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June 2007 |
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"And it is he who will go as a forerunner before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, TO TURN THE HEARTS OF THE FATHERS BACK TO THE CHILDREN, and the disobedient to the attitude of the righteous; so as to make ready a people prepared for the Lord." Luke 1:17 NAS |
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Dear Friends: Dear Friends: Greetings in Jesus’ mighty Name! Wow—Was Norway a trip! It was colder than we expected but for the Norwegians it was Spring. Our host pastor, was a hardy soul who swam in the fiord each day while we shivered in the cold. The Norwegians were all out on the streets so the ministry opportunities were a hundred fold. On the day we arrived we went to the University of Oslo where we addressed a group of Christian students. They invited us to witness in the university square the next day. After about one hour many great opportunities to share individually with students the campus police showed up. It seemed that free exchange of ideas is only allowed if you are not pro-life. We were told we could not have signs– we put them away. A few minutes later we were told we could not pass out pro-life literature—we switched to Gospel tracts. Then we were escorted off the campus. As we left, I made a comment about intellectual freedom to a member of the campus news. This led to a 45 minute phone interview. I hope some seed was sown for someone to water later. After leaving the University we went to the Oslo central square where our hosts had obtained permits for each day from 9am–7pm. We met some opposition from a group of anarchists known as the “Blitzers.” They first chanted and held signs and then began to steal and destroy signs and literature. We went to Norway with five large signs and left with none. We gave one sign to the local group. All the rest were stolen or destroyed. The Blitzers were very destructive, as many anarchists are, but we kept witnessing to them. Perhaps a seed will grow. The streets were full of people and the opportunities to witness were many, but witnessing to the Norwegians was far from easy. When you talk to them about God they often respond, “so what.” They know about God but they do not care. These people, once Christian, have deserted the God of their fathers. They are proud of their strength and wealth and don’t feel they need a savior. The nation is prosperous. They tell us there are two economic classes, middle & upper—no poor! They are so comfortable they feel they do not need God. Another interesting thing about Norway is the nature of the women. They are strong and dominant. Often the woman rules the household. In June, in the U.S., we celebrate Father’s Day. In Norway, fathers are not only not celebrated but are actually relegated to the background in family life. It brings to mind a curse from Isaiah. . Woe to the wicked! It will go badly with him, For what he deserves will be done to him. O My people! Their oppressors are children, And women rule over them O My people! Those who guide you lead you astray And confuse the direction of your paths. Isaiah 3:11,12 NAS There is some hope for Norway, Although the “state” Lutheran Church is dead, there are still some hidden prophets. when Jezebel destroyed the prophets of the LORD, Obadiah took a hundred prophets and hid them by fifties in a cave, and provided them with bread and water.) 1 Kings 18:4 NAS These prophets are independent pastors who were thrown out of the “state church” for their pro-life, pro-Jesus stand. They are teaching the truth in small churches and home groups throughout the land. We were able to leave one sign and a huge amount of literature to help equip them for the battle. The most frightening thing about the trip, for me, was a creepy feeling that what we saw in Norway is what the U.S will be like in a few years. We are also proud of our independence and the blessings we have but we do not remember the Lord who gave us the blessings. We have not completely forgotten the God of our fathers but are sliding fast down that hill. We cannot fall back now. We must keep proclaiming the truth and hope that we, as a nation, will hearken to the warning of the Lord before it is too late. If not, women will rule over us and those who guide us will lead us astray and confuse the direction of our paths. Thank you for your prayers for our team while we were in Norway. Thank you for your support. You have chosen to support Life Coalition International with your donations and prayers when you have many worthy causes and ministries to choose from. Thank you!!
A servant,
Pat McEwen |