Undaunted

Undaunted
Dear Friends,
As I write the winter sun is blinding me as it shines through the office window, reflecting off the snow that is all over the ground.
However, it is already 23rd January and our winter has really only begun. But my story has to start a long time before winter, since it is three months since I gave you news of our happenings here in Estonia.
At the end of October, we had the visit of Hythe Band and Songsters (Kent, UK) for our annual Anniversary Celebrations. Their visit was centred in Tallinn and we packed a whole lot into their week-end stay. I also used the 'Open-Air' opportunity to launch my small effort called 'Stop the Traffik ' which is against Human Trafficking - a situation that is implicated in Eastern Europe, including Estonia. The launch included a small exhibition board of visual material along with a small table at which the public was invited to sign a form that signifies they are against the whole concept of human trafficking. Apart from the impact of the campaign, we also had great fellowship with Richard Carroll who is the Bandmaster at Hythe and all the members of the gruop - many of whom are all part of the Carroll family. The only disappointment was the weather. All Saturday morning it just rained and rained and rained. But the Bandmembers stood for a whole hour in the pouring rain and played lots of great music while Estonian officers and Salvationists spoke with the people who stood around. Helen also managed to collect some 'soggy signatures' on the Human Trafficking forms. Salvationists from all over Estonia (four Corps) gathered for the reamaining Musical Festivals on Saturday and the meetings on Sunday. The Hythe musicians also accompanied members of the Kopli Corps to the Lines area for an Open-Air meeting where hot soup and some other necessities were distributed among the people who live in this very poor area of Tallinn.
November was a very special time for all of us British ex-pats in Estonia, as we had the visit of the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh to the city. Since Derek is a member of the British-Estonian Chamber of Commerce )and on first-name terms with the Ambassador - who is a Spurs supporter - we were favoured with an invitation to the private reception which was held at the newly opened Art Museum in Tallinn. The Queen was very gracious and spent quite a few minutes talking to us and asking about the work of the Army in Estonia. The Duke of Edinburgh was very relaxed and full of humour in his conversation - also appreciative of the SA - but very conscious of the strong 'Scottish connection' that was evident in our little group of people who were presented. He rightly observed that Estonia and Scotland are related through drink. Scotch Whisky has a strong export market here! Also in November, Helen attended a training course designed to give an introduction to the skills required and the procedures involved in Preparation for Disaster Management. Having been married to Derek for 35+ years, I felt that I had a head start! The reason that Derek was unable to undertake the course was that he had to stay behind in Tallinn to receive a consignment of two huge containers of humanitarian aid that had been donated by the soldiers and friends of Blackpool Citadel. This gift of unbelievable generosity contained winter clothes, prams and other equipment for families with small children, toys and lots of chocolate for distribution during Christmas and lots of SA uniforms - providing for the future as well as the present needs of Estonia. The second container contained 6,000 pairs of shoes as well as more clothes and gifts - including some home made Christmas cake (courtesy of the S.L. Angela Fraser) which was enjoyed by the people of Tallinn and Voru. Not only was the contents of the container a welcome gift, but the cost of transporting it was also met by the people of the Corps - especially two senior citizens who had raised most of the money personally by selling crafts. The soldiers and friends of Blackpool citadel have been so supportive both in practical terms and in personal support that we feel that they have actually shared the ministry with us. We value so much such a partnership. The government minister for Social Services in Tallinn could not believe that so much could be given by people who do not know Estonia. The amazing this is that so many gifts were totally distributed in so many different places within two weeks. Many children had lovely presents and special 'English Chocolate'. Also during November, our friend Mandy - who has faithfully kept in touch with us since our stay in Swindon - came for a short holiday. It was a great time to catch up with so much to see and so much to talk about! For our work programme, the end of November was our final camp of the year with Residential Youth Councils. We had Major Evie Diaz the Training and Education Officer from Riga in Latvia as our guest and who introduced the concept of Design for Life - completing the whole series of 'Life' studies that began in November 2005. We have some wonderful young people and within them each there is great potential for leadership. This is what we have been trying to develop during our youth activities in the region. Estonia has benefited from the help of officers from western territories, but its best possibilities will be realised when its own people, speaking Estonian language become the leaders of the Salvation Army here. December saw the start of the christmas celebrations. The first was at the British Embassy where Derek was invited to address the members of the Chamber of Commerce to present the new project that he will launch in 2007. The scheme is called 'Back to Work' and following that presentation, he won the support of the management board of the Chamber as the official project for 2007. He also attracted some individual interest from various business people that were there and others that he has contacted personally. The aim of this project is to offer residency to a few selected clients from the homeless centre and put them to work giving them training in life skills. Their contract on the project will be for one year, during which time, they will pay a small rent and a substantial amount of their working salary will be withheld as a saving towards their own rented accommodation at the end of the year. Failure to comply with the conditions of the project - which include a favour report from their workplace, will result in their removal from the project and the loss of their accommodation in the centre. Since the project needs to have so many official approvals for change of use in the building and other health and safety certificates, it is highly unlikely that we will see its development, but we do hope to be able to get it off the ground before we leave. Incidentally, the formal arrangements for our return to the UK are well underway and in fact we were presented with our flight tickets in November. So already it is 'goodbye and thank you!' The next of our Christmas celebrations was our officers' family Christmas party. We feel that this is very important wince all our officer families are non-Estonians and times like Christmas need to have a familiar feel about it. So this was their time to party and to receive some nice gifts given from the Territory. But the most exciting event in December this year was not Christmas but Derek's 60th Birthday. He was expecting that I would arrange for us to go out for a meal and I said that we would do this. On the day of his birthday, the children had sent him texts of congratulations, and we had to go to the airport to meet a lady from London who was coming to give some voluntary time in our social centre. However, Derek's first birthday surprise was when he got to the airport there stood Lorna and Gareth, Pamela, Alan and Jessica! He had no idea and was just delighted to see the family. It was very exciting. While everyone came back to the house for some lunch etc., Helen nipped back up to the airport to meet here brother Ron and his wife Anke who had flown in from Hamburg to be with Derek for his birthday. The afternoon was arranged with a visit to the photographers for some family photos, followed by a 'surprise party' with some officers and some of Derek's special friends - including the British Ambassador! The next day the family enjoyed seeing Tallinn including the Christmas Market in the Raekojuplats then we all travelled to the holiday town of Parnu where we had rented a little holiday apartment for the week-end. We had so much fun with everyone together and a realy family celebration of Derek's birthday. Unfortunately for the family - there was no hint of snow in December. It must be either global warming - or all the 'sputniks in the space' that is causing us to have such a late winter. Even the birds are nesting and the spring flowers are pushing through. But now, thankfully at the end of January, we have -8C deg. and the snow is here to stay at least for a few weeks.
In a couple of weeks time we should get the news of our next appointment back in the UK. We have only one more to go before we reitre. We did say in our interview, that it would be nice for Helen to have her last appointment in Scotland where it all began. It is over 22 years since we left Scotland, and it would be nice to 'close the loop', but we will just have to wait and see. it would also be nice to be near the Aunties since I don't think that they will be able to travel to visit us any more.
Well dear friends, that is the latest news to date. So from a beautiful winter's day in Tallinn I will sign off and before I post this, I will try to put some pictures on.
It is great to hear from you from time to time. We have had so many messages and Christmas Greetings from so many people - know and unknow - throught the UK and other countries, we feel very blessed and very rich with so many special friends and a uniquely loving family. So until the next time, it is 'Goodbye and God bless'.

