Salvationist contacts
I need to reach some Salvationists in the following areas. Please let me know if you can put me in touch with someone! Thanks!
Columbus, Ohio (West Side if possible)
Missoula, Montana
Seattle, WA
Chicago, IL
New Jersey (near Lakewood)
Columbus, Ohio (West Side if possible)
Missoula, Montana
Seattle, WA
Chicago, IL
New Jersey (near Lakewood)
Books
The Art of Prayer
Closer Communion
Community in Mission
The Doctrine of Holiness
The Faith We Declare
In Darkest England and The Way Out
Salvation Story
Spiritual Breakthrough
Strong Doctrine, Strong Mercy
Marching On!
We Need Saints!
Closer Communion
Community in Mission
The Doctrine of Holiness
The Faith We Declare
In Darkest England and The Way Out
Salvation Story
Spiritual Breakthrough
Strong Doctrine, Strong Mercy
Marching On!
We Need Saints!
Holiness
neljapäev, veebruar 23, 2006
Bowling
I'm mindful that it's 11 in the morning in New York, and perhaps some of our prayer partners are reading this right now! If so, would you please pray for Tim as he is out bowling with our youth group?
Last week, 15 kids promised to come if we made reservations at a bowling alley. Tonight, Tim is out with a group half that size.
Maybe it's because tomorrow is Independence Day. Maybe it's because they didn't have the money ($4, which is a lot here -- about 1/3 of Chris's monthly allowance). Maybe they got tired of hanging around with us Salvation Army folks! Maybe it's because the girl who originally had the idea is sick. Maybe they just forgot!
But we are glad that Tim will have this fun time with the kids who are there. (Of course I'm home with baby Peter!)
So, if you don't mind, please pray for:
Andrei
Chris
Mikhel
Tim
(the boys)
and
Elizabeth
Etthel
Liis
Maret
(the girls)
Thanks!
Evelyn
Last week, 15 kids promised to come if we made reservations at a bowling alley. Tonight, Tim is out with a group half that size.
Maybe it's because tomorrow is Independence Day. Maybe it's because they didn't have the money ($4, which is a lot here -- about 1/3 of Chris's monthly allowance). Maybe they got tired of hanging around with us Salvation Army folks! Maybe it's because the girl who originally had the idea is sick. Maybe they just forgot!
But we are glad that Tim will have this fun time with the kids who are there. (Of course I'm home with baby Peter!)
So, if you don't mind, please pray for:
Andrei
Chris
Mikhel
Tim
(the boys)
and
Elizabeth
Etthel
Liis
Maret
(the girls)
Thanks!
Evelyn
new blog
We just set up a new blog over at http://clarkid.blogspot.com/
Realizing that not everyone is interested in pictures of our family and personal things like that, we thought it might be good to make this split.
Spread the word!
Evelyn
Realizing that not everyone is interested in pictures of our family and personal things like that, we thought it might be good to make this split.
Spread the word!
Evelyn
kolmapäev, veebruar 22, 2006
make friends with the people
As part of his homeschooling, Chris has been reading a book that I read as a Missions Minor in college! I was quite moved to see that I was reading the 1983 edition two years after it was pubilshed, and he is reading the 2004 edition two years after it was published!
Here is something he showed me the other day, which sounds strangely familiar:
unconventional by most missionary standards, particularly their "open-house" evangelism
they decided to relinquish their privacy in order to make contacts with the people
"Some may think that receiving visitors is not real mission work, but I think it is. I put myself out to make friends with the people...."
pp. 202-203
Jonathan and Rosalind Goforth
Chapter 7: China: "Barbarians Not Welcome"
Part 2: The "Great Century"
From Jerusalem to Irian Jaya: A Biographical History of Christian Missions
Second Edition
by Ruth A. Tucker
Zondervan, 2004
"Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and 'sinners'." But wisdom is proved right.... (Matthew 11:19; Luke 7:34)
Here is something he showed me the other day, which sounds strangely familiar:
unconventional by most missionary standards, particularly their "open-house" evangelism
they decided to relinquish their privacy in order to make contacts with the people
"Some may think that receiving visitors is not real mission work, but I think it is. I put myself out to make friends with the people...."
pp. 202-203
Jonathan and Rosalind Goforth
Chapter 7: China: "Barbarians Not Welcome"
Part 2: The "Great Century"
From Jerusalem to Irian Jaya: A Biographical History of Christian Missions
Second Edition
by Ruth A. Tucker
Zondervan, 2004
"Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and 'sinners'." But wisdom is proved right.... (Matthew 11:19; Luke 7:34)
teisipäev, veebruar 21, 2006
"That Holy Thing" by Captain Stephen Court
[The full article is at http://www.armybarmy.com/article13.html]
"That Holy Thing"
by Captain Stephen Court
"And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God."
