Leadership

Being challenged to lead! This I don’t know how to put short. I prayed and asked God to challenge me because I was getting board I knew what I was asking and was ready as I know God will never give me more than I can handle. He answered that with challenging me in my greatest weakness, leadership! Through everything this year with out asking for it I was just put into leadership positions God new I would never ask for it so time after time I was asked or just put into it. Learning about leadership, reading the books, and taking the classes just doesn’t compare to hands on leading. I had many good tears before the Lord, times of feeling incapable, thinking why did You pick me, will it ever end and I can say I look at leadership in a hole new way. I don’t fear it like I did but I still don’t like it but I love doing it I know that doesn’t make sense but some time working for God just doesn’t make sense. The reword of investing my hole heart and time into other’s lives is so incredible I’m just sorry I didn’t ask God sooner for the challenge. I would say after every thing in my life this was one of the most challenging, rewording years I have ever experienced and I don’t say that lightly.

Better tuning into the Holy Spirit speaking to me and just understanding on another level how God works in me and through me and know better when it’s God wording as apposed to Satan working. Hearing the voice of God more clearly in my life and for others. Growing in the spiritual gifts God has given me as well as discovering new ones.

I have been stretched and torn this past year and looking back I never thought I could say, I’m truly thankful for all of it. My life is not my own but still I go through kicking and fighting the will of God and I’m sure making it harder then He intended. But in the midst of hard challenge (meaning in the time of the challenge) I’ve learned to note that God chose me (it’s His’ will) in this time and place and God does all things well so I need to except God’s challenge and know it to will pass and not to give up.

4th of July flag taker

We were doing out reach in the city center and I had brought with me a little tiny american flag... very proud of it I let Max ,who is 2, wave it around a bit. As I was taking pictures along come a man and places 100kr (about 20 USD) in to his hand, not knowing what it is Max drops it the man picked it back up and places the money back in Max's hand and slips out the flag then quickly walks away leaving little Max standing there confused and troubled. All I could do is laugh and thought WOW! if I knew they were worth that much I should have brought more. However I was sad I didn't have an american flag to wave the rest of the day but I guess that man really needed one to have payed so much. God bless the flag taker.

Last days at Café Jabes

April 18, 19 were the last days before the café closed for good. About 200 to 250 people crammed into the café for one last time. Despite the sad eyes and down cast spirits every one was enjoying a night of worship, played by 5 local Christian bands well know to Kristansand. Gretchen, Luda, Lindsey and I worked hard behind the counter to makes sure everyone was well taken care of we also gave out gratis (free) coffee, tea, fruit and cake. It was our goal to end this season praising God for all He has done here and to go out with a smile knowing God won’t stop here but there is even greater to come. Many people came to me through out the night asking, “What am I suppose to do now? This was my second home.” with a sad heart for these people all I could say is “God will provide, He has not forgotten you.” I had the opportunity to be interviewed by the local TV news (TVSør) they asked me questions about the café, why it’s good for the city, and should the city step up to open something like this. It’s the TV stations goal to make the city more aware of the need for a Christian, alcohol free café environment. We ended the night later then normal, Mike and I didn’t want to leave knowing we would never walk through those doors again to see and connect with these people. The doors are now closed and into the hands of the Lord we trust He will still make way for us to connect with all those we have made relation with. God is not done!

PRAYER REQUESTS:

The funds I need for 2008 will come soon.

Pray God will bring the right people for starting a café, and a place that is big enough to carry out the vision.

That God would prepare my heart for all the changes coming at WB.

CAFÉ JABES UPDATE:

Sad news, Café Jabes will be closing down April 19 dew to the rent going up to a price the Salvation Army can’t pay. It seems like a dad thing that the only late night alcohol free environment will be closing down but I know God has bigger plans and for that I’m very exited. The city and community is very upset about this news and won’t let it go quietly so we shall see what God wants to do. I have vision for starting a café, through foursquare, in the city but this will require many people, a place, and time.

BACK IN NORWAY:

Now I have been back in Norway for four weeks and it feels really good as is when you are in the place God has called you. I’m back into the swing of ministry here or should I say swinging of my hands as I have been painting and remodeling a home this last two weeks for a family in the church.
I’m getting ready for some changes here at WorldBase that will be challenging and wonderful we are talking about starting back up the Field Ministry School… more on that later to come.
Wonderful News! I took my driving test this last Thursday and PAST! I now have my Norwegian driving license so I can legally keep driving here, this is also very good since we are very limited with WorldBase drivers so needles to say Pastor John Henry is very happy I passed.

VISITING HOME SWEET HOME:

It was so nice to be back home in the states for the Holidays. It was very refreshing to see and visit with so many of you. Dew to the short time and busy schedules I know there are many I didn’t get a chance to see and wish I could have… my apologies.
My time back home was also spent fund raising for 2008 it went well but I still have a long way to go if I’m to make it in Norway for the next year as expenses have gone way up dew to the USD going down. After my time in WA I got to visit with my sister and brother-in-law in Nashville, Tennessee through the Christmas and New Year holidays.