A divine appointment
This weekend I have been visiting Lyngdal in the southern part of Norway together with Per Erik Olsen. We had a wonderful time with the church there. They are taken some important steps forward an they are experiencing the blessing of God.
While I was there I met two former student from the Bible School in Sarons Dal, Kvinesdal. I had been teaching them in 1980. Now one was a pastor in a church at Sola nearby Stavanger and the other one was the general secretary for a network of 1200 churches in Kenya. I was a divine appointment to meet these two servants of God! I am looking forward to our next time together.
While in Lyngdal I also met one of my close co-workers from my time in Troens Bevis Kvinesdal. It was like we never had been apart. I was really blessed by that encounter and believe that we will see one another more often in the days ahead!
God is so good!
Observations and meditations from a Norwegian perspective. Inspirational and motivational insights from an ordinary person. I am a Norwegian, living in Bergen, Norway with Solveig, the most wonderful wife in the world, but travelling internationally. We are the parents of six children and the proud grandparents of 11 grandchildren. I am a writer, speaker and teacher enjoying life!
June 30, 2003
June 27, 2003
Bothering to meet with God
Bothering to meet with God
God was saying some staggering things to his servant Jeremiah, the prophet, as he was talking about the other prophets around in his days. God was charging them of telling lies and grandiose delusions as they were swapping dreams with one another, feeding on each other's delusive dreams. God was sad by the fact that they did not bother to meet with him!
Have any of these prophets bothered to meet with me, the true God? - bothered to take in what I have to say? - listen to and then lived out my word?
If they'd have bothered to sit down and meet with me, they'd have preached my Message to my people. They'd have gotten them back on the right track, gotten them out of their evil ruts.
Then God goes on to charge his true prophets with these words:
But you prophets who have a message from me - tell it truly and faithfully. Let your words change them. Don't change your words to suit them.
Oh, Lord make me bold in proclaiming your truthful words and not shrink back in fear of the consequences I may have to face! Lord, help me to speak words that change people, - words that bring them back on the right track with you! Help me to take time and make effort to bother to sit down and meet with you!
God was saying some staggering things to his servant Jeremiah, the prophet, as he was talking about the other prophets around in his days. God was charging them of telling lies and grandiose delusions as they were swapping dreams with one another, feeding on each other's delusive dreams. God was sad by the fact that they did not bother to meet with him!
Have any of these prophets bothered to meet with me, the true God? - bothered to take in what I have to say? - listen to and then lived out my word?
If they'd have bothered to sit down and meet with me, they'd have preached my Message to my people. They'd have gotten them back on the right track, gotten them out of their evil ruts.
Then God goes on to charge his true prophets with these words:
But you prophets who have a message from me - tell it truly and faithfully. Let your words change them. Don't change your words to suit them.
Oh, Lord make me bold in proclaiming your truthful words and not shrink back in fear of the consequences I may have to face! Lord, help me to speak words that change people, - words that bring them back on the right track with you! Help me to take time and make effort to bother to sit down and meet with you!
June 26, 2003
Clean up your act
Clean up your act
Something has struck me while I have been reading in Isaiah and Jeremiah. Over and over again God is saying that he is tired of their performance religion. God doesn't want our sacrifices as such, he doesn't want our worship services as such, he doesn't want our singing as such. Rather God is very clear on what he wants:
Clean up your act - the way you live, the things you do - so I can make may home with you! Only if you do a total spring cleaning on the way you live and treat your neighbours, only if you quit exploiting street people and orphans and widows, no longer taking advantage of innocent people, - only then I will move into your neighbourhood and make your country my permanent home, my temple!
It is the way we live and fail to listen that leads us into troubles. Jeremiah gave this complaint: It's because our leaders are stupid. They never asked God for counsel, and so nothing worked right and the people are scattered all over.
Over and over again God is saying to the people: Obey what I tell you. Do exactly what I command you. Your obedience will close the deal. You'll be mine and I'll be yours. Listen to the terms of my covenant and carry them out!
God is calling us to live a holy life before him. A listening heart, a responsive spirit and joyful obedience are what is needed to enjoy the blessing of God's wonderful presence!
Something has struck me while I have been reading in Isaiah and Jeremiah. Over and over again God is saying that he is tired of their performance religion. God doesn't want our sacrifices as such, he doesn't want our worship services as such, he doesn't want our singing as such. Rather God is very clear on what he wants:
Clean up your act - the way you live, the things you do - so I can make may home with you! Only if you do a total spring cleaning on the way you live and treat your neighbours, only if you quit exploiting street people and orphans and widows, no longer taking advantage of innocent people, - only then I will move into your neighbourhood and make your country my permanent home, my temple!
It is the way we live and fail to listen that leads us into troubles. Jeremiah gave this complaint: It's because our leaders are stupid. They never asked God for counsel, and so nothing worked right and the people are scattered all over.