Do you get it?
That holy thing is all about Jesus.
But the angel Gabriel explained the process here. Holy Spirit comes on you. He overshadows you. And there is fruit (that’s our Jesus- ‘that holy thing’).
You Knew All Along?
Too easy.
You know the story, don’t you? Mary, teenaged virgin fiancée, gets a surprise visit from an archangel who twice asserts that she is highly favoured. God likes her a lot!
The language here is pretty sanitized. I mean, it’s like when Catherine Booth complains,
"Many more of God’s people might have (this experience)... but they are not willing to be wrapped in His arms; they are not willing to be pressed to His bosom; they are not willing to know Him in a Scriptural sense; they are not willing to be given up and consumed by God."
Now, Catherine sounds conventional until you realize she’s using a little King James lingo when she grumbles that we aren’t willing to know God in a Scriptural sense. You may remember the Old Testament observation, “Adam knew Eve, his wife, and she conceived” (Genesis 4:1 AV).
Get it, now? Adam ‘knew’ Eve, and she got pregnant. And Holy Spirit ‘overshadowed’ Mary, and she got pregnant. And Catherine exhorts us to get wrapped up in His arms, to ‘know’ Him, and get pregnant.
Scandalous.
That holy thing is a scandalous issue.
Too many Christians, people like you, meander aimlessly through a sinfully boring existence, because they aren’t up to some supernatural intimacy. Or, if they do engage in it, it’s all about your pleasure; you don’t want to produce any fruit!
As John Wesley said, “The Gospel of Christ knows… no holiness but social holiness.”
Embrace your Partner.
There will be fruit. That holy thing will be conceived in your life. And that will infect a lot of other people’s lives.
Not Your Grandmother’s Holiness.
I hope you’re convinced by now that this is not your grandmother’s holiness we’re pitching here. This is not a bunch of impositions and limitations. You can go to movies. You can dance. All of that. And we’re convinced, that holy thing is ridiculously contagious once you catch it yourself. We’re exhorting you to embrace the outrageous.
Don’t dabble. Plunge.
"That Holy Thing"
by Captain Stephen Court
"And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God."
Do you get it?
That holy thing is all about Jesus.
But the angel Gabriel explained the process here. Holy Spirit comes on you. He overshadows you. And there is fruit (that’s our Jesus- ‘that holy thing’).
You Knew All Along?
Too easy.
You know the story, don’t you? Mary, teenaged virgin fiancée, gets a surprise visit from an archangel who twice asserts that she is highly favoured. God likes her a lot!
The language here is pretty sanitized. I mean, it’s like when Catherine Booth complains,
"Many more of God’s people might have (this experience)... but they are not willing to be wrapped in His arms; they are not willing to be pressed to His bosom; they are not willing to know Him in a Scriptural sense; they are not willing to be given up and consumed by God."
Now, Catherine sounds conventional until you realize she’s using a little King James lingo when she grumbles that we aren’t willing to know God in a Scriptural sense. You may remember the Old Testament observation, “Adam knew Eve, his wife, and she conceived” (Genesis 4:1 AV).
Get it, now? Adam ‘knew’ Eve, and she got pregnant. And Holy Spirit ‘overshadowed’ Mary, and she got pregnant. And Catherine exhorts us to get wrapped up in His arms, to ‘know’ Him, and get pregnant.
Scandalous.
That holy thing is a scandalous issue.
Too many Christians, people like you, meander aimlessly through a sinfully boring existence, because they aren’t up to some supernatural intimacy. Or, if they do engage in it, it’s all about your pleasure; you don’t want to produce any fruit!
As John Wesley said, “The Gospel of Christ knows… no holiness but social holiness.”
