Peter & Martina's Blog

Happy Fathers Day!

2011-11-13T19:15:00.001-05:00

Today it's Fathers Day in Sweden and we want to celebrate the greatest dad on this planet by telling him that;

My dad is special because he is fun and plays football with me.
Michael 9 years old

My daddy is special because he loves me more than anything in the whole wide world!
Josefina 7 years old

My dad is special because he tickles and plays with me.
Lucas 2,5 years old

My dad is special because he is my dad!
Emilia 11 months old :)

We love you daddy and we MISS YOU!!!

But Uriah didn't go home...

2011-11-04T03:19:00.000-04:00

Some times you just need to do things that you do not feel like. The circumstances might not be favorable but because of a decision made at an earlier point in life you choose to act based on principle.
It is when we are at our prime that we are most vulnerable for self destruction.

Most times when we read 2 Sam 11 we have King David in mind; it is in fact about him. But today I want to look at this story from a different angle. David was at the height of his career. God had blessed him and he had won countless battles, subduing enemy after enemy. King David reckoned that he was well over due for a vacation. (Please do not get me wrong; we need vacation) He decided to stay at home at a time when kings go to battle

A good warrior lives by his principles at all times, no matter what. This is not about right or wrong but about the kind of life that we choose to live. The day we accept Jesus in our hearts we are on our way to heaven. But there is so much more that we can choose to tap into. There is an adventurous life with the Spirit of Jesus that is available for us if we choose to live by a certain code.

Warriors of all times, have always lived their lives by a certain code and have also many times through history been misunderstood by people that live by another code or none at all. Warriors live not for themselves but for something greater.

David stayed at home when he should have been at war. Uriah, one of his soldiers was at war and was summoned by the king. Uriah returned to the palace because he was summoned but he was still on the battlefield. Now let us read verse 9:

But Uriah didn’t go home. He slept that night at the palace entrance with the king’s palace guard.

When a warrior went to war he said goodbye to this wife and did not return to her until all the warriors returned home when the war was won or lost or when they were on leave. Uriah was not on leave. He was on official duty and in his mind he was still at war on the battlefield. This is why HE DID NOT GO HOME. He lived his life by principle, by a code, engraved in him by the King himself.

King David was a warrior by all means but when life became good he chose to forfeit the code and this lead him to sin and loose the Kingdom. Let us not deviate from the code. As warriors in the Kingdom we need to live by this code at all times.

Some of you may ask: are we better than anyone else? The answer is no, just different. The code we live by makes us different.

Warriors: It is time to step up, to be reminded of the code. We can not afford to compromise on who we are and our strengths, simple to fit in. We need to be the way we are. Circumstances will not always be favorable. But we still push on.

I arrived home late on Thursday last week from Tanzania. Something happened to my eyes on the way home. Might have been Pink Eye. Friday morning I was to lead prayer school at MCM Ministry School. Did I feel like it? No. But I did anyway because it was the right thing to do. Again, does this make me better than anyone else? No! But because of the code, I did. I am not saying this to boast in any way. This is just the most recent example I have to share.

But Uriah didn't go home...

C U soon

It remains a mystery to me ...

2011-10-26T03:57:00.001-04:00

As I woke up this morning I realized that today is my fifth morning in Dar-es-Salaam. Yes, I have been on the road again since Thursday last week. This is a short trip. Objective: to clear our containers through customs in Tanzania.

I arrived to DAR on Friday night and met with our customs agent on Saturday morning and he brought me up to speed. The commissioner had responded to our request for temporary import stating that we needed to pay 150% on the current taxes... Doing the math that equalled a lot of $$$$$$. So we sent him an appeal letter on Monday requesting temporary import without conditions since we are a church (our host in TZ).

What I have realized is that every nation has it's own set of rules and regulations. I know, I knew this but it still dawned on me again very clearly.

The issue for us this time I think lies in the fact that we shipped our containers from one developing nation to another. The first two times we did this, the containers were shipped from Norway. This might not have anything to do with things but as of now this is my conclusion. The paperwork from Pakistan checked out in Pakistan but not here in Tanzania. So we have had to write attachments and send with the originals.

Then we have two words that governments around the world seem to all love: RED TAPE.

(Wikipedia definition: "Red tape" is a term for excessive regulation or rigid conformity to formal rules that is considered redundant or bureaucratic and hinders or prevents action or decision-making.)

Here is our situation: The Commissioner of Customs is out of town and delegates our issue to a deputy. The deputy then is unavailable all day Tuesday due to pre scheduled meetings, including a board meeting. And since the Commissioner already delegated to one deputy, the others, who were available, can not handle the issue without a new delegation from the Commissioner. So we are at the moment, since yesterday, waiting to hear back from the deputy.

How do governments actually function with all this RED TAPE. It remains a mystery to me...

As I am writing this long over due post, our agent is meeting with the deputy commissioner and hopefully my cell will vibrate next to me any minute with some good news.

I am scheduled to fly home this evening and talking to my agent yesterday afternoon he said that I should be able to but we will make the decision today after he has spoken to the deputy and we know more about the process.

Be back sooner next time ;)

/ Peter

Reflecting While Waiting ...

2011-09-27T14:46:00.000-04:00

As I sit here at my hotel waiting for my ride to come, I can't help but think back on the last couple of days.
I have been so blessed to be able to spend time Bishop Glorious Shoo and Dr Huruma Nkone. God has truly brought these Men of God to us for a time as this. As we have talked about the event we are planning for June 2012, time and time again I have realized that these men are both men of great influence in the nation of Tanzania. They seem to know everyone.
Reflecting on things that God is doing is a great habit. So often we over look this and speed through life. Reflection keeps us thankful, grateful and humble. Without God we are nothing.
Sunday I preached two services at Victory Christian Center on obeying the calling and walking in step with the Spirit. He makes us look better than we are if we allow Him to lead, to be in control.
BTW, they know how to have church here in Africa. We arrived at the church just after 7am for the first service. At 3pm we left for a late lunch after three consecutive services without breaks. The same worship team ministered from around 630am until 330pm.
Powerful services. At the end of each I made an altar call for salvation and 4 precious souls entered the Kingdom. Bishop Shoo preached in the third services on the prophetic..
I returned to the hotel around 6pm exhausted but happy.