Undaunted

Undaunted
Dear Friends,
As I write the winter sun is blinding me as it shines through the office window, reflecting off the snow that is all over the ground.
However, it is already 23rd January and our winter has really only begun. But my story has to start a long time before winter, since it is three months since I gave you news of our happenings here in Estonia.
At the end of October, we had the visit of Hythe Band and Songsters (Kent, UK) for our annual Anniversary Celebrations. Their visit was centred in Tallinn and we packed a whole lot into their week-end stay. I also used the 'Open-Air' opportunity to launch my small effort called 'Stop the Traffik ' which is against Human Trafficking - a situation that is implicated in Eastern Europe, including Estonia. The launch included a small exhibition board of visual material along with a small table at which the public was invited to sign a form that signifies they are against the whole concept of human trafficking. Apart from the impact of the campaign, we also had great fellowship with Richard Carroll who is the Bandmaster at Hythe and all the members of the gruop - many of whom are all part of the Carroll family. The only disappointment was the weather. All Saturday morning it just rained and rained and rained. But the Bandmembers stood for a whole hour in the pouring rain and played lots of great music while Estonian officers and Salvationists spoke with the people who stood around. Helen also managed to collect some 'soggy signatures' on the Human Trafficking forms. Salvationists from all over Estonia (four Corps) gathered for the reamaining Musical Festivals on Saturday and the meetings on Sunday. The Hythe musicians also accompanied members of the Kopli Corps to the Lines area for an Open-Air meeting where hot soup and some other necessities were distributed among the people who live in this very poor area of Tallinn.
November was a very special time for all of us British ex-pats in Estonia, as we had the visit of the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh to the city. Since Derek is a member of the British-Estonian Chamber of Commerce )and on first-name terms with the Ambassador - who is a Spurs supporter - we were favoured with an invitation to the private reception which was held at the newly opened Art Museum in Tallinn. The Queen was very gracious and spent quite a few minutes talking to us and asking about the work of the Army in Estonia. The Duke of Edinburgh was very relaxed and full of humour in his conversation - also appreciative of the SA - but very conscious of the strong 'Scottish connection' that was evident in our little group of people who were presented. He rightly observed that Estonia and Scotland are related through drink. Scotch Whisky has a strong export market here! Also in November, Helen attended a training course designed to give an introduction to the skills required and the procedures involved in Preparation for Disaster Management. Having been married to Derek for 35+ years, I felt that I had a head start! The reason that Derek was unable to undertake the course was that he had to stay behind in Tallinn to receive a consignment of two huge containers of humanitarian aid that had been donated by the soldiers and friends of Blackpool Citadel. This gift of unbelievable generosity contained winter clothes, prams and other equipment for families with small children, toys and lots of chocolate for distribution during Christmas and lots of SA uniforms - providing for the future as well as the present needs of Estonia. The second container contained 6,000 pairs of shoes as well as more clothes and gifts - including some home made Christmas cake (courtesy of the S.L. Angela Fraser) which was enjoyed by the people of Tallinn and Voru. Not only was the contents of the container a welcome gift, but the cost of transporting it was also met by the people of the Corps - especially two senior citizens who had raised most of the money personally by selling crafts. The soldiers and friends of Blackpool citadel have been so supportive both in practical terms and in personal support that we feel that they have actually shared the ministry with us. We value so much such a partnership. The government minister for Social Services in Tallinn could not believe that so much could be given by people who do not know Estonia. The amazing this is that so many gifts were totally distributed in so many different places within two weeks. Many children had lovely presents and special 'English Chocolate'. Also during November, our friend Mandy - who has faithfully kept in touch with us since our stay in Swindon - came for a short holiday. It was a great time to catch up with so much to see and so much to talk about! For our work programme, the end of November was our final camp of the year with Residential Youth Councils. We had Major Evie Diaz the Training and Education Officer from Riga in Latvia as our guest and who introduced the concept of Design for Life - completing