Embrace your Partner.
There will be fruit. That holy thing will be conceived in your life. And that will infect a lot of other people’s lives.
Not Your Grandmother’s Holiness.
I hope you’re convinced by now that this is not your grandmother’s holiness we’re pitching here. This is not a bunch of impositions and limitations. You can go to movies. You can dance. All of that. And we’re convinced, that holy thing is ridiculously contagious once you catch it yourself. We’re exhorting you to embrace the outrageous.
Don’t dabble. Plunge.
This Week, part two
I finally remembered the word I really wanted to include in my list of prayer requests:
submission
It was a big word for us at the Training School; some of us who knew all the Army stuff felt like maybe it was the main lesson for our time there. (Unfortunately, it was apparently forgotten by some after commissioning, I am extremely sad to say.)
"Do not be stiff-necked, as your fathers were; submit to the LORD. Come to the sanctuary, which he has consecrated forever. Serve the LORD your God." (2 Chronicles 30:8)
"Submit to God and be at peace with him." (Job 22:21)
"Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ." (Ephesians 5:19-21)
"Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you." (Hebrews 13:17)
"The wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness." (James 3:17-18)
"Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you." (James 4:7-8)
Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers--not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.
Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,
"God opposes the proud
but gives grace to the humble."
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
(1 Peter 5:2-8)
If you're still with me, and if you're looking for a way to pray for us, please pray that:
we would not be stiff-necked
we would be at peace with God
we would sing and make music in our hearts
we would always give thanks for everything
we would obey our leaders
we would be pure
we would raise a harvest of righteousness
we would resist the devil
God would come near to us
we would be willing and eager to serve
we would cast all our anxiety on God
we would be self-controlled and alert
Well, that should keep us all busy for a while!
Thanks, friends. We really appreciate your help. Please spread the word to other prayer warriors you know. Thank you!
Evelyn
submission
It was a big word for us at the Training School; some of us who knew all the Army stuff felt like maybe it was the main lesson for our time there. (Unfortunately, it was apparently forgotten by some after commissioning, I am extremely sad to say.)
"Do not be stiff-necked, as your fathers were; submit to the LORD. Come to the sanctuary, which he has consecrated forever. Serve the LORD your God." (2 Chronicles 30:8)
"Submit to God and be at peace with him." (Job 22:21)
"Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ." (Ephesians 5:19-21)
"Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you." (Hebrews 13:17)
"The wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness." (James 3:17-18)
"Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you." (James 4:7-8)
Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers--not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.
Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,
"God opposes the proud
but gives grace to the humble."
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
(1 Peter 5:2-8)
If you're still with me, and if you're looking for a way to pray for us, please pray that:
we would not be stiff-necked
we would be at peace with God
we would sing and make music in our hearts
we would always give thanks for everything
we would obey our leaders
we would be pure
we would raise a harvest of righteousness
we would resist the devil
God would come near to us
we would be willing and eager to serve
we would cast all our anxiety on God
we would be self-controlled and alert
Well, that should keep us all busy for a while!
Thanks, friends. We really appreciate your help. Please spread the word to other prayer warriors you know. Thank you!
Evelyn
esmaspäev, veebruar 20, 2006
More marching
We are marching on with shield and banner bright,
We will work for God and battle for the right
We will praise his name, rejoicing in his might,
And we'll work till Jesus calls.
Then awake, then awake, happy song, happy song;
Shout for joy, shout for joy, as we gladly march along.
We are marching onward, singing as we go,
To the promised land where living waters flow;
Come and join our ranks as soldiers here below,
Come and work till Jesus calls.
In the open air our Army we prepare,
As we rally round our blessed standard there;
And the Saviour's cross we gladly learn to share
While we work till Jesus calls.
We are marching on; our captain, ever near
Will protect us still, his guiding voice we hear;
Let the foe advance, we'll never, never fear,
But we'll work till Jesus calls.
We are marching on and pressing t'wards the prize,
To a glorious crown beyond the glowing skies,
To the radiant fields where pleasure never dies,
And we'll work till Jesus calls.
Fanny Crosby (1820-1915)
(SASB Song #818)
We will work for God and battle for the right
We will praise his name, rejoicing in his might,
And we'll work till Jesus calls.
