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.