C U soon

/ Peter

Third morning in Dar-es-Salaam

2011-09-24T01:52:00.002-04:00

So I left the US on Tuesday pm and arrived to Tanzania very late on Wednesday, around midnight due to some delays on the way. Could not go to sleep (jet lag), battled my suitcase lock for almost an hour, showered and forced myself to sleep.
Dr Nkone, my host and senior pastor for Victory Christian Center in Dar-es-Salaam (DAR) has taken so good care of my since I stepped outside the arrival terminal at the airport. He and his wife picked me up and brought me to my hotel. We spent a good part of Thursday looking at possible venues for the June festival.
- We have the grand National Stadium, seating 60,000 on the bleachers

National Stadium

- We have the Uhuru Stadium, right next to it. At present under reconstruction. Will seat 30,000 on the bleachers

Uhuru Stadium

- We have Jangwani Grounds - a field that so far only Reinhard Bonnke and CfaN has been able to fill, some 10-15 years ago

Jangwani Grounds Down Town Dar-es-Salaam

Each one of these arenas have both advantages and disadvantages. We now need to determine which route we take. Trying to tune in to the heavenly frequencies to make the right choice.

I have also had time to look at the venue for the Campus Nights in November - a youth event that both evangelist Johannes Amritzer and the SOS Festival Band will take part in. VCC is hosting this event and they are expecting upwards of 15,000 young adults to attend. We will be setting up our equipment at the Leader's Club in DAR. Great venue for a youth event. Seems to be sort of a relic from the time of British rule; there is a Cricket pitch!

Today is another busy day with a grand tour of the city, scouting out accommodations, conference venues, places for street evangelism and more. In the afternoon I will be reuniting with Bishop Shoo from Moshi. He is the man that invited us to Same for our first festival in Tanzania. He is also the one that has opened the door for us to come to DAR and connected us with Dr Nkone and his team. I am looking forward to meeting this man of God so much. Will be a great evening with lot's of work and fellowship.

Pray with me for the right decisions to be made for the June event!

C U soon!
/ Peter

The Power of Prayer

2011-09-14T16:46:00.000-04:00

In January 2010, Pastor Ron Crum from King's River Worship Center in St. Albans, WV was at the MCM Ministry School teaching. One of the mornings, I was leading prayer at our Prayer School and afterwards he approached me and asked if I could come down and lead corporate prayer at his church. I agreed at once. We have since then tried to work out our schedules and now happened to be the opportune time.

Since Monday night I have lead the congregation here in prayer for an hour each evening and we are already seeing the power of prayer in action. The first evening was beautiful and there was such a Spirit of Prayer in the sanctuary. Time passed as we drew near to the master and entered into the throne room. That night we ended up by praying for Pastor Ron and his wife Phyllis. On her way home, she was rear ended. The culprit drove off from the scene. But Phyllis kept on hearing the word protection ring in her inside. She stepped out of the car without any injury. Witnesses of the accident were expecting her to be severely hurt but instead angels kept her safe.

Friends, there is such a power in prayer. Our lives need to be based on prayer. At present Mission SOS is in a forty day fast. God moves when we seek him. We are praying for breakthroughs in many areas and we are seeing the results already.

If you want to be fit and have a fine trimmed body, you need to spend time at a gym and exercise those muscles in your body. Sometimes even push yourself beyond your limit. The same is true for our spirits. For us to be spiritually strong we need to exercise our spirits through prayer. You need to build up your spiritual stamina through hours in prayer.

Paul wrote to his son Titus to build himself up in his most holy faith while praying in the Holy Spirit. Tit 1:20. We need to pray a lot in the Spirit, building ourselves up so that we become strong warriors in the Kingdom of God.

The End Time harvest is at hand and we are privileged to live in this times. We will see the greatest harvest of souls that the world has ever seen and then our King, Jesus Christ, will return and take us home.

Will it be easy? NO. Will it be worth the fight? YES. But we need to be prepared.

Soldiers train more during peace times. When the time comes for battle they need to be ready. Are you ready for the battle? Take the challenge! Step up to the plate! It is time for warriors to arise and take the world for our King!

If you feel inadequate and poorly equipped for the task at hand then I urge you to come to MCM Ministry School and be trained for a year for the End Time harvest.

Hope to C U in Pittsburgh in the near future!

/Peter

Building the Kingdom!

2011-08-26T14:25:00.001-04:00

Lately I've been thinking a lot about what we do when we build the Kingdom of God, and what it means to be a part of just that. The Kingdom of God is HUGE and great and I'm so honored to be a part of it, but every Kingdom is made up of little bits and pieces, or bricks you could say. There is no great building that just "started to exist" and that is all in one piece from the start... You have to start building, digging for the foundation, laying the foundation, then laying brick after brick after brick - until the building is great and huge.

The Kingdom of God is the same way, the brick is you and me, and what we do for the Lord. When we do our very best, whatever task we have in front of us, whether it's mothering your kids, taking care of your home, helping your neighbor, preaching, working as a nurse, lawyer or an admin assistant, we are laying yet another brick to what is the Kingdom of God. So it's so important that we serve the Lord with all our heart, always trying to do our uttermost best, to be excellent AND dependant on God! Sometimes when I am doing something that I don't think of as very significant or important I try to remind myself; I'm laying another brick to the Kingdom - and all of a sudden the task that I thought was quite boring becomes more fun :)!

