Estonia

Wow where'd the summer go?  We had an excellent VBS this year.  A Chinese family that attends services semi-regularly asked if they could help and help they did!  Cecelia helped with the food and Justin helped with the crafts and games.  To continue reading the update from Mike Smith, please click on the link below. The Smiths - September 2022

Having experienced snow in mid-June, we are accustomed to wacky weather and this year has been no different.  We had blistering hot weather at the beginning of the summer and then it got down to almost 40 degrees in July!  We have a number of folks ready to be baptized and selecting an ideal location is always difficult.  To continue reading the update from Mike Smith, please click on the link below. The Smiths - May-Jul 2022

Refugees have been flooding in escaping the Russian invasion.  Many have communicated that they are concerned for our safety because, as it has been oft stated, "Estonia is positioned at the Point of the Spear."  While it is certainly true that we share a bridged border with Russia, it is our belief that an invasion of this NATO country is certainly a bridge too far for the man in Moscow. To continue reading the update from Mike Smith, please click on the link below. The Smiths - April 2022

"Is there any taste in the white of an egg?"  Currently, I have no idea!  We have been Wuhanned!  Penny and I got it while in the USA in January.  Still fighting coughs, fatigue, and loss of taste.  Sadly, we still get hungry, or this would be a great way to shed the pounds! To continue reading the update from Mike Smith, please click on the link below. The Smiths - January 2022

As September rolled around, we began to have reservations about baptizing Paul and Victoria.  There were some private issues that we felt that they needed to address.  It is always a difficult situation trying to strike a balance between encouraging and coddling. To continue reading the update from Mike Smith, please click the link below. The Smiths - October 2021

The baptismal service at Rummu quarry went very well.  We met at the church at 5:00 pm to drive an hour to the lake.  Initially upon arrival, we thought that we would have to cancel.  Our chosen spot, which was empty on a Saturday, was packed on this Wednesday evening..... To continue reading the update from Mike Smith, please click on the link below.The Smiths - August 2021

We have been slowly crawling back to some semblance of normalcy from the Covid-Corona Craziness and Wuhan Wackiness.  We have unmasked.  Stores and restaurants are open again.  To continue reading the update from Mike Smith, please click the link below. The Smiths - June 2021

We are often asked to describe the difference between living in the United States and living on the mission field.  Obviously, living in Siberia was so radically different that nobody who hadn't lived there could truly relate.  All we could do to provide a taste of that unique challenge was to relate as many incidents as possible and attempt to paint the canvas of context with as vivid colors as the palette of the listener provided.  Estonia, being a modernized European country, presents totally different challenges and often the obstacles are deceptive and obscure. To continue reading the update from Mike [...]

We don't know about ministries and churches in other countries, but we are certainly looking forward to the new year!  It has been a trying year to say the least.  The last few months have been especially onerous.  We feel like we have been pounded between the anvil and hammer! To continue reading the update from Mike Smith, please click on the link below. The Smiths - December 2020

"It's Trump's fault, isn't it?"  Wow.  How many times have we heard that in the last three months?  TOO MANY to count!  Just when we began to think that the world couldn't get any crazier, we are proved wrong! The Bible clearly predicted this insanity:  "This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come."  II Timothy 3:1. To continue reading the update from Mike Smith, please click the link below. The Smiths - August 2020

It isn't often that we pause to bring to remembrance a friend who has passed on.  If you have followed along with us for the past 15 years, then you are aware of Alex, a man for whom we have often requested prayer. Alex was diagnosed with cancer throughout his body just this past December.  Alex died at home on March 13.  Sadly, due to the Wuhan virus quarantine, we were unable to see him in the last weeks of his life. To continue reading the update from Mike Smith, please click the link below. The Smiths - May 2020

As the new year descended upon us, we had no way of knowing all the blessings and challenges that would confront us. One opportunity that yielded manifold blessings was being able to visit several churches being planted/re-planted in Pennsylvania, Delaware and the D.C. area.  To continue reading the update from Mike Smith, please click the link below. The Smiths - February 2020

2020 Vision! As 2019 came to a close, we started feeling like punch-drunk boxers against the ropes - so many people with so many problems!  Our attendances have plummeted but providing solutions to problems is why God has called us to Estonia! To continue reading the update from Mike Smith, please click the link below. The Smith Family - December 2019

We will be spending October visiting churches.  Please pray for traveling mercies!  To continue reading the update from Mike Smith, please click on the link below. The Smith Family

Believe it or not, the tires we ordered in April got cancelled (again!)  and it wasn't until the end of June that we got them finally installed?!  Unbelievable! Our Cameroonian ministry has become a sort of "African" ministry.  We have had folks from 5 to 6 countries come to church. To continue reading the update from Mike Smith, please click on the attached link. The Smiths - April 2019 The Smiths - July 2019