On the 14th of July a group of us from Voice turned up at Manchester Airport at silly o’clock in the morning to head off to Estonia. After months of planning and preparation, I still wasn’t sure what to expect. After a long journey, a run for our transfer and two luggage bags less, we landed in Tallinn!
We spent the week running a music camp for the local people of Viljandi, interspersed with teaching sessions and afternoon activities. I can honestly say that I learnt so much during the week that I could go on forever. I learnt so much more about God’s character, and his heart for worship and for the Church. I was encouraged that when we step out for God, he is faithful and he blesses us beyond measure. I loved being a part of a team of young people who just simply wanted to bless others with their gifts and sing about the great God we serve. For many of our team, it was their first mission trip. It was amazing to see them step out and try new things.
I learnt that our faith in God supersedes culture, backgrounds and denominations. In God’s love, we were instantly united with one common goal; to see God glorified and worshipped in Viljandi. As God welcomes us individually, we had the chance to welcome and love our new Estonian friends, even though we had only just met. This atmosphere was so powerful and for some of the young people, who had never experienced God before, you could tell that as the week went on, they saw from our example that God really is love. It was that simple.
I loved worshipping by the campfire, in a mix of Estonian and English and hearing everyone share how God had spoken to them during the week. It was also amazing to go out and sing in the street for everyone to hear, and our concert in the beautiful Viljandi Baptist church, was just a glimpse of what it will be like in heaven!
During our time in Viljandi, we stayed in a Christian retreat centre. This place was beautiful and, again, another example of God’s care for us. It was a space for us to reflect on the day and watch the beautiful sunset every evening. This for me, was a reminder of God’s peace and how the whole world reflects his glory. Whenever I feel overwhelmed or distant from God, I picture that sunset and am reminded again of his peace that surpasses all understanding.
Beth
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