Already the work of the Baltic Mission Center has sent evangelists and pastors across Estonia and into Russia.
The increasing instability in Russia, as well as the growing opposition to Protestant churches, makes long term work in Russia very insecure. However, Estonia is a perfect, stable base of operations for a strategic effort to reach the former Soviet Union for Christ.
In 1940 independent, democratic Estonia was occupied by Communist Russia.
- Estonia went from being one of the more prosperous European countries, to being under the suffocating control of the Soviet empire.
- The Communists brought 50 years of ethnic, cultural and religious persecution.
- About 25% of the population was deported to Siberia.
- All of Estonia bore great loss, but the church suffered most of all. Anti-Christian Soviet legislation systematically persecuted and closed churches. Many church leaders were martyred.
When Methodist churches across the rest of the Soviet Union were forcibly closed, it was only in Estonia that Methodism survived. By the Grace of God and under the leadership of godly men
Young people on stairs
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- they continued to meet in rented facilities, after their churches were destroyed,
- the church grew to unite Estonian young people both Estonian and Russian congregations, actually doubling in size!
- most of all, they prayed for freedom that would enable them to rebuild and spread the gospel more effectively.
Finally, God granted Estonia freedom. Estonia regained her independence on August 20, 1991.
A New Vision
The collapse of the Soviet Union has resulted in new opportunities and new challenges, compelling us to set goals to fulfil the Great Commission in our native land, among the other Baltic nations and into Russia.
For this reason, we believe, God has inspired the Methodist Church to build a leadership, training, missions and worship center - we have named this multi-faceted project The Baltic Mission Center.
A Dream Becoming Reality
Baltic Mission Center
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The very first church in Estonia's capital since WW II, the Baltic Mission Center, will serve the peoples of this region through:
- worship services in both Estonian and Russian languages
- a soup kitchen to help the less fortunate
- a publishing house to provide much needed Christian literature
- training and educating church leaders through the very first United Methodist Theological Seminary in the former Soviet Union, which opened in 1994 to provide Bible centred training for both Estonian and Russian students
Making it Happen
The Baltic Mission Centre is taking shape. The walls have risen and the building stands as a monument of faith. The Seminary wing is now completed, and only the Sanctuary section remains unfinished.
However, the urgent demands and pressing needs of this moment are far greater than ever before. It is imperative that the construction would be completed soon, for the work of the Mission Center which has already started, can not expand and grow without this facility.
We seek partners in our vision who recognise the importance of this hour in history and will support the ministries of the Baltic Mission Center in prayer as well as through financial gifts.
Please, get involved in making history!
BY SUPPORTING THE BALTIC MISSION CENTER, YOU SUPPORT THE KINGDOM OF GOD!
