Serving in Estonia

Dear Family and Friends,

Autumn has come to Estonia, so think cool, wet, and dark! If it makes you think about lighting a fire in the fireplace…WAIT! It's already aglow and roaring out at A Light in the Forest, and I have to say that it is a take-no-prisoners fireplace out there! Let me tell you about the amazing work that Linden and Teams have done this summer.

Early June brought a wonderful team from Temple, Texas to help build up by tearing down. It takes real skill to do that. After having sat empty for over 10 years, the 100 year-old Palupera Church represented a goldmine of “old-timey” material which our Texans, along with a local logging truck operator, turned it into nothing but inventory for A Light in the Forest. Even the antique bottles which were found in the attic have been pressed into service as decorations. The whole thing took on biblical overtones, especially as local bureaucrats caused the work to temporarily cease.

Although we were not rebuilding the walls of the Temple, the TBC team did indeed build the Great Wall of Temple, which stands as a monument to their dedication and labor of love.

But this is not just any pavilion; it has 12 sides and it’s 50 feet across. More walls needed to be constructed. Happily, through another Temple Bible Church connection (because what more logical source is there for skilled and motivated British circumnavigators than Temple, Texas?) there appeared at our doorstep one fine August evening…The Brian.

I'm not saying Brian was "an angel unawares," but he worked like a whole LEGION of 'em!

Linden has had the most faithful worker beside him for over a month. During this month, all the walls of the 12 sided pavilion were FINISHED! We are excited to say that we will soon have a dedication service.

See the pictures attached and please join Linden and Janice in giving thanks to our Father for His ever-kind provision of hand and help, materials and money to make this part of the vision a reality for A Light In The Forest. It is only the BEGINNING of the blessing He will pour out on this place!

Light in the City has continued work throughout the summer by meeting with couples in crisis pregnancies. Thank you for your prayer for this work. On a related note, we have released the long-anticipated Little Lambs DVD and received very positive results. Our first one has even been placed in a kindergarten, and our great desire is to continue to spread God’s love and hope to all ages and families through the Little Lambs DVD. For a small preview of the video, go to http://vimeo.com/23079909.

Pray for a couple in a marriage crisis. We are using the “Fireproof” method for this couple. We are excited to see how the Lord will work in their lives, but there is a very long road ahead.

Pray for an American mom with five children who's expecting twins who are in one amniotic sac—a very rare situation. Janice has planned to travel back to the states with the mom and children in early October.

Thank the Lord for Kevin and Elyse who have come to Estonia on a Fullbright scholarship working to help non-profit organizations. They have already been an incredible help to us personally.

This has been the busiest "wedding" summer ever, and it began with our son Daniel's marriage to Eleri. What a blessing it has been to see these children grow up and become wonderful adults. Pictures are a must-see. Warning: secure your head in a brace before viewing the pictures so as to prevent neck damage from constantly shaking your head in awe. Trust me on this one…Thank you for your prayers and care for our family and what the Lord has given to us to do in Estonia.  Also, please be in prayer for Janice, as she has been diagnosed with gall stones and is scheduled for surgery when she returns from her trip.

We so appreciate all of you.  

Blessings,

Janice and Linden

Standfirm Ministries
P.O. Box 357
Hilliard, OH 43026-0357