Over and over again God is saying to the people: Obey what I tell you. Do exactly what I command you. Your obedience will close the deal. You'll be mine and I'll be yours. Listen to the terms of my covenant and carry them out!
God is calling us to live a holy life before him. A listening heart, a responsive spirit and joyful obedience are what is needed to enjoy the blessing of God's wonderful presence!
June 25, 2003
Stand at attention!
Stand at attention!
As I started to read the book of the prophet Jeremiah this morning I was struck by the simple fact stated in the first verses about the word of God coming to the prophet. God's Message began to come to him during the reign of one king. It continued to come to him during the reign of the next king. And it continued to come to him during the third king! What a man of God! He was faithfully serving God as his mouth during the reign of three kings! I wonder how that could happen?
Well, Jeremiah quickly explains how God called him and commissioned him for his ministry by reminding him that he was chosen before he was born to be a prophet to the nations. Then God touched him and put his words in his mouth and told him to speak it boldly!
Jeremiah was very young when he had this encounter with God. He felt like a boy, unfit for such a high calling. But God told him something that was to become the key to the success of his ministry:
Stand at attention while I prepare you for work!
This is the key to any successful ministry: To stand at attention and allow God to prepare us. When we listen to God attentively the words of God are transforming us. We are not only receiving words to pass on to others but the words of God penetrate our innermost being and changes us. When we have allowed the word of God to work in us we will be used by God to speak his transforming word to peoples and nations!
Stand at attention while God prepare you for work!
As I started to read the book of the prophet Jeremiah this morning I was struck by the simple fact stated in the first verses about the word of God coming to the prophet. God's Message began to come to him during the reign of one king. It continued to come to him during the reign of the next king. And it continued to come to him during the third king! What a man of God! He was faithfully serving God as his mouth during the reign of three kings! I wonder how that could happen?
Well, Jeremiah quickly explains how God called him and commissioned him for his ministry by reminding him that he was chosen before he was born to be a prophet to the nations. Then God touched him and put his words in his mouth and told him to speak it boldly!
Jeremiah was very young when he had this encounter with God. He felt like a boy, unfit for such a high calling. But God told him something that was to become the key to the success of his ministry:
Stand at attention while I prepare you for work!
This is the key to any successful ministry: To stand at attention and allow God to prepare us. When we listen to God attentively the words of God are transforming us. We are not only receiving words to pass on to others but the words of God penetrate our innermost being and changes us. When we have allowed the word of God to work in us we will be used by God to speak his transforming word to peoples and nations!
Stand at attention while God prepare you for work!
June 24, 2003
What God is looking for
What God is looking for
This morning I finished reading the last chapters of the prophet Isaiah who is my favorite prophet. I read so many encouraging promises this morning and I am delighted to be part of the fulfillment of the prophecies of God for these last days.
In the last chapter (66:2) God is saying that he made heaven and earth and that we can build no house for him, however there is something he is looking for:
A person simple and plain, reverently responsive to what I say!
As I read this a prayer was form in my heart: Oh, Lord, let me be such a person. Help me to be simple and plain, not sophisticated or complicated. Give me a willing and responsive heart, and make me bold and brave in obeying you! Teach me to always fear you so that I reverently respond to you by doing what you say!
This morning I finished reading the last chapters of the prophet Isaiah who is my favorite prophet. I read so many encouraging promises this morning and I am delighted to be part of the fulfillment of the prophecies of God for these last days.
In the last chapter (66:2) God is saying that he made heaven and earth and that we can build no house for him, however there is something he is looking for:
A person simple and plain, reverently responsive to what I say!
As I read this a prayer was form in my heart: Oh, Lord, let me be such a person. Help me to be simple and plain, not sophisticated or complicated. Give me a willing and responsive heart, and make me bold and brave in obeying you! Teach me to always fear you so that I reverently respond to you by doing what you say!
June 23, 2003
Listen well
Listen well
I have been reading in my new leather bound Message Bible the last few months. At vacation I finished reading the Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, and now I am well on my way with the prophet Isaiah. I love reading and meditating on the word of God. This morning I was reminded again to listen well for the voice of God, when reading the Bible and while I am walking through life. God is constantly speaking to us his life-giving and life-nourishing word. This is what the word of God says:
Listen to me, listen well: Eat only the best, fill yourself with only the finest.
Pay attention, come close now, listen carefully to my life-giving, life-nourishing word.
Listen well! This is important! Take in only the best! Fill yourself only with the finest thoughts! Listen carefully, really pay attention to the life-nourishing word of God!
I have found that when I neglect to listen to God and don't take time to fill myself with his life-giving words my strength withers away and I am dried up spiritually. But when I take time to listen to God and eat his life-nourishing word all my senses stay alert and I am enjoying the blessings of the abundant life in Christ!
