Northern & Western Europe



Oslo

For our long-time blog followers, you may recall that in late 2009, Zack participated in his first international mission trip. (Check out some posts HERE) On that trip, he spent time in Norway & Germany. The focus of the trip was Norway. The team was made up of members of our home church and led by our friend, Jeff (yes, the missions-minded guy I mentioned before!). Jeff asked Zack to go. Zack (thankfully) said yes.

The trip was more of a vision trip than a mission trip, exploring opportunities for support and partnership between our church and Norwegian churches, and scouting out future missions possibilities. There are so many other details that play into the story and the original reason why the team was going to Oslo. But rather than go into those details, I will just say that God really showed up on this trip.

While he was gone, I prayed that God would place people in his path so he could share the Gospel. God did. I prayed that God would connect him with people that would result in long-term relationships/ friendships. God did. I prayed that God would speak to Him in a meaningful way. God did.



Zack in Oslo



I hope I can convince Zack to share some of his side of all of this at some point in this story-telling venture. I will say from my perspective and looking back a couple of years later, God was answering prayers in more ways than we could ever imagine. Zack came home with a heart opened wide to the Great Commission. He came home with connections that we still maintain today. He came home with a stronger friendship and accountability relationship with a dear friend. He came home with new friendships that we are so grateful for, friendships that are strong despite distance. He came back to us with a new excitement and ferver for God.

We didn't make any major decisions at that point, but God was definitely working.

With Daniel, Sven, & Jeff at
Buchenwald Concentration Camp