the whole series of 'Life' studies that began in November 2005. We have some wonderful young people and within them each there is great potential for leadership. This is what we have been trying to develop during our youth activities in the region. Estonia has benefited from the help of officers from western territories, but its best possibilities will be realised when its own people, speaking Estonian language become the leaders of the Salvation Army here. December saw the start of the christmas celebrations. The first was at the British Embassy where Derek was invited to address the members of the Chamber of Commerce to present the new project that he will launch in 2007. The scheme is called 'Back to Work' and following that presentation, he won the support of the management board of the Chamber as the official project for 2007. He also attracted some individual interest from various business people that were there and others that he has contacted personally. The aim of this project is to offer residency to a few selected clients from the homeless centre and put them to work giving them training in life skills. Their contract on the project will be for one year, during which time, they will pay a small rent and a substantial amount of their working salary will be withheld as a saving towards their own rented accommodation at the end of the year. Failure to comply with the conditions of the project - which include a favour report from their workplace, will result in their removal from the project and the loss of their accommodation in the centre. Since the project needs to have so many official approvals for change of use in the building and other health and safety certificates, it is highly unlikely that we will see its development, but we do hope to be able to get it off the ground before we leave. Incidentally, the formal arrangements for our return to the UK are well underway and in fact we were presented with our flight tickets in November. So already it is 'goodbye and thank you!' The next of our Christmas celebrations was our officers' family Christmas party. We feel that this is very important wince all our officer families are non-Estonians and times like Christmas need to have a familiar feel about it. So this was their time to party and to receive some nice gifts given from the Territory. But the most exciting event in December this year was not Christmas but Derek's 60th Birthday. He was expecting that I would arrange for us to go out for a meal and I said that we would do this. On the day of his birthday, the children had sent him texts of congratulations, and we had to go to the airport to meet a lady from London who was coming to give some voluntary time in our social centre. However, Derek's first birthday surprise was when he got to the airport there stood Lorna and Gareth, Pamela, Alan and Jessica! He had no idea and was just delighted to see the family. It was very exciting. While everyone came back to the house for some lunch etc., Helen nipped back up to the airport to meet here brother Ron and his wife Anke who had flown in from Hamburg to be with Derek for his birthday. The afternoon was arranged with a visit to the photographers for some family photos, followed by a 'surprise party' with some officers and some of Derek's special friends - including the British Ambassador! The next day the family enjoyed seeing Tallinn including the Christmas Market in the Raekojuplats then we all travelled to the holiday town of Parnu where we had rented a little holiday apartment for the week-end. We had so much fun with everyone together and a realy family celebration of Derek's birthday. Unfortunately for the family - there was no hint of snow in December. It must be either global warming - or all the 'sputniks in the space' that is causing us to have such a late winter. Even the birds are nesting and the spring flowers are pushing through. But now, thankfully at the end of January, we have -8C deg. and the snow is here to stay at least for a few weeks.
In a couple of weeks time we should get the news of our next appointment back in the UK. We have only one more to go before we reitre. We did say in our interview, that it would be nice for Helen to have her last appointment in Scotland where it all began. It is over 22 years since we left Scotland, and it would be nice to 'close the loop', but we will just have to wait and see. it would also be nice to be near the Aunties since I don't think that they will be able to travel to visit us any more.
Well dear friends, that is the latest news to date. So from a beautiful winter's day in Tallinn I will sign off and before I post this, I will try to put some pictures on.
It is great to hear from you from time to time. We have had so many messages and Christmas Greetings from so many people - know and unknow - throught the UK and other countries, we feel very blessed and very rich with so many special friends and a uniquely loving family. So until the next time, it is 'Goodbye and God bless'.

