Norway Day, Change in the Wind -- May 26, 2008

Change.

Not my favorite thing. . .I tend to impose my sense of order in my life orbit and then protect it with routine and habit.  Comfort.

Now that we've spent a few days in Norway -- relishing the amazing scenery by the sea and lakes (the light here has a glow that is brighter--truly!)--and catching up with old Teleios friends (Kjersti and Kjell) and new ones (Martin & Irene, Mariann, Elsa Gretha & Finn) -- it's clear that EMI's (Teleios) ministry here, and throughout Scandinavia, is undergoing change.

I wonder what the Lord has in mind?

Well, it seems to some degree it may involve more intentional outreach to young people. . .the vibrant churches we've seen are filled with teens and twenty somethings. . .with some greying- haired maturity sprinkled throughout.

Perhaps because this is the age for finding life's purpose. . .signing up for a cause. . .seeking ways to make a difference in the world.  The age of not yet full with raising children and establishing a business or career.  

It feels like we're on the verge of a mighty push from the Spirit.

It will be tempting to grab the wheel and steer to places somewhat familiar and manageable.  But this feels like a time to wait. . .to listen. . .to see how the Lord will create new eagle wings for His church and for the part our ministry will play in it.

Well, now it's time to enjoy another kind of delight.  Sharing dinner and the joy of a house full of children and grandchildren in the back yard garden of Kjell and Magnhild!   

Life is good when God is in it, eh?

Ver se go,

Dave and Pam   

PING PHOTOS - Scandinavia Journey, May 2008

Traditional Danish Church from 1773. Teleios Denmark team in Aarhus.

Teleios Sweden friends. Danes on Dunes: Tørsten + Ruben

Getting Ready for Scandinavia - May 2008

Pam:   10:55am  Thursday, 5/8/08    Novice blogger!

Last day in the office before Sunday's departure. . .Dave and I are privileged to be invited to return to visit and minister with friends in Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Amsterdam over 28 days!   We bring with us our new evangelism workshops:  Irresistible Evangelism and OUTFLOW. 

My first trip to Scandinavia was in 1990. . .I fell in love with the people and the sound of their languages. Familiar worship songs in new (to me) old languages somehow stir me more deeply.  These countries are dramatically beautiful. . . and have such a long deep history. 

 

Sometimes I grieve the isolation and youth of my country.  The US hasn't had opportunity to learn from the gift of many other nations for neighbors (how many languages can you speak?). . . we haven't suffered the same intensity of wars on our land nor grown the strength of character that results (as our soldiers have). . . our faith history is barely 600 years old (I stood in a church there that was thousands of years old!).     

I can understand a little why Americans are sometimes perceived as arrogant and naive.

  

Maybe that's why I'm asking God, "Why are you sending us?  What do we have to share that will make any difference for Your Kingdom?  They already have such strong faith there."     I've asked the same question before going to teach in Cuba, India and S. Korea.   God's answer is always the same.   I sense a Father's smile on a young child and His voice saying, "Just go with what I've given you.  I'll take care of the rest."

So if you're reading this and you are a prayer warrior, I invite you to pray for this journey.  We will pack our teaching tools and take our passion for the Lord and His people there, step in and see what happens.   Pray with us, please, that the Lord will accomplish His purposes, however great or small.   

I'll keep you posted on what happens!

His,  

Pam  

(and Dave -- who isn't much of a journaler, but just might get inspired to become one!)