ESTONIA April 2026 #4

Hello, Loved Ones,

Today was our fourth full day with the CRU team, and it was powerful, personal, and deeply encouraging. We gathered again this morning at Agapekohvik, joined not only by the faithful CRU staff but also by the five American short-term interns (Stinters) serving in Estonia this year: Sophie, Julia, Macy, Eugene, and Brent. What a joy to have everyone together!

Pastor Kurt opened the morning with a rich Bible teaching that traced God’s big story from Genesis to Revelation. He reminded us how the Bible, written by many authors from many backgrounds, tells one unified story. From Genesis 3, we see where the story is headed - to a long-awaited messiah. The Old Testament leaves us longing for a Savior. 

We then looked at the connections between the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9) and the miracle of Pentecost(Acts 2:1-12), in both English and Estonian. Kurt highlighted the arrogance of the people of Babel who said, “We don’t need God; we have bricks,” and how the Holy Spirit came at Pentecost like a rushing wind and settled on the believers. We were reminded that, like the believers at Pentecost, the Spirit of God now rests on us, and we are "Mini-mobile temples," who are to take the gospel to the nations. The beautiful takeaway we have unity through diversity, with one thing in common—Jesus. Kurt closed by urging us, from Matthew 28, to go and make disciples, to come alongside people in love, and noted how persecution has often been the very thing that spread the gospel.

After Kurt’s session, Erika, Jill, and Bronwyn led a meaningful craft time based on Joshua 4:1-9. Each person painted a rock with a picture or scripture that has been especially important in their life. A personal “memorial stone” to remember what God has done. It was a creative and reflective way to process all we were learning.

After lunch I had the privilege of sharing a devotion with the team about pain and grief, and how my own tragic story has drawn me closer to God. We then broke into small groups to share testimonies. It was incredibly moving to hear everyone talk about their walk through difficult times and how they came to follow Jesus. A common thread emerged: so often it was just one person or one group who reached out and changed everything. As Julia shared, it was “like a light bulb switched on” exactly what happened for me when Matt and Pastor Mark turned my life back toward God.

Kurt then led a thoughtful discussion on John 4:1-42 (the story of the woman at the well). He pointed out how the disciples were so busy preparing food that they missed the opportunity to minister right in front of them. We reflected on Jesus’ example and what we can learn about not being too busy to love the people God puts in our path.

Right before dinner, Bronwyn took us on a short walk to see the magnificent Tartu Toomkirik (Tartu Cathedral) on Toomemägi hill. These imposing medieval brick Gothic ruins are one of Estonia’s most significant historic sites. Once a grand cathedral dedicated to Saints Peter and Paul, it now stands as a powerful reminder of centuries of history. It is partly restored and housing a university museum, with the rest open as striking ruins overlooking the city. Walking among the towering arches and ancient walls was both awe-inspiring and humbling.

The day ended on a high note. Our whole team, along with Herman and Kristel, went to dinner at Willy & Rudy—the place Pastor Josh had told us has the best wings in the world. The food was excellent and the conversation was full of laughter and lighthearted joy.

After dinner Herman and Kristel gave us a lovely tour of Tartu: the university, the town square, and the historic Jaani kirik with its rich background. We finished the evening at a beautiful park in Supilinn right on the bank of the Emajõgi River. There we all took turns on the huge swing, laughing together and feeling the wonderful presence of Christ among us.

What a wonderful blessed day! Jill stated it was the "Best Day Ever" It flowed so nicely that when summarizing the day into words I didn’t even realize how much we covered together. My heart is full as I look back on all the strong teaching, vulnerable stories, creativity, deep fellowship, and pure joy we experienced together. We are so grateful to be here encouraging and being encouraged by this dedicated team.

Thank you for praying for us. More good days ahead!

Tim

- Tim DIckey