Then awake, then awake, happy song, happy song;
Shout for joy, shout for joy, as we gladly march along.
We are marching onward, singing as we go,
To the promised land where living waters flow;
Come and join our ranks as soldiers here below,
Come and work till Jesus calls.
In the open air our Army we prepare,
As we rally round our blessed standard there;
And the Saviour's cross we gladly learn to share
While we work till Jesus calls.
We are marching on; our captain, ever near
Will protect us still, his guiding voice we hear;
Let the foe advance, we'll never, never fear,
But we'll work till Jesus calls.
We are marching on and pressing t'wards the prize,
To a glorious crown beyond the glowing skies,
To the radiant fields where pleasure never dies,
And we'll work till Jesus calls.
Fanny Crosby (1820-1915)
(SASB Song #818)
March Forth!
In the Army ranks are we,
'Neath the flag, so dear, we've taken our stand;
We are marching forth a company grand, a conquering band to be.
We would battle, Lord, for thee;
Teach our hands to war, our fingers to fight,
That the souls who dwell in darkness and night
Thy Kingdom of light may see.
(SASB Chorus #236)
1.Earthly kingdoms rise and fall,
Kings and nations come and go,
Thou, O God, art over all,
None thine empire shall o'erthrow.
Of thy grace are we enrolled
In the train of thy dear Son,
Pledged our faith undimmed to hold
Until victory is won.
2.High o'er rampart, tower and wall,
Faith her standard proudly flies;
Youth obeys her trumpet call,
Marching forth to grand emprise.
In each hand uplifted high
Gleams a consecrated sword;
Hark! they shout their battle cry:
Rise and fight for Christ, our Lord.
3.Seasoned in a hundred fights,
Warriors lend their strength and skill;
Time but deepens their delights
In the conquest over ill.
With unceasing war grown wise,
None will on himself depend;
Each upon his Lord relies,
Now, and till the war shall end.
4.Thine, O faith, the victory!
Thou shalt overcome the world;
In that day thy foes shall be
Down to final darkness hurled.
Thine it is our hearts to cheer,
Thine to make us brave and strong;
Ours to press the battle here,
Then to swell the triumph song.
Will J. Brand (1889-1977)
(SASB Song #799)
'Neath the flag, so dear, we've taken our stand;
We are marching forth a company grand, a conquering band to be.
We would battle, Lord, for thee;
Teach our hands to war, our fingers to fight,
That the souls who dwell in darkness and night
Thy Kingdom of light may see.
(SASB Chorus #236)
1.Earthly kingdoms rise and fall,
Kings and nations come and go,
Thou, O God, art over all,
None thine empire shall o'erthrow.
Of thy grace are we enrolled
In the train of thy dear Son,
Pledged our faith undimmed to hold
Until victory is won.
2.High o'er rampart, tower and wall,
Faith her standard proudly flies;
Youth obeys her trumpet call,
Marching forth to grand emprise.
In each hand uplifted high
Gleams a consecrated sword;
Hark! they shout their battle cry:
Rise and fight for Christ, our Lord.
3.Seasoned in a hundred fights,
Warriors lend their strength and skill;
Time but deepens their delights
In the conquest over ill.
With unceasing war grown wise,
None will on himself depend;
Each upon his Lord relies,
Now, and till the war shall end.
4.Thine, O faith, the victory!
Thou shalt overcome the world;
In that day thy foes shall be
Down to final darkness hurled.
Thine it is our hearts to cheer,
Thine to make us brave and strong;
Ours to press the battle here,
Then to swell the triumph song.
Will J. Brand (1889-1977)
(SASB Song #799)
Living for Something
I've really enjoyed watching the Olympics this year. It has been especially fun watching the Estonian team, which is small, but they have already won three gold medals!
Our theme for this Sunday's meetings (worship in Tallinn and Tartu, Sunday School and at the homeless shelter) was based on the Olympics. One of the scriptures we used was from Philippians 3:12-14: "Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."
When we were watching the report for today's Olympic events, they interviewed one of the Estonian athletes, alpine skier Deyvid Oprja. Hand written on the side of his helmet was a saying I wish I could have included in my sermon yesterday: "If you don't live for something, you die for nothing." That is the race to which God has called us all!