and now with a delighted Aunty and Uncle - Lorna & Gareth 

Jessica with proud Mum and Dad 

Jessica's walkabout at her Dedication Luncheon 

Veronika Sundin, Bernhard Granholm, Capt.Mikkonen with TC, CS and Derek & I at the opening of the new Corps Hall, Tartu 

Tartu in 1931 

Junior Soldiers in Estonia 1931 

History 

Estonia 1931 

Early Estonian Salvationists selling Bibles 

Afternoon with General Eva 

63rd Wedding anniversary celebration 

Some pictures from graduation and summer 

Undaunted

Undaunted
I know it is a week since I posted my blogspot and I wanted to add this extra item at the same time, but I'm afraid the time restraint overtook and now I am able to add this last section covering the summer happenings in Estonia.
The 6th August was a very special occasion in the Region as we met in Tartu for the opening and dedication of our new Corps Hall and the installation of the new Corps Officer. Until this time, we had no hall and the small programme was run from the officers' home. However, the officers - Capts. Timothy & Evelyn Clark and their 3 children were appointed to Kopli Corps in Tallin on 1st July and were now succeded by Capt. Pirjo Mikkonen from Finland. Capt. Mikkonen responded to a pastoral letter from the TC to officers in Finland as to who may feel a leading towards serving for a period in Estonia. Capt. Mikkonen replied to that letter with a real sense of willingness, even if like the rest of us she does not speak the language. She duly arrived in July ready for her installation and the dedication of the new building. We had also identified a new quarters ready for her arrival. Both of these properties have been purchased by THQ and technically belong to the Salvation Army Finland. We pay a rent to THQ - which THQ gives us the money to pay!
However, the most amazing sequence of events occurred during this time. Through the Finnish War Cry editor, contact was made in Sweden with two older Salvationists - both of whom had strong connections to Estonia through their parents. Veronika Sundin's father was the first SA Officer sent to 'open fire' in Estonia in 1929. She still had the hand-written diaries of her father's work and experiences here in Estonia. We read of 4,000 people present at the Open-air meeting in Tallinn. Then a second gentleman - Bernhard Grenholm contacted us with amazing archive information. His parents were the first Corps Officers in Tartu in 1930-31. He also had a detailed account of their experience here as well as a wealth of photographic information of the SA in Tallinn and Tartu, including information regarding the address of the first quarters and hall etc. Both these people came for the opening of the new hall along with the step-brother of Bernhard. Bernhard was a small toddler when in Tartu with his parents, but his mother became very sick and they returned to Sweden where she subsequently died of tuberculosis. His father then remarried. Veronika told the story of how at the Sunday School in Tallinn a little girl attended regularly and became quite a favourite with the YP Workers and the officers, including her father. Consequently, when her parents were blessed with a baby daughter, she was called Veronika after this little Estonian girl. We have now traced that little girl who is 83yrs old and a member of the Methodist Church. Her photo and testimony is on the Methodist Church website here and she speaks freely of how she came to faith through the Salvation Army Sunday School. One of the secretaries in our office - Teele Tiks - became a soldier last June and when she discovered this story, she recognised the old lady and knew her family. She had married a man who became the pastor in the village where they lived and it transpires that one of her relatives is the Godparent of Teele's daughter Sandra. This was such an exciting discovery for Teele who was a member of the Lutheran Church but felt a strong conviction to soldiership in the Salvation Army. Teele has since discovered that her Grandmother was also a member of the Salvatiion Army in those early days. It is a miracle that so much of the history of the Salvation Army and of the Christian faith has survived the turbulent years of the occupation of this little country. When visiting an elderly Salvationist this week, I learned more of the horrific circumstances of the life of our people during these dark days. I know that there are historical accounts of these events, but you will never understand the reality of it all in terms the life of the people themselves. God has graciously brought these people through such dreadful circumstances and their witness today is astounding. Now you will understand why I had to leave this story separate from the other news. I will try to add some interesting pictures to this report. This will give you more understanding and substance for your prayers for our work here. Next week Teele and I have planned to visit little 83yr old Veronika, so I am looking forward to that encounter. So till the next time - God bless.

