Norway & The United Kingdom
August & September 2007

Norway: Go-Fest

Go-Fest 07 was a mission’s event that highlighted YWAM’s work in Norway. It took place in Hamar, a beautiful small city less than two hours east from Oslo. It was an event filled wit h teaching, celebration and inspiration. There were awesome speakers who brought a clearer glimpse of God’s heart for people and nations. The best worship we’ve had this year led by Jan Honningdal and his team of incredible musiacians, Jan and Ragnhild Huse and of course the talented band from the Ålesund base. My participation was one of those last minute answers to prayers as we had to come up with a new way of bringing visual art into worship. I injured my right shoulder back in April and to my disappointment it had not healed completely, this meant that I would not be able to do wide motions with my right arm, mural painting was not an option and that was one of the major reasons they invited me to the conference.
A light table, an old window, paper and sand from a near by kindergarten were enough. It was a challenge because I did not have much time to practice in advance and that was the first time I did sand art live and in public. Music started, I closed my eyes, prayed and entrusted my hands and my heart to God. As I listened, my heart connected to the source of true inspiration, the source of the grace that forgives and restores, the loves that changes and revives. You can watch a clip of one of these expressions at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUImPiPJysw&mode=related&search= 

I was very encouraged to hear all the positive feedback from people who came to me and shared how this visual aid helped them to actually link their hearts and souls to God during our incredible times of corporate worship. I had seen it once in You-Tube and was glad to observe that is was an effective tool of communication that helped worshipers focus in God’s heart.

Diana participated with a beautiful spontaneous dance which added to our time of soul’s expression.

The conference also gave us the opportunity to offer a couple of seminars about principles in visual communication. We believe it’s very important to build upon this area which believe it or not, influences our daily choices. Romans 1:19 and Romans 12:2.


Staff Training Ålesund

This year, Diana and I were much honored to lead the staff training at the base in Ålesund. We had a week filled with teachings, insights, sharing and fun as well. We had the first days of training at the homes of the leaders; we ended with a wonderful weekend of further training in a cabin in the mountains which was built in the early 1800’s. Candle lights, a stone chimney and a wooden stove added to the rustic yet wonderful atmosphere. Some crossed the lake in canoes and some walked four hours and a half to get to this cabin. After the teaching one afternoon I hiked up one of the mountains behind our cabin. It was very interesting to appreciate the difference it makes to our perspective when we look at things from the ground and when we look from several hundred feet above. Any parallels here? What perfect scenery to talk about God’s creation and the language encoded in it. We looked at the different elements in creative communication. We admired the visual references we have in all God has created with he goal of developing the gifts of observation and contemplation. We learned that the path of creativity leads to the Creator.

In order to visually communicate well, we must first learn about its basic elements.

Visiting friends

Both Diana and I have several friends in the area, most from past projects or YWAM schools, also from seminars and teachings. It was great to see them again and reconnect. Friendships are such a valuable treasure, worth investing in. We believe that more than just visiting it’s a way of showing love and genuine interest to these dear friends.


YWAM London

Last year we had planned to run an arts school in London together with a young couple we worked with in Argentina, suddenly in August, we all suffered a terrible loss with the passing away of Pablo Liste, a dear and extremely talented friend. Pablo was also the base leader’s son as well as the couple’s brother and bother in law. After one year, we finally made it to this incredible city to spend quality time with Jose Maria and Rosana Liste. We enjoyed remembering Pablo and his creative spark. We shared some insights we received in Norway and ended with a special night of teaching. Of course, we couldn’t miss visiting its gorgeous downtown and even the British Museum; this was an old dream of mine. We visited with some other dear YWAM friends who now live not too far from the base. They’ve married, some have children, and others are seeking God’s next step in their lives. Also, a great time to reconnect, encourage and be mutually edified.

One important thing was that we discussed and prayed about future training opportunities in the city, this brought further clarity to our vocation’s perspective. We returned home filled, inspired and looking forward to our next time in the old continent.

For those of you on Facebook, you can see more photos at:
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=584781345