NORWAY Skien

Greetings from a very cold Skien! Today our temperature is minus 10 degrees, lots of snow on the mountains and icy conditions on footpaths and roads.

We are pleased to report that Jennifer has had a stable period recently, and results from her tests and consultant confirm no further spreading of the cancer at this time. Good news from a far country! Thank you for praying!

Recently we have been reminded in Scripture of our responsibilities as Ambassadors for Christ. It has been our privilege these 40 years in Norway and Scandinavia to speak at many assemblies, camps, prisons, and home bible studies. Of recent years this has all changed, and most of our work now is by conversations and discussions, similar to the Apostle Paul in Acts 17:17. However, Jennifer’s illness has opened so many doors for us to witness of the love and kindness of the Saviour through personal conversations. In Norway at this time of the year in the far north, there is no daylight. It reminds us daily as Christ said to his disciples prior to His ascension – ‘you are light in darkness!’ Our life must radiate His light. Please continue to pray for unsaved callers to our home and those we converse with daily about the Saviour.

A recent conversation with fellow-workers in the prison ministry warmed our hearts! Literature we left to be placed in the prison library was used by God’s Spirit to lead two inmates to faith in Christ. We have been asked to assist in another future bible study group to be established if the prison authorities agree to it. This excites us as generally there is a decline in many churches today for the exposition of God’s Word, but the light of the gospel still penetrates prison cells as in Paul’s day!

Please pray for the assembly fellowship in Skien. The numbers vary from time to time, but the leaders are faithful folks, do a great work, are active in their outreach opportunities, and have a real burden for the lost. They would love to see the fellowship grow, so please pray they will not grow weary in days of anti-Christianity.

As reported before, we have a deep interest in Ukraine having visited it regularly with believers from Karmøy. Since September, 20 trailer-loads of all sorts of necessities have been delivered to areas in most need of help. The generosity of God’s people in Norway to do what they can is a great testimony, especially to unsaved Ukrainians now living here as refugees on the west coast of the country. Another trailer load leaves this week, and another is planned before Christmas. Pray especially for the drivers, their safety and no hitches at various crossing points.