Undaunted

Undaunted

Dear Friends,
It has been so long since I have given you any news from Estonia that I don't know where to begin.
I guess since my last blog was in April then I need to start from May.
We travelled to Australia for a month's furlough during which time we caught up with all our friends in Brisbane (The Greenies!), Melbourne (The Waterworths, LaMotte/Begleys and General Eva) Perth (the family on all sides) and Sydney (half the rest of the world). It was so good to see so many people and enjoy so many happy experiences. In Sydney Helen attended the University Great Hall with all her colleagues from the College and received her degree at the Graduation Ceremony. It was a lovely day and it was very special to meet up with so many friends that had started out on the same journey a number of years ago, as well as those who had joined en route. It was a grand but uniquely personal experience. The other event in Sydney was when Derek conducted the wedding of Stephen and Meisha. Steve was one of our youngsters at the Corps - his mum was Derek's secretary. It was a great privelege to be asked by Steve and Meisha to do their wedding. We spent some really 'quality time' with them and it was lovely to get to know Meisha who is a lovely girl and has managed to 'tame' Steve. Time spent in Melbourne and Brisbane is always special as we have dear friends in both these places. Karen and Bram and the children in Brisbane are like our second family and we had some great fun with them - especially Derek in the pool every day with Hannah and Tim! Helen and Karen had their usual tearful farewell - but more about that later! Our time in Perth was very special. It was great to stay with Barbara and to catch up with all Derek's cousins. Then we had a lovely time with Aunty Wyn and Uncle Bern and Barbara as we all went out to a 'posh hotel lunch' to celebrate A/Wyn and U/Bern's 63rd Wedding Anniversary. And they both looked fantastic! Our visit to Perth gave us time to spend with our extended family as all Pamela's family live there now. Also we had supper with the Blackpool Outpost! Helen also did a special presentation of our work in Estonia to the Women's Breakfast which is a quarterly 'Ladies Only' event at the Corps - organised by Barbara. When we arrived home at the end of the month, we planned to spend time with the family in Norwich and have a small celebration for Helen's 60th Birthday. However, Derek and Lorna had been busy on the internet and had organised a huge surprise party at the Corps at Norwich with all Helen's brothers and sister and their families, our own children and so many people who have been part of Helen's life over the years. They came from everywhere! One of the girls was one of Helen's nurse friends from her time in London in 1967!!! But the biggest surprise was a 'this is your life' týpe of introduction to some of the guests who had a special story to tell. Two of them were close friends who had 'rescued' Helen during our stay in Dundee, then believe it or not but her good friend Karen Green who had just said Goodbye in Brisbane two weeks before walked through the door. Helen's jaw just hit the floor. And then came two of the girsl who work with us in the office in Estonia. It was just so much fun as one by one they just kept coming in! But it was a great night with real party atmosphere and fantastic food prepared by Major Ray Begley and a group of workers from the Norwich Citadel Corps. It was the surprise of the century. Helen didn't want any birthday presents, so many of the friends and family gave a donation for the work in Estonia.
Back to work in Estonia began the summer programme with camps etc. The Mums & Tots Camp this year included mums who really needed some time out. Two of them had been contacted by the Officer at Narva and by ourselves during our HIV visitation programme. It was such a big thing for these girls to come to camp with their children, but what a rewarding experience as they expressed their fears and then said that they had received so much support and acceptance that they didn't want to go back! The specially chosen Bible Studies gave them all a new understanding of their importance to God who loves them and to their acceptance within our own community. The next big highlight of the camps was the Youth Music and Brass Camp. This was the first time that we had especially scheduled a Brass component into the Music Camp and the Corps Officer from Helsinki who was at the Training College with us both came over as the Brass Instructor. We also had valuable help from two young Bandsmen from Norwich Citadel. Nicholas Giles and Alexander Gibson are both second cousins to Derek and they were so challenged by what they had heard of the work in Estonia that they offered to come over to help and paid all their own expenses to do so. They were able to give individual help to our little group of brass learners, as well as be a great model of young salvationist musicians themselves. The music camp was a real success both in improving musical skills and deepening the faith and commitment of the young people. There were some life-transforming moments during the camp, especially in our devotional time.