--Tim
Our theme for this Sunday's meetings (worship in Tallinn and Tartu, Sunday School and at the homeless shelter) was based on the Olympics. One of the scriptures we used was from Philippians 3:12-14: "Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."
When we were watching the report for today's Olympic events, they interviewed one of the Estonian athletes, alpine skier Deyvid Oprja. Hand written on the side of his helmet was a saying I wish I could have included in my sermon yesterday: "If you don't live for something, you die for nothing." That is the race to which God has called us all!
--Tim
Heartache
I just heard that one of "our" kids said ta (Estonian word meaning both "he" and "she") is KIND OF a Christian, ta isn't sure if ta is a Christian, is still trying to figure it all out.
Now, I guess this doesn't sound like the end of the world, but I feel like I just got punched in the chest, a mixture between sadness and guilt.
This isn't one of the new kids who are questioning absolutely everything about Christianity (one in particular always says he likes to argue!). This is someone we've known for almost a year and we've been pretty involved with.
"Comrades, whatever other gifts you have, if you are to succeed, you must have hearts, and hearts that can feel." -- General William Booth
Ouch. My heart feels! And right now it hurts.
Evelyn
Now, I guess this doesn't sound like the end of the world, but I feel like I just got punched in the chest, a mixture between sadness and guilt.
This isn't one of the new kids who are questioning absolutely everything about Christianity (one in particular always says he likes to argue!). This is someone we've known for almost a year and we've been pretty involved with.
"Comrades, whatever other gifts you have, if you are to succeed, you must have hearts, and hearts that can feel." -- General William Booth
Ouch. My heart feels! And right now it hurts.
Evelyn
This Week
This may well be the week that we've been wondering and worrying about for a while now. So here's our prayers for this week:
patience
peace
obedience
grace
strength
wisdom
humility
good attitudes
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9).
We had a great day yesterday, both in Tallinn and in Tartu! We got back to the house at 2:45, and the girls had everything ready for the day.
If you've been thinking, "I should really pray for those Clarks, they seem like okay people," but you didn't know what to pray about or just kept putting it off, this is the week that we really need your prayer support!
God knows the details, and we'll share more when there's more to say!
Some specific stuff:
Tyrrells
Hendersons
Estonian language class
Maret
Andrei
homeless friends
friends battling alcoholism
new people we are meeting
children's choir that Elizabeth is in
regional event in Narva this Saturday
lastekoosolek (kids' meeting)
noortekoosolek (youth meeting) -- planning to go bowling on Thursday; these teens really challenge us as they have a LOT of questions about everything!
Evelyn
patience
peace
obedience
grace
strength
wisdom
humility
good attitudes
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9).
We had a great day yesterday, both in Tallinn and in Tartu! We got back to the house at 2:45, and the girls had everything ready for the day.
If you've been thinking, "I should really pray for those Clarks, they seem like okay people," but you didn't know what to pray about or just kept putting it off, this is the week that we really need your prayer support!
God knows the details, and we'll share more when there's more to say!
Some specific stuff:
Tyrrells
Hendersons
Estonian language class
Maret
Andrei
homeless friends
friends battling alcoholism
new people we are meeting
children's choir that Elizabeth is in
regional event in Narva this Saturday
lastekoosolek (kids' meeting)
noortekoosolek (youth meeting) -- planning to go bowling on Thursday; these teens really challenge us as they have a LOT of questions about everything!
Evelyn
pühapäev, veebruar 19, 2006
Two Corps in One Day
We're in Tallinn this morning, to do the 11:00 meeting at the Tallinn Kopli Corps while the Tyrrells are in England for the weekend. Then we'll high-tail it back to Tartu to do our 3:00 meeting there, followed by Sunday School at 4:30 and visiting our friends at the Homeless Shelter at 6:30!
So besides the obvious prayers that the words of our mouths and the meditation of our hearts
may be pleasing in the Lord's sight, our big prayer request is that traffic and weather and our old clunky van would cooperate for us to get back to Tartu in 2 hours! If we're a bit late, Elizabeth & Liis & Maret are prepared to lead a sing-along while they wait for us, but I think they'd rather avoid that scenario if they can!
I feel like an old-time circuit preacher today!
