Estonia - Valga

Children's church "Hope"

Dear brothers and sisters!
We are writing to you from the cold Estonia and the children's church "Hope".

This year we have an unusually cold and snowy winter. But the heart becomes warm and happy, as we recall the blessings of the Christmas season.

Of course, as it happens in every church, we had a big Christmas party for children in our Sunday school.

Perhaps, everything was as usual: finding the right play, rehearsals, songs, skits, wishes.

Only this year something was different - for the first time in many years we did not prepare Christmas gifts, because we did not have the money for this: the heating cost of the building on cold days exhausted our meager resources.

Of course, it was sad because we had nothing to give to children, and precisely at a time when the gifts were needed most - many families are living hand to mouth, and parents can not buy the kids any fruit or sweets.

Even teenagers who are old enough, came up and asked: "Are we getting any Christmas gifts this year?"

We did not want the kids to expect something they would not get and honestly said: "Unfortunately, we have no funds to buy gifts for everyone. We will celebrate this year without gifts.

Seeing our deepest grief, adolescents had to console us: "Do not worry, we are already big. We can do without gifts. Christmas - is always a joy, and gifts are not that important..."

We almost resigned to the fact that this year we would please the kids just with a good Christmas program. But where our resources come to an end, the infinite possibilities of God take place.

A week before Christmas, we received a very important letter from "New Fields": "We will pay for Christmas gifts". The joy was overwhelming! We thanked God for His care and love!

So, once again we were convinced that God takes care of the children as always.

If the parents want, but can not afford even a small gift and the government can, but will not help the needy, the church steps in and does at least something for these little angels.

So, we had a truly wonderful celebration of Christmas. Although it was a children's holiday (and where the children are there is always a lot of noise and fun), but everything went very seriously and reverently.

Usually in the middle of the evening we do some funny games for the kids, but this time decided not to do so, but instead show two major scenes. We have not regretted it.

The scene "Gifts of Artaban" touched many hearts and made some think about their relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.

Some children and parents had tears in their eyes when the question was raised: - What would you give Jesus today? Could you bring Him your heart..?

We had more than 70 children at Christmas. Some say: "Children come to you just because of the gifts".

But most of them were sure, there would be no gifts, but still came to the church - for the sake of the Lord Jesus, because of Christmas.

Thank you so much to everyone who helped us this Christmas season. Do not forget us in your prayers...

Diana Mironova - Church "Hope"

Estonia - Valga

Eleven years ago, when the church "Hope" just started to hold services, a young woman with two young girls began to visit regularly.

One of her daughters was three years, while the other was very small - not even able to walk.

Luda (this is her name) was carefully listening to the Word of God, and soon repented and was baptized.

The Christian life was demanding from Luda to make heard decisions - she split with her boyfriend, to live according to the commandment of God.

By the way, this man has completely withdrawn himself from all duties, even from financially helping to raise his two daughters. It was difficult for her to raise the girls, and at the same time work in a furniture factory.

It tore on her strength and health. Olya and Natasha were left at home alone, until their mother came back from work.

But five years ago an accident happened: Olya, together with the class went on a tour, where the children were riding on horseback.

Suddenly, the horse on which Olya rode, jerked sharply being frightened by something.

The girl fell off the saddle to the ground heavily injuring her head. At first glance it seemed to be a minor injury.

She was bleeding from the nose and had headache.

But soon after the fall Luda noticed that Olya was loosing her hearing.

Doctors noted some damage to the auditory nerve and warned Luda that, unfortunately, this would be an irreversible process, and eventually the child would come to a complete loss of hearing.

Everything went as predicted: each year Olya lost more and more of her hearing ability. She ran into trouble with teachers: some simply did not want to understand her disability.

They expected her to learn well as did healthy children. Among her classmates were those who laughed and teased Olya.

She tried to somehow protect herself, and went to behavioral problems.

In our city there is no special school for deaf children, so it was not possible to change the place of study. Only strengthened by the Lord, Luda went through all these problems.

