History of TCM in Europe

     TCM’s work and ministry in Europe began with Gene Dulin’s first visit to Russia and Poland in 1963.  Gene was Founder and first President of TCM International, Inc. Between 1963 and 1970 he visited Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union five times while living in Toronto, Canada.  In 1971 the Haus Edelweiss property was purchased for ministry into the Soviet Union and satellite countries.  The Leadership Training Center was built in 1989.  Other buildings on the property were built in 1892.  This property has been used as a private residence, a pension (hotel), retirement home, and headquarters for Soviet troops for a few years after World War II.  

     When the property was purchased it needed many repairs.  For several years college students came from the United States during the summer to help with maintenance and repair projects.  Missionaries and interns traveled from Haus Edelweiss into the Soviet Union and satellite countries to deliver Bibles, hymnbooks, Christian literature, clothing, food, and medicine.  TCM also assisted churches by funding needed repairs on their buildings and providing automobiles for pastors.  Such assistance was the main emphasis of ministry until 1982.

     In 1982 a new emphasis was added to those mentioned above.  TCM initiated “Summer Seminaries” at Haus Edelweiss.  Eastern European pastors and church leaders were invited to come to Haus Edelweiss for two weeks of study under professors and preachers from the United States.  In 1982 there were two two-week sessions.  By 1990 the number had been increased to five.  This ministry was important to church leaders living behind the iron curtain because there were very few Bible colleges and opportunities for taking ministry courses.

     As the political situation began to change in Eastern Europe, many pastors and church leaders were able to come to Haus Edelweiss to study.  This year nine sessions are being held at the Haus from March through early November.  Each session offers three graduate-level classes.  More than 765 European Christians study at Haus Edelweiss each year.

     In 1991, Dr. Tony Twist, second President of TCM International, Inc., established the “Institute for Biblical Studies” (now TCM International Institute).  TCM is designed to provide graduate-level study for pastors and church leaders.  All of the required classes are taught at Haus Edelweiss or at 12 TCM teaching sites in 11 countries.  In 2008, TCM became a fully accredited educational institution and the first U.S. educational institution to operate exclusively outside the United States. TCM  is an instrument that is fulfilling the Great Commission by preparing European and Central Asian Christians to become disciple makers so that they may reach their own people for Jesus Christ.