Evelyn
So besides the obvious prayers that the words of our mouths and the meditation of our hearts
may be pleasing in the Lord's sight, our big prayer request is that traffic and weather and our old clunky van would cooperate for us to get back to Tartu in 2 hours! If we're a bit late, Elizabeth & Liis & Maret are prepared to lead a sing-along while they wait for us, but I think they'd rather avoid that scenario if they can!
I feel like an old-time circuit preacher today!
Evelyn
teisipäev, veebruar 14, 2006
Sõbrapäev!
Valentine's Day in Estonia is called Sõbrapäev, which means friend's day. It was a good day with friends for us.
It is also Karl-Gustav's birthday, and he came to our house after school and we were able to celebrate with him. Then at 6:00 the young people came for our children's program, and we all had cake together and sang happy birthday to Karl-Gustav. After that, the kids made a Valentine's craft and we talked about God's love. It was a great evening and we had a lot of fun together!
I drove the kids home, and when I got to Kavastu (the village where many of the kids live), one of the teens who comes on Thursdays and Sundays, Sigrit, came out to the van to give me Valentine cards she had made for each of us in the family. It was a very touching gesture, especially when we saw that inside mine and Evelyn's cards was a little something she had made for us. It really captured the sense of love and friendship today, and was another encouragement that God knew we needed.
--Tim
It is also Karl-Gustav's birthday, and he came to our house after school and we were able to celebrate with him. Then at 6:00 the young people came for our children's program, and we all had cake together and sang happy birthday to Karl-Gustav. After that, the kids made a Valentine's craft and we talked about God's love. It was a great evening and we had a lot of fun together!
I drove the kids home, and when I got to Kavastu (the village where many of the kids live), one of the teens who comes on Thursdays and Sundays, Sigrit, came out to the van to give me Valentine cards she had made for each of us in the family. It was a very touching gesture, especially when we saw that inside mine and Evelyn's cards was a little something she had made for us. It really captured the sense of love and friendship today, and was another encouragement that God knew we needed.
--Tim
Young people from our lastekosolek (children's meeting) helped to celebrate Karl-Gustav's birthday. They are (l to r) Andrei, Elizabeth, Jaanar, Etthel, Peter, Siile, Maret and Evelyn. 
Valentine’s Day 2006
"A friend loves at all times." (Proverbs 17:17)
"As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit--fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. This is my command: Love each other." (John 15:9-17)
"Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us." (1 John 4:7-12)
"As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit--fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. This is my command: Love each other." (John 15:9-17)
"Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us." (1 John 4:7-12)
laupäev, veebruar 11, 2006
Bonhoeffer -- one more time!
esmaspäev, veebruar 06, 2006
Don't forget!
Don't forget!
BONHOEFFER
A documentary film by Martin Doblmeier
National PBS broadcast Feb. 6 at 10 p.m. EST (Check local listings).
"A touching narrative on the nature of faith...powerful and shocking." - The New York Times
Visit http://go.sojo.net/ct/c7z7em51CXv1/, http://go.sojo.net/ct/cdz7em51CXfC/, or http://go.sojo.net/ct/cpz7em51CXvq/
An article from Sojourners magazine:
http://www.sojo.net/index.cfm?action=magazine.article&issue=soj9505&article=950531
Evelyn
BONHOEFFER
A documentary film by Martin Doblmeier
National PBS broadcast Feb. 6 at 10 p.m. EST (Check local listings).
"A touching narrative on the nature of faith...powerful and shocking." - The New York Times
Visit http://go.sojo.net/ct/c7z7em51CXv1/, http://go.sojo.net/ct/cdz7em51CXfC/, or http://go.sojo.net/ct/cpz7em51CXvq/
An article from Sojourners magazine:
http://www.sojo.net/index.cfm?action=magazine.article&issue=soj9505&article=950531
Evelyn
laupäev, veebruar 04, 2006
More on Bonhoeffer
http://www.ctlibrary.com/3843
Christian History & Biography
http://speakingoffaith.publicradio.org/programs/2004/10/28_bonhoeffer/links.shtml
A radio show and lots of good links!
Evelyn
Christian History & Biography
http://speakingoffaith.publicradio.org/programs/2004/10/28_bonhoeffer/links.shtml
A radio show and lots of good links!
