First, let me share with you our concern about our current critical financial situation.
This fall we have put in our communications the main emphasis on the financing of the Home of Hope mortgage. Therefore, not enough attention has been paid to how we manage to finance our daily activities. As a result, we are now in a situation where we are $88,946 short of 2023 operating budget and we need help. Please help us reduce this shortfall. You can find all giving options from here.
In addition to learning about our mission work through pictures, stories and videos, we offer two great hands-on experience opportunities for you.
THE PERSECUTION PILGRIMAGE
Dates: June 7-15, 2024
Organizer: Tartu Academy of Theology in co-operation with Spiritual Orphans Network sonetwork.org
Group Size: 14 people
Registration: Until January 31, 2024
Coordinator & Tour Guide: Pastor Siimon Haamer, President of TAT
Contact Person in U.S.: Angela Breidenbach, Director of Operations and Youth Education
More information: tatest.org/visit
The Persecution Pilgrimage in Estonia provides an opportunity to become a part of the story of spiritual resistance, complete trust in God and the suffering of one nation. To better understand all this history and trials, we will take you on a journey through the story of one Christian family. This way we can provide a better and more personal insight into this whole history. You will have a chance to hear about past sufferings, understand the feelings, and grow in your faith without needing to be persecuted yourself. You will learn how to keep your faith alive and what it means that hopelessness has no place in our program.
Pilgrimage takes you to the paths where Pastor Eenok Haamer lived through the most difficult and pivotal times of his life. Eenok’s father, Pastor Harri Haamer, was arrested and taken to a slave labor camp in Siberia in 1948. After that, his whole family was in danger, and they had to flee deportation to avoid being taken to Siberia as well. Therefore, as a teenager, Eenok had to hide in the forest with his mother and brother for six years, living in an underground bunker for nearly four years.
Eenok is 88 years old today, and the participants of the Persecution Pilgrimage have an extraordinary opportunity to go with Eenok to the places where he hid himself and hear about these experiences from him himself.
In addition, we present the story of the suffering of Estonians under communism in a broader way, which also gives an opportunity to understand the context of the war taking place in Ukraine today.
You will find more information, registration form and detailed pilgrimage schedule on our website tatest.org/visit.
Watch the introductory video of the pilgrimage.
ADULT BIBLE CAMP SHORT TERM MISSION TRIP
Dates: August 14-26, 2024
Topic: Jesus–teaching, deeds, crucifixion and resurrection
Organizer: Tartu Academy of Theology
Location: Christian outreach center Home of Hope in Tartu, Estonia tatest.org/home-of-hope
U.S. Team Size: 10 people (we are expecting max. 2 team members from one congregation)
Registration: Until January 31, 2024.
Coordinator: Pastor Siimon Haamer, President of TAT
Team Leader: Pastor Bob Nordvall
More information: tatest.org/visit
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. Topic is Jesus and during the week we will cover the following sub-topics related to Jesus: teaching, deeds, crucifixion and resurrection.
Camp will be held 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.
You will find more information, registration form and detailed Bible Camp Mission Trip schedule on our website tatest.org/visit.
Sign up and we hope to see you in Estonia!
Please help also us in our current difficult financial situation!
Blessed Advent,
Pastor Siimon Haamer
President of Tartu Academy of Theology
