A Blessed Day in Stockholm

I have nothing to say about today, other than the sheer blessings that I felt from our friends. So many of them came to hang out with us in Stockholm. By the end of the day, when we had dinner, and went bowling, there were like 20 of us together. It was an amazing feeling. They even came back to hang out with us at our place until around midnight. Our good byes were very long, and emotional. I know I'll miss all of them. God has used them all to encourage us and work in us, and in their lives. Thanks for following us, and partnering us, and pray for travel mercies tomorrow.

Oh and did I mention, one of our friends decided to stay the night? :)

More than just a week.

God has shown me that this camp has been more than just a week for me, and those who have participated. For me, He has used this experience, and my position as a leader, to reach out to the campers and also to bring me to a place where I depend on Him. Through asking questions, I had to think to myself what the answers were for me, in my life. Through teaching, God made me learn. Through serving, He has refreshed my spirit, and revitalized my faith, giving me a greater and greater appreciation for His love, and grace. Only God, in His infinite wisdom and providence, could ever foresee, and plan for this to happen to me, in a place where I needed stronger faith, and conviction.

As camp ends, I pray that everyone takes away more than just a week, that they would learn to put their utmost faith in He who provides for and loves them.

Today was baptism, which was a wondrous occasion to celebrate. I think today was jam packed with tasks, but I was very encouraged at their testimony evening, and worship evening.

As the good byes come tomorrow, I pray that these relationships, the family we have under Christ, will cross borders, and span nations, through a common love for the one God we throw our lives on.

Macklin experiencing some group love :)

 Charles and his photobomber. watch out!

 sheep

 taking down our dinner tents

 these sheep were outside the gym hall, where we have worship.

 the photographers, pros and noobs.

 the candle cross from testimony evening

It's almost over

Today I was talking to one of our Nordic friends, and we were joking, and enjoying each other's company, and he decided to say "I'm going to miss you man" which really hit me. What if I don't come back? It's sad to think about. There are still a few more days of camp, but he told me, I don't want it to come and hit me all at once at the end, which is true.

The worship team asked me to join them to play guitar during the afternoon set. I happily agreed. They ended up playing my favorite song from this summer, the one that they sing in the 3 languages. Its so powerful, and I found myself singing along in Swedish and Norwegian, and of course English.

I stand in Your presence
Jesus, You are here.
So lovely, so holy
Only you are God

More than a thousand words can say
It is you I love, Lord Jesus
More and more with each new day
God be my life.


I praise God so much for bringing me here, and forging the relationships that I have. I feel so blessed to have the people here in Sweden encouraging me, and as my friends. God is truly the God of all nations. Please pray that as we prepare to leave, these next few days, that we would look more and more for God and His glory; that we would take away so much more than just a fun week meeting new people. Pray that God works in all of us, and not only gives us new perspective, but changes us and molds us to be His people, and His vessels.

Taken at 11:30 pm here

Beautiful sky over Sweden

 Our friend trying to knock over a cup with his nose, a feat that is impossible for men to succeed in.

 Our friend, a female, trying to do it

 Charles trying to roll a coin into a fork

 Vernon trying, and getting very close

 Our friend trying

 A Houston team member trying

 Trying to lift a chair, without your butt and heels leaving the wall. Also a task impossible for men.

 It's very hard...

 He actually ended up getting it once I offered 100 kronor to whoever could do it first.

Charles having some trouble....

 Houston team member trying

 Celebrating our friend's birthday with a lantern.

 Watching it fly off into the distance (which we later chased down)

More than a thousand words can say, you're the one I love Lord Jesus.

There's a song they sing here, the one in Swedish, Norwegian, and English, but its just a beautiful, short song, that is very powerful. I sort of learned how to sing it in Swedish. I bring it up because we had a worship/prayer session today, and I really saw God moving some of the participants, and bringing many to tears, and bring them to a point where they needed God. I was so amazed, and I also got to take time to talk to other co-workers. I was thankful for their openness. I talked to one of the people whom I met two days ago, and he was very open and also very kind in talking to me, and also just seeing how I was feeling. Please pray for us as our energy levels feel like their dropping. Also pray for me, as I feel very spiritually energized, but my body is tired, and I feel like I might be spreading a little thin. I pray that God would continue to also bring our groups closer together. Everyday everyone mentions how much progress their group is making, drastic changes from just a few days ago. Please pray that this wouldn't be shallow, but a deep stirring of their hearts to seek after Christ, and that their respective churches/leaders would be able to follow up with them.

Rainbow!

 Vernon trying to photobomb the rainbow

 Vernon posing with the rainbow

 Staged photobomb by Vernon

 Guess who played drums for worship today!

 Worship team practicing

 Energy drink that I'll need tomorrow...

Video Blog

our first video blog! Why is my voice so deep!?