Siimon Haamer, grandson of pastor Harri Haamer and Dean of TAT writes:  

In the beginning of the 1990s, the Lutheran Church (in Estonia) did not have enough trained pastors. My grandfather, Harri Haamer, died in 1987 after close to 60 years of pastoring. He was a survivor of the concentration camp in Siberia. He faithfully ministered in the church, hoping day by day for God to grant us our freedom again so we should be able to share God's Word freely. He carried on that hope and faith to his children and grandchildren. Harri Haamer's son Eenok and his three sons became Lutheran pastors as well.

That heritage was the basis leading to the foundation of TAT.

In September's TAT bulletin, Siimon Haamer writes: "When God is for us then who can be against us (Rom. 8:31)." and following encourages us to trust ourselves into the hands of God. In this trust, we have carried out our work and prayed blessing on our ventures and we have experienced the blessings. There have also been some difficulties, especially with the school's financial situation, but we still are thankful for His grace.

We are thankful that due to too many students, we were able to use our own small rental facility this past school year. Having to rent bigger classrooms to accommodate everyone extended our expenses, creating some financial pressure for TAT. We are thankful to God for the exciting number of students we admitted together with the Lutheran Seminary this year - 32. Eighteen of them are in the under-graduate program and 14 in the graduate program. Thirteen under-graduates are starting their pastoral care and counseling studies, and it is worth noting how the interest in the pastoral care and counseling specialty has constantly grown. /.../ According to a very recent poll, about 20% are believers, 96 years ago it was 16%. Therefore, we take the Word of God to the people, we have to go where it is needed the most. Different church ministries that operate outside of the walls of the church are becoming more and more important. One such important ministry is pastoral care and counseling work. If that is the plan of God, then we want to be the ones doing His plan.

We are thankful to God that we have, along with the Seminary, 136 students altogether! We are thankful to God for the new opportunities and challenges we get to meet every year and to have faithful supporters and fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.

In the end of the 3rd quarter of 2015, our deficit is $56,427. During last quarter, the deficit increased by $23,336. /.../ Unfortunately, Estonian society is not yet ready to carry the responsibility of financing our school. For 20 years now, we have partnered with the East European Missions Network (EEMN). Their support has brought others from the USA to assist in prayer, teaching and financial assistance.

Thank you, as always, for your kind support, encouragement, and faithful prayers. Donations to TAT can be made through East European Missions Network (EEMN) and sent to: 2111 Golf Course Road SE, Suite C, Rio Ranch, NM 87124. TAT webpage: www.eemn.org