Sunday, October 15, 2006
Scandia '06 Trip Team
This is the team that I got to serve with in the trip mentioned below. Read all about it. From left to right Nate, myself, Paul (Dad), Hans (our Swedish host), Elsa and Arlen Salte.
Running Waters
This is me running into the Baltic Ocean outside of Riga. The temperature of the water was approximately--cold!! I had to run for at least 100 ft until the water level reached my knees.
Scandia (Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Latvia) Trip
For the few that care, here is a summary of a vacation and ministry trip that some of you were made aware. I have tried to make it brief.
I got back from the wonderful homeland (plus other cool places) about 10 days ago, and still reveling in the beauty of all of it, but especially Norway. It was an amazing trip. First of all, the vacation with Erikka was fabulous. Spent over a week with her. We hung out with our relatives in Stavanger the first weekend, then flew to Bergen, where Erikka lives and studies, off all things, Norwegian--so weird. Our relatives fed us well and took us to hike Prekistolen (Pulpit Rock--because the rock drops off like the front of a pulpit, only 2000 ft!--very steep and scary). Also, the lakes in Norway are extremely cold--I tested them out. Upon arrival in Bergen, Erikka's friend, Janine, was waiting for her and we adopted her as our other sister. So we began the second phase of my vacation with the three of us going on the Norway-In-A-Nutshell tour, or as we called it Norway-With-A-Bunch-O'Nuts Tour. We were the crazy nuts. We did all sorts of weird stuff, which usually included a digital camera, as we took train, bus, ferry, and train again through fjords, steep mountain roads, more majestic fjords, and saw the beauty of God's country. The rest of the time was just hanging out with my sisters and host family (who are really trem), seeing the downtown and fish market of Bergen, hiking four mountains in Bergen, jogging up and down one, indoor rock climbing, and eating all sorts of delicious food. Everywhere I went there was good food and desserts. I never liked cake--until I got to Norway...ah, my goodness. All this was a prelude to a ministry trip with my dad, friend and cousin Nate Johnstone, and Arlen and Elsa Salte from Canada (http://www.new-creation.net/).
The ministry trip began with a conference for area churches in Bergen; convenient since that is where Erikka lives. Dad was the main speaker for the evening sessions. Many people responded for prayer ministry. Arlen lead the inspirational worship times--a highlight. Among others, I got to teach two seminars for the break out sessions--one on passionate faith and the other on staying spiritually awake. Lot's of fun. The last night in Bergen included a meeting with pastors and leaders in the area. We met in the soccer stadium, not because we needed the space, but a pastor was the unofficial chaplain of the famous team. It was good to interact with the Christian leaders and catch their passion for their city. Lot's of good ministry is going on in Bergen.
From Bergen we hopped over to Sweden and met with a bunch of young leaders, some from the Oasis movement (like Lutheran Renewal in the US) for an informal over-night retreat. There was about 35 of us. The only agenda was to hang out, wait diligently upon God, and minister to the Lord and one another. The Lord revealed ahead of time to Nate how he wanted to encourage the group through a prophetic vision. The picture was of an explosion of light in our meeting location, and then it's radiant light beams going on from the place to cities and regions all over Sweden and beyond. This opened the door for our whole team to minister among the people and impart more fire and faith. These people had a passion for being mighty influencers in their country. These people were already on fire, so it was such a joy to hang out with them and pray for them. I received as much as I gave and made friends. One new friend joined me in yet another freezing lake for a quick swim, so 2 for 2.
After Sweden we headed to Latvia. Besides being able to see the land of my roots, I have wanted to visit friends in Latvia. This dream was also realized. I was greeted at the Riga airport by my friend, Levi, who graciously became our host and interpreter. Among meetings with different leaders to arrange for an international conference in 2007, we were privileged to meet and minister to members of the Latvian Parliament. This was definitely a highlight. We were able to pray and encourage a Christian party just prior to their elections, which they have now won and were able to maintain their seats. While at a Parliament member's house I took advantage and jumped in the nearby body of water during a walk along the Baltic Ocean! Not as cold as the other countries water, but still cold--3 for 3 for swimming in water in each country. Another trem meeting was with the Catholic Cardinal, whom we woke from his nap for a surprise visit. He graciously received us, liked what was said regarding the conference for next year, and even took a picture with us. The day we left Latvia we put on a conference for ministers and leaders, primarily Lutheran--they all seemed really encouraged by our teachings and worship with them.
Finland was our final destination. We took part of the Nokia Mission, famous for their weekly revival type services in an arena. It sounds like many have come to Christ and they are expanding into other cities (http://tampere.nokiamissio.fi/). Nate and I were able to share a little greeting during the meeting, and also minister to the hundred or more people who were lined up for prayer. Dad again shared his dynamic message on clearing out the Buckthorn from our Personal Property (holiness message). The next day we all spoke at seminar for leaders and ministers. We were also able to encourage the leader, Markku, and his team, in the midst of a recent charge of heresy. He was being charged as a heretic because of basic elements of Christian doctrine, such as believing the authority of Scripture and it's relevance for today. The evening before we left and after the day seminar our team and the Mission staff shared in food, fellowship and worship and then said our good-byes. We were all grateful for the service one to another. And finally, I was 4 for 4, not for jumping in a body of water in each country--almost, though--but at least running in each location. I also could now say that I ran in the countries of my roots, Norway and Finland.