Most recently the family took another blow: the company, which employed Luda, was closed because of the crisis, and she was left without work and means of support. Luda can only wait for help from God.

Now Natasha (the eldest daughter) is fifteen years, and Olya - thirteen.

Both girls are believers, and love the Lord. Natasha has worked in the summer in order to earn some money and buy workbooks for her and Olya for this school year.

But now the girls have to go to school. Luda was looking for work anywhere - temporary, seasonal, and could not find anything.

The situation in the country is very serious - the unemployment rate is growing every day.

It is very difficult now for Luda to raise her daughters, to pay rent, buy for medicine.

Olya unfortunately, is also struggling with asthma and is on expensive medication. Luda has to take Olya regularly to a special hospital in Tartu for examination of her hearing.

Dear brothers and sisters! Maybe someone of you understands the particular problems of a single mom trying to raise two kids and one of them being handicapped. Maybe someone's heart is filled with great compassion for our sisters in the Lord.

Please, pray, for this family - for Olya's health and for Luda's work. If someone of you would like to support these family in this difficult time, we would be very grateful.

Unfortunately, in our church we have only six employees and one retiree.

All others are students and children. Therefore, we simply can not help Luda as we wanted to.

But we are very worried about our sister, because we are one family and if anyone of us suffers, then everyone suffers.

Thanks again to everyone who is praying for us. Bring before God in prayer our little church and our Sunday school with over 60 kids.

Estonia - Valga

Summercamp "Bethel-12"

Many Kids accepted Jesus as their Savior. A very important decision for life. On Sunday, July 5, we all met at the church building: young children hurried with large bags and accompanied by parents, as well as teenagers with a few backpacks and without parents. The youth at church has been waiting for them: anywhere in the hall are colored balloons, beautiful paper garlands, posters like "have a nice trip!", "be blessed by God!". Is not difficult to guess where we go - of course, to the camp! Many worried that day - both children and young people. Many were those guys who went to a Christian camp for the first time. Will my son be hurt by big boys? - Asked the mother of little Allar, who was often offended in school. - Do not worry, we reply, the discipline in the camp and the teachers will not allow anyone to hurt others. - How much money should I give Martin? - Asked the other mom. - Nothing, the kids are fed very good - we respond to her. - Do not let Karina jog alone in the woods and do not let her swim alone - we are directed by the girls father, who is also a newcomer to the camp. - Do not be afraid! We never let children to walk alone in the woods and they never swim without supervision of an adult. The kids had enough to eat and were thankful for the delicious food we served Questions like this may be asked only by those parents whose children never went to "Bethel" - because they do not know much we feel the responsibility and how we love each child, God has entrusted info our care. And, of course, they still do not know that God cares for the camp and protects all of us. We are confident that next year they will let their children without any questions to a Christian camp. Many parents now know, that God and Christians can be trusted. It is surprising that this year there were so many more kids wanting to go to camp that we had not even been able to take all - and these were children under 12 years old, as well as teenagers. If we took all who wanted to go, "Bethel-12" would not count fifty children, but seventy, if not more. And it is not only that the parents in an economically difficult time, want their children to go to a free camp - rather, it means that they have trust in the church and God. Thus, the grandfather of Cyril and Nastya - our regular attendees - said: - We are very interested in ensuring that our children were in the camp. Here they are taught valuable lessons of life - the foundation they would not receive anywhere else. Interestingly, neither the grandparents, nor the parents of these children are Christians. But they want their children to become believers. (Incidentally, in this camp Kirill repented, so we are very happy). Natasha Grigoryeva went to camp for the first time as an assistant instrucor. She loves to work with kids! On the way to the camp we had a conversation with the driver of a large bus, which drove our children. Looking at our young people, he said: - You are strange people ... You are young, and should have a vacation somewhere at the beech. But you spend your free week with children. I am surprised - you are very good people! It is impossible for a man far from God, to understand what "Bethel" mean to us. The most beautiful resorts of the world would be nothing compared to our camp. And the time spent in the camp, is much more valuable and better than any secular holiday. Honestly, no leave, no holiday would fulfill us - this is Gods work, with great benefits for the soul of our pupils. Those who go for the first year working at the camp, already know how much energy it requires, it is not easy. But for our young sisters Jeanne and Natasha, as well as for Artem, who recently was baptized, it was the first camp, where they went us adult

