Estonia Mission Trip

”We can not always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future”.
-Franklin D Roosevelt.

I think the above statement really sums up a lot about the Estonian people and their country. In just the last 15 years, Estonia has gone from being a dilapidated communist republic of the USSR to a full member of the European Union, and the changes have been widespread, but the future is definitely unknown. The Baltic economic miracle in Estonia has been significant for many, but for the elderly, children, and particularly the sizable Russian speaking minority in the Eastern portion of Estonia, the trickle down effect has halted to a slow drip. Alcoholism, Suicide, Domestic violence, and unemployment remain high and many people are looking for answers to their problems.

People that used to be supported under communism have fallen into poverty, and those in poverty have become victims to drugs, violence, and poor opportunities for work and education. Despite their 60 year stint in the USSR, where religion was strictly forbidden, people are again returning to the Lord and searching out for the truth.

The curiosity of many however has not been satisfied due to lack of programs in the churches. Mount Bethel has been partnered with a church in Kohtla-Jarve, Estonia for 15 years now, and they are desperate for our help. Due to low membership, and unavailable financial resources, their outreach programs have been close to non-existent. As a group, we will be traveling in 2009 to help our connecting congregation reach out to their community and begin to build this church through community activities like VBS and other programs open to the public.

The church in Estonia, and particularly the youth, face an uncertain future and that is people will either turn away, or they will embrace it, and it is up to us to help them make that decision. If never given the opportunity to feel the Lord’s love, than they will likely choose to turn away, and we will begin losing more and more of our brothers and sisters who never even had an opportunity to know the truth. Will you help us in this endeavor to reach out to a community in need? I hope that if you feel at all led to be a part of our efforts in Estonia that you give either myself, or Page and Carl Henry a call or email. We would love to answer your questions, and look forward to seeing you be a part of putting the uncertain future of Estonia in God’s hands.

In Christ,
Hudson Christian

Page and Carl Henry (co-leaders: Estonia 2009)
(404-444-1112)
(404-366-1747)
pageandcarl.henry@harrynorman.com

Hudson Christian (co-leader: Estonia 2009))
404-663-1510
TexansB4@bellsouth.net