Monday 27 January 2014

Next after Malysz and Stoch


Marek an Artur at Holmenkollen...
Artur and Marek from Safety Shelter partner Mission New Hope in Poland - the rehabilitations centre in Janowice Wielkie - have for three months been by us in our Norwegian base in Hurdal serving as volunteers. They have made a great work. Made order of a lot of waiting matters. A strong God's blessing to us.
 
Some days ago a break in the work was made to the benefit of a visit to Oslo. First on the visiting list was Holmenkollen, the world famous ski jumping site. Like to share some of the pictures from the very joyful day..
Click in for more pictures...

Saturday 22 December 2012

Christmas 2012


In Polish - po polsku: BOZE NARODZENIE 2012
 
CHRISTMAS 2012
(At yet another angle)

I - Starting from the beginning:
Adam and Eve

Eve - she liked to pamper herself
Adam – didn’t fall behind
Misled, they got what they wanted - knowledge
But they lost something they had - innocence
With the loss of innocence appeared sense of guilt
(plus a few other inconveniences of life)
And need of hope to regain innocence
So, somehow, return to
Paradise Lost...

Unfortunately, something for something

Knowledge for the price of innocence
In the opposite direction, however, it does not work
- the gained knowledge is not for replace...

II - The Wise Men (Magi) from the East
(more modern - scientists, researchers)
“After Jesus was born in Bethlehem
in Judea, during the time of King Herod,
wise men from the East came
to Jerusalem and asked,
‘Where is the one who has been born
King of the Jews?
We saw his star when it rose
and have come to worship him."
Those Wise Men put a good question
to frightened (!) king Herod – first
They knew what they were looking for – second
They wanted to pay tribute to the One,
about whom they ‘d already known – third

Knowledge and hope were leading them
Because Christmas - the birth of Jesus Christ
Is the Gift-Offer
It is a time of hope
- to recover the innocence in the eyes of God

There is something to think
It is always worth learning from Wise Men
And give glory to God
For Christmas Hope

therefore
MERRY CHRISTMAS FULL OF HOPE
AND CONTEMPLATIVE HAPPY NEW YEAR 2013!
WISH YOU ALL











Saturday 24 December 2011

Christmas 2011

Krystyna is writing on behalf of us -
Link for Polish translation:  BOŻE NARODZENIE 2011

HOPE...
Let me  quote someone probably known to all of us – the wise but godless, cynical man, Dr. House: “Apparently you can‘t live without love. I personally believe that oxygen is more important.

He’s right, in the sense – a man can survive without oxygen only for 3 minutes.

But I also lastly heard that a man can’t survive even one second without HOPE. Worthy of deeper thoughts... And it comes to us hove much our whole life is motivated by HOPE.

Jesus is, and always has been, The HOPE of mankind.

“The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” - which means, “God with us.”  (Isaiah 7:14 & Matthew 1:23)

Although we’re no longer waiting for Jesus in the form of an infant, He is still the source of our HOPE. We watch for His second coming – as the Victor and Judge who will bring justice, don’t we? Do we have this HOPE?

So far there is still actual what apostle Paul preached: “The mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but now is disclosed for the saints. To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious to his ministry, which is Christ in you, the HOPE of Glory,” (Colossians 1:26-27).

The key word of Christmas is then “Immanuel” – God with us. With this perspective we wish you all Merry Christmas and Blessed New Year 2012 base on the Living Hope.

Krystyna and Åsmund

Tuesday 20 September 2011

Great to observe the welcome my Dad got in Poland

My Dad Even together Oxanna Wasilewska, director at New Hope rehabilitations centre...
I'm testing out a more simple form for update from Safety Shelter - links for Google-translation from my news blog in Norwegian - "I Ly" - Sheltered... Not allways the best solution. But better than nothing...

Many of my last blog storries is about my fathers visit in Poland. Great time for him! Great time for me. Yes, really great to observe the hospitality he recived - and the fellowship in the spirit. My father came to his own people. Thank you for all you made for him - Click on for reading story for story...

Monday 1 August 2011

Great love - and care... Thank YOU!

The care, love and participation we too have experienced the last days have really touched us. Many greetings from Polish friends - and other too. We have as their Norwegian links received very clear messages. Thank YOU!

The terrorist attacks and many lost lives have strongly touched our friends. They are challenged to stand together with Norway - and we as Norwegians: - We're with you. We're praying for Norway. Yours sorrow is our sorrow...

Norway has answerd the attack with roses... Oslo is the city of roses. Everywhere. Beatiful. Ad some pictures in between messages we have received... Look! Click on "Les hele saken" - below.

Wednesday 18 May 2011

Why?

Why I'm keeping on? Why are we keeping on? What basis has our Safety Shelter ministry as other Christian ministries? I got an important and very useful reminder: In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. (v.16, Matthew 5:13-16) All is clear. Absolute clear. Focus on our Lord in all what we are doing. Yes, in the way that people experiencing our good deeds as trace to faith in Him. No one are able to glorify our Father in heaven without faith and trust. As Peter is writing: Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him ( 1 Peter 1:8) The fruit of good deeds when practical support and testimonies about the Lord works hand in hand...  