Throughout the summer we also had two pensioners' camps, a Junior Soldiers Camp, 3 Corps camps and in August the second Regional Home League Camp. Last year was an experiment with a 'Women's Camp' but this year Helen arranged an authentic Home League Camp and the special guest was Major Mary Capsey from the Overseas Development and Resources Dept. in the UK THQ. Major Capsey spoke about the Home League Helping Hand concept and also gave a presentation on the topic of Human Trafficking which is the Salvation Army internation project for 2007. Sadly Estonia is strongly implicated in this dreadful trade in human beings and to raise the awareness was an important issue for the ladies. Also Helen organised a small 'auction' of new and nearly new items to start the very first Helping Hand Project in Estonia. The ladies entered into the event with great enthusiasm and 500 Estonian Kroon was raised from just a few items.
But I think it is not exaggerating at all to say that the highlight of our year was our holiday in August. We travelled to Blackpool in the UK where again we had the privilege of conducting the wedding of two young people who had become very special to us during our time as the officers in the Corps. It almost felt like our own family - which it was in a way as the bridegroom is the brother-in-law of Pamela Jonathan Langley, and the bride was Jennifer Powers and Helen had become close to her and her family during our time there. Of course Jonathan's family we have known since our Swindon days and many of our friends from the corps were at the wedding. But the crowning glory of the year was when we had the joy of conducting the Dedication Service for our wonderful little granddaughter - Jessica Mae. Grandma Helen did 'the job' and she was a little star. She is so wonderful, that I don't believe any of the stories her mum and dad tell me about all the little 'naughty' things she gets up to. But then you can't blame the child when you know her two Grandads!!! It was so wonderful and such a special day and the Singing Company sang a song 'Welcome to the family' while lots of photos of Baby Jessica were shown on the screen as she met all different members of her family. The highlight was when her Grandma held her to pray and Jessica unceremoniously removed her Army hat!! I don't think anyone had their eyes closed for that prayer! It was lovely to share a huge buffet lunch with lots of family and friends on a perfect day.
We have really enjoyed a long and hot summer this year and as we entered the early days of Autumn, we were privileged to host an Inter-European Conference on Integrated Mission from IHQ. We had 56 delegates representing 15 countries. This was a lot of work in organising and preparing as well as co-ordinating the many travel plans from everyone. Capt. Daniel Henderson from Narva undertook the accommodation bookings, and with Derek planned the programme. Derek was left with the running around with all the travel arrangements. But the event was a great success and IHQ were more than happy with the response as many of the territories involved are planning to develop the concept in their own environment.
With the Integrated Mission Conference, our attendance at the Congress in Denmark, the Home League Camp and other Regional responsibiities, we literally spent no more than 8 nights in our own bed during the month of September - they were not consecutive! It was as if the whole month was wiped off the calendar. We couldn't look up until it was over. Then in the first week of October, we had the visit of the Chief Secretary to the Region in visit all the Corps and to conduct a review of the corps programme and progress. This is in anticipation of establishing a 'proper' system of recording and book-keeping in accordance with the rest of the SA world. We have not had 'official' record-keeping books here since the Army began, although all records have been properly kept and audited. But in the last two years we have more than doubled the Army's presence in the country and we cannot work as a little outpost anymore. So things are moving fast.
We are about to celebrate our Anniversary Celebration at the end of October when we will have the visit of the Hythe Band and Songsters from the UK. That will be the beginning of the next 'blog' - so watch out for the next instalment. And since it is so long since I did this blog thing, I can't promise that I will remember how to add any photos. So if they appear, then that is a bonus.
It only leaves me to say a huge thank you to you all for your continual love and support. The kindness and the practical expression of support from friends in Bedford, Blackpool and Norwich continues unabated and we are eternally grateful.
God is good and when He moves across our path, He leaves us all changed forever - and always for the good.
God bless you all and our thanks again.