I have been reading in my new leather bound Message Bible the last few months. At vacation I finished reading the Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, and now I am well on my way with the prophet Isaiah. I love reading and meditating on the word of God. This morning I was reminded again to listen well for the voice of God, when reading the Bible and while I am walking through life. God is constantly speaking to us his life-giving and life-nourishing word. This is what the word of God says:
Listen to me, listen well: Eat only the best, fill yourself with only the finest.
Pay attention, come close now, listen carefully to my life-giving, life-nourishing word.
Listen well! This is important! Take in only the best! Fill yourself only with the finest thoughts! Listen carefully, really pay attention to the life-nourishing word of God!
I have found that when I neglect to listen to God and don't take time to fill myself with his life-giving words my strength withers away and I am dried up spiritually. But when I take time to listen to God and eat his life-nourishing word all my senses stay alert and I am enjoying the blessings of the abundant life in Christ!
June 21, 2003
Vacation is over
Vacation is over!
I am sitting at the airport in Copenhagen on my way back to Bergen. Vacation is over and a busy weekend is waiting with wedding-celebration and Bible School graduation. In addition David, our third son, and his family are waiting for us. They have been staying in our house one week while we have been away. I am looking forward having time to play with Jonathan our grandson.
The last week in Spain disappeared very fast. We enjoyed the beaches (la playas) and the markets, as well as the fresh peaches, plums, grapes, oranges, figs, apricots, cherries, strawberries and nectarine. I even found time for reading! I have been reading “Thinking for a Change” by John C. Maxwell and “Theology for the Community of God” by Stanley J. Grenz. The theology I enjoy the most and I can really recommend that book on systematic theology from a relevant evangelical perspective.
I am looking forward to being connected to the Internet again through my new broadband connection at home. I feel cut of from my world when I am not able to daily enter that world of interconnectedness and community.
I am now back in Bergen. Cold rain is pouring down. It feels like winter! But it is good to be home!
I am sitting at the airport in Copenhagen on my way back to Bergen. Vacation is over and a busy weekend is waiting with wedding-celebration and Bible School graduation. In addition David, our third son, and his family are waiting for us. They have been staying in our house one week while we have been away. I am looking forward having time to play with Jonathan our grandson.
The last week in Spain disappeared very fast. We enjoyed the beaches (la playas) and the markets, as well as the fresh peaches, plums, grapes, oranges, figs, apricots, cherries, strawberries and nectarine. I even found time for reading! I have been reading “Thinking for a Change” by John C. Maxwell and “Theology for the Community of God” by Stanley J. Grenz. The theology I enjoy the most and I can really recommend that book on systematic theology from a relevant evangelical perspective.
I am looking forward to being connected to the Internet again through my new broadband connection at home. I feel cut of from my world when I am not able to daily enter that world of interconnectedness and community.
I am now back in Bergen. Cold rain is pouring down. It feels like winter! But it is good to be home!
June 13, 2003
Connected at last!
Connected at last!
I have been trying to get connected to the internet to send my blogs while I have been here in Spain but so far I have not been able to find a single internet-cafe. But due to the kindness of my friend Leif Erik I am now connected to the world again and it feels good!
God is so good! He looks after all our needs!
I have been trying to get connected to the internet to send my blogs while I have been here in Spain but so far I have not been able to find a single internet-cafe. But due to the kindness of my friend Leif Erik I am now connected to the world again and it feels good!
God is so good! He looks after all our needs!
Visiting places in Spain
Visiting places in Spain
The last few days we have been visiting many nice places in Spain. One day we went to Cartagena and Mazarron about one and a half hour drive south from Ciudad Quesada where we are staying in my brother�s wonderful flat. Another day we went to Guadelest, Calpe, Benidorm, Altea and many more places. The old town of Altea was very beautiful with the narrow streets and the white houses and the cathedral with the blue dome standing out � above the rest of the city. The last few days we have seen a lot of beautiful places.
Everyday we have been bathing in the sea! Yesterday we hade some big waves that made Solveig scared. She is a much better swimmer than me but I felt good to be far better in handling the challenging waves of the sea.
The temperature is high, about thirty degrees, but the fresh breeze makes it even enjoyable!
The most refreshing though is the mornings with the Word of God. I am reading in the Message Bible at the moment and am being blessed and refreshed by the word. This morning I read about the new government of love that God will establish. A ruler we can depend upon will head this government. He will be a ruler passionate for justice and a ruler quick to set things right! I am so happy that I know the Ruler and am part of his kingdom!
The last few days we have been visiting many nice places in Spain. One day we went to Cartagena and Mazarron about one and a half hour drive south from Ciudad Quesada where we are staying in my brother�s wonderful flat. Another day we went to Guadelest, Calpe, Benidorm, Altea and many more places. The old town of Altea was very beautiful with the narrow streets and the white houses and the cathedral with the blue dome standing out � above the rest of the city. The last few days we have seen a lot of beautiful places.
Everyday we have been bathing in the sea! Yesterday we hade some big waves that made Solveig scared. She is a much better swimmer than me but I felt good to be far better in handling the challenging waves of the sea.