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters...

Col 3:23

You are a Kingdom builder - be meticulous, excellent and serve with a heart full of gratitude, in the Holy Spirit you can!

/Martina

Great Buy!

2011-07-15T15:18:00.002-04:00

A few weeks ago Johannes Amritzer released his fourth book; A Public Spectacle. This is a great book about the ministry of the Apostle that I greatly recommend! Here's a little appetizer on what you'll find in the book:

Paul uses the words “a public spectacle” to describe the ministry of the apostle. Today, almost 2000 years later, that description can still be applied. The apostle is often slandered, jeered at and strongly questioned. Few are bold enough, and enough aware of their callings, to follow Paul’s lead and entitle themselves Apostle.

This book is a simple Bible study about the apostolic ministry. What is an apostle? What is his purpose? The book shows what characterizes an apostle and what victories await him who dares to take his calling seriously. It is an encouragement to all the church planters out there, and all the pioneer missionaries among the unreached peoples. The book is an inspiration to apostles who feel like fools for Christ – just like Paul. In this public spectacle, you are in good company!

This book is only $10, so order your copy today! Email usoffice@missionsos.org asap!

/Martina

Met a Hero Today

2011-06-25T22:19:00.000-04:00

Today I met a true hero; her name is Sarah Graefe and she is a missionary that just came home from Harar, Ethiopia. Sarah spent the last 9 months in the city of Harar working as a SOS missionary. She has many wonderful stories to tell about her time there, and when I asked her if she had any questions about her stay there her answer came quickly; "when can I go out again?!"

Sarah is a true missionary, her heart, love and passion for people shines all around her, she is like a magnet that draws people to her and leads them to Jesus! She has done a tremendous job, working at the mission base and also heading up the childrens ministry in Harar Church of Joy. Sarah, we couldn't be prouder of you, you are amazing and we know that many many will thank you in eternity for showing them the way to Jesus!

Welcome home!

/Martina

Jersey Shore and Heavenly Fire

2011-06-11T14:09:00.001-04:00

In Acts chapter one we can read about a group of 120 disciples that had locked themselves behind doors. They were hiding in the upper room. Hiding from what you may ask? Or from who? They were scared to death because they had believed that Jesus was the deliverer. And after he died and rose from dead They were accused of fabricating
his resurrection and were scared of their fellow country men, the Jews.

Reading chapter two we see the disciples preaching boldly on the streets about Jesus and them seeing thousands turn from darkness to light and receive salvation.

Question is: what happened? The answer is found in the first couple of verses of chapter two.

Holy Spirit showed up. Looked like fire. Sounded like a thunderstorm. Changed everything. Why did Holy Spirit come? First of all because Jesus said he would. But also so that we could win the world.

When Holy Spirit comes over us we are dipped in Jesus' river of liquid fire and we come out burning. That fire
- eradicates fear
- makes us bold for our King.
- shakes the ground we stand on
- enables us to win the world

This weekend is Pentecost. The Jews celebrated Pentecost as a feast of the harvest. Today Pentecost needs to be all about the harvest again; not wheat and corn but souls, souls and more souls.

I am in Lakewood, NJ with Pastor Wes Lindquist and Ricky George. They are treating me like a king. Today we had lunch at Surf Taco

Last night Ricky hosted a Pentecostal Youth Rally and my friend Greg Hubbard preached. Wow! The man can preach. He only has one gear: full speed ahead. He preached out of Num 16:42-50 where Moses and Aaron stopped the plague.

In the altar ministry time we prayed for baptisms in the Holy Spirit. Many began speaking in tongues for the first time. I prayed with several (Gypsies) teenager boys and they were baptized in fire.

When we say yes to Jesus we are on our way to heaven. But there is so much more to life than that and in order for us to experience the full life of God we need to be dipped in that river of liquid fire. The world needs Christians that are burning with that heavenly fire. Those people will change the world

Tomorrow I am preaching at Calvary Lighthouse on the Fire of God and why we preach the Gospel. It is Pentecost weekend and we need the fire.

C u soon

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Walmart has the answer to everything?

2011-05-24T22:06:00.000-04:00

Saw this commercial today - thought it was just so great!!!

/Martina

A Mama's Saturday :)

2011-05-07T15:49:00.000-04:00

Started this Saturday early, got my coffee, packed lots of snacks (I'm talking like 20 different ones :)) and then got all kids dressed and in the van. Time for horseriding lessons for Josefina at 09:00 - in Zelienople (about a 40 min drive from our house). Got there, great times, got to talk to one of the moms whose daughters are riding too. She is wonderful!

At 10:00 - back in the van. Run to Walmart to get a few things and then off to Fox Chapel for Michael's soccer game. Got lost in Fox Chapel :) not very unusual for me, and Michael made it to second half of the game. (I should say that after asking for directions the second time, and still not finding the soccer field, I was almost in tears...) Well there I met a wonderful couple whose son plays on the same team as Michael, we had a good time. Then off to a birthday party and now I'm home!

The other day I felt a little lonely since Peter's not home, but I guess I just didn't look around hard enough to really SEE all the amazing people that God placed in my life. Today I think I did, and guess what? IT WAS WONDERFUL! God has placed so many awesome people in our lives, sometimes we are just too busy with everything (and sometimes too busy with minstry...) to really see, spend time and enjoy them, but they really are there the entire time. Thank you Jesus for all the great people and things you have given me!

Just had to post this latest pic of my little princess!

/Martina

First Peace Festival in Pakistan

2011-04-14T02:43:00.001-04:00

Sitting at Lahore airport after our largest festival ever. We had a total attendance over 100,000 people in three nights and on the final night we had our greatest crowd ever - well over 50,000 people.

