Sweden is vibrant! Lilac bushes in every shade of purple line city and country streets!
What a treat for this lilac lover. . .my favorite purple blooms had already faded into brown when Dave and I left for the airport Sunday afternoon. We're in an instant replay!
How rich is this time of reunion in Gothenburg!
We relish catching up with friends we met at a Norwegian mountain retreat some 18 years ago...they have helped to lead more than 1,000 people in EMI training here for over 15 years.
Leif and Ingela, our hosts, happily catch us up on his plans to retire from the pastorate (one week to go!) and her great joy having all her grandchildren in town. They faithfully serve in the Swedish parish. . .Leif bringing Freeing the Family teaching to new immigrant mothers in the city. . . a way for them to share common struggles and begin to grow a sense of caring and understanding in their new community and culture. Ingela, who is an artist in the kitchen, works in the office of the Diocese overseeing Christian education. Such passion they have for the Lord and His Church! And this is multiplied 30 times in those me meet in the next two days!
OUTFLOW, EMI ideas for evangelism, surprises 15 local pastors, deacons and leaders Tuesday afternoon. Talking about the need for inflow -- being filled to overflowing in times with the Lord -- brings lively discussion. In a society where many of the things we've known as evangelism are being met with scorn in Sweden (as in the USA), they talk of new hope and freeing insight in these new ideas for sharing about the Lord they love.
Quick to Listen Leaders today hopefully encouraged and built up 18 church leaders seeking ways to draw more than the 2% who are currently attending church. The perseverance of these men and women inspires me. May the Lord bless the "miracle" vision they cast this morning of care, passion and, yes, even living well through conflict. "Jesus was not nice." Dave said. He was a model of love that is calm, firm and truthful, often into confrontation.
Lord help us venture into those hard places true community must go!
Tomorrow, we spend a day farther north in Uddevella with Pastor Goran Starke, chair of Teleios (EMI) Sweden. We are indulged in Swedish history, a tour of his home town and his hopes for Teleios.
PRAY for us to share about EMI in a way that builds enthusiasm for the three courses he has required his staff to take. Pray for these faithful servants to see more fruit for their labors and a fresh infilling of Him. Pray for wisdom in how to bring ideas for reaching out with care in ways that draw people in Sweden to the God who loves them beyond understanding.
It's only 10 pm Swedish time. . .but we will be up and out by 2:30am Cincinnati time.
Good night!
Pam & Dave
1 comment:
Psalm 68:3-5
3 But may the righteous be glad
and rejoice before God;
may they be happy and joyful.
4 Sing to God, sing praise to his name,
extol him who rides on the clouds
his name is the LORD—
and rejoice before him.
5 A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows,
is God in his holy dwelling.
Father, we lift up Dave and Pam for Your spirit, Your strength, Your anointing in teaching, for leadership and teambuilding today.
In Jesus' Name
amen
tlc
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