Simon VS Goliath

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TARTU ACADEMY OF THEOLOGY, led by Pastor Siimon Haamer, proclaims the Word of God in Estonia—a nation that suffered 50 years under Soviet occupation and is now one of the most secular countries in the world.

We’re grateful to be at the LCMC Annual Gathering again, sharing about Tartu Academy of Theology, Home of Hope, and the ...
05/10/2026

We’re grateful to be at the LCMC Annual Gathering again, sharing about Tartu Academy of Theology, Home of Hope, and the work God is doing in Estonia 🇪🇪.

If you’re at the Gathering, come and say hello - we’d love to meet you, catch up, and share more about what’s happening in Estonia.

It has already been a joy to reconnect with old friends and meet many new ones. Looking forward to another great day together!

05/10/2026

We are halfway there.
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The sixth stone in our Promises campaign marks an important milestone: we have now reached the halfway point in the journey of the twelve stones.

This stone is called The Promise of Provision, inspired by Joshua 3:17:
“They stood on dry ground, while all Israel passed by until the whole nation had completed the crossing on dry ground.”

God did not provide only enough for Israel to begin the crossing. He provided what was needed until the whole journey was complete. His provision is not partial or fleeting. He sustains His people step by step, giving what is needed at the right time and carrying the work through to completion.

That makes this promise especially meaningful for us as we continue toward completing the Home of Hope. Again and again, we have seen God provide the “dry ground” beneath our feet—sometimes one step at a time, but always enough for the next faithful step.

The sixth stone was brought to Home of Hope by our own Assistant to the President, Mattias Haamer, together with his wife, Hetek, and their little son, Luukas.

Mattias is also Pastor Siimon Haamer’s nephew, making this another chapter in a family story that has been closely connected with this ministry for generations.

Their stone comes from Põltsamaa, in the heart of Estonia 🇪🇪, where Mattias’s father—and Siimon’s brother—serves as pastor.

Come along with Mattias and his family on this special journey as the sixth stone makes its way from the heart of Estonia to Home of Hope, marking the halfway point of our twelve-stone journey.

To all of you who have prayed for us, encouraged us, and given so faithfully—THANK YOU! Your generosity has helped carry this journey forward, stone by stone. 🙏

Please continue to keep us and our ministry in your prayers. And if God places it on your heart, we warmly invite you to help us continue toward the completion of the Home of Hope.

Learn more and support the campaign here:
👉 https://tatest.org/promises/

🌿 On 25–26 September 2026, the second Youth Assembly of the Estonian Evangelical Lutheran Church (EELC) took place. Our ...
01/10/2026

🌿 On 25–26 September 2026, the second Youth Assembly of the Estonian Evangelical Lutheran Church (EELC) took place. Our Assistant to the President, Mattias Haamer, plays a key role in organising the event in his role as an assessor of the EELC.

Altogether, 101 people participated, including delegates from 37 congregations. This year’s main theme was liturgy.

The Youth Assembly also adopted a message reflecting the discussions held during the gathering. A brief summary is presented below:

As young Lutherans, we see liturgy as an important part of our identity. It connects us with Christians across generations and gives worship a stable form centred on God’s Word and the Sacraments. At the same time, liturgy should remain living and meaningful. Different forms of prayer, music, and modern technology can enrich worship when they support, rather than overshadow, its central purpose.

One of our main concerns is that young people are too often only passive participants in worship. Liturgy is a shared service, and we believe young people should be actively involved through reading Scripture and prayers, contributing through music, practical service, and other responsibilities.

We also hope that differences in liturgical practice will not divide the Church, but will instead be approached with mutual respect and a desire for unity. Another serious concern is the small number of young people entering ordained ministry. The Church should actively encourage young people to study theology, support them during their studies, and help them find opportunities to serve.

We are grateful for the rich liturgical heritage of our Church and for the opportunity, as young people, to carry it forward into the future.

🎨 On September 26, we held the second art workshop connected with our T-shirt Design Competition at the Home of Hope. Th...
29/09/2026

🎨 On September 26, we held the second art workshop connected with our T-shirt Design Competition at the Home of Hope. This time, the topic was semiotics and symbols in art, led by Estonian artist Bibiana Kurm.

Bibiana also designs T-shirts herself, so her experience fit especially well with the theme of our competition. You can see more of her work on Instagram at and at www.bibzstore.com.

This workshop turned out a little differently than we had expected. Several people who had registered did not come, and a few others let us know they were sick. Fall is often cold and flu season here in Estonia, so our group ended up being quite small.