Some 9,000 people responded to the salvation call this night alone. God is so good. A total of 17,000 people responded during the three night long festival.

After so much frustration before the opening night we knew that God had something big in store for the city of Sialkot. We were able to begin rigging at 530 am on Friday morning and the event was to begin at 6pm. My team together with a large group of local volunteers made it happen. We finalized everything on Saturday and God kissed the event in a beautiful way.

So many powerful miracles took place and all the thousands of salvations make me cry of gratitude to our Lord. There is nothing like the precious blood of Jesus that so saves, lifts, heals and sets free.

Jesus is King. Jesus is my King.

Thanks for praying and sorry for not sending any updates. For one I have been busy and two the situation has been sensitive.

C u soon

YouTube Video

9,000 people shouting out a salvation prayer

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Festival Week

2011-04-03T02:50:00.001-04:00

Again it is festival week. A lot of stuff needs to fall in place and the fight is now on for real. The team has begun to arrive. This time we are a small team and we will all be putting in long hours for the Kingdom.

Personally I know we are right where we should be when the fight intensifies the days before an event. The devil knows and does what ha can to interfere but our God u mighty and He always comes through.

I'll try and send an update daily this coming week. Thanks for all your prayers.

C U soon again

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Sialkot, Pakistan

Thank You God for Laundry, Cleaning and Cooking!

2011-03-29T15:17:00.000-04:00

My life right now consists of a whole lot of cooking, cleaning, feeding, changing diapers, doing laundry, working from my home etc etc. Tasks that most people would consider to be stuff that we do just because we have to and not neccesarily because we want to... I could look at everything from that point of view (and believe me, sometimes I do!!!) and feel overwhelmed, swamped and bored, but I could also do what a good friend told me years ago when I was whining about some dull task; see the positive in everything! So, I'm trying to do just that and thank God that I get to do all these things;

Thank you God that I get to go grocery shopping - means that I have money to shop with!

Thank you God that I get to do laundry - means that I have a family!

Thank you God that I get to clean my house - means I actually have a home!

Thank you God that I can work from home - means I have a job!

Thank you God for diapers that need to be changed, little handprints on windows and feedings that need to be done - means you have given me the opportunity to stay home with my two little ones!

And seriously - who would not be thankful to see this little happy face everyday???

/Martina

He Will Never Leave!

2011-03-11T20:33:00.002-05:00

Today as I was driving from one errend to another this song started playing on the radio and I found myself bawling in the car... You know, sometimes life can be a little hard and challenging, but as I sat there singing this song, I was reminded what the Lord has said. He never promised that everything would be easy or served on a silver platter, some circumstances are hard. BUT He DID promise that whatever life throws at us, and whatever pain we go through, He will always be there to carry us through, and He will never leave!

I mean, my daughter Josefina has diabetes, a disease that she will have all her life if not a miracle occurs. But even though we have to monitor her blood sugar levels all the time, wake up in the middle of the night to see that she's all right doesn't mean that I have stopped believing in miracles! And even though relatives pass away in illnessess doesn't mean that God has stopped performing the impossible. My God is a miracle worker! He heals, delivers, raises up and restores what is broken! I will never back down from beleiving! I will never stop praying for my daughter's miracle - it's coming! My God is the Creator God and He can do anything! And He will never leave you or forsake you!

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
Phil 4:4

/Martina

The Difference is ...

2011-02-07T02:34:00.001-05:00

This morning Daniel and I woke up at 430am to try and watch the Super Bowl. Yes we are both vivid Steelers fans and wanted to see the game. Not sure if either the local TV or the streaming sites online would come through, we decided to give it a chance. Nothing on TV and with hardly anybody else awake in the city Internet was working great. The site came through.

I must say, even though we lost, that this was one great football game. Sheer excitement till the end... What if Ben's second to last through had not been incomplete... I bet the what if's list can be made however long you want it to be today... None of it will change the fact that we lost. But remember, it is not the end of the world. However big football is, they were expecting over 116 million viewers in the US alone, life is greater than a win or a loss.

Sitting here in our hotel room looking out at the grey skies, hearing the rain batter the roof and seeing the water flow over each and every crevices makes me ponder and realize that I live such a rich life. Out in the corridor, we noticed how a room two rooms down had sprung a leak. At least we are in the dry. But more so we are in the dry when it comes to eternity. We know where we are heading and can settle down with peace in our hearts.

Somewhere towards the middle of the game I was again reminded of my whereabouts; we are in a Muslim nation. The call to prayer from the closest mosque was heard through our closed windows. We are here in nation, among millions of people that are not in the dry when it comes to their eternity. They all live their lives by the phrase "Insh Allah", IF GOD WILLS (OR WANTS) in plain English. No matter how good of a life they live, even if they were to follow every word of their holy book and the words of their prophet, they still have no guarantee of eternity. Maybe god will have a bad morning on the day of judgment and send us all to hell.

What a tragic life that must be. So lost with out hope.

But when we receive Jesus Christ as out SAVIOR, he fills us with Holy Spirit as a guarantee of what is to come. We can KNOW where we are heading and have surety of eternity. That alone is to good to keep to oneself. That one sentence is enough to drive us to the ends of the world. Add to it the love of a Savior and the grace of a Father and there should be nothing that can hold us back. Then if you take in to account the entire gospel message - WOW, we should be constantly on the move, pushing forward making sure that more people choose to know where they are heading.

Or am I mistaken...?! Sometimes I wonder what has happened to us as HIS people today. Common, what are we laking? HE gave us everything.

So if he is our most prized possession, then why are we not doing all we can to show the world? I am no well educated man and perhaps that is why I do not understand the issues that seem to hold us back. They all seem so trivial. The first century Christians saw it as an honor if they where paraded and then throw to the beasts at the Colosseum in Rome. For them life was Christ and dying pure gain. What have we lost that their lives were filled with?

