the Lord, He is a'movin'

Yesterday was our final day of teaching photography with the creative class here at Hedmarktoppen. It has been a stretch for us to learn how to communicate clearly about the multitude of technical aspects involved in photography, but it is a stretch the Lord was faithful to walk us through at every step.

Some of our time was spent teaching with words, and some of the time was spent helping the students with some hands on photography learning. We even got to do a bit of "light painting."

Last night we were given the opportunity to share in the corporate meeting, where all the schools come together to have a sort of mid-week church service (we taught in the creative school, but there is also a couple sports schools, a global missions school, and a performing arts school.) Like we normally do at events like this, Koala and I explained a bit about our trip, shared a bit of information about human trafficking, and went on to share some of our personal experiences from traveling around the world. At the end, we gave a challenge to the students, to consider the ways that they can be using their resources and talents and ultimately their lives to be seeking the Kingdom of God, rather than the Kingdom of themselves. As we ended with a bit of music and time for prayer, a few came forward to pray with us, some stayed where they were to pray with friends - all in all, it really became clear that God was speaking to people where they were at.

Talking with some of the students in our time here, it is evident that the Lord is moving forward in Norway, and in our world. A couple people have shared with us how it is so easy to build walls around ourselves, hiding our eyes from seeing the real neediness or our own hearts, and the neediness of the world outside of our own self-constructed walls. It's easy to not see our need for the Lord if we can temporarily cover such a need with an immediately tangible material. I am encouraged in challenged by the students here, in that they see these walls that have been built around them, and they want to find out what it is to experience the need of the world outside of their walls. They know that it may hurt, but they are also seeing that they will be seeking something that is real, that has a value beyond this life.

Tonight, Thursday, we have a photography exhibition at Cafe Uno, here in the town of Hamar. We are told many young people come to the cafe to hang out after school, where they can be around a positive community of people.

Tomorrow (Friday) morning, we have been given the opportunity to share in a public school in the area. We're told it is not easy to get the opportunity to share in the schools in this area, so it seems as though the Lord has put this opportunity before us, and we're trusting He'll give us the proper words to say. Please do pray for us in this though - ultimately, we know that nothing we say will have any value unless God is moving in the people we will be sharing with. It is a great opportunity to take this message outside of church walls, and we believe the Lord can accomplish something lasting in the hearts and minds of these young people.

Tomorrow evening, we will be sharing our project with a local youth group, Freik. We value your prayers for this as well.

Thank you for continuing to be a part of the places and people to which God continues to take us.