an assistant supervisors. One thing - to live to be in the camp as a child, and quite another - to be instructor. Thank God, they coped well with this responsibility, and now our church has become richer by three children's workers! Kids like to play and have a lot of fun... Undoubtedly, the most joyful, the most important event of the camp - when kids pray to accept Jesus. We have not counted how many kids went to pray a prayer of repentance, because we were busy praying with those who came to God - we have prayed and wept for joy with them. Only a few kids form the fifty who came to the camp, would not respond to the call to serve the Lord. Is it not a miracle that on this day, July 9, 2009 God's family became larger with so many children! Veronika - a beautiful girl from the unbelieving gypsy family - from early childhood went with us to the camp. She was always cheerful, active, joyful, always went to Sunday school and was a good example for her little sister Angelika. But in the last year, everything has changed: Our dear Veronika stopped going to church. She met other street kids and came into a bad company. Among her close friends who came to camp was her classmate Christina - one of the toughest girls in school ... Both girls willingly went to the camp. But from the first day we were worried about their spiritual wellbeing. They were well behaved in the groups and were active in games and other activities. But as soon as they went to chapel to listen to the Word of God, the would tumble in the door, and finally leave the chapel. We never force anyone to listen to the preaching of the Word of God. What could be done? - Of course, we prayed! Thursday at the evening service the children were challenged to respond to the call of repentance and many did. One of the first who went forward was Kristina. And when we have prayed together with all the kids, and all went to sit in their seats, suddenly Veronica came forward with tears in her eyes: - I want to change my life! I want to repent! We rejoiced, looking at our dear girls, seeing their enlightened faces, and shining eyes! Let's continue to pray for them that they stand in the truth and never leave the ways of God. The last day of the camp was called the Day of Thanksgiving, because that day, we are particularly dedicated to thanking God for what He did for us, not only in the camp, but also in our lives. On the porch hung a poster - a large tree without leaves. Cut leaves were lying next to the tree in a box, and everyone who wishes for something to thank God, wrote his/her gratitude on the green leaves and attach them to the tree. By evening, the thank-you leaves covered the whole tree. Some were reading: "Thank God for this camp", "I thank God for everything I have", "Thank God for new friends", "I thank God for my guide Katya" and many others - for the swimming time, for sport, for good weather for "James" (the Master dog - a very kind and friendly dog), for delicious pastries, etc. But most of all, it was delightful to read: "I have repented! Thank God!", "Thank God that He is with me, and I with him", "Thank God for the repentance of my friend". Salvation and forgiveness of sins was the main theme of our tree of thanks. Some other kids wrote - "Thank God for those people who donated to the camp". And today, along with the children's church "Hope" wholeheartedly we thank everyone who helped us to conduct this camp. Thank you - all those who thought about us, by donating to our camp and praying for us. I believe that not just we are the mentors, or directors of the camp, but everyone who sponsored the camp, will hear long-awaited words from the Lord: "All right, good and faithful servant! Enter into the joy of thy lord ". The camp ended, the children left, our huge camp house is deserted, but every day God gives more and more reasons to rejoice. The hostess of the camp building came to us and invited us back: - Visit us again next year! We will wait for you - we are happy when we can serve a Christian camp. (And this is despite all that our young players on the last day broke a glass in the greenhouse). Is it not joy to know that we can come back here next year? We had not yet come back to the city, as the parents began to call us: - Thank you for your camp! - My son came back very happy! Thank you! - Thank you very much! When should my child come to church? Is not it a pleasure - to hear such kind words from parents?