The passion had been lost. There simply is very little passion left. We need to re-ignite the passion. Make sure that you are crazy in love with Jesus and the flames of passion will seem like there are out of control, an uncontrollable forest fire. Burn, burn, burn. Burn for our King! The world needs passion! The world needs you!

The question is: WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT?

The answer is simple: The POWER of God. He lives within us and it is not to late to let the world see HIM. When we begin to live out the power of God, that makes us different. We can talk, talk and talk some more. I have met with some "wise" men on this trip and all they want to do is talk, talk, talk. We can play the act as well.

However, against these men we will loose and loose bad. The only thing that will make it through to the end and at the same time bring lasting change is if we live the power of God. Let it show that we are different. We are of another Kingdom! We are authorized to use the power that has been delegated to us. We are ambassadors for this New Kingdom and we must begin to let it show in our lives. An ambassador speaks bold on behalf of his nation. We must to!

Join us on the battle field for the largest harvest that the earth has ever seen. Every ETHNOS will hear before we hear that trumpet sound. The task seems large, but not impossible and last time I checked, our King likes when the odds are stacked up to the point of luring defeat. FOR GOD NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE.

The world will hear and the world will receive. There is no other way to be sure of eternity

C U!

Faislabad and a wise man

2011-02-03T10:00:00.000-05:00

Today we travelled to Faislabad to begin recon in this city, the third city of Pakistan. Even as we began entering the outskirts of the city we noticed a different pulse and order - we knew we were now in a mega city. Faislabad has a population of between 4 and 5 million people - that is half of Sweden in one city. WOW. So far there has not been even a hint of the pulse slowing... we will see later in the night. Our room faces the street, and a busy one I might add.

Our recon started out bad. Our guides began to take us to a place supposedly just outside town. After 30 minutes I simply said turn around and head back in to the city. God sent us to the city this time. We stopped at a park on the way in and that is where they finally understood what we looking for. 20 mins later we were standing on a field that can hold 50,000 people and lies in the middle of a crowded residential and industrial area. Not smack down town but there seems to be no field large enough down town. This could be the place.

On the way to the hotel we drove by two stadiums but judging from the drive by, the gates can not handle a big truck or crane to deliver the gear. This might be an issue...

Now we are relaxing at the hotel and preparing for a big pastors conference in the morning. I will have the first session and then Daniel will take the second. We are expecting 250 pastors and leaders and together Daniel and I will challenge them and get them on their feet for the upcoming festival in their city. Jesus is coming to town to perform miracles and we need to be ready...

Backing up 24 hours, Daniel and I had an interesting meeting at our hotel. One of the religious leaders from the city came to us and we talked for an hour. Very interesting to hear his views and after our hour, he said that we are welcome to his city and he will do all he can to help us secure the festival and make it a success.. I will share some other time more of what we learned from this wise and seemingly humble man...

Appreciate your prayers...

Will be back soon with more from the field.

Joshua Project - Mobile Phone Application

2011-01-29T17:19:00.000-05:00

Check out this great tool for finding information on unreached people groups:

Go to this page for more information: Joshua Project - Mobile Phone Application

On the road again

2011-01-29T01:01:00.004-05:00

My second morning in Pakistan. Even though I left my home early Monday morning. I had to fly through Stockholm on my way here and what an interesting day it turned out to be. First my dad met me at the airport and we got to spend some time together. Great.

Then after dropping him of at the central station for a meeting I made my way to SOS Church on Kungsholmen. Once there I heard that Andreas G was meeting with the School of Leadership class and they were talking about Pakistan. So I sort of hijacked the class. Very fun indeed. They were all chocked by my entrance. I was able to answer many questions and I believe that this year will be a year of great harvest for Mission SOS and the Kingdom of God.

Later I spent the night at the Zuniga's home in Tumba before heading to the airport for my flight to Pakistan. I checked in to my hotel at 530 am on Thursday morning and was so disoriented time wise. I had a great day of rest.

Yesterday was very productive. I worked in my room all day and then we had a 2.5 hour planning meeting in the evening. The people working with us on the ground here are amazing. They left the meeting with a two page list of questions that I need answers to and they all left with a big smile.

Soon they will be back at my hotel and we will continue to work out all the loose ends and set up two great events here in Pakistan.

Tomorrow my friend and brother Daniel Elvelyck arrives to be at my side. Together we will work out the ground details and meet pastors and encourage them for the event.

God is up to something great in this nation.

I will post pictures in the coming posts.

C u soon!

Cartledge, Amritzer and Leake!

2011-01-17T17:54:00.003-05:00

Today I framed three of my favorite quotes and put them in my kitchen so I can see them when I am doing dishes :). Ok, I know... You're dying to find out what they are;

God is a good God that does all things well...

- David and Marie Cartledge -

There are no closed places or impossible cases, only lack of love…

- Johannes Amritzer -

When I don’t know what to do, I chose to trust You…

- Jeff Leake -

Good eh?

/Martina

Rescue the "Hudsons" of this World...

2011-01-12T19:02:00.003-05:00

Watched this video clip tonight and was moved in my heart... God's focus, attention and love is all about reaching and rescuing those that no one cares for, sees or is focusing. The little ones, the ones without voice, the unreached.

Let 2011 be a year where you and I step outside the box, when we go the extra mile, give that extra gift, and pray that extra hour. Let this year be different, do something that you've never done before; why don't you start by going with us to Pakistan this spring or fall? Together we can reach and rescue some of the "Hudsons" of Pakistan and bring the Gospel message to these wonderful people that Jesus loves, bled, died and rose again for...

For more information, visit our website!

/Martina

New Starts and Good Friends!

