A.I.M. 2005-2006...PREPARATION FOR THE FUTURE 

Our initial Associate in Missions trip was a time of great change for the Alphin family. When we left the US, we had a solid ministry working with children. Although we knew that this was not all that God wanted us to do, we were unaware of exactly what we were about to experience. While all of us were anticipating the trip with excitement, our youngest daughter, Candace, was practically beside herself — she had been telling us since the age of 5 that she was going to be a missionary.  We had encouraged her, thinking that it was far off in the future.  Little did we realize that she would realize this dream much earlier than her adult years!

The first part of the trip was a time of trial, and God taught us to trust Him. When you are on the opposite side of the world from your home, you can’t make a simple phone call and ask for help (for even if a phone call could resolve a problem, you must consider the different time zones).

You learn that the first step you take when in need is to call upon Jesus, the source of our salvation. The wonderful result of this is that you quickly realize that He will answer, and usually exactly when it is needed. This breeds trust. It takes little trust when you have your answer days in advance; however, when you are racing towards a deadline, this is entirely a different situation. Trust is developed when you have no other option available; when the time is quickly running out and there is no answer in view. This happened to us several times, and in each instance, God proved to us that He was still in control! He is great!

The second part of our trip was still a time of trial, but also one of productivity, as God allowed us to see the fruit of our labors. We were able to see the establishment of a new congregation in the village of Sirgala, and were also able to empower the local ministers to evangelize other areas as well. Shortly after our return to the US, we received great news – the national ministers had formed three new congregations, one with 17 regular attendees!

The leadership with whom we worked was wonderful. When we first approached Rev. Robert Rodenbush (U.P.C.I. Regional Director, Europe &  Middle East) about our burden for Finland, we asked for the ability to train under a seasoned missionary; it is so important for one to understand the task before them before they undertake it! We met Missionaries Mark and Robin Shutes for the first time at the 2003 General Conference, and have treasured their friendship ever since. His vision for the Russian-speaking people is incredible, and we are excited to have been able to learn and adapt his outreach concepts to our ministry.  We look forward to taking our combined visions into Finland!

Our time in Estonia was not one of "work and no play." Tallinn has one of the best-preserved Olde Towns in Europe, with many of the towers containing historical museums (these were a favorite of ours when the girls needed a “field trip” break from their schooling). In addition, at the Estonian/Russian border one can visit the only place in the world where two opposing medieval castles are located. In Eastern Estonia, one can find many WWII Nazi bunkers, Nazi concentration camps, Soviet military compounds, and Soviet nuclear bomb shelters. Because of the past, one is often presented with visual opposites. It is common to see a crumbling, drab, concrete, Soviet era building side-by-side with a colorful, innovative, modern building.

Estonia’s history is filled with much pain and oppression. They desperately need the healing touch of Jesus to help them overcome the darkness of depression in which many live.  We are thankful for the time that we spent with the Estonian/Russian people there, and pray that others will undertake the burden to help this very needy country.