496. Report from the Mission Field 1938

In the beginning of May, Aksel Smith and Elihu Pedersen traveled to Finnmark. They stayed at brother Karl Ditlefsen’s place in Mehavn. They also held meetings there. Later they visited Kjøllefjord, Vardø, and Kirkenes. God has richly blessed their work. Many people have received light, sinners have been saved, and others have come into need over their sins. Now they are back in Mehavn. They will then travel back to Kjøllefjord, where quite a few people have been touched by God as a result of their previous visit. On their trip south, they intend to visit Rossfjorden, which is close to Tromsøy. Apparently there are many believers there who would like the brothers to visit them, after having heard such good news from Kjøllefjord.

During their time in Tanafjord they stayed with the Sami people for about two weeks. They slept in sleeping bags in tents. God’s Word also worked among this people.

Brother Th. Ellefsen and I held many meetings in Vardø while we were in the Navy there during the war [World War 1]. The friends that came along at that time gained people’s confidence because of their godly fear. So when the young brothers came, many people received them warmly. They have been gathering about one hundred people for meetings every night in “Håndverkeren”—in mid-July, a time of year when there normally aren’t any meetings. May God bless their trip home.

Brother S. Bratlie is still in Bagn where God is blessing his work richly. God has given success despite all resistance from religious as well as worldly people. The young people pray to God and sing songs of praise. Things have quieted down on the roads, because God has gained power in the village. At the end of July, twenty-four people were baptized in the river in Bagn. Many people watched from their cars and from all the high rocks around there. Brother Bratlie spoke powerfully to the people before the baptism, which took place in a quiet and blessed way. The disturbing elements had lost all their influence, so that God’s grace, Spirit, and power got the upper hand. I thank God that many friends, myself included, as well as a crowd of other people, were allowed to witness this blessed act of baptism.

Brother Jonassen is working in Mandal where God is along with His blessing.

Brother Wetlesen is working faithfully in Trondheim. Previously he was studying theology at the Church Faculty, but he was not permitted to take his final exam, despite the fact that he is a godly man to whom God has given great light. However, the things the Home Mission has no use for God uses to greatly bless the people. Brother Wetlesen works without pay just like the other young brothers. It is evident that God is faithful and supports the work. He cares for His priesthood even though they are rejected by men.

Brothers E. Aslaksen, O. Skotland, S. Bratlie, and I visited Trondheim recently. There was a powerful revival Spirit in the meetings with the result that the large congregation came into need over their sin. There was great joy among the friends. After the meetings, we had fellowship together until far into the night. During this time we received light and strength for the next day’s meetings. Truly God’s Word becomes so interesting for us that our body can hardly keep up. That is what God’s priests experience.

We also visited Trysil, Lørdalen, and Koppang. It was blessed to meet friends in many places. They asked us to greet everyone—which we hereby do.

Finally, I would like to say that we believe in what we are doing, and no one will be able to disturb our work. Many have tried and will probably keep trying. However, by the grace of God we will succeed in conquering our own flesh, and also the flesh of all our opposers—the accursed flesh—to the honor of God through our Lord Jesus Christ.