The temperature is high, about thirty degrees, but the fresh breeze makes it even enjoyable!
The most refreshing though is the mornings with the Word of God. I am reading in the Message Bible at the moment and am being blessed and refreshed by the word. This morning I read about the new government of love that God will establish. A ruler we can depend upon will head this government. He will be a ruler passionate for justice and a ruler quick to set things right! I am so happy that I know the Ruler and am part of his kingdom!
Building people or building organisations?
Building people or building organisations?
When I talked with Leif Erik at the community pool the other day he said something that made me very grateful. He said: �There is a bright future for you and your co-workers and the way you are working in planting and nurturing churches, for you are building people not organisations!�
In humble thankfulness I felt good about what he said. It confirmed to me that �the name of the game is people� and that in some way that can be seen in the way our apostolic team function! It is all due to the grace and goodness of God towards us that we have been able to stay faithful to that fundamental focus on people to bring out the best in them. I am so grateful to God to be able to work with apostles like Keri Jones and Noralv Askeland. They have a special grace from God in causing people to work together complementing each other.
Here I am in Spain having a wonderful holiday, relaxing with my wife, and then the Lord reminds me of his goodness towards us at home in being able to work together with men of integrity and godly ambitions only. God is so good!
When I talked with Leif Erik at the community pool the other day he said something that made me very grateful. He said: �There is a bright future for you and your co-workers and the way you are working in planting and nurturing churches, for you are building people not organisations!�
In humble thankfulness I felt good about what he said. It confirmed to me that �the name of the game is people� and that in some way that can be seen in the way our apostolic team function! It is all due to the grace and goodness of God towards us that we have been able to stay faithful to that fundamental focus on people to bring out the best in them. I am so grateful to God to be able to work with apostles like Keri Jones and Noralv Askeland. They have a special grace from God in causing people to work together complementing each other.
Here I am in Spain having a wonderful holiday, relaxing with my wife, and then the Lord reminds me of his goodness towards us at home in being able to work together with men of integrity and godly ambitions only. God is so good!
Meeting friends in Spain
Meeting friends in Spain
Today I met an old friend of mine, Leif Erik Ranvik, and his wife Kristin. I met him first time many years back at an Easter conference at Sarons Dal. At that time he lived in H�nefoss. He became a partner in literature evangelism. After I left Kvinesdal he worked with Aril Edvardsen for about three years in the television department. The last years we have not met often. However my joy was great to discover that he lives just across our community swimming pool. Today we were able to catch up on each other a little bit. My friend has been operated for cancer and is now on a pension enjoying the blessing of God in Spain.
After talking to him I was filled with thankfulness to the Lord for his goodness and kindness towards us. During times of trials and difficulties he has been our refuge and fortress. When I look back on my life I am filled with gratefulness to God for his mercy and faithfulness towards us. The faithfulness of God, in joining us to faithful friends and servants of God, I can�t find appropriate words to express my gratitude. My friends have enlarged and enriched my life beyond comprehension and I am for ever grateful to God for his goodness towards me and my wife. God is so good!
Today I met an old friend of mine, Leif Erik Ranvik, and his wife Kristin. I met him first time many years back at an Easter conference at Sarons Dal. At that time he lived in H�nefoss. He became a partner in literature evangelism. After I left Kvinesdal he worked with Aril Edvardsen for about three years in the television department. The last years we have not met often. However my joy was great to discover that he lives just across our community swimming pool. Today we were able to catch up on each other a little bit. My friend has been operated for cancer and is now on a pension enjoying the blessing of God in Spain.
After talking to him I was filled with thankfulness to the Lord for his goodness and kindness towards us. During times of trials and difficulties he has been our refuge and fortress. When I look back on my life I am filled with gratefulness to God for his mercy and faithfulness towards us. The faithfulness of God, in joining us to faithful friends and servants of God, I can�t find appropriate words to express my gratitude. My friends have enlarged and enriched my life beyond comprehension and I am for ever grateful to God for his goodness towards me and my wife. God is so good!
Vacation in Spain
Vacation in Spain
Since Thursday morning we have been enjoying ourselves in Spain. We left Bergen Wednesday the 4th of June for a long journey for Copenhagen, Madrid, Alicante and eventually Ciudad Quesada. We arrived here at midnight and the next morning we slept until 9.30 in the morning! It has never happened before as far as can remember that we have been sleeping that long!
My younger brother, Harald, has a flat that we are renting for two weeks. We have been here once before and enjoyed it so much that we wanted to come back for a relaxing holyday! We are close to many beautiful beaches and we have already bathed in the blue Mediterrainian Sea. The temperature was nice and the waves refreshing.