Saturday 23 April 2011

More than facination - an Easter greeting

Early spring in Hurdal this year...
The resurrection story is fascinating. Very fascinating. What ever. Fascination does not help me, do not help any of us.

The real meaning of the story appear when this is the melody of my heart: How I love the name of Jesus! He has set my heart aflame! I have found a great salvation Through the merits of his name. From well known "Never fades the name of Jesus"

Or as Peter writes in 1. Peter 1: Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls. (verse 8 – 9)

Of this reason: Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. (verse 3)

And EASTER in best way when all our friends with great joy join Peter in his PRAISE...  

Krystyna and Åsmund

Monday 18 April 2011

Back in Hurdal... Filled up of joy, inspiration and callenges

As usual after good time in Poland: - Filled up of joy, inspiration and challenges... Four weeks in Poland in contact with many blessed - and blessing friends. And back in Hurdal facing spring challenges.

Krystyna was looking forward to the big action of taking away all the rest of last autumn. Dry leave everywhere. Until today - one week later. Board leader Nils and Siarhei from Belaruss have been our good helpers...

Tuesday 12 April 2011

Facing strong challenges - interesting challenges

In Poland. In Lodz. And soon back to Norway. Strong challenges are waiting. Strong need of God's guidance. Ask him often. As I also hope praying friends of us and Safety Shelter stand together with us in prayer...

Three main challenges: 1) Future development of our ministry 2) Future housing / localisation 3) Reduced income

Strong challenges - and interesting challenges.

Thursday 23 December 2010

Christmas 2010

CHRISTMAS, celebration of the birth of Messiah - Jesus Christ - the Savior, the birth which happend in time and place decided by God the Father - not quite like in the popular traditions regarding this Heaven-reaching Event.

- About time - you know that December is a very conventional time...

- So about the place - it's a matter of that little Bethlehem- stable, about which we are so sentimentale and moved, that - o, my God! - He had to be born in a stable?!(or something like that), that "there was no place for them in the inn" ... Well, it was not. And that was supposed to be that "it was not." And very well that it was not. So God didn't know where is the best, healthiest place for the birth of His Son? Had He better, you think, be born in that crowded, noisy, stinky of booze, tobacco and not quite wasched bodies of travelers inn, possibly full of coughing, snotty and screaming children, as well ? They rather didn't dispose luxury apartments with private bathrooms. Imagine a place like that to give birth to a child - horror! Thanks God, He did not allow it! He protected Mary and Josef giving them more privacy for so intimate situation.
 
But there were angels and shepherds - the most worthy ones to represent two so different worlds (what a meeting!) - the first messengers of the Good News!

There is another reason yet that Mary didn't bear Jesus in the inn. It had to be an extraordinary place. The inn manger, where the shepherds had to find the baby, was mantioned by God as the sign for them to recognise for sure the RIGHT ONE - the newly born King, the Messiah. And they were very hurry to reach the place. And it is obviouse, they didn't drove floks of sheep with themselves(!).

In the place there could be some travelers animals, like horses, donkeys ...

And there were stars, and fresh air (it certainly was not winter, and no snow!), and open space ... This is the correct setting!

So, in this amazing Christmas time I want to be amazed again by the wisdom of God and His generosity towards us - His grace. God is AMAZING! "Our God is an AWESOME GOD" - as we sing, and only to Him this term should belong.

I want to wish all of us that it truly will take our breath away and like those shepherds - just for a while - stand up with fear, and awe and joy! (Łuk.2.6-20)

Glory to God in the highest
and on earth peace to men,
in whom His favour rests"(Łuk.2.14)

With the best wishes of blessing - also for New Year 2011 - from this AWESOME God who became flesh - in His time and place (!), and made his dwelling among us. (Jan.1.14)

Immanuel - God with us! May His fever really rest in us!










Krystyna and Åsmund





BOŻE NARODZENIE...

BOŻE NARODZENIE, czyli narodzenie Mesjasza - Jezusa Chrystusa - Zbawiciela,
o czasie i miejscu zdecydowanym przez Boga-Ojca - i nie zupełnie według popularnej tradycji odnośnie tego Niebo-tycznego Wydarzenia.

- O czasie - wiadomo, że ten grudzień jest mocno umowny...

- Zatem o miejscu - chodzi o tę betlejemską stajenkę, co to tak roztkliwiamy się, że na co to przyszło Bogu - w stajni (czy czymś w tym rodzaju)!?, że “nie było dla nich miejsca w gospodzie”... No, nie było. I tak miało być, że “nie było”. I bardzo dobrze, że nie było.