Evelyn
Dietrich Bonhoeffer's 100th birthday
http://www.gracematters.org/listen.html
January 22 - Watch Your Feet! MP3 Podcast RealPlayer StreamMatthew 10:37-39
No Christian in the 20th century made quite the imprint that German theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer did from his opposition to the Nazi regime and his faithfulness to Christ. In preparation for what would be Bonhoeffer’s 100th birthday on February 4, 2006, we visit with Bonhoeffer film producer, Martin Doblmeier, on the greatness of this extraordinary saint, and the PBS release of the film Bonhoeffer.
I listened to this online and recommend it!
http://www.pbs.org/previews/bonhoeffer/
BONHOEFFER, airing on PBS Monday, February 6, 2006 (check local listings), in conjunction with the 100th anniversary celebration of Bonhoeffer's birth (February 4, 1906), mixes archival footage, some of it never before seen in the United States, with the words of Bonhoeffer himself, read by Austrian actor Klaus Maria Brandauer (Out of Africa), and interviews with friends, family and students of Bonhoeffer; Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa; Eberhard Bethge, Bonhoeffer's biographer and best friend; and historians and theologians.
Please watch it and let me know what you think!
http://www.radiotheatre.org/products/bonhoeffer/
I'm kicking myself because we didn't listen to this when it was available online at http://www.oneplace.com/drama/
Evelyn
January 22 - Watch Your Feet! MP3 Podcast RealPlayer StreamMatthew 10:37-39
No Christian in the 20th century made quite the imprint that German theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer did from his opposition to the Nazi regime and his faithfulness to Christ. In preparation for what would be Bonhoeffer’s 100th birthday on February 4, 2006, we visit with Bonhoeffer film producer, Martin Doblmeier, on the greatness of this extraordinary saint, and the PBS release of the film Bonhoeffer.
I listened to this online and recommend it!
http://www.pbs.org/previews/bonhoeffer/
BONHOEFFER, airing on PBS Monday, February 6, 2006 (check local listings), in conjunction with the 100th anniversary celebration of Bonhoeffer's birth (February 4, 1906), mixes archival footage, some of it never before seen in the United States, with the words of Bonhoeffer himself, read by Austrian actor Klaus Maria Brandauer (Out of Africa), and interviews with friends, family and students of Bonhoeffer; Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa; Eberhard Bethge, Bonhoeffer's biographer and best friend; and historians and theologians.
Please watch it and let me know what you think!
http://www.radiotheatre.org/products/bonhoeffer/
I'm kicking myself because we didn't listen to this when it was available online at http://www.oneplace.com/drama/
Evelyn
The ferry
Pray for our brothers and sisters who are affected by the sinking of the ferry in the Red Sea. This is the type of ferry we take when we go to Finland, which we will do the beginning of March for Officers' Councils.
Evelyn
Evelyn
reede, veebruar 03, 2006
I should not call any man impure or unclean
AC 10:9 Peter went up on the roof to pray. 10 He became hungry and wanted something to eat, and while the meal was being prepared, he fell into a trance. 11 He saw heaven opened and something like a large sheet being let down to earth by its four corners. 12 It contained all kinds of four-footed animals, as well as reptiles of the earth and birds of the air. 13 Then a voice told him, "Get up, Peter. Kill and eat."
AC 10:14 "Surely not, Lord!" Peter replied. "I have never eaten anything impure or unclean."
AC 10:15 The voice spoke to him a second time, "Do not call anything impure that God has made clean."
AC 10:16 This happened three times, and immediately the sheet was taken back to heaven.
AC 10:17 While Peter was wondering about the meaning of the vision, the men sent by Cornelius found out where Simon's house was and stopped at the gate. 18 They called out, asking if Simon who was known as Peter was staying there.
AC 10:19 While Peter was still thinking about the vision, the Spirit said to him, "Simon, three men are looking for you. 20 So get up and go downstairs. Do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them."
AC 10:21 Peter went down and said to the men, "I'm the one you're looking for. Why have you come?"
AC 10:22 The men replied, "We have come from Cornelius the centurion. He is a righteous and God-fearing man, who is respected by all the Jewish people. A holy angel told him to have you come to his house so that he could hear what you have to say." 23 Then Peter invited the men into the house to be his guests.
