There are moments in life when you just know that you are in exactly the right place at the right time. That God's hand is so visibly involved in the intricacies of what is happening around you. I must say that though I have questioned that at times, I trust that is where our team is right now.

It seems as if all of the things that have so strongly been on our hearts are being confirmed in so many ways. But with confirmation inevitably comes attack and moments of doubt, uncertainty, frustration and confusion. One thing I continue to learn here is that you must hold tightly to the things God speaks to you, the things He has promised, the dreams He has whispered to your heart. It may seem like the world is raging against you, but you must hold on tightly and refuse to bow to the status quo, the demands of a world that tries to drag you down with its demands and expectations.

"What is it that the people we see here really need?" is the question we keep asking. The temptation for us to Build something, to Produce something is overwhelming. We could do what has been done before, we could drive ourselves into the ground trying to create what others would believe is the best ministry method with the latest strategy, yet somehow that feels overdone and presumptious in many ways. For what works in one place, does not necessarily work in another. Sometimes it feels like we try too hard and forget to let God lead us and show us what HE wants to do and don't realize that the world needs JESUS not just another "relevant" church growth technique.

So we keep seeking, we keep praying, and we keep our eyes, ears, and hearts open. What I hear is students looking for something Different. Something New, yet really not so new because what I hear is a cry for a community of people who care about each other, share LIFE together- a life that isn't crammed into a program or rigid schedule of the same-old, filled with "doing" instead of "being". It is new by today's standards, yet I am continually drawn to the what the first Church gathering of Acts 2 looked like. A Christian student said to me the other day, "I read the Bible and then look at the way Christians are today and I see all of the things we are Not. I see how far we are from where we first began."

What happened? How did we get to this place? Don't get me wrong, there have been amazing things happening in the church over the centuries, but I can't help but feel we have lost something in the process. And it is that very thing that I see a longing for in the lives of students here. I have a feeling that it is not just those of Trondheim that are feeling this...

The question is, can it be done? Can we go back to true community and fellowship...the breaking of bread and praying together...sharing in one another's joy and sorrow? Can a community exist that invites people in without placing requirements or expectations, but instead offers love, peace, joy, and true Life, true community with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit? My spiritual eyes see God moving in this direction, my fleshly eyes see an endless array of obstacles. Yet I hear God whisper,

"Hold on...I now the desires of your heart...I will fulfill the promises I have given you...I will level the mountains before you...I will use you to be a voice of hope in the desert places...my grace is sufficient for you and my power is made perfect in your weakness...Hold on to the dreams I have given you...Hold on...Hold on..."

A new post coming soon...but check out more photos by clicking on Photo Album under Links on the sidebar of this page! Sending you our love and prayers!

Really, where would we be without God? In the past few weeks I have been blown away by the REALITY that I serve a living God who sent His only son to die for ME so that I could truly LIVE. So I could be SET FREE. This isn't something I am delusional about or that I made up to make myself feel better, it is TRUTH. That Jesus paid the ultimate price, His very life, to save the whole world...to offer us the chance to be free from sin, free from all that the enemy tries to throw at us (I heard it referred to today that satan's three-fold ministry is to steal, kill and destroy, isn't that the truth!), to have the Holy Spirit living in me, working through me. How easy it is to forget this truth, to forget the power we have been given through Christ to break down every stronghold, to set captives free, to heal, to love...all in the name of Jesus.

Seriously, we serve an amazing God. A God who wants to SPEAK to our hearts TODAY. Who wants to do SIGNS and WONDERS through US. Can you feel it? Do you know how much He loves you? Do you know that you were worth it to Him, so much so that He gave His life for YOU? Do you know He can use you to bring His kingdom here on earth? To be a part of His magnificent plan? Young and old, weak and strong, broken-hearted, weary and down-trodden, black and white...it doesn't matter...all He wants is for you to follow Him. Life with Him may not be easy, but oh it is far greater than anything you could ever hope or imagine. He is REAL and He wants to live in YOU. He wants you to hear Him whisper your name, and the dreams He has for your life.

Here I am in this place so far from home, sometimes seemingly so far from Hope, yet I feel the prescence of God like I haven't for a long time. He is here. He is going to do something NEW. All I know is that I want to be a part of it.

I was in a church service today at Betel church where Norwegians and Africans came together, where others from dozens of nations around the world gathered together and the glory of God fell in that place. I had a glimpse of heaven. A glimpse of what the kingdom of God is. I have goosebumps just thinking of it because I KNOW God was in that place, and He was jumping for joy! For a few hours there was no separation between international service and Norwegian service, it was just GOD'S CHURCH. I could hardly sing because I couldn't hold back the tears. THIS is what it is all about. Oh and we still have a ways to go, but GOD IS MOVING. He is drawing people to Himself. It isn't about hype, it is about the LOVE OF GOD. The BODY OF CHRIST. God is bringing the hearts and minds of His Church into UNITY. Slowly but surely it will be only CHRIST and the message of the cross. Division will be no more.

I believe He wants to do this in Trondheim, in Norway for the climate is ready. He wants to do this in the world, and He already is.
Maybe I sound crazy but I'm not one to rant unless I mean it. And I mean this...We were born for such a time as this. And it is never too late. He is always waiting with open arms to receieve those who humble themselves at His feet. Who admit they need Jesus, need His saving grace in their lives, need to be made WHOLE again. That's why He did it. That's why He died. He knew we couldn't do this alone, He died for us. He loved us that much. He couldn't bare to watch us struggle through life trying to be "good enough" trying to "measure up", trying to cleanse ourselves, trying to free ourselves from the bondage of this world...because it isn't possible. Only through His blood, and through His resurrection we have NEW LIFE. We can truly be BORN AGAIN. Have you forgotten what it feels like? Maybe you have never experienced it before, and if you have, ask Him to remind you again. If you haven't, come to Him now. I can tell you THERE IS NO BETTER WAY TO LIVE. It is not easy, I know this, but it is the best way. Only in Him can true joy and peace be found. And He's going to do some awesome stuff on this earth...He already has, already is- all around the world people are experiencing Him, seeing miracles...but there is more to come. I'm going to be a part of it? How about you???

Lord, Let it happen here in Trondheim, and spread throughout Europe...let your kingdom come all over the world and bring glory to your name. We're nothing without you. I have tried to be and I just can't. It's gotta be about you. Help us hear your voice, discern your ways, be your true Church, and do your will.

Phew! Wasn't planning on writing that, but I want to Praise God that even though there are many times the enemy attacks, I am confident that my God is BIGGER than anything that may come against us. My heart overflows because I know Jesus, and He has never left me, even for a moment. And I can't wait to see what He does next!!