2011-01-04T17:07:00.003-05:00

A new year is always exciting! New starts are fresh, makes you curious and awakes the adventurer in you. I am very excited about this year! I am so looking forward to all the Holy Spirit has in store for us, all He has on His agenda and is planning to do. I am praying to have open ears so I can listen to Him speak, understand His Word better and become a better disciple...

Praying and whispering with Jesus at the beginning of a new year is very special - I love those times - between the diaper changes, laundry that needs to be folded and dinners to be cooked - when I take time to stop, listen, pray and read His Word. Those moments are what matters most and what really makes the difference!

We have some great friends visiting for a few days; Ylva and Tommy Hamrén with their kids Felicia, Emilie, Isak and Joel. The Hamrén family means so much to us and we love spending time with them. They are great heroes in the Kingdom of God; their home in Stockholm is always open to everyone in need, they are pillars in both our church in Stockholm and SOS and we are truly honored to have them in our home! Yesterday we enjoyed Pittsburgh; Mt Washington, rode the incline, Station Square and South Side - the absolute best of the city!

Ylva and Tommy at Mt Washington!

/Martina

Don't Loose Jesus...

2010-12-22T18:53:00.003-05:00

I love this time of year - love ALL of it!!! Love to bake all the traditional Christmas cookies, cook all the food that we "just have to have" on our Christmas dinner table, love to go to shopping for the perfect gifts, decorating the house, sending Christmas cards, you know, all that good stuff!!! Sometimes it's easy to get so wrapped up in all the preparations for this great holiday that we forget what it's really about.

Just imagine that we get to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! Just imagine that the King of Kings was born in a filthy stable... There were no cozy blankets, no diapers, no wet wipes or onezies... There was no warm water for Maria to wash up in after giving birth... Our Lord, that means everything to us came to this world as a vulnerable little baby. He is not a baby anymore though - He is the Almighty, the King och Kings and Lord of Lords - and He is the One that we celebrate this season!

For to us a child is born,

to us a son is given,

and the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Of the greatness of his government and peace

there will be no end.

He will reign on David’s throne

and over his kingdom,

establishing and upholding it

with justice and righteousness

from that time on and forever.

The zeal of the LORD Almighty

will accomplish this.

Is 9:6-7

So, for every cookie you bake, every gift you wrap and every meal you make - remember that it's to make the birthday of our Jesus as perfect as can be!

/Martina

A Master Piece

2010-12-05T19:45:00.003-05:00

Early Thursday morning at 1:50 a little master piece entered this world, her name is Emilia, Mathilda, Helen Almqvist. She was 11.9 lbs and 21.7 inches (5,260 kg and 55 cm) and has more hair than any other baby I've ever seen :). She is just so adorable and the best thing of all; she's ours!!! Her journey these few days have been tough though, she was born with a broken clavicle and 5 broken ribs - you feel the ribs moving and cracking when you hold her... She has been in so much pain, and has spent the last two days in the NICU at the hospital. We are praying and hoping that we can bring her home tomorrow.

Today as I was sitting with her, just cuddling and talking to her this verse came to mind;

Then your light will break forth like the dawn,

and your healing will quickly appear;

then your righteousness will go before you,

and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard.

Is 58:8

The peace and presence of the Lord filled the little room at the NICU at MaGee Womens Hospital and I just knew that she will heal quickly. God truly is our fortress, our strong tower, our peace, our healer, our provider, our joy and comforter!

As I sang this song for her she opened her eyes and looked at me as to say; mom, I'll be ok. (Sorry all my English speaking friends that it's in Swedish, but the lyrics are written below in the clip).

/Martina

Thankful for...

2010-11-24T13:41:00.004-05:00

It's Thanksgiving day tomorrow and I'm sitting here reflecting on what I am thankful for... God has given me such a rich life and there's so much to thank Him for.

I am thankful for;

My relationship with Jesus - He saved me 19 years ago and life with Him gets better every day!
Peter - he lights up my day and gives his life for me and the kids every day of the year!
Michael - his sensitive spirit and personality drives me to become a better mom and person!
Josefina - her smile and constant new creative ideas makes me see life from a different angle and teaches me the diversity of life!
Lucas - my joy and baby that will become a big brother in just a few days!
Our little one yet to see the world - eager to meet him/her soon!
My mom and dad, sister Helén and brother Marcus!
My mom and dad-in-law and Peter's siblings!
My SOS family - Johannes and Maria for sharing life with us, being our family and opening the door to Holy Spirit adventures among the unreached peoples!
My APC family - Jeff and Melodie for welcoming us into APC and making us feel so at home here!

Oh, there is so much more to thank Him for, all the little miracles of everyday, (I got a parking spot just right by the entrance to my Dr Office today) the smile on your kid's face when you are having "fika" on ginger bread muffins when they get home from school...

THANK YOU GOD FOR THIS YEAR!

/Martina

Friends and a New Admin!

2010-11-19T22:53:00.006-05:00

This last week has been amazing in many ways. We have had some of our best friends from Sweden here to visit and the due date of Almqvist baby #4 is getting closer! Julia and Samuel Willkander, Linnea Hagenfors and Nina Anderson have stayed at our house (we have a big house!!!) and we have had many good laughs, deep talks and fun times together. They are amazing people in many ways... We have also had the priviledge to have Johannes Amritzer here for 2 weeks! He has been teaching at our ministry school and preaching at APC as well. It's been so great to spend time, talk and pray together. He's the best boss, friend and pastor!

Nina!!!

This past week I've handed my job over to Nina as well. She'll be filling in for me when I'm on maternity leave for a couple of months. Nina is such a sweet spirited woman, she does everything with a smile on her face, works very hard and meticulously and I know she'll do a great job. Feels a little awkward not to work for awhile - after all I LOVE what I do... But I am longing to have more time with my kids as well, so this is for the best.