Estonia

 

Summercamp "Bethel-11"

 

It is getting cold in Estonia end of August. The rain dose not stop for several days, the leaves on the birches turned yellow, reminding us of the coming fall. One more summer passed by so quickly. But as soon as we open our picture album of "Bethel-11" all the precious moments of the summer camps come alive. We want to share with you the great joy we experienced and thank all of you, who remembered us in prayers an in giving to the ministry in Estonia.

The recreation base near Valga was the ideal place for our children's camp. Eleven years ago we had our firs camp at the same base. Before there was no room to sit all of our kids and we had to use the dining hall for our services, but today there is a wonderful conference room that easily sits over 100 people. This camp was in a way unique, because all kids that were invited were able to go: no one got sick, no one had any problems at home with their parents. This was actually the only camp without any medical emergencies. All of the kids were healthy and were filling just great.

We had some worries about a gypsy boy Alex, who for the first time was allowed to go to a Christian camp. He was suffering from bronchial (spasmodic) asthma and his parents said that Alex may experience an asthma attack if he does to much sports or other activities. But Alex was filling great and his condition was stable even though he was participating in all sports like other healthy kids. He played soccer, was swimming in the pool and participated in all other camp plays and not even once he felt sick! The Lords care and protection were obvious.

There were however some spiritual issues that troubled us. From the first day we noticed how sin and corruption has left its marks in the hearts of the even youngest kids. Some of the boys were swearing. They would not pay attention to their words even though their language was dirty. At first they were not able to speak with respect to one another, using a respectful language. Crudity, envy, greed, covetousness, rebelliousness were only some of the vices of their small hearts.

At the first evening gathering the group mentors were complaining: Cyril ignores me. What I say means nothing to him... Alex is swearing a lot... Eric is constantly fighting with someone... Arisha is rebellious and dose not listen to our instructions... The common conclusion was: "We were different kids!" I had to smile listening to their arguments. I had to remind them: - Do you remember Sasha how you ran away from each of the first four camps you attended? - Can't you recall Marina how you disobeyed any instruction and we were forced to pull you out of the lake? - Have you forgotten that you began to fight with an instructor because of just one reproach?

The mentors would quiet down. They suddenly understood that they were not a bit different than these kids. The Lord had touched their lives and hearts and changed their attitude toward other people. This is the reason, why they were here today, in order to help others to receive peace from God as they once received it. We had a wonderful conversation of how to help the little kids to open up to God. Only two of our children had a Christian background the other 28 were from non-Christian families. We decided to pray a lot. The more - the better!

Every two hours someone from the mentors went to the Chapel to pray for the kids. They left a note with concerns and prayer requests in the "House of Prayer" - how we called our chapel. The next mentor would find time in the following two hours to come to the chapel and pray as well as leave his/her own prayer requests. It was remarkable that the kids despite their curiosity would respect the privacy of any instructor as he/she entered the quiet room.

They did not look into the chapel, were not shouting or playing near the building, would not disrupt the prayer time of their instructor. The Word of God states: "the prayer of a righteous is powerful and effective". Our camp is a good example of that! The kids would less frequently swear and have conflicts with one another. They would show genuine interest to the Bible study lessons and our relationships became more friendly. At the last evening service it was like a surprise for us that many began to ask God for forgiveness. The very first were kids that behaved outrageously. Fedor was one of them. He always offended his sister, but now touched by the Spirit of God he was crying asking Him to forgive all his sins. Cyril knelt down beside Fedor. He had behavioral problems at home and at school, but now he was asking God to give him a pure heart. Victoria, who came to the camp for the first time attentively listened to the proclamation of the Gospel and opened her heart for Jesus.