Undaunted

Undaunted
Dear Friends,
This is just a quick update on the events of April before we leave for a month's furlough which will be a trip to Australia to catch up with family and friends and to do a few 'Army things' on the way.
But the point of this letter is to give a quick report on the visit of Blackpool Songsters to Estonia. The brigade raised all their own money (as all our overseas visitors have to do) but they did not arrive empty-handed. Their huge cases were loaded with baby clothes and supplies to help us in our work here. Apart from doing the meetings over the week-end the songsters had an opportunity to see some of the areas and situations that we work in. That was a difficult experience for many of them as most people would find it hard to visualise the conditions that some people live in around some of the areas here. However it was certainly not all doom and gloom. They were really encouraged in joining in the activities of the corps and getting to know our young people. We have a lovely group of enthusiastic young salvationists. They desparately want to be part of the wider Army but the possibility of wearing uniform is financially out of the question. In the past some old uniforms have been donated and they have been used if possible, but it sometimes means our young people wearing uniforms that do not fit and that make them feel very 'unacceptable'. They have already had to learn to cope with that feeling. So the songsters were generous in offering help with uniforms and some money gifts to help out in these and other ways relating to the work.
The meetings were great and very exciting for our people. The songsters did the Good Friday meeting at Kopli corps in Tallinn and then travelled to Tartu where the officer had arranged to have a meeting in the local Baptist church. The songsters again mixed with the congregation - who ranged from residents of the local homeless hostel, to local residents and some Church members. They were all delighted with the programme of Reflective Music for Easter, combined with the worship and praise that includes brass and timbrels. The youth pastor from the church gave a message about the place of the cross in society and in our lives. We spent overnight in a 'colourful' hotel where we were entertained throughout the night by a jolly group from Finland. However, we did have some laughs ourselves, as you can imagine. On Saturday morning we had a quick look around the main area of Tartu which is an old university city and then on to Vöru. Here we had a fantastic open-air meeting with our own young people from Estonia taking part with the Songsters then an illegal march of witness through the town - till the police caught up with us! We finished the day with a wonderful inaugural meeting of the Salvation Army in Vöru. The songsters gave a great presentation of the Salvation Army in a small town that has never seen the Army before. Then we marched in the colours of the new Corps along with the new corps officer - who is our only Estonian Officer. Derek conducted an inaugural ceremony and we had a moment of committment and dedication of the officer and the work of the SA. The Band played, the timbrels played, the songsters sang and the flags waved. The Army had truly come to town and the sun shone as if there was no tomorrow!
As soon as it was over it was quickly back on to the coach for the trip back to Tallinn. We stopped off at a Windmill Restaurant and had a mean of typical Estonian fare.
Easter Day started with the Open-Air at 8am at the Cross right outside the city walls (of Tallinn). We had had all the sunshine the day before as the morning began with a heavy mist from the sea and a cold wind! However, it soon warmed up and we made our way to the Corps for the Easter Morning Worship and Celebration of Faith. The Songsters had brought lovely Easter Cards printed in English and Estonian and distributed little chocolate Easter Eggs to everyone. (It was great to taste an proper chocolate egg!) The songsters and the whole congregation enjoyed lunch at the Corps and lots of hugs and goodbyes were exchanged between new friends. It was an Easter experience that will never be forgotten by anyone who was there.
The songsters then had a sightseeing trip around Tallinn before the final 'Farewell Meal' at the local Chinese Restaurant. Lots of fun, plenty of laughs, lots of memories and plenty to think about for a long time to come.
Thank you Angela, Liz, Major Liz and Blackpool! God bless you all.!