The next day Peter started out with them, and some of the brothers from Joppa went along. 24 The following day he arrived in Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends. 25 As Peter entered the house, Cornelius met him and fell at his feet in reverence. 26 But Peter made him get up. "Stand up," he said, "I am only a man myself." AC 10:27 Talking with him, Peter went inside and found a large gathering of people. 28 He said to them: "You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with a Gentile or visit him. But God has shown me that I should not call any man impure or unclean."
AC 10:14 "Surely not, Lord!" Peter replied. "I have never eaten anything impure or unclean."
AC 10:15 The voice spoke to him a second time, "Do not call anything impure that God has made clean."
AC 10:16 This happened three times, and immediately the sheet was taken back to heaven.
AC 10:17 While Peter was wondering about the meaning of the vision, the men sent by Cornelius found out where Simon's house was and stopped at the gate. 18 They called out, asking if Simon who was known as Peter was staying there.
AC 10:19 While Peter was still thinking about the vision, the Spirit said to him, "Simon, three men are looking for you. 20 So get up and go downstairs. Do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them."
AC 10:21 Peter went down and said to the men, "I'm the one you're looking for. Why have you come?"
AC 10:22 The men replied, "We have come from Cornelius the centurion. He is a righteous and God-fearing man, who is respected by all the Jewish people. A holy angel told him to have you come to his house so that he could hear what you have to say." 23 Then Peter invited the men into the house to be his guests.
The next day Peter started out with them, and some of the brothers from Joppa went along. 24 The following day he arrived in Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends. 25 As Peter entered the house, Cornelius met him and fell at his feet in reverence. 26 But Peter made him get up. "Stand up," he said, "I am only a man myself." AC 10:27 Talking with him, Peter went inside and found a large gathering of people. 28 He said to them: "You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with a Gentile or visit him. But God has shown me that I should not call any man impure or unclean."
neljapäev, veebruar 02, 2006
House Full of Teens!
Tonight we had 10 teens in for our teen group, and several of them came for the first time! We have to give thanks to our faithful junior soldier Maret who brought nearly all of them.
It was a good Bible study (led by Chris) and at the end they asked some good questions about God and faith. I don't think that they were all serious about the questions they were asking, but at least they were willing to talk and I know God can use what is said even when those who ask the question are not really looking for an answer.
These connections with people are really what has been sustaining me in these days, and showing that God does have a purpose for us here.
Please pray for these young people. Many of them have never seen faith in Christ as a valid option for their lives and they really don't see a need for God. Pray that we can be used to model Christ for them, and that God will speak to their hearts and reveal to them just how much they do need Him.
--Tim
It was a good Bible study (led by Chris) and at the end they asked some good questions about God and faith. I don't think that they were all serious about the questions they were asking, but at least they were willing to talk and I know God can use what is said even when those who ask the question are not really looking for an answer.
These connections with people are really what has been sustaining me in these days, and showing that God does have a purpose for us here.
Please pray for these young people. Many of them have never seen faith in Christ as a valid option for their lives and they really don't see a need for God. Pray that we can be used to model Christ for them, and that God will speak to their hearts and reveal to them just how much they do need Him.
--Tim
Salvationists are crazy!
Christian Unschooling
http://www.championpress.com/Level5/Unschooling/whatisunschool.htm
There's more than one way to skin a cat! ;-) (And WAY MORE than one way to raise a child!)
Evelyn
There's more than one way to skin a cat! ;-) (And WAY MORE than one way to raise a child!)
Evelyn
kolmapäev, veebruar 01, 2006
On Sunday, we had a wonderful time of worship. We had some young people from Tallinn as well as our own youth, and they all sang, "I Can Sing of Your Love Forever" in Estonian. They are (l to r) Evelin (playing the piano but not seen), a new girl, Sigrit (behind Tim's head!), Jaanika, Maret, Chris, Elise and Anneli (both from Tallinn), and Liis.
Lately, Peter has wanted to be outside. He will point to a coat (it doesn't have to be his), and say "coat" and make it clear that he wants to go out. Elizabeth has been a great big sister, like today when she took him into the backyard while it was snowing.