More than anything else so far I have enjoyed the fresh fruits and vegetables. At home we are told that if we have five different kinds of vegetables or fruits a day it will be very healthy. This morning we had strawberries, cherries, plums, apricots, paprika, and tomatoes. For lunch we had a wonderful salad made of seven different vegetables! The vegetable markets are an experience in itself, the variety is great and the prices are low! We are here in just the right time!
Since Thursday morning we have been enjoying ourselves in Spain. We left Bergen Wednesday the 4th of June for a long journey for Copenhagen, Madrid, Alicante and eventually Ciudad Quesada. We arrived here at midnight and the next morning we slept until 9.30 in the morning! It has never happened before as far as can remember that we have been sleeping that long!
My younger brother, Harald, has a flat that we are renting for two weeks. We have been here once before and enjoyed it so much that we wanted to come back for a relaxing holyday! We are close to many beautiful beaches and we have already bathed in the blue Mediterrainian Sea. The temperature was nice and the waves refreshing.
More than anything else so far I have enjoyed the fresh fruits and vegetables. At home we are told that if we have five different kinds of vegetables or fruits a day it will be very healthy. This morning we had strawberries, cherries, plums, apricots, paprika, and tomatoes. For lunch we had a wonderful salad made of seven different vegetables! The vegetable markets are an experience in itself, the variety is great and the prices are low! We are here in just the right time!
June 04, 2003
A tribute to Bryn Jones
A tribute to Bryn Jones
- my speech at the memorial service at Coventry Cathedral 3 June 2003
I am here today to bring a tribute to our beloved friend and apostle of Jesus Christ, Bryn Jones, on behalf of the nearly twenty related churches in Norway, and on behalf of his friend and fellow apostle Noralv Askeland, who wanted to be here today but took our advice to be with his younger daughter at her graduation in the States this very day. But more than anything else, I am here to bring my own tribute to this great servant of God, whom God used in such a wonderful way to enrich and enlarge my life.
Bryn came to Norway at a crucial time for me twenty-eight years ago � in 1975. He was sent by God to rescue me and to save my life. At that time I was hurt, disappointed, and confused. I was in great danger of going astray, but God used Bryn to transform my life and give me a new direction! When I first met him I was left with a feeling in my heart that this foreigner, this man of God, had something that I needed. From the very moment we met I was attracted to him. I was draw to him in my spirit. I felt joined to him. He became like a spiritual father to me and a dear friend. I loved him dearly! I am forever grateful to God for the great impact Bryn had upon my life. Let me share with you some of the reasons why I loved him so much:
Bryn Jones � a great man of God!
Bryn was great because of his love for God and his love for people
He was a God-worshipper and a people-carer
He loved to be in the presence of God and enjoyed the company of people
He found refreshment in meditating on the Word of God and fulfilment when he was able to bring a lost sheep home
I have seen him prostrate before God - And I have seen him boldly confronting men.
I have seen him standing tall as a giant, with is hands touching heaven through his prayers - And I have seen him bending down putting his arm around a sobbing sinner.
I have seen him filled with joy dancing like a wild ox on a platform - And I have seen him in great sadness because people went their own way
Oh � what a great man of God!
Bryn was great because of his investment in people
He looked at people from the perspective of their potentials and not their failures
Through encouragement and words of faith he brought out the best in us
He invested his time and interest in us; making us feel the most important in the world.
He could achieve much in a short time because he was very intense and extremely focused.
He was a master in asking questions to challenge our present thinking or way of doing things
After being with him we were left with new insights and appreciation of spiritual realities.
He was always reminding us that the name of the game is people!
In fact - his entire life was an investment in people
He invested a prophetic zeal for the Kingdom of God in those he met
That will continue to produce fruits - even in generations not yet born!
Oh � what a great man of God!
Bryn was great because he never settled in his quest for the truth
His entire life was an pilgrimage towards the city whose builder and architect is God
He was never afraid of new ideas but loved to blaze new trails
He provoked me to deep thinking and careful study of the Scripture
His open-mindedness was unique � sometimes frightening
But he helped us all to a broader understanding of spiritual truths
And a deeper appreciation of the teaching of the Bible
His prophetic preaching opened new horizons, brought new perspectives and deeper spiritual insights.
He has left with us a rich inheritance of spiritual knowledge and understanding!
He stirred our hearts, enlarged our faith, and motivated us for action!
Oh � what a great man of God!
Bryn was great because he was so human
He was not a high-flying-charismatic-superstar
He was a Welch-man, down to earth and close to people
He was approachable and reachable, he was one of us!
What he lacked in length or tallness he compensated in wideness and broadness!
He loved to have a meal with friends and seemed to hate exercising
He was not one of these slick and slim men of a fitness advertisement
He was human � an ordinary man � in the best sense!
Oh � what a great man of God!
