310. The Word of God Is Being Preached

Brothers Sigurd Bratlie, Aksel J. Smith, Johannes Kronstad, Elihu Pedersen, and Ronald Henriksen are in Telemark now, and they have met many hungry souls. This does not surprise me, because almost all preaching today is directed to sinners, so new converts do not get any nourishment. Many of them die of hunger while those who begat them flit off to new places to bring new babes into a world where no one gives them any food or drink. Jesus commanded His disciples to “go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you.” Matt. 28:19-20. Notice that it says: make disciples of them and teach them to observe. This is the very crux of the matter.

This is precisely what these five young brothers are doing, and they can do it because they have lived as disciples and observed all that He has commanded them from their childhood.

Now they have held meetings in Langesund, Brevik, Skien, Lunde, Bandakslim and Dalen in Telemark. Young men are especially interested in hearing them. The leaders of the assemblies are also open to the Word.

In Trysil and Ljørdalen, where these brothers have been before and preached discipleship, the friends are doing well, and they meet around God’s Word. One of them, Gunnar Sundmark, writes:

“We are having wonderful fellowship. A handful of people who want to follow Christ meet every Wednesday and Sunday for prayer meetings. We hold these meetings in different homes. The last two meetings have been here at Sundstøa. Sunday’s meeting was especially well attended. The Lord is present and blesses us. Several of the brothers are really on fire, and their testimonies and earnest prayers have a powerful effect. The sisters are also standing firm, and they are full of power. I am looking forward to a bright future. He who has begun a good work in us will complete it.

“Naturally, there is no lack of persecution in these days either. But light is stronger than darkness, and the truth will be revealed. In the world there are tribulations, but even in these we can be bold because the Lord has overcome the world. And we must walk in His footsteps.

“Just as Jesus Christ experienced temptation, persecution, and humiliation, so also will we. But He overcame—and we shall overcome. Truly, we have received a magnificent calling.

“Some time ago my mother received a letter from an elder sister in Ljørdalen. She praised God for the grace they have received there. They had never before seen the way so simple and straightforward. But now—through the help of these young brothers—the way became clear for them. Truly this is a great grace from God! Here in Trysil we can also say the same. We all feel it is very necessary for us to stand shoulder to shoulder and hold firmly to the doctrine that we have been taught through your work. We experience that we are becoming more and more knit together by bonds that are not of this world, but of God. When we walk in the light—God Himself is only light—then we have fellowship, just as all the saints do. And not just that, but there is also a continual growth up to Him who is the head, Jesus Christ. Light arises for the upright. Therefore, we have to be vigilant, stand fast in the faith, and continue in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.

“I wonder if it would be possible for you to visit here in the fall or winter?

“At the meeting on Sunday, I read aloud a letter from brother Bratlie to the friends. They asked me to send heartfelt greetings next time I wrote.”

That is what is going on with brother Gunnar Sundmark. When we keep the Word, fellowship comes automatically. And that is what is happening now in Trysil. We rejoice over this because the fellowship is genuine, and the love in it is divine.

Brother Oscar Hansen and I recently were on the west coast of Norway. We visited Kristiansund N., Molde, Måløy, Rugsund, Bergen, and Nesbyen. We saw progress everywhere. The brothers gave very clear testimonies. In Rugsund, just inland of Hornellen in Nordfjord, we had a blessed meeting. The friends from Måløy were there and contributed with songs and music. The living room and side rooms were filled with listeners. There were also many children there. The children were asked to sing and they sang very nicely: “I am happy Sunday, Monday, Tuesday,” etc. This made a big impression on the old people. May God bless them so that it can be reality for them and continue.

Much could be said about such a journey, but we will just mention that it has gone just as Simeon prophesied: “This is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel.” Some received the Word and rejoiced, and others became very upset and angry.

May God save us from such anger when the Word is preached.