But we were still very thankful for the people who came.

The participants who joined us had never been to the Home of Hope before and were not connected with a church. Bibiana approached the topic of symbols and art through the lens of the Bible and Christian faith. She shared about her own work as an artist and how her faith influences what she creates.

The practical exercises were also connected with the Bible. Participants spent time looking through its pages, finding different stories and thinking about the symbols and meanings they found there.

One of the most meaningful parts of the afternoon was having the opportunity to spend more time talking with one of the participants about faith and to share the Gospel.

In the end, the smaller group gave us more time for conversation and personal connection. What first seemed disappointing became a very meaningful afternoon with the people who were there.

🙏 Please continue to keep the T-shirt Design Competition in your prayers. Many of the people we are meeting through this project are not Christians and are not connected with a church. Please pray that God would bring the right people to us and continue to use this project to open doors for good conversations and new relationships.

Thank you for continuing to pray for and support our ministry here in Estonia!

See more of our ministry at:
👉 www.tatest.org

This Monday, September 21, 2026, we kicked off the SEVENTH year of our Bible School! 📖Both this Monday and next Monday, ...
25/09/2026

This Monday, September 21, 2026, we kicked off the SEVENTH year of our Bible School! 📖

Both this Monday and next Monday, we are holding open study sessions, giving anyone who is curious about Bible School the opportunity to come, experience a class, and see what the course is like.

We are especially grateful that Bible School continues to reach new people each year—and that some who have already completed the course have found it so valuable that they have chosen to join us again!

Please keep this new Bible School year in your prayers. 🙏 Pray that those who are seeking God and looking for a place to grow in faith would find their way to us, and that every participant would be encouraged, strengthened, and drawn deeper into God’s Word.

Thank you for praying with us and for being part of this ministry from afar!🌿

🎨 A Creative Saturday at the Home of HopeOn September 19, the Home of Hope hosted the first free workshop connected with...
23/09/2026

🎨 A Creative Saturday at the Home of Hope

On September 19, the Home of Hope hosted the first free workshop connected with our T-shirt Design Competition.

It was especially encouraging to welcome people who had never been to the Home of Hope before. The workshop reached beyond our usual church circles and brought together people from different backgrounds. We are thankful for opportunities like this that allow new people to come through our doors, meet others, and experience the Home of Hope in a natural and welcoming setting.

The workshop was led by Estonian artist Saara Väli (see her work at www.saaravali.com) and included both color theory and practical exercises. The feedback afterward was very positive. Participants especially appreciated the warm, creative, and encouraging atmosphere and the opportunity to experiment and learn together.

☕ The coffee break also gave people time to gather in small groups, talk, and get to know one another.

This is one of the things we are especially thankful for in this project. Many of those who have registered for the T-shirt Design Competition are not Christians, and through the competition we have the opportunity to welcome people who might otherwise have little connection with a Christian community.

Our next workshop connected with the competition is coming up this Saturday.

🙏 Please pray that the right people will find their way to the workshop, and please continue to keep the whole T-shirt Design Competition in your prayers. Pray that through this project we can build good relationships, welcome new people into the Home of Hope, and faithfully use the opportunities God gives us.

Thank you for continuing to pray for and support our ministry here in Estonia!

See more of our ministry at
👉 www.tatest.org

17/09/2026

Our fifth stone begins its journey across the sea, on Estonia’s largest island—Saaremaa. 🪨🌊

Estonia may be a small country, but it has something rather remarkable: more than 2,300 islands! Saaremaa is the largest of them, known for its beautiful coastline, peaceful landscapes, medieval churches, and even a meteorite crater.

From this special part of Estonia, Archbishop Urmas Viilma is bringing us the FIFTH STONE of our Promises campaign.

🪨 🪨 🪨 🪨 🪨

The fifth stone is called The Promise of Presence, inspired by Joshua 3:10–11:

“This is how you will know that the living God is among you... See, the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth will go into the Jordan ahead of you.”

At the heart of Israel’s crossing was not simply a dry riverbed or a path through the water. It was the assurance that the Living God was among His people and was going before them.

His presence is the foundation beneath every promise.

For us, this stone is also a reminder that Home of Hope is meant to be much more than a building. It is a testimony to the God who has been present throughout this journey—leading, providing, and sustaining this ministry.

The stone itself comes from the grounds of Püha Church on Saaremaa, a place with a very special connection to Pastor Harri Haamer and to the story of our ministry.

