Life Journeys from the North to the South...

3 NEW UPDATES FROM THIS SUMMER! ...READ AND LOOK ON ...
(next stop: Beginning of semester here in Trondheim)

As I mentioned earlier, we spent 10 days in Brussels, Belgium in August for a yearly gathering of students and university missionaries for SFC's (Students for Christ) CSM (College of Student Ministry). This time is an opportunity to bring students from the different SFC groups in Europe to participate in relevant training for being leaders on their campuses. Students can select from several areas of focus taught by full-time missionaries, pastors, and teachers as well as select different electives. Brett and I were a part of the class for full-time leaders where we discussed with other missionaries (many originally from the U.S. and some native to Europe) about the challenges -theological, cultural, Biblically, etc. of doing university ministry in Europe, as well as formulated practical ways we can be effective in each of our unique country situations, and a even more clear vision for SFC as a whole, especially in the midst of changing and challenging times.

We had amazing times of discussion, prayer, laughter, tears, etc. and everyone left exhausted, but refreshed and with renewed hope for the future, even as many of us headed back to unknown and difficult circumstances. Our team from Norway left with an even greater sense of being a part of something much bigger and are in the process of creating ways to connect what we are doing in Trondheim even more with this larger community we are a part of. Though we were unable to bring any Norwegians with us this time, our prayer is that there would be some there next year- the first Scandinavians to ever attend an SFC event. Pray with us that God would ignite the vision for SFC Europe in the hearts of Norwegians here and that we would even get some students to attend the SFC European Student Conference being held in Germany over new years this year. Seeing the excitement and fire ignited in the students who attended CSM this year as they connected with students from all over Europe with a common purpose- to see students come to know Christ- has made us long for students here to experience the same.

What an amazing opportunity to unite with people from all over the world, learn from one another, love one another, and create life-long friendships. To truly represent the Body of Christ as displayed through the diversity of the nations...

Here are just a few images from our time in Brussels....