Bryn was great because he was a warrior
He was a warrior of the Lord zealous for the Kingdom of God and the people of God
He was at war with denominationalism and sectarianism, as well as legalism and externalism
He worked hard to present the church to God - glorious and radiant
He was at war with hypocrisy and bigotry
As he walked in frankness, honesty, and integrity
He was at war with racism, sexism, and injustice
He fought for human dignity, equality, and liberty
He was at war against human sufferings of all kinds
And he was compassionate about bringing relief to people in distress
Oh � what a great man of God!
Bryn was great because he was a true friend
He was always genuinely interested in me and my family and our welfare
He involved himself as a faithful friend in our lives through words of encouragement and valid criticism
His heartfelt counsel was sweet as healing ointment
Through Bryn I was introduced to my best friends in life
And he rejoiced when new relationships were formed and new friendship developed for me
Oh � what a great man of God!
We will continue to give God thanks because of his life and we will cherish his blessed memory as we follow in his footsteps pursuing God!
From the heart of Erling Thu
- my speech at the memorial service at Coventry Cathedral 3 June 2003
I am here today to bring a tribute to our beloved friend and apostle of Jesus Christ, Bryn Jones, on behalf of the nearly twenty related churches in Norway, and on behalf of his friend and fellow apostle Noralv Askeland, who wanted to be here today but took our advice to be with his younger daughter at her graduation in the States this very day. But more than anything else, I am here to bring my own tribute to this great servant of God, whom God used in such a wonderful way to enrich and enlarge my life.
Bryn came to Norway at a crucial time for me twenty-eight years ago � in 1975. He was sent by God to rescue me and to save my life. At that time I was hurt, disappointed, and confused. I was in great danger of going astray, but God used Bryn to transform my life and give me a new direction! When I first met him I was left with a feeling in my heart that this foreigner, this man of God, had something that I needed. From the very moment we met I was attracted to him. I was draw to him in my spirit. I felt joined to him. He became like a spiritual father to me and a dear friend. I loved him dearly! I am forever grateful to God for the great impact Bryn had upon my life. Let me share with you some of the reasons why I loved him so much:
Bryn Jones � a great man of God!
Bryn was great because of his love for God and his love for people
He was a God-worshipper and a people-carer
He loved to be in the presence of God and enjoyed the company of people
He found refreshment in meditating on the Word of God and fulfilment when he was able to bring a lost sheep home
I have seen him prostrate before God - And I have seen him boldly confronting men.
I have seen him standing tall as a giant, with is hands touching heaven through his prayers - And I have seen him bending down putting his arm around a sobbing sinner.
I have seen him filled with joy dancing like a wild ox on a platform - And I have seen him in great sadness because people went their own way
Oh � what a great man of God!
Bryn was great because of his investment in people
He looked at people from the perspective of their potentials and not their failures
Through encouragement and words of faith he brought out the best in us
He invested his time and interest in us; making us feel the most important in the world.
He could achieve much in a short time because he was very intense and extremely focused.
He was a master in asking questions to challenge our present thinking or way of doing things
After being with him we were left with new insights and appreciation of spiritual realities.
He was always reminding us that the name of the game is people!
In fact - his entire life was an investment in people
He invested a prophetic zeal for the Kingdom of God in those he met
That will continue to produce fruits - even in generations not yet born!
Oh � what a great man of God!
Bryn was great because he never settled in his quest for the truth
His entire life was an pilgrimage towards the city whose builder and architect is God
He was never afraid of new ideas but loved to blaze new trails
He provoked me to deep thinking and careful study of the Scripture
His open-mindedness was unique � sometimes frightening
But he helped us all to a broader understanding of spiritual truths
And a deeper appreciation of the teaching of the Bible
His prophetic preaching opened new horizons, brought new perspectives and deeper spiritual insights.
He has left with us a rich inheritance of spiritual knowledge and understanding!
He stirred our hearts, enlarged our faith, and motivated us for action!
Oh � what a great man of God!
Bryn was great because he was so human
He was not a high-flying-charismatic-superstar
He was a Welch-man, down to earth and close to people
He was approachable and reachable, he was one of us!
What he lacked in length or tallness he compensated in wideness and broadness!
He loved to have a meal with friends and seemed to hate exercising
He was not one of these slick and slim men of a fitness advertisement
He was human � an ordinary man � in the best sense!
Oh � what a great man of God!
Bryn was great because he was a warrior
He was a warrior of the Lord zealous for the Kingdom of God and the people of God
He was at war with denominationalism and sectarianism, as well as legalism and externalism
He worked hard to present the church to God - glorious and radiant
He was at war with hypocrisy and bigotry
As he walked in frankness, honesty, and integrity
He was at war with racism, sexism, and injustice
He fought for human dignity, equality, and liberty
He was at war against human sufferings of all kinds
And he was compassionate about bringing relief to people in distress
Oh � what a great man of God!
Bryn was great because he was a true friend
He was always genuinely interested in me and my family and our welfare
He involved himself as a faithful friend in our lives through words of encouragement and valid criticism
His heartfelt counsel was sweet as healing ointment
Through Bryn I was introduced to my best friends in life
And he rejoiced when new relationships were formed and new friendship developed for me
Oh � what a great man of God!
