Summer in Norway - Jeremiah

       

- Jeremiah      

Summer In Norway

        It is summer in Norway. The summer here is not very long so everyone goes to their cabin far in to the woods to enjoy nature. This means that there aren’t too many people coming to church, and the youth group is very small right now.This also means that we are waiting for our jobs to begin. As we wait we are using this time to talk with the Youth Pastor, Gabriel to learn more about the specifics of what we will be doing with the youth at Skien Baptist Church. 

Gabriel has become one of our closest friends, and is challenging us to continue to just be ourselves here in Norway. He told us that we will be doing many different things: Planning services, leading worship in large gatherings, creating spaces for youth to have fun, planning meals on Wednesdays for youth, challenging young adults and growing with them in leadership, and also going to camps and speaking. Preparing for our main position has been taking up a lot of our time, but we have also been building relationships with some refugees here in Skien.

There are three young men, Ali, Amin, and Mohsen who are in the process of seeking Asylum here in Skien from Iran. Ali has been one of my friends that I met on the very first day we arrived. He is helping me learn Norwegian. We both love to play tennis together as well and he has a similar sense of humor as I do. Amin is an amazing ping pong player and is teaching me to be a ping pong champion. Mohsen is a really intelligent guy and we play volleyball together. It has been really cool to see how we enjoy being friends with each other even though we are very different. It is difficult and sometimes awkward to speak to each other. Through the awkward moments and the miscommunication the Holy Spirit is creating new awesome friendships. As I am entering into these new relationships I am seeing again and again just how much God’s image is in every single one of us. 

When we have the chance we have been able to hang out with our landlords, Arne and Elsa as well. They are members at Skien Baptist and are becoming some of our greatest friends. They love to experience nature. This includes: going to their cabins, taking long walks in the woods, swimming in lakes, fishing and especially picking berries. Here in Norway we are finding that you have to search and explore to find the best places to pick berries. When you find a good spot you don’t tell anyone so that you can come back and pick them all summer. Arne and Elsa know where to find atlas 5 different kinds of berries and also a very rare kind of mushroom. Arne also takes me to particular places in the sea to fish where fish are very easy to catch. This is what I like to refer to as “secret food.” If you know where to go to find this “secret food,” there is an abundance of it waiting for.

I am learning that God provides a kind of “secret food” for us. It is abundant and satisfies my soul more than any food can. This “secret food” is being a part of the plans that he has made for us, and has welcomed in to. This is for all of us to enjoy and experience. When God has a plan nothing can get in the way no matter how big the obstacle. When he gives you a mission to complete he will be you strength and provide everything you need in abundance for you to take part in accomplishing his plans together with him. The difference between this “secret food” that God provides and the secret places to find the berries here in Norway is that you don’t have to travel an hour to get there, and it never runs out even in the winter time. The more I ask for God for this “secret food” the more God provides and the less I find myself relying on fear to guide my decisions.

Even though Allison and I are waiting for our jobs with the youth to start we are building awesome new relationships and witnessing God’s abundant provision. John 4:31-34 Meanwhile his disciples urged him, "Rabbi, eat something." But he said to them, " I have food to eat that you know nothing about." Then his disciples said to each other, "Could someone have brought him food?""My food," said Jesus, "is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work."

-----We appreciate all of the prayers and support everyone has been giving to us. You are a part of God’s provision for us and we can’t thank you enough. Be sure to Facebook me at https://www.facebook.com/jeremiah.hurst.7 and email us at jeremiahkhurst@gmail.com or allisonjcobwell@gmail.com if you would like to receive our monthly newsletter.