HANDS-ON VISIT OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE
In addition to learning about our mission work through pictures, stories and videos, it is also possible to have hands-on experience. We offer TWO great options for you.
DATES: June 5-13, 2026
ORGANIZER: Tartu Academy of Theology in co-operation with Spiritual Orphans Network (SON) sonetwork.org
GROUP SIZE: 15 people
REGISTRATION:
Deadline: February 28, 2026
Online registration form: https://forms.gle/ZLuZF2RDhVGmGwFD8
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Please note that the group is filled on a first come first served basis. The earlier we receive your completed application and required documentation, the more likely you will receive a spot on the Persecution Pilgrimage.
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Your spot is not reserved until ALL items listed below have been turned in (with the exception of those waiting on a passport).
- Completed Persecution Pilgrimage registration form
- $400 non-refundable registration deposit
- High quality (300 dpi or better) COLOR copy of your passport (If you do not have your passport, you will need to apply before submitting this application. Once received, you will need to send the required copy by email to
The PDF file with all the information about the Persecution Pilgrimage is downloadable here.
ABOUT THE PERSECUTION PILGRIMAGE
The Persecution Pilgrimage in Estonia offers a unique opportunity to become part of the story of spiritual resistance, unwavering trust in God, and the suffering endured by an entire nation. To deepen your understanding of this history and its trials, we will guide you through the journey of one Christian family and their country. You will hear firsthand accounts of persecution and gain insight into what it truly means to suffer for your faith. This experience will strengthen your relationship with God and reinforce the truth that there is no room for hopelessness in a life of faith.
Estonia was occupied for 50 years after World War II by the aggressive, atheistic Soviet Union, which sought to destroy the nation's deep Christian roots. Sadly, they were largely successful. During the first 10 years of occupation, two-thirds of Lutheran pastors were killed, imprisoned, or forced to flee. Estonia lost one in every five of its citizens—more than 200,000 people—due to Soviet terror. Before the war, 98% of Estonians identified as Christians. Today, only about 10-12% are affiliated with a Christian church.
This pilgrimage will lead you along the path that Pastor Eenok Haamer walked during the most difficult and formative years of his life. His father, Pastor Harri Haamer, was arrested in 1948 and sent to a Siberian slave labor camp. The family was in danger of deportation to Siberia, and to escape it, Eenok, his mother, and his brother hid in the forest for six years—spending nearly four years in an underground bunker.
Pilgrimage participants will have the opportunity to visit the exact locations where Eenok hid, accompanied by his son, Pastor Siimon Haamer. You will hear the full story and learn about the miraculous provision of God they experienced.
Additionally, we will explore Estonia’s broader suffering under communism, helping participants to better understand the context of current events, including the war in Ukraine.
SCHEDULE OF THE PILGRIMAGE
Friday, June 5
- Departure from the U.S.
Saturday, June 6
- Arrival at Tallinn airport – tallinn-airport.ee/en
- Transportation to Tartu (2,5 hour drive) – visittartu.com
- Accommodation: Hektor hostel, Tartu – hektorstay.com/en
Sunday, June 7
- Worship service at Mustvee Lutheran Church (Pastor Eenok Haamer served here for 61 years)
- Sightseeing in Eastern Estonia
- Accommodation Hektor hostel, Tartu
- Evening devotion
Monday, June 8
- Prayer service
- Visit to the KGB Cells Museum – tartu.ee/en/kgb-cells-museum
- Paul's Lutheran Church – tartupauluse.ee/en (served by Pastor Harri Haamer before his imprisonment)
- Visit to Home of Hope and Tartu Academy of Theology – tatest.org
- Movie night: The Singing Revolution
- Accommodation: Hektor hostel, Tartu
- Evening devotion
Tuesday, June 9
- Prayer service
- Trip to Southern Estonia to visit places were Pastor Eenok Haamer hid during 1949-1955 (includes short forest walk)
- Visit to Forest Brethren Farm and underground bunker – metsavennatalu.ee/en
- Optional walk to the highest mountain in Estonia – Munamägi (1043 ft)
- Accommodation: Kubija Hotel and Nature Spa, Võru – kubija.ee/en
- Evening devotion
Wednesday, June 10
- Prayer service
- Visit to Tarvastu church (served by Pastor Harri Haamer for 32 years after returning from Siberia)
- Travel to Northeastern Estonia
- Visit to the Sinimäe (Blue Hills) battle site and memorial
- Accommodation: Liivarand hotel, Narva-Jõesuu – liivarandhotel.ee/?lang=en
- Evening devotion
Thursday, June 11
- Prayer service
- Visits to several locations reflecting the legacy of communism
- Museum of Occupations and Freedom – vabamu.ee/en/visit-us
- Accommodation: Metropol hotel, Tallinn – metropolhotel.ee/en
- Evening devotion
Friday, June 12
- Prayer service
- Memorial for Victims of Communism (1940-1991) – memoriaal.ee/en
- Singing Stadium – lauluvaljak.ee/en
- Free time and sightseeing in Tallinn – visittallinn.ee/eng/visitor
- Accommodation: Metropol hotel, Tallinn
- Evening devotion
Saturday, June 13
- Return flight from Tallinn
- Arrival in the U.S. (same day)
PREPARATION FOR THE PILGRIMAGE
- At least one group meeting will be held via Zoom or a similar platform to provide essential information and prepare spiritually.
