We have just celebrated the Norwegian national day! Here is a photo of the gang we were hanging out with.

I just love my church! It’s always a joy to go there and enjoy powerful worship and teaching! If ever you are in Oslo, you should pass by there! Haven’t been so good at posting a photo per week lately, but will try to keep it up.

The first snow of the year is falling around me as I stand freezing in front of a pride of Norwegian culture, the National Theater. In front of me, despite the weather, 8 youth are dancing and singing. It’s a normal Friday evening, and many people are walking home to find the comfort of their homes. But as they hear the hip-hop beat, they stop, look on and smile, curious about what this is. Some move their heads to the beat, while others just stand, shaking the snow off their jackets.

But the real fun starts for me when the dance is over. Daniel, a young Norwegian takes the microphone and starts boldly proclaiming how Jesus came to die for us, and forgives us of our sins. If you were to do a study of human reactions, this would be a good place. A quite diverse variety of expressions appear on people’s faces. Some turn quizzical, and you can almost hear their thoughts: “Is this possible? Do they really believe in all of this?” Others put on a sardonic, mocking smile as if the words spoken will never have an entrance to their hearts. Several just seem thoughtful.

Attracting a crowd despite the weather

In the middle of the preaching I catch some Norwegian words exchanged behind me: “are they serious?” I turn round and start a conversation with a tall young man. The conversation lasts 10 minutes, and in the end I have answered some of his questions about free will, hell, God and Jesus. He asks if we will be there next Friday and leaves with a smile: “I like speaking about these things you see.”

Around me, the others from the group are sharing their hearts out and praying for people. A few minutes later I get the report. “There’s someone over there that just gave his life to Jesus!” After 3 street shows, it’s time to go home. Many have heard about Jesus, been prayed for and challenged to draw nearer to God. We leave, grateful that our Creator can use us in this way and our minds are filled with these thoughts: “this is what we’re meant for, this feels like being alive.”

The tbbmi party

Today was the first day of the Missions Institute in Oslo. More than 50 students have signed up for one year, and we are looking forward to teach them, equip them and send them out as missionaries!!

Today Guro and I met a member of our church working in the Parliament to take photos of him for our bible school brochure…When we were finished, he invited us in for lunch and a little guided tour!

    

May 2009: Some more photos from our 17th of May Celebrations…