Many of our kids were praying to receive Jesus. We could not hold back the tears of joy seeing them turn to God and hearing their simple but sincere prayers. This was the victory of our Lord Jesus, the victory over sin, that so firmly held them captive making them slaves of hate and leading them to self-destruction. We prayed for all of our little ones asking God to guide and protect their lives. This service was the best reward of our labor and dedication. It was a long gathering, but no one wanted to go away. Everyone was feeling the presence of God. We congratulated our kids and praised the Lord for His mercy. If I was asked what was the best experience in this camp, I would definitely say to see our pupils, boys and girls kneel down before the Almighty. What awaits them at home? They have nonbeliever parents, who do not pray neither for themselves nor for their children. There is no Bible in the bookshelves of their homes. Their parents live a sinful live, listen to heavy music. The television is running the whole day and sometimes is not turned off even at nights. The parents often prohibit their children to attend Sunday school and the church services. But still we believe that they have a chance to start a new life. We have seen it before and we hope to see it again, how small children accepting Jesus become a source of blessing for the whole family and finally their parents turn to the Lord, following the example of their children.

After the camp we met with the kids in the church! Following the service our youth group spent the rest of the day with them. They made tee with cookies, told each other stories from the camp, sang Christian songs and watched the slides and pictures. By the way we found out that in some of the homes the children started to positively influence their parents. The small Victoria coming home set up a new rule: "Mom and Dad, why did you live without God, we now will pray before the meals". Another girl came home and appealed to the parents asking them not to offend each other, not to curse or use dirty language. What was most surprising she asked her parents to finally get married: "everything must be according to God's design". Meeting us in the city the kids ask: "When doses the Sunday school start? I can't wait any longer". To be honest, we too are waiting to see them all in our Sunday school class. Sunday school is the only school where all the teachers are loved and respected. The kids come to the lessons with anticipation and great desire to learn something from the Bible. In our classes we had never any problems with discipline. The Word of God is touching the hearts of our dear children. One more year will pass and if God wills we will have our "Bethel-12" next summer.

This was just a short story about our camp. One week later we had our youth camp for the teenagers. The theme of the camp was - "you shall be holly", with more in-depth Bible study lessons and huge spiritual warfare. God be the glory, He has helped us in everything. What did we need? First of all we needed kids to come to a Christian camp. We needed a thought through program. We needed dedicated stuff members and godly instructors. We can only say that God has provided for everything. Dear brothers and sisters - everyone who prayed and supported our ministry, you are far away and we have never met, but you should know that the ministry in Valga - Estonia is made possible only because of your sacrificial giving and your sincere prayers. This is why the blessings of "Bethel - 11" are in part also your blessings and your reward before the Lord.

Thank you so much and God bless all of you! Diana Mironova - Valga children's church "Hope".

 

Children's camps in Estonia

 

Dear brothers and sisters we are glad to be part of the great commission: "Go and make disciples of all nations..." (Mat. 28:19-20). This year we plan to have 3 camps for around 130 children. We are convinced that this ministry has lead many of the kids to God. In our <> Estonia there are only a few weeks of good weather. This is in the month of July. We use this time efficiently and focus on our children in the church.

The first camp will be held from July 6 - 9. This camp will be for our younger kids ages 7-13. It will take place not far from Valga the city we all live in. The second camp will be held from July 14 - 17 in tents on a river. This is our youth camp ages 14 and up. We plan to make several trips down the Gauya river with rubber boats and overnight stops in tents along the banks of the river. The third and last camp will be held July 21-26. This camp will be on a farm not far from the city of Vilyandi. The rent of the facilities is not that expensive, but the conditions of the rooms are acceptable. All three camp will cost us $8,000.

This retreats for our children have been a great testimony for the non Christian families. Our kids have been strengthened in their faith every year coming back from these outdoor activities. Today the once young children, who accepted Jesus several years ago are leading others to Him. These are faithful workers now, who help us to conduct all the services and sports during the camps. Our church is small and we need your support to do this ministry this upcoming summer. Please help us if you can.

With gratitude
pastor Vladimir Pchelnikov.

Thank you for supporting our ministry and may God reward your giving according to His riches and grace!