- Recommended reading:
We Shall Live in Heavenby Pastor Harri Haamer – a powerful testimony of his faith and survival in a Soviet labor camp.- Paperback available on Amazon: com/dp/994999313X
- Free PDF, Kindle version, and Study Guide: org/haamer-family/book
- The foreword, introduction, and epilogue offer a summary of Harri Haamer's family story and Estonia's suffering during Soviet occupation.
ARRANGEMENTS
- Flights: Arranged by Spiritual Orphans Network (SON).
- In-country arrangements (program, accommodations, catering, transportation): Managed by the Estonian organizers.
COST
- Double room accommodation: $1,950 per person + airfare
- Single room accommodation: $2,250 per person + airfare
- Includes
- $400 non-refundable deposit (required to confirm registration)
- Accommodation, meals, transportation in Estonia and museum entrance fees
PAYMENT INFORMATION
- The full pilgrimage fee will be paid to Spiritual Orphans Network (SON) once your registration is confirmed.
- All payments are Tax deductible.
Payment methods:
By Check:
Spiritual Orphans Network
Attn: Director of Youth Education
8210 Louisiana Blvd NE, Suite B
Albuquerque, NM 87113
Online:
Click here
Fill in all required fields
In the designation field, write the name of the person whose fee is being paid
Note: SON is arranging flight tickets. The participation fee will be wired to the Tartu Academy of Theology.
IMPORTANT NOTICE!
REGISTER ONLINE FOR THE PERSECUTION PILGRIMAGE BEFORE FEBRUARY 28th, 2026 HERE
DATES: August 5-17, 2026
TOPIC: To be announced
ORGANIZER: Tartu Academy of Theology
LOCATION: Christian outreach center Home of Hope in Tartu, Estonia tatest.org/home-of-hope
U.S. TEAM SIZE: 7-8 people (we are expecting max. 2-3 team members from one congregation)
REGISTRATION: Deadline February 28, 2026. Online registration form: forms.gle/DsZ5VzedVQju357u9
- Please note that the group is filled on a first come first served basis. The earlier we receive your completed application and required documentation, the more likely you will receive a spot on the mission trip.
- Your spot is not reserved until ALL items listed below have been turned in:
- Completed Short Term Mission Trip registration form
- $250 non-refundable registration deposit (payment information is in the Cost section)
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A letter of recommendation from your pastor (needs to be sent by pastor to Siimon Haamer's email: [email protected])
COORDINATOR: Pastor Siimon Haamer, President of TAT [email protected]
TEAM LEADER: Pastor Bob Nordvall [email protected] +1 (701) 391-0182
The PDF file with all the information about the Short Term Mission Trip is downloadable here.
ABOUT THE CAMP
Tartu Academy of Theology is arranging an Adult Bible Camp in Tartu, Estonia. Coordinators and local organizers are Estonians. American Christians are called to join with the team as teachers. Also as leaders of discussion groups. There will be couple of pastors from U.S. in the team and they will take care of the main teaching work.
The camp takes place from Monday to Friday 4-5 hours every day in the afternoon. Around 30 participants are expected. Main focus is on small group discussions but every day in the beginning and end whole group will be together (singing, sharing, praying). We are expecting U.S. friends to share their testimonies.
