The foundation of the Haamer family, the Tartu Academy of Theology and especially Home of Hope is solidly based on faith in Jesus Christ. On this faith, a building to house this ministry was obtained. I personally believe in this evangelistic ministry and the need for solid and committed Christian teaching to help revive lost faith in Estonia.
I have traveled with Siimon and listened to his presentation of the great need for the Estonia people to be reintroduced to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I see the paying off of this debt as a motivation for Lutheran Christians to raise up new disciples for Jesus. That is the primary motivation that empowers me to help raise ministry-funds for this dynamic ministry.
Between now and November 15, 2024, faith, hope and action are critically important. We must raise $899,000 to completely pay off the 2-million-dollar debt.
If you look at the single figure of the present debt you may think: “What can I do? I am just one person.” Remember Jesus talked about the tiny mustard seed (Matthew 17:20). The Lord can take any gift and make it grow in ways we can’t imagine! Allow the Lord to bless you through expanding the message of the Gospel in Estonia!
I am asking every person who reads these words and every church that has supported this ministry to step up with a gift to help achieve this daunting, but achievable goal. I have made a commitment to support this ministry and have already sent a donation.
Please pray about how you can personally help. I encourage you to reach out to people, groups and churches you may know that you can personally ask to help.
Pastor Tom Corbell
Charlotte, NC
TWO HANDS-ON VISIT OPPORTUNITIES IN 2025
THE PERSECUTION PILGRIMAGE
Dates: June 6-14, 2025
Organizer: Tartu Academy of Theology in co-operation with Spiritual Orphans Network sonetwork.org
Group Size: 14 people
Registration: Deadline December 1, 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. 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 is 89 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.
You will find more information, videos, registration form and detailed pilgrimage schedule on our website tatest.org/visit.
ADULT BIBLE CAMP SHORT TERM MISSION TRIP
Dates: August 13-25, 2025
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: Deadline December 1, 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.
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!
HELP LIFE CHANGING STORIES TO CONTINUE
This year our big challenge is paying off the Home of Hope’s mortgage by November 15, 2024. $899,863 still needs to be paid. Every donation is meaningful in this journey.
Home of Hope, which was founded in 2019, has given Estonians a lot of hope in these few years. We have seen that there are people in our country who are looking for God. Through the activities of the Home of Hope, we also reach those people who have not dared to enter the church door. We need help to pay off the mortgage and continue our work for generations to come. See more at tatest.org/story.
At the moment we have $2,038 in the matching fund. Every donation made to the Home of Hope will be doubled from this grant. We are grateful for additional donations to the matching fund in order to encourage others to give their support. If you want to contribute to this, please contact me by writing to siimon.haamer@teoloogia.ee.
We are very grateful to all supporters and we pray that by giving you will not be deprived, but that you may experience God’s special blessing.
