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“So why not stay here? Sure, Africa, I bet that sounds nice for what you’re doing, but Tallinn is pretty f****d up too. We need someone here doing what you’re doing.” The look on her face told more than her words ever could. She was desperate for hope. This young hostel worker in Tallinn, Estonia needed to encounter the only living God. Estonia is one of the most depressed countries in the world. It’s incredibly alcohol addicted. The weather is cold and the sky is bleak and gray (or grey–whatever visually phrases you most). The people are incredibly intelligent and free. In fact Estonia ranks very highly in national surveys of freedom. Education is highly prized. And Estonia is quickly becoming recognized as a leader in cyber industries. But the problem isn’t the state of the country, it’s the state of the countrymen–particularly their hearts. After calling us crazy, cussing us out, insulting us, and yet again reminding us that we are weird, or host at “Feel Good Hostel” seemed upset and offended that we weren’t staying the month in her town to love her people. Because they need it. Estonia needs the hope of Christ. Religion has grayed even the most vibrant of relationships and left the heart of a country wanton. And we have what they need church! We have the hope! We have the love! It lives inside our spirit! And it’s the Holy Spirit. The country is stale with religion, depression, alcoholism and self-righteousness. But these are problems that religion only makes over. It’s like putting a bandaid over a gun shot would to the heart. What these people need is a revival sparked by the prayers and movement of God’s bride, the beloved church. So, after blatantly sharing the gospel with this woman for a while, we explained to our host that our travels would put us in Estonia in a couple of months. We assured her that what she seemed to be drawn to within us would be back soon. Grace. Love. Peace. And hope. They are coming to Estonia. They are coming to Tallinn. They are coming to Feel Good Hostel, and they are coming to this woman. So I ask you church–I beg you–start a revival the only way they’ve ever started:with prayer. The crop is so ripe in Estonia. All we need is more Spirit to harvest and more field hands to work. What does your role look like in the soon to be revival of Estonia? |