The video above is about the Bible Camp that was organized together with short term missionaries from U.S in August of 2024.
The structure of the agenda is as follows every day:
3:00 pm Introduction
3:45 pm 1st session in small groups
4:45 pm Break
5:15 pm Testimony
5:40 pm 2nd session in small groups
6:30 pm Summary of the day
7:00 pm End of the day
BIBLE CAMP TRIP SCHEDULE
| August 5, Wednesday | · Departure from the U.S. |
| August 6, Thursday | · Arrival to Tallinn airport
· Bus to Tartu (2,5 hour drive) from the airport · Accommodation in Hektor hostel until Aug. 16 hektorstay.com/en |
| August 7, Friday | · Free day without any program in order to adjust jet lag |
| August 8, Saturday | · A trip to South Estonia to see places were Pastor Eenok Haamer was hiding during 6 years after WWII. Eenok's son Pastor Siimon Haamer is sharing his father's story. |
| August 9, Sunday | · Most of the team goes to Mustvee church were Pastor Eenok Haamer served 61 years. Also is an opportunity to visit different churches in and around Tartu. |
| August 10, Monday | · Bible Camp preparations
· 3:00-7:00 pm–Adult Bible Camp |
| August 11, Tuesday | · Estonian National Museum erm.ee/en
· Preparations for the camp · 3:00-7:00 pm–Adult Bible Camp |
| August 12, Wednesday | · The KGB Cell Museum muuseum.tartu.ee/en/kgb-cells-museum
· Preparations for the camp · 3:00-7:00 pm–Adult Bible Camp |
| August 13, Thursday | · Free time for sightseeing and meetings with camp participants
· Preparations for the camp · 3:00-7:00 pm–Adult Bible Camp |
| August 14, Friday | · Free time for sightseeing and meetings with camp participants
· Preparations for the camp · 2:00-6:00 pm–Adult Bible Camp · 6:00-9:00 pm Bible Camp afterparty with participants |
| August 15, Saturday | · 10 am–Bus to Tallinn
· Free time and sightseeing in Tallinn visittallinn.ee/eng/visitor · Accommodation in Metropol hotel until Aug. 17 metropol.ee/hotel |
| August 16, Sunday | · Attending church service in Tallinn |
| August 17, Monday | · Return flight home from Tallinn airport
· Arriving to USA on the same day |
PREPARATORY WORK
- Pastor Bob Nordvall from Bismarck, ND is the leader of the U.S. team. Bob is coordinating preparatory work during spring and summer. Regular Zoom meetings will be arranged in order to get aquainted with each other and to go through the teaching program and share tasks.
- For background information and preparation, we recommend reading Pastor Harri Haamer's book "We Shall Live in Heaven", which is his testimony of faith, recounting his experiences in a Soviet slave labor camp. Paperback of the book is available in Amazon com/dp/994999313X. You can download for free the PDF and Kindle version as well as the Book Study Guide from tatest.org/haamer-family/book.
- Reading this book you learn how to keep your faith alive and what it means that hopelessness has no place in our program. The foreword, introduction and epilogue provide an overview of what happened to Harri Haamer's family during his imprisonment and what suffering Estonians had to experience due to the Soviet occupation.
- We recommend that you also consider organizing book study groups in your church, so that the congregation can acquire a broader picture of the importance of this mission trip.
ARRANGEMENTS
- It is responsibility of every mission trip participant to purchase own flight tickets departing from the U.S. on August 6 and returning from Tallinn on August 18.
- The Estonian organizers will take care of accommodation, catering and transportation in Estonia.
COST
- The cost of the whole trip with double room accommodation: $1,600 per person plus airfare.
- The cost of the whole trip with single room accommodation: $1,950 per person plus airfare.
- The cost includes
- a $250 non-refundable registration deposit which needs to be paid in order to confirm your registration;
- accommodation, meals and transportation in Estonia.
Important Notes
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The trip fee can be paid either in cash upon arrival in Estonia or sent to the Charity Lutheran Church in Bismarck, ND in advance.
- Payments can be made to Charity Lutheran by check or processed online:
CHECKS
Designation: Estonia Bible Camp
Mail to: Charity Lutheran Church
120 Aspen Ave.
Bismarck, ND 58503
ONLINE
- Go to charitylutheran.org/givenow
- Choose the Fund Tartu Academy of Theology
- Select a Sub-Fund Bible school