One of my new favorite TV shows is Undercovers... I admit - I love action series... Anyway I think these two couples are a little bit of a look-alike.

/Martina

Brand New episode of God's Adventures

2010-11-12T19:14:00.001-05:00

Check out the new episode of God's Adventurers

The aftermath of a festival

2010-11-10T15:14:00.003-05:00

A month ago I was in Haiti for a Signs & Wonders Festival with Mission SOS. And the event was a success for the Kingdom of God. Looking back now, we can see how God’s favor was all over the event. We had clear skies the week before the festival and only a couple of short rains the week of the event. Since we left, Haiti has been hammered with rain; downpour after downpour.

You have probable also read the news about the Cholera outbreak all over the nation. And as if an earthquake and a Cholera epidemic is not enough, Haiti was hit by hurricane Tomas a few days ago. Honestly, I have no clue how the Haitian people survive. It must be that built in survival mentality that God has deposited within us in creation. Mankind has always, in all times been fighters and we survive disasters, wars and almost everything that life throws at us.

Monday afternoon, the day after the festival was over, Pastor Elius Michel came to the festival ground and was given permission to use two Unicef tents as a make shift church building. He had around 50 people show up. They became his new church. Today, a month later, Pastor Elius meets around 200 people daily in his church. These people had no hope a month ago. Then Jesus came to their camp and gave them hope. The gospel is such a beauty. To see how lives are transformed by the power that it contains. There is nothing else that carries the power to change a prostitute and make her a fine lady or make a street boy a gentleman. They also handed out school benches from the newly started church... Benches that were donated in Norway to the people of Haiti. A big thank you from the people of Haiti to the people of Norway.

God’s love is poured out to people all over the globe and he wants and needs us to be his vessels and channels. Are you ready to be a channel for God’s love and compassion?

From Prayer to Dr Appt to Baptism

2010-10-12T15:41:00.004-04:00

Started this day by leading prayer at the MCM Ministry School, awesome prayer with awesome students! At the end of the prayer one of the students came to me and said she wasn't baptized in water yet and she so wanted to be baptized right away! Wonderful!

So, after my Dr appointment were I found out that our next little one is doing just great Sharayah, I and some of her friends from the class went down to the little creek that runs through Hampton Township, and there she buried her old life and a new Sharayah resurrected with Jesus!

Great day!

/Martina

Miracles and Chocolate Ice Cream

2010-10-11T22:02:00.006-04:00

This past week have been so full of prayer-slots for the Haiti festival, prayer school were we prayed for Haiti, reporting about Haiti etc etc that nothing else has been on my mind really. The outcome of the festival is amazing; 3,200 precious Haitians that have now started their life with Jesus, 1,000 clothed with power when they were baptized in Holy Spirit and started speaking in tongues and all the miracles. Just imagine how different life is for the three blind that now wake up in the morning, being able to see the faces of their children and see what color the sky is, imagine when the person that was deaf hear the voice of his or her loved ones for the first time. Wow, that is what our God does, He gives LIFE back to people, He restores what was once broken and makes something beautiful of it!

So, today when I sat down by my computer to catch up on some work I got so into it that I didn't hear what Lucas did. While I was busy reading e-mails and searching for information on the web he snuck into the freezer and showed his little head into the chocolate ice cream :). He was so happy and content that I had to take his picture before I put him in the bathtub. I love it!

/Martina

Photos - Haiti Signs & Wonders Festival!

2010-10-08T11:01:00.005-04:00

This lady's deaf ear was opened last night!

Salvation invitation!

Unloading equipment in the dark

2010-10-04T13:29:00.005-04:00

So after a long day on Saturday, the first truck with the sound system cleared customs and arrived to Port-au-Prince and the festival site. We had to wait until nightfall before the inspector came to inspect the goods. That was a fast process it turned out and we could proceed to offload from one container and move the sound equipment to a tractor trailer for storage until the main containers arrive.

Learning the world of shipping involves a lot of patience, especially in this part of the world. We are learning fast that it is all but simple. And then trying to bring equipment in to a country where the entire system is corrupt just adds to the frustration. In the end though, we grow in patience - it is after all a fruit of the Spirit..

Enjoy some pictures from when we offloaded the container in the dark...

Live! On Air - Radio Shalom

2010-09-30T20:07:00.008-04:00

Today I was scheduled to be interviewed on the most popular radio channel in the Port-au-Prince area of Haiti. They were doing a call in show with some prize and while they people were gearing up to call in we were live on air...

Radio Shalom is a Christian radio station that at the moment has the most listeners. They are very popular in Port-au-Prince. And given the low literacy rate that we were acutely made aware of yesterday, using the radio is the best tool in creating awareness for this event.

Otherwise, Pastor Hudson and myself have been working with customs today and tomorrow we will head to the DR/Haiti border to clear container no 1. PRAY for God's favor!

In the mean time my pre team of two, Marcus Urso and Gunnar-André Lund have been reading up on sound manuals in preparation for the arrival of the gear. We have been going through different scenarios and started up the different softwares that will monitor and run the system... Learning by trying is the fastest school.

Port-au-Prince is a bustling city with lots of activity around the clock it seems like. Driving around the city today we saw piles of rubble where there used to be houses. In some places whole city blocks lay in ruins... In other places UN personnel were clearing sites and loading smashed concrete unto waiting trucks... The rebuilding of Port-au-Prince starts with removing all the rubble and tearing down the partly destroyed houses and structures that still partly stand. Once everything is gone, then the actual rebuilding can commence...

Also, as we were driving around town today, in every place that used to be an open area we now saw tent camps set up - be it a park, or just an open field, or even along side main roads - tents, tents and more tents. At the airport we saw big trucks clearing customs loaded with new tents that will be distributed to people that lost everything.

