Are you interested in a mission trip to Estonia? Did you know that 86% of the people in Estonia claim no belief in a Higher Being? The teens in Estonia are looking for something more. Join us as we establish relationships while working alongside the existing churches. For more info contact Cindy Kane at cjk2@psu.edu (861.7473).
Click [here] for a printable version of the Mission Trip Fact Sheet.
Next Mission Trip: 7/20-8/1/2011
Who: Team of 15 from Calvary will make the trip. College students are welcome and encouraged to join! We also welcome families - this is a great opportunity for inter-generational ministry. Interacting with the kids and teens during camp is an awesome experience!
Why: The Estonia short-term mission trip is designed to give participants an opportunity to experience God at work in and through them in the context of another culture. You’ll return with a stronger faith and a deeper commitment to be involved in God's work around the world.
Cost: @ $ 1,630 (participants are encouraged to generate financial support to cover the costs. If this concept is new to you, guidance through the process is available.)
Where: The former Soviet republic of Estonia is now a beautiful, independent nation with a strong European flavor located directly south of Finland. Because of its northern latitude, the group will experience white nights when the sun doesn’t set until (this years trip) 1 a.m. and later. This country is about 1/3 the size of Pennsylvania with about 1.7 million people (2/3 Estonian, 1/3 Russian). Historically Estonia has a strong Lutheran heritage, but because of the Soviet persecution about 86% do not believe in a higher being. The teens are looking for more then they have. They are turning to Jesus Christ.
The best website we’ve found for information about Estonia is www.inyourpocket.com/estonia. Check out the lines on the right side of the page.
What: This year we are going to four locations in Estonia.
- Nuutsaku - This is the location where Calvary's involvement began. It is a Christian camp and retreat center. Located in central Estonia, our work here will include helping to conduct a Vacation Bible School camp experience. The kids stay on the premises, so there are plenty of opportunities for interaction with Estonian children and teens. Last year we did a VBS for the church from Calvary Baptist Church of Taru at the camp. This year Herb will be taking some of the people from Calvary Baptist Church in Tartu to help with some repairs at the camp.
- Jogeva - In the village of Jogeva, teams in the past have painted the outside of a church building and the church house, worked on dry wall, and built a playground in the church yard. Five years ago marked the first time VBS was conducted at this location. They are talking about doing a camp for youth and young adults. Four years ago we brought over a drumset. The pastor said he now has a band with 8 members playing Christian music. Also, the pastor is in charge of the seminary there.
- Kurresaare – On this island off the southwestern coast of Estonia’s mainland, four years ago we had a team of 15 people build the first floor of a new building for their church camp. Three years ago we painted and put up installation on the building. Last year we painted the outside of the building. The fourth year we had a team of four at this location. This year we have a group going to Kurresaare - it is so exciting to watch God expand our territory for the purpose of encouraging the church and building relationships.
- Tartu – We plan on doing a VBS at our new partnership with Calvary Baptist Church in Taru.
For more information, contact: Cindy Kane at cjk2@psu.edu (814) 861-7473 or
Herb McKinstry – (814) 238-2348
Estonia Map
NEXT TRIP: 6/18-28/2010
Contact:
Herb McKinstry (814.238.2348)
Cindy Kane (814.861.7473)