We will continue to give God thanks because of his life and we will cherish his blessed memory as we follow in his footsteps pursuing God!
From the heart of Erling Thu
June 02, 2003
In loving memory of Bryn Jones
In loving memory of Bryn Jones
Today I have been preparing for my speech at the Memorial Service for Bryn Jones (1940-2003) to be held at Coventry Cathedral 3rd June 2003.
I met Bryn at a crucial time of my life twenty-eight years ago. God sent him to Norway to save my life and put me back on track again. At that time I was hurt, disappointed, and confused. I was in great danger of going astray, but praise God, Bryn came, to set me straight! When I first met him I was left with a feeling on my inside that this foreigner, this man of God, had something that I needed. From the very moment we met I was attracted to him. I was draw to him in my spirit. I felt joined to him.
I will never forget when we sat on the bus in the Northern part of Norway and he started to ask me about myself, my family and my economy. I had been in the ministry for 13 years but no one had ever asked me questions like that. He actually cared for me personally! His care and love melted my heart. When he started to talk about my appearance, my long hair and wild beard my defence had already fallen down. He told me that he used to be a hairdresser when he was a student and he kindly offered to give me a free haircut. I trusted him and submitted my long hair into his hands and had an apostolic haircut. There was almost no hair left after he had used the scissor and my wife was not blessed by my new hairstyle! But to me it was a turning point in life!
During his visit in Norway God used him to give my life a new direction. He helped me to write a priority list for my life, family and ministry that has been governing my life since! Bryn also invited me to come to England to spend time with him there. That first visit in 1975 changed my life radically. I returned home to Norway as a new husband, father and servant of God. God used Bryn to save my life! I will for ever be thankful to God for Bryn!
From that initial life-changing meeting with Bryn in 1975 a close and warm relationship and friendship developed. He was like a spiritual father to me and a faithful friend. He was always genuinely interested in me and my family and our welfare. After I met Bryn I discovered the meaning of true friendship. Through him I was introduced to my best friends in life. I have enjoyed his friendship during the years and benefited tremendously from his apostolic ministry. His prophetic preaching and teaching have opened new horizons, given me new perspectives and deeper spiritual insights. He has stirred my heart, enlarged my faith and motivated me for action.
He was a master in asking questions to help me come to new insights and appreciation of spiritual realities. He provoked me to deep thinking and careful study of the Scriptures. Sometimes his open-mindedness frightened me but normally it helped me to a broader understanding of spiritual truths and a deeper appreciation of the teaching of the Bible
Through Restoration magazine, Harvestime publications, Bible weeks, elders� conferences, team-gatherings for prayer, theological discussions and dialogue, and personal involvement, Bryn has enriched my life and enlarged my understanding of Biblical truths. And not only me but so many leaders from Norway and many other nations as well. He was a Christian statesman, an ambassador of the Kingdom of God. He was the most excellent preacher of the word of faith, envisioning all his hearers. But more than anything else he will be remembered for his love and care for people. He gave his life to people. He invested in people. He has left with us a rich inheritance of spiritual knowledge and insight, and a prophetic zeal for the Kingdom of God, that will continue to produce fruits in generations not yet born! May his life and faith be followed by thousands of believers pursuing God as he did!
Today I have been preparing for my speech at the Memorial Service for Bryn Jones (1940-2003) to be held at Coventry Cathedral 3rd June 2003.
I met Bryn at a crucial time of my life twenty-eight years ago. God sent him to Norway to save my life and put me back on track again. At that time I was hurt, disappointed, and confused. I was in great danger of going astray, but praise God, Bryn came, to set me straight! When I first met him I was left with a feeling on my inside that this foreigner, this man of God, had something that I needed. From the very moment we met I was attracted to him. I was draw to him in my spirit. I felt joined to him.
I will never forget when we sat on the bus in the Northern part of Norway and he started to ask me about myself, my family and my economy. I had been in the ministry for 13 years but no one had ever asked me questions like that. He actually cared for me personally! His care and love melted my heart. When he started to talk about my appearance, my long hair and wild beard my defence had already fallen down. He told me that he used to be a hairdresser when he was a student and he kindly offered to give me a free haircut. I trusted him and submitted my long hair into his hands and had an apostolic haircut. There was almost no hair left after he had used the scissor and my wife was not blessed by my new hairstyle! But to me it was a turning point in life!
During his visit in Norway God used him to give my life a new direction. He helped me to write a priority list for my life, family and ministry that has been governing my life since! Bryn also invited me to come to England to spend time with him there. That first visit in 1975 changed my life radically. I returned home to Norway as a new husband, father and servant of God. God used Bryn to save my life! I will for ever be thankful to God for Bryn!
