In 1992, just after the collapse of the Soviet Union, Pastor Eenok Haamer, stood at a crossroads.
During 50 years of atheistic Soviet occupation, theological education in Estonia had been heavily restricted, and the future of the Church felt fragile. He faced a difficult decision: whether to take the risk of establishing the Tartu Academy of Theology (TAT) and begin training pastors and Christian leaders once again.
The future was uncertain, resources were limited, and the responsibility felt overwhelming.
A pastor friend from Finland encouraged Eenok with simple but powerful words: “Step into the water.” He pointed to the story of Joshua, crossing the Jordan River with Israel:
"This is how you will know that the living God is among you... as soon as the priests who carry the ark of the Lord... set foot in the Jordan, its waters flowing downstream will be cut off and stand up in a heap."
(Joshua 3:10,13)
Trusting God, Pastor Eenok Haamer stepped into the water—and TAT was born.
The Journey Continues
Twenty-six years later, in the summer of 2018, Pastor Siimon Haamer, son of Eenok, stood at a similar crossroads. He hesitated to sign a contract of over $2 million to build Home of Hope, a Christian outreach center in Estonia, the country that is one of the most secular ones in the world.
There were no financial guarantees for the project. Siimon trusted God and felt deep responsibility to secure continuity for the work his father had begun.
The story of Joshua echoed now in Siimon’s heart. It was his time to step into the water.
By the end of 2019, Home of Hope opened its doors. Although a significant loan remained, with the help of faithful friends, we continued forward step by step, crossing the river together.
Where We Stand Today
86% of the total cost has been paid off
$360,000 remains
The mortgage is due on January 31, 2027
A Testimony of God's PROMISES
We are now in the last stretch—the final campaign that brings this story to completion and takes us to the finish line.
Inspired by Joshua 4, we will set up a memorial of twelve stones at Home of Hope—bearing witness to God’s faithfulness and His Promises for generations to come.
God said to Joshua:
"Choose twelve men… and tell them to take up twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan… so that all the peoples of the earth might know that the hand of the Lord is powerful."
(Joshua 4:2-3,24)
From now on,
For every $30,000 paid off – one stone will be placed on the memorial – until twelve stones stand.
Recognizing donors in this campaign:
For every gift of $2,000 or more, one of our volunteers will bring and set a small commemorative stone at the base of the memorial in the donor's name. These stones honor all who have helped to establish Home of Hope—a unique center that strengthens and empowers Christian proclamation, with impact reaching across the entire nation.
In addition, the names of all donors will be permanently recorded on Home of Hope’s Thank You Wall.
Join the Journey and Bear Witness
This is your last chance to take your place in the story–join the journey by praying, giving and bearing witness to God’s faithfulness.
Let's finish establishment of Home of Hope and walk together to the other shore of the river, bearing witness for generations to come that God is faithful and that He keeps His PROMISES.