Undaunted

Undaunted

Dear Friends,
This is a most frustrating experience! I am trying yet again to do a Blogspot Update. I heard on the news that this is the most popular means of journaling. It beats me! I am very tempted to return to pen and paper. Somewhere out there is my earlier attempt supposedly saved as a draft. So here goes again. I guess it is better for you as it will of necessity be a shorter version!
It began last year in December with a visit back to the UK to speak at Norwich Citadel Songsters' Candlelight Service. They used the event to sponsor some of our work here in Estonia and it was a sheer joy to return and to witness again the unbelievable generosity of the British salvationist. My trip included a visit to Great Yarmouth Corps and Blackpool Citadel who had also shown support and generosity of gigantic proportions throughout the year. With these and other donations from friends of Bedford Congress Hall and the Over-Sixties Holiday fraternity of Major Jim Williams of Chalk Farm, we have been incredibly blessed.
Of course, the visit to UK preceded our planned furlough to be with the family at Christmas. This was planned as Alan and Pam with baby Jessica plan to move to Australia within the next 12 months and it was uncertain if we would be able to have another family Christmas together for a few years. We spent the time at Lorna and Gareths new and suitale enlarged home, where Gareth made a fantastic effort at replacing Derek in his familiar role as the family 'Santa'. I have to say that Gareth was much more authentic and even Jessica was suitably impressed.
It has been a long hard winter in Estonia. We have had snow fairly consistently for the last six months. During January, we had a really cold snap with temperatures at -27 deg. in Tallinn and -42 deg in Voru where we have recently started a new work. We opened our Day Centre to let homeless people sleep on mattresses until the worst passed. We took this opportunity to 'delouse' a few and get them all scrubbed up and kitted out with new clothes etc. before they eventually left us and we returned to our daily schedule. Also during this time, the Corps opened to provide hot food all day. In one day we fed 100 at the Corps and in one week we fed 1,000 in total. On a happier note in January, we held our usual Winter Youth Camp and took the opportunity to introduce a regular programme of studies in the style of the old corps Cadet Programme. You still can't beat it. We are also developing an integral children's ministry teaching programme similar to what we have with SU at home. The problem here is that whatever we do has to be in Estonian and Russian languages and understood by us Brits and the Americans! Not an easy one! The biggest change in January was not the weather, but the personnel. Our Social Worker and Project Director both left our employment when they 'got a better offer' (army wages are abysmal here) and in the same week our Corps Officers from Tallinn returned back to USA unexpectedly early. This left you-know-who doing the whole job. So from January until July we are also the Corps Officers. Obviously we love this part of the work and it is a great excuse when I never get the admin. done in time for THQ! But I have to say it does take its toll on the old energy - especially when we run extra things like the HIV-Aids Consultation which we have just finished this week. This was a 5Day Programme which took place in Narva and in Tallinn. You know that you are face to face with reality when - as Derek did - you visit a home where the problems are indescribable. The house had 2 rooms with a small 'scullery' area in the room. It was in a block of so-called community flats which houses all the social problems. In this home there was a 53yr. old grandmother (a soviet taught mechanic). She was an alcoholic and had lost her job for stealing the spirits from the workshop that she took home to drink. Her son is in prison and can never move back home because he has so many debts. This prisoner son also has a son living with grandma. He is 7yr. old. Next door is a prostitute and across the landing a drug addict. Also in this home is the 'grandma's 16yr. old daughter who has been expelled from school because since aged 14 she has been a heroin addict. She never leaves the house except to 'obtain' money for more drugs. She was probably a prostitute to feed her addiction. This was a home in Narva. In Tallinn we visited a 50sq mtr. flat which the family have owned since Soviet times. She has no bathroom, but a bath sits in the corner as there is no money to have it installed. She has an income of 3,400 kr per month (about £35 per week). With this she pays rent, feeds the family and looks after 3 grandchildren plus her daughter who wont leave the house at all because her sister who was a prostitute and is the mother of the three grandchildren was murdered by the mafia. The grandmother has a drink problem but tries to keep a reasonable home. In this area only 3% of the inhabitants are legal tenants. The other 97% are illegal residents who have just 'moved in'. The government doesn't move them because there is nowhere for them to go. These households have no water, toilets, or other facilities. This is our working 'backyard'. So you can see there are many challenges. Our increased social programme does attract some assistance from various areas. We have contacted some doctors who are willing to give us some time. Derek attended a function with the American Embassy who also want some involvement.
In March we travelled to Finland for Officers' Councils. It was still heavy winter so on a free afternoon I tried my hand at cross-country skiing on the frozen lake. We also had a lot of fun sledging with the other officer families. Derek did his Finnish thing with a sauna and then plunging into the frozen lake. He even managed to persuade Major Alan Burns (the DC in Norwich who was the guest speaker) to join him for the experience. The sea and the rivers have remained frozen much longer this year, but this doesn't deter the fishermen who simply bore a hole and drop their fishing rods down. Last week we saw a man who literally had a stick and a string dangling through the ice-hole. Derek tried the walking on water bit, but got a bit of a fright when he ventured too near an ice-hole left by a fisherman and nearly ended up in the hole! Our weeks pass by very quickly since we are combining the working hours of the office with the programme activities of the corps. This gets me out of the office for at least two days a week, but it also uses up another three evenings as well as needing time for visitation and meeting preparation. We are still doing the Band and the timbrels at the corps as well as starting corps Cadets and we take part in the songsters and have a drama Group and a Guitar group.
Our next exciting event is the visit of Blackpool Songsters at Easter. During that time we will open our new corps in the south of Estonia in Voru. You will need to read the next instalment for that news.
It is great to hear your news from time to time. Some is really good and brings us a lot of joy. Other news is sadder and we add weekly to our prayer list of so many who we think of during difficult times. You are all mentioned in our prayer time frequently and many of you every day. If we have told you that we pray for you, then we do.
We are getting on fine. Looking forward to spring-time. We saw grass for the first time in 4 months last Saturday. It was an encouraging sight.
Hope you enjoy these few pictures. I've given up on doing anything half decent. What you see is what you get (as the saying goes).
Our love to you all and thank you for they way you keep in touch.
God bless
Derek and Helen