I was grateful to be a part of the team. I learned that going from place to place and teaching is actually hard work, but all the savory food I ate sure helped--and breaks aren't just potty breaks, but a chance to eat another meal. I also learned that ministry overseas is no different than ministry here, in that its all about relationship and just being who you are with people. That communicates the best. It's the easiest because it comes natural, but makes ministry actually seem fun.
FYI: The word "trem" is now the new word for "cool."
Hope you enjoyed,
Andrew
I got back from the wonderful homeland (plus other cool places) about 10 days ago, and still reveling in the beauty of all of it, but especially Norway. It was an amazing trip. First of all, the vacation with Erikka was fabulous. Spent over a week with her. We hung out with our relatives in Stavanger the first weekend, then flew to Bergen, where Erikka lives and studies, off all things, Norwegian--so weird. Our relatives fed us well and took us to hike Prekistolen (Pulpit Rock--because the rock drops off like the front of a pulpit, only 2000 ft!--very steep and scary). Also, the lakes in Norway are extremely cold--I tested them out. Upon arrival in Bergen, Erikka's friend, Janine, was waiting for her and we adopted her as our other sister. So we began the second phase of my vacation with the three of us going on the Norway-In-A-Nutshell tour, or as we called it Norway-With-A-Bunch-O'Nuts Tour. We were the crazy nuts. We did all sorts of weird stuff, which usually included a digital camera, as we took train, bus, ferry, and train again through fjords, steep mountain roads, more majestic fjords, and saw the beauty of God's country. The rest of the time was just hanging out with my sisters and host family (who are really trem), seeing the downtown and fish market of Bergen, hiking four mountains in Bergen, jogging up and down one, indoor rock climbing, and eating all sorts of delicious food. Everywhere I went there was good food and desserts. I never liked cake--until I got to Norway...ah, my goodness. All this was a prelude to a ministry trip with my dad, friend and cousin Nate Johnstone, and Arlen and Elsa Salte from Canada (http://www.new-creation.net/).
The ministry trip began with a conference for area churches in Bergen; convenient since that is where Erikka lives. Dad was the main speaker for the evening sessions. Many people responded for prayer ministry. Arlen lead the inspirational worship times--a highlight. Among others, I got to teach two seminars for the break out sessions--one on passionate faith and the other on staying spiritually awake. Lot's of fun. The last night in Bergen included a meeting with pastors and leaders in the area. We met in the soccer stadium, not because we needed the space, but a pastor was the unofficial chaplain of the famous team. It was good to interact with the Christian leaders and catch their passion for their city. Lot's of good ministry is going on in Bergen.
From Bergen we hopped over to Sweden and met with a bunch of young leaders, some from the Oasis movement (like Lutheran Renewal in the US) for an informal over-night retreat. There was about 35 of us. The only agenda was to hang out, wait diligently upon God, and minister to the Lord and one another. The Lord revealed ahead of time to Nate how he wanted to encourage the group through a prophetic vision. The picture was of an explosion of light in our meeting location, and then it's radiant light beams going on from the place to cities and regions all over Sweden and beyond. This opened the door for our whole team to minister among the people and impart more fire and faith. These people had a passion for being mighty influencers in their country. These people were already on fire, so it was such a joy to hang out with them and pray for them. I received as much as I gave and made friends. One new friend joined me in yet another freezing lake for a quick swim, so 2 for 2.
After Sweden we headed to Latvia. Besides being able to see the land of my roots, I have wanted to visit friends in Latvia. This dream was also realized. I was greeted at the Riga airport by my friend, Levi, who graciously became our host and interpreter. Among meetings with different leaders to arrange for an international conference in 2007, we were privileged to meet and minister to members of the Latvian Parliament. This was definitely a highlight. We were able to pray and encourage a Christian party just prior to their elections, which they have now won and were able to maintain their seats. While at a Parliament member's house I took advantage and jumped in the nearby body of water during a walk along the Baltic Ocean! Not as cold as the other countries water, but still cold--3 for 3 for swimming in water in each country. Another trem meeting was with the Catholic Cardinal, whom we woke from his nap for a surprise visit. He graciously received us, liked what was said regarding the conference for next year, and even took a picture with us. The day we left Latvia we put on a conference for ministers and leaders, primarily Lutheran--they all seemed really encouraged by our teachings and worship with them.
Finland was our final destination. We took part of the Nokia Mission, famous for their weekly revival type services in an arena. It sounds like many have come to Christ and they are expanding into other cities (http://tampere.nokiamissio.fi/). Nate and I were able to share a little greeting during the meeting, and also minister to the hundred or more people who were lined up for prayer. Dad again shared his dynamic message on clearing out the Buckthorn from our Personal Property (holiness message). The next day we all spoke at seminar for leaders and ministers. We were also able to encourage the leader, Markku, and his team, in the midst of a recent charge of heresy. He was being charged as a heretic because of basic elements of Christian doctrine, such as believing the authority of Scripture and it's relevance for today. The evening before we left and after the day seminar our team and the Mission staff shared in food, fellowship and worship and then said our good-byes. We were all grateful for the service one to another. And finally, I was 4 for 4, not for jumping in a body of water in each country--almost, though--but at least running in each location. I also could now say that I ran in the countries of my roots, Norway and Finland.
I was grateful to be a part of the team. I learned that going from place to place and teaching is actually hard work, but all the savory food I ate sure helped--and breaks aren't just potty breaks, but a chance to eat another meal. I also learned that ministry overseas is no different than ministry here, in that its all about relationship and just being who you are with people. That communicates the best. It's the easiest because it comes natural, but makes ministry actually seem fun.
FYI: The word "trem" is now the new word for "cool."
Hope you enjoyed,
Andrew
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