While studying at the University of Minnesota-Duluth, I was involved with an on campus ministry, Chi Alpha Students for Christ. I felt led to go on a spring break missions trip in 2003 to The Dream Center in L.A. which reaches out to the local community of L.A. It was there where I fell in love with ministering in the inner city.
When spring break ‘04 rolled around, I thought for sure that I’d be going back to L.A. & I was thrilled. But while at a student conference, I felt strongly that I needed to lay everything in my life down at the Lord’s feet again, including this decision to go to L.A. I gladly said, “O.K.” and said, “God, I’ll do whatever You want me to do, I’ll go wherever You want me to go, speak to me.” I felt God speak to me one thing, “NORWAY”. To be honest, I was like, “where is that!?” Crying for some unknown reason, I felt God doing something deep in my heart and I knew I’d be going to Norway some day.
Little did I know, that in 2 short months I would be on a plane headed to Trondheim, Norway with a team of 5 others, our campus pastor included. He’d been feeling a leading towards Scandinavia, esp.Norway, for many years and the doors seemed to be opening left and right for him to bring a team. We came with the purpose of praying and building relationships with hopes of some day starting University ministry in Norway, Denmark & Sweden. We met students and key leaders in the local churches & cities where we visited. After responding to Gods call, I knew that at some point in my life, I’d be back.
In 2005, I had the great opportunity in joining the 2nd team in coming back to Scandinavia. We prayed and dreamed together about beginning University ministry in Trondheim in the years to come. What would it look like if a team moved over to pioneer? At this point I knew I loved Norway & I had a heart to pray for the nation, but I didn’t feel God was calling me to MOVE here! I felt Him leading me to IHOP-International House of PRAYER(not pancakes). So…I took my passion for this place and stored in my heart.
After being at IHOP for 6 intensive months, I was given 2 major choices: I could stay or I could go. Seems pretty simple, right? well…it was a struggle for me. I had leaders asking me to stay & help them lead the next internship & I had my pastor asking me if I wanted to be a part of the 1st team that was going to move to Trondheim, Norway & pioneer ministry.
I guess the rest is history….
For the past 3 years I’ve lived in Trondheim, Norway pioneering University Ministry along side Cortney & Brett Heerwald, ‘da team!! and we’ve formed a student group on the campuses called, Quest. Norway is on God’s heart, and so this is why it’s on our’s! We wish for more than just a student group, but we long to see God’s purposes established here in Norway!
As our lives are led in different ways, we trust that God has a plan and knows best. I will be staying here in Norway for at least another year, while having to say goodbye to two of my favorite people & colleagues, as Cortney & Brett feel called back to the states. The next year will be an adventure, but how could it not when you’re being led by God. I will lean on Him and not my own abilities. In Christ, all things are possible!!
Check out Quest’s website: questnorway.wordpress.com
Kel! L.O.V.E. the new blog! also…being on your blogroll makes me feel important.
love ya chica!