Fresh winds and new seasons...

View from our room at the camp

It's been a while but now hopefully we're back "online" and got the electronic bugs and roaches sorted out.
We have settled into our new home in Uddevalla and are thoroughly enjoying living in the city. The boys have just recently started school and both of them are attending school within 5 minutes walking distance. We have a 7 minute walk into town (and maybe 12 minutes home :) as we have an uphill to get fit in.

James made his début European teaching event in Rovaneimi, Finland, where Santa Clause lives :) in May. It is on the 66 deg. north latitude line which is the Polar Circle. He taught the book of  Hebrews on the YWAM 3-month Bible school.While there, one of the students from Ghana got news that his sister had passed away. James ended up conducting a memorial service for her.

Boat buoys to stop the sheep from jumping over the walls

In June, I (Kerstin) taught in the Faeroe Islands for 2 weeks on a DTS. I enjoyed eating whale meat stew, but declined the whale meat and blubber meal :) (See photo below.) The views are magnificent and the sheep "all over the place". Love going there and enjoy the people who are sooo open and friendly. I had to smile - the flight from Gothenburg to Copenhagen was so quiet you could hear a pin drop. Once the flight for Tórshavn was boarding, the party was on! I battled to hear the flight attendant speaking to me from the aisle. It seemed as if everyone knew everyone... but that was not the case! Non Faeroese were easily spotted :). I spoke at a Women Aglow meeting and many traditional desserts were served - really a sweet meeting :)

Fun activities at the youth camp

 July and August the boys attended youth camps. At the one youth camp James and I did the cooking and praying - which go very well together. About 80 youth (leaders and participants) attended, and it was great to hear the testimonies of those who met with God.

During July too, I worked as a (summer) relief staff doing night shift as a personal assistant to a person who needs attention at night. So warm sunny days were sort off slept away, but a welcome wad in the purse.

August sees a whole new round of activity and this means time and energy to give out. For this reason we have taken time off from Restenäs to strengthen ministry here in Uddevalla and not to be split in too many directions. As the old saying goes, "Less is more".

Our church is going through some renovations. The original building was built in 1860, and the façade may not be changed as it is a protected historical building. So the current facility is being renovated and then the rest of the "new" church will be added behind it. James together with some (many) more men in the church are working some evenings to get this done. So a lot of physical work for him :)

A fun moment.

This past Saturday the churches in town together with the Uddevalla municipality sponsored a "Family Day". Families and others were welcome to come spend time together playing, riding ponies, face painting, enjoying hot dogs and drinks all while listening to music and hearing that God wants to be our Father. It was so encouraging to see people from all walks of life attending. There is certainly pressure on core families and what it means, and almost a disdain for being a "mom, dad and kids" scenario. Not least is the beauty of seeing the churches unite to minister to the people of Uddevalla.

Tuesday evening we start an evening Bible school which will run until the end of May (school year end) with the desired goal of making people self-feeders and strong Christians. I will kick off teaching for a few weeks on our Identity in Christ. We would value your prayers for the students attending that they will have a revelation of Gods love and forgiveness and the joy that we give Him by being His children. We will keep updating you on this school.

September to December is our busiest teaching season and we would value your prayers for us during this time. For good preparation time, safe travels and not least all the students we will be meeting and ministering to. If you are interested in praying specifically, we can forward a list of the events for you if you get back to us.

We look forward to hearing from you all! Enjoy some more photos below.

View from my room at 01:15 in the Faeroes.

Little church in the south island where we had classes.

Students praying and worshipping.

Whale meat and blubber meal, which I declined :)

A beautiful old barn

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Praying Monk cliff in Faeroe Islands. (The outcrop on the right)

Family Day in Uddevalla - 10/09/2011

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Throwing candy!

Balloon sculptures for all the kids.

 

Fun activities

Joshua grilling hot-dogs.

Sumo wrestling.

Joshua's friend and some of his siblings. The bigger one here and his older brother (not on picture), who is the same age as Joshua, both have an inherited heart disease. The father is currently on a heart transplant waiting list, and weakening fast. The oldest brother's heart is struggling to pump enough blood to his body and so he often faints. This family have seen many healing miracles in their lives and are trusting for more. Our prayers are for new hearts - in which ever way God sees fit to provide. Please stand with us in faith for this family. More details if you wish - contact us.