And there are a couple of stories hidden in that name and place. What does Püha actually mean? And what happened there that became one of the most important moments in Harri Haamer’s life? We share both stories in the video. 😊

Come along with Archbishop Urmas Viilma as we travel through Saaremaa, take in some of its beautiful nature, and explore its centuries-old medieval churches—including the oldest church in Estonia—as the fifth stone makes its journey from the island to Home of Hope.

To all of you who have prayed for us, encouraged us, and given so faithfully—THANK YOU! Because of your support, the fifth stone can now be placed. 🙏

With each stone, another part of this story takes its place. Step by step, we continue moving toward the completion of the Home of Hope.

Please continue to keep us and our ministry in your prayers. And if God places it on your heart, we warmly invite you to help us take the next step in this journey.

Learn more and support the campaign here:
👉 https://tatest.org/promises/

Yesterday, September 9, we had the joy of beginning a new academic year at the Lutheran Seminary and Tartu Academy of Th...
11/09/2026

Yesterday, September 9, we had the joy of beginning a new academic year at the Lutheran Seminary and Tartu Academy of Theology with a worship service and opening ceremony. 🎓🙏

We are especially grateful this year to welcome such a large group of new students. This autumn, 8 students are beginning the Bachelor’s program and 20 students the Master’s program. Several others are taking individual courses to complete the requirements needed for Master’s-level studies.

We are also welcoming 7 students to our one-year pastoral training program, where they are preparing for ministry, as well as one new church music student.

📷 The photo shows all of the students who are beginning their first year of studies with us this autumn, across the different programs.

Seeing so many students eager to grow in their faith, knowledge, and preparation for ministry gives us great hope. These students represent an important part of the future of the Church and Christian leadership in Estonia.🕊️

Please keep our seminary, our students, and the future Christian leaders of Estonia in your prayers. May the Lord guide them, strengthen them, and richly bless this new academic year!

09/09/2026

The journey of our twelve stones has now taken us all the way to Ruhnu—one of Estonia’s most remote islands.

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From this small island in the Gulf of Riga, Pastor Andrus Mõttus is bringing the FOURTH STONE of our Promises campaign to Home of Hope.

The fourth stone is called The Promise of Courage, inspired by Joshua 3:8:
“When you reach the edge of the Jordan’s waters, go and stand in the river.”

In Joshua, courage is not confidence in knowing what will happen next—it is obedience at the edge of risk. God calls His people to step forward even when the way ahead is uncertain, trusting that His command carries His power.

This stone reminds us that sometimes faith means taking the next step simply because God has spoken.

Andrus is a Lutheran pastor and the husband of our dear secretary, Kristiina. He serves the small community on Ruhnu, where only around 60 people live year-round and reaching the island means traveling by ferry or small plane. Ruhnu is also home to a remarkable wooden church built in 1644—the oldest surviving wooden building in Estonia. ⛪️

We invite you to watch the video and join Andrus as he brings the fourth of our twelve stones from this very special corner of Estonia to Home of Hope.

To all of you who have prayed for us, encouraged us, and given so faithfully—THANK YOU! Because of your support, the fourth stone can now be placed. 🙏

Four stones have now been reached. Step by step, we continue moving toward the completion of the Home of Hope.

Please continue to keep us and our ministry in your prayers. And if God places it on your heart, we warmly invite you to help us take the next step in this journey.

Learn more and support the campaign here:
👉 https://tatest.org/promises/

Together, we are bearing witness to God’s faithfulness for generations to come. ✨

Pastoral Care Summer Days 2026 🌿At the end of August, we had the joy of welcoming 47 pastoral caregivers and students fo...
03/09/2026

Pastoral Care Summer Days 2026 🌿

At the end of August, we had the joy of welcoming 47 pastoral caregivers and students for two days together in northern Estonia.

This year’s theme was “Creative Methods in Pastoral Care,” and the days were filled with learning, trying new things, meaningful conversations, prayer, and fellowship. Participants explored how art, music, movement, storytelling, and other creative methods can become helpful tools in walking alongside people through grief, crisis, and difficult seasons of life.

We also spent time talking about compassion fatigue and the importance of caring for those who so often care for others.

It was especially encouraging to hear such positive feedback from the participants. We are grateful that these days could offer not only new practical tools, but also a little space to pause, be strengthened, and enjoy being together with others who share the same calling.

Thank you for walking alongside us through your prayers and support. It is a blessing to know that you are part of making opportunities like these possible here in Estonia. ❤️

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Riia 22A
Tartu
51010

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