A Christmas Note from the Interim President of Baltic Methodist Theological Seminary

17 December, 2008
Dear Friends,

From the family of the Baltic Theological Seminary we wish you a peace- and joyful Christmas-time and a New Year filled with the Lord’s blessings and guidance!

Baltic Methodist Theological Seminary is one of the most strategic ministries in Estonia training professional Christian workers. The 2008/2009 academic year has started with enrollment of 131 students, which makes it the largest United Methodist owned Seminary in Europe. Students come from different churches and many countries - from Estonia, Russia, Komi, Ukraine, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Finland and Korea. In January 2009 the very first student from South-America will arrive. Yuri Velloso comes from Brasil to study theology and join our youth work.

The year 2008 gave us six graduates who are all in active ministry. In the fall 13 new students enrolled in the Seminary.

Christmas is time to think about the gifts we give and receive. The greatest of all gifts is the love of God, revealed through His son Jesus Christ. This is the true reason to celebrate. The Baltic Theological Seminary is a manifestation of that same love. It has been a precious gift that has changed the United Methodist Church in Estonia and has made very positive impact on Christian communities beyond Estonian borders. Seminary has equipped many of our pastors and lay workers. Our graduates – school teachers and chaplains in military, prisons and police forces, have made our denomination known in the society.

Please remember to pray for the seminary’s finances. The global economic crisis has negative impact on all of us but as Christians we believe that everything is possible with God. He can provide the necessary resources to build up His Kingdom.

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. (Isaiah 9:2)

It’s wonderful that we all belong to those people, which are allowed to see the great light in the midst of the darkness. We can go into the New Year with that consolation

Connected in faith and service,

Lii Lilleoja
Interim President


Narva mnt. 51, 10152 Tallinn, Estonia
Tel. (372) 6 688 467
Fax. (372) 6 688 468
e-post: seminar@emkts.ee Web: http://www.emkts.ee/

If you would like to support the work of the BMTS, please send
your donation to:
World Methodist Evangelism
1008 19th Ave South
Nashville, TN 37212-2166

Please designate your gift: BMTS Kuum or BMTS General

Alternatively, funds may be sent through the GBGM Advance:
Advance # 15021 B (Kuum Scholarship)
Advance # 15020 A (General Fund)