From that initial life-changing meeting with Bryn in 1975 a close and warm relationship and friendship developed. He was like a spiritual father to me and a faithful friend. He was always genuinely interested in me and my family and our welfare. After I met Bryn I discovered the meaning of true friendship. Through him I was introduced to my best friends in life. I have enjoyed his friendship during the years and benefited tremendously from his apostolic ministry. His prophetic preaching and teaching have opened new horizons, given me new perspectives and deeper spiritual insights. He has stirred my heart, enlarged my faith and motivated me for action.
He was a master in asking questions to help me come to new insights and appreciation of spiritual realities. He provoked me to deep thinking and careful study of the Scriptures. Sometimes his open-mindedness frightened me but normally it helped me to a broader understanding of spiritual truths and a deeper appreciation of the teaching of the Bible
Through Restoration magazine, Harvestime publications, Bible weeks, elders� conferences, team-gatherings for prayer, theological discussions and dialogue, and personal involvement, Bryn has enriched my life and enlarged my understanding of Biblical truths. And not only me but so many leaders from Norway and many other nations as well. He was a Christian statesman, an ambassador of the Kingdom of God. He was the most excellent preacher of the word of faith, envisioning all his hearers. But more than anything else he will be remembered for his love and care for people. He gave his life to people. He invested in people. He has left with us a rich inheritance of spiritual knowledge and insight, and a prophetic zeal for the Kingdom of God, that will continue to produce fruits in generations not yet born! May his life and faith be followed by thousands of believers pursuing God as he did!
June 01, 2003
The joy of being a grandfather
The joy of being a grandfather
There has been no blogging for one full week now as I have been away from home to be a grandfather full time in England! Solveig and I have been with Hanna and Daljinder, their two sons, Taj Kristian and Jai Ruben, and their two months old daughter Sunniva Isher. We have thoroughly enjoyed our time with them.
Our youngest grandchild, Sunniva, is so beautiful that I can't find words to express it! She is a delicate little miracle of God with lots of black hair and a cute round face with wonderful eyes and a smile that will melt an iceberg!! She is such a quiet and content little being. I gave thanks to God for her every time I held her in my arms. God is so good to me! He has given me the joy of being a grandfather and the ability to enjoy it!
Taj Kristian is very practical and a diligent worker even though he is only four and a half years old. He was so busy cleaning the garden and it was my privilege to join him in that work. Then he gathered a lot of wooden material to make something but with no nails it turn out to nothing! Later he had his dad help him making a rocket. His mother was not very pleased when he on his own was painting it with a red colour and spilled some paint on his clothes. He is very clever with his hands and I am sure he has a great future!
Jai Ruben is very active all the time. He is full of life. He is full of joy most of the time, except for when his will is being crossed and he is upset with some of the new changes taking place! He loves books and he loves to talk! Even for him the future is bright!
I enjoyed playing with the boys and talking with them. It brings me great joy to be with them!
When we came home we went directly to a birthday party for Lars Benjamin which is now turning two years old! He is becoming more and more like his father Josef. He is not passive for a moment! He is up and down, in and out - everywhere at all time! This time he seemed to ignore me completely! Solveig had all his attention! He wanted her to join him in everything (it made it more quiet for me). He wanted her to see everything that excited him, and he ran to her for comfort when he had been hurt.
There has been no blogging for one full week now as I have been away from home to be a grandfather full time in England! Solveig and I have been with Hanna and Daljinder, their two sons, Taj Kristian and Jai Ruben, and their two months old daughter Sunniva Isher. We have thoroughly enjoyed our time with them.
Our youngest grandchild, Sunniva, is so beautiful that I can't find words to express it! She is a delicate little miracle of God with lots of black hair and a cute round face with wonderful eyes and a smile that will melt an iceberg!! She is such a quiet and content little being. I gave thanks to God for her every time I held her in my arms. God is so good to me! He has given me the joy of being a grandfather and the ability to enjoy it!
Taj Kristian is very practical and a diligent worker even though he is only four and a half years old. He was so busy cleaning the garden and it was my privilege to join him in that work. Then he gathered a lot of wooden material to make something but with no nails it turn out to nothing! Later he had his dad help him making a rocket. His mother was not very pleased when he on his own was painting it with a red colour and spilled some paint on his clothes. He is very clever with his hands and I am sure he has a great future!
Jai Ruben is very active all the time. He is full of life. He is full of joy most of the time, except for when his will is being crossed and he is upset with some of the new changes taking place! He loves books and he loves to talk! Even for him the future is bright!
I enjoyed playing with the boys and talking with them. It brings me great joy to be with them!
When we came home we went directly to a birthday party for Lars Benjamin which is now turning two years old! He is becoming more and more like his father Josef. He is not passive for a moment! He is up and down, in and out - everywhere at all time! This time he seemed to ignore me completely! Solveig had all his attention! He wanted her to join him in everything (it made it more quiet for me). He wanted her to see everything that excited him, and he ran to her for comfort when he had been hurt.
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