Czyż Bóg nie wiedziałby gdzie jest najlepsze, najzdrowsze miejsce dla narodzin Jego Syna? A co, miał się urodzić w tej zatłoczonej, hałaśliwej, zaczadzonej gorzałą, tytoniem i niedomytymi ciałami podróżników karczmie, pełnej też może kaszlących, zasmarkanych i wrzeszczących dzieci? Luksusowych apartamentów z łazienkami raczej tam nie mieli. Wyobraźmy sobie takie miejsce porodu - zgroza! Nie daj Bóg! I nie dał. Zatroszczył się o Marię i Józefa, aby mieli trochę prywatności w tak intymnym przecież momencie.


Byli za to aniołowie i pasterze - uznani za najgodniejszych przedstawicieli dwóch tak różnych rzeczywistości (co za fuzja!) - pierwsi posłańcy Dobrej Nowiny!

Jest jeszcze jeden powód dla którego Maria (Miriam, Marysia...) nie rodziła w gospodzie. Bóg zdecydował, że ma to być niezwykłe miejsce, jako znak rozpoznawczy dla pasterzy, żeby byli absolutnie pewni, że to niemowlę leżące w żłobie, jest Tym właściwym - właśnie narodzonym, oczekiwanym Królem, Mesjaszem.

I bardzo się spieszyli, a więc na pewno nie gnali tam owiec!

Mogły tam być za to jakieś zwierzęta transportowe (konie, osły...).

I było świeże powietrze (to na pewno nie była zima, i śnieg!), i gwiazdy, i przestrzeń...Oto właściwa sceneria dla narodzin Syna Bożego i Człowieczego !

A więc na te Dziwne Święta chcę się znowu zadziwić mądrością Bożą i Jego wobec nas wspaniałomyślnością, Jego łaską. Bóg jest NIESAMOWITY! “Yes, our God is an Awsome God” - jak śpiewamy, i tylko Jemu to określenie winno przynależeć.

Chcę życzyć nam wszystkim, aby nam szczerze dech zaparło, abyśmy choć na chwilkę zaniemówili - jak ci pasterze - z bojaźni, podziwu i radości! (Łuk.2.6-20)

“Chwała Bogu na wysokościach

a na ziemi pokój ludziom,
w których ma upodobanie” (Łuk.2.14)

Z najlepszymi życzeniami błogosławieństwa - również na Nowy Rok 2011 - od tego Niesamowitego Boga, który wcielił się, w swoim czasie i miejscu (!), w Jezusa Chrystusa, i zamieszkał wśród nas. (Jan.1.14)

Immanuel - Bóg z nami - oby miał w nas upodobanie!!!


Krystyna i Åsmund

Tuesday 10 August 2010

Congratulation - Realna Actja in Łódź

Vice President Marcin Bugajski in Łódź gives honour to the leaders of Realna Ackja in Łódź. One of them is Mission New Hope leader Piotr Karas (No. 2 from the right in front) Picture from halolodz.pl
Great to read about the great sucess of Realna Ackja in Łódź. That about 250 young people from Netherlands, Belgium, Poland, America, England, Ukraine, and Switzerland in such a wonderfull way have given a people in Łódź a great experience og God's love and care...

Thursday 5 August 2010

Great to have good friends


Once more is the value of good friends confirmed. Messages of encouragement have reached us after sharing the message Strong challenge with friends in Poland. The message above is from Cieszka and Tomek in Crakow. All the messages have the same conclusion: We are praying for you. Great. Thank you - and PRAISE the Lord!

Inspiration from Cieszyn

Ela and Marek Cieslar from Cieszyn is back in Poland after one week in our Shelter. They returned home on Friday after a week with us and left a lot of inpiration. Marek is journalist and responsible for Christian editted by Center for Mission and Evangelism - www.cme.org.pl in Dzięgielow near Cieszyn. The city south east of Poland which is both Polish and Czech, only divided by boarderline river.
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We have known Ela and Marek for about 20 years since Dzięgielow also is site for one of the largest annual summerconference for mission and evangelism in Central Europe.
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Krystyna a Christian in Dzięgielow in -84 and I got my renewal as a Christian in -89. Great place.
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Ela and Marek endjoyed to be out in the Hurdal enviroment - and then together with us a lot of inspirating conversations - espesially about the future for our Shelter in Hurdal...

Wednesday 4 August 2010

Strong challenge

We have got a strong challenge regarding the coverage of our operating expenses – renting / running of our Hurdal base, car, office and salary costs are mainly covered by own activity. Above is a summary of our challenges in covering operating costs.
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Main activity is offer of information service since I as foundation manager is journalist by profession. Information department in county Akershus has for many years been main customer. Some income is also received by renting out rooms to temporary workers in Hurdal.
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This message was received yesterday: Stop in the delivery to the county. Reason is limited budget for using freelance journalists...
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The consequence for Safety Shelter is a proximately loss - this year - of about NOK 100.000 or about 12.000 €. Very obvious: we have to look for alternative solutions...
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It's also true that the journalist work is time demanding and has resulted in lack of capacity for important ministry challenges.
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New solutions have to be worked out. We need God's wisdom and intervention and ask for prayer support...
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We – I have STOP in delivery of journalistic report to the county’s web page because of budget problems… Could be a loss of about 50.000 PLN for the rest of the year… The countie's webpage with one story made of me...