Every family in the Port-au-Prince region was affected by this disaster - officially 250,000 people died during the quake - but many more died in the hospitals or due to lack of care... No one knows the actual number. Over 2 million people lived in the main area where the quake hit. Many of these people are now displaced around the whole country with nothing left.

It is time for Haiti to receive the Gospel of Hope! Jesus Christ is their hope in glory! Believe with me for a great breakthrough among these people!

Until next time...

On the Ground in Haiti

2010-09-29T17:50:00.008-04:00

When we arrived yesterday, our bags did not. Travel these days... There is not much that you can do about it...

First day in Haiti has been a good one. We drove to the festival ground to begin planning the layout of things. The site is part of a camp for displaced people, people who lost everything in the earthquake. They are from almost all tiers of life and different backgrounds - some are well educated and others have never been to school. Yet now they share this - that they lost everything and are now living in a tent camp. The authorities have begun to erect small houses that they can move into but it is going very slow.

This process has brought some challenges for us. The main area where the festival was to be held is now a construction zone - they are building houses. Now you cannot be mad and angry at them for building theses houses ... they are desperately needed for the people. But we on the other hand need a large open area. So we walked around the camp today without finding anything. Just before leaving we talked to one of the officials and he got in our car and took us deeper into the camp where there was an open area that can hold 40,000 - 50,000 people. PERFECT.

In this camp there are 7,000 families living and when I asked the normal size of a Haitian family the answer was 5-6 children. Doing the math, we see that we now have a base of around 50,000 people to draw from. These people do nothing. They just roam around. It is time for them to hear the good news of a risen savior - Jesus loves them so.

As we were walking around the camp we saw 5 guys in our around their twenties looking at one of our posters. They were talking to each other. Pastor Hudson walked up to them and asked them what they were talking about. Their reply was simple: we cannot vote for this man because we do not know him. They were referring to the man on the poster, Johannes Amritzer, and the upcoming presidential election at the end of November. What was this about? None of the five could read what the poster said. They had never been to school. So Pastor Hudson talked to them asking if they had heard the speaker cars announce the upcoming festival and they all said yes of course and now understood who the man on the poster was.

I do not think that we have been in a place this urban before where the literacy rate is so extremely low... No wonder that the country is the poorest in the Western Hemisphere... They need education. They need hope. They need a Savior. Let's give them Jesus!

Continue to pray for me as we prepare the ground.

Festival next to Refugee Camp

2010-09-27T19:50:00.005-04:00

Yesterday Gunnar Andre Lund from Norway came to visit. He is on his way to Haiti together with Peter and Marcus Urso tomorrow morning. I am so excited about this festival, even though the airlines will not allow me to fly now, so I can't go, I am very excited and have high expectations on what the Lord will do...

The team of about 60 people are very prepared, prayed through and I know they will do so great. The team exists of people from SOS Church Stockholm Sweden, Norway, Allison Park Church, Pittsburgh PA, Calvary Temple Worship Center, Modesto CA and Morningstar Fellowship, Bechellsville PA.

The festival will take place right next to this refugee camp, where about 7000 families live.

Our goal for this festival is to serve the people of Port Au Prince, wash their feet, present the Gospel of Jesus Christ and our prayer is to see thousands run into the arms of Jesus and be saved. We are praying for miracles to take place, strong healings, deliverances from Voodoo and evil sprits, baptisms in the Holy Spirit and for the Joy of the Lord to be spread and cover this city that is hurting so bad. Will you pray with us? Will you stand in faith together with us for this to happen? Jesus loves the people of Haiti and He is ready!

/Martina

From Ghana to Haiti

2010-09-22T21:22:00.005-04:00

This morning I lead prayer school at the MCM Ministry School, we prayed for the festival that will take place in Haiti just a couple of months from now. Great prayer and wonderful students!

The stage and rigg

As we were praying it kinda dawned on me how faithful God is! When He speaks about something and gives a vision of something He really comes through all the way to the end. I am thinking of SOS Portable Festival Equipment right now... In 2005 the Holy Spirit spoke to a Norwegian engineer in a little town in northern Ghana called Bolgatanga. He gave him a vision of this particular project that we have chosen to call the Portable Festival Equipment. The engineer, Kennet Thorsland saw the entire thing before his eyes and together with a team of engineers and workers they have built and worked and worked - for more than 5 years!!! There were times that we doubted if this would ever happen, due to many different reasons, but this was and is, a God thing! So, now as I am writing, the containers with stage, sound, lighting and everything neccessary to reach a large crowd are on its way across the Atlantic to Haiti.

Kennet together with his family

God knew this would take place, He never gave up on this, because it was ordained by Him! Kennet and his crew never gave up either, they used their God-given skills to put this together and now it will be used to reach thousands of people in the city Port Au Prince!

Pray for this festival with us! We need your support in prayer!

/Martina

Fourth morning in Pakistan

2010-09-12T05:13:00.002-04:00

Yes it felt like coming home when I landed at Lahore International Airport early on Wednesday morning. Pakistan still has a big place in my heart. This is my country too.

At the airport I was met by a Major in the Pakistani army and he has hosted me since. What a great and humble man Major Ashar is.

I like the way the man thinks. The first place he took me to was a field that easily can hold 100,000+ people in the crowd. That was his first suggestion when it came to venues. It is still the best option. Wow! I sense God's hand over this trip in a special way.

Pakistan is at a crucial place in many ways. There us a dire need of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to be preached to the people. At the same time the people at large are tired of the constant war that is being waged against the tribal fundamentals and the war on terror. But they see no way out of the tunnel that they are in. God is their only hope.

It is time to bring the good news of a risen savior to them. I believe that we can be an instrument in giving them hope in the midst of their despair.

People that are hit by tragedy in any form are more open to listen. When all their hope is washed away in a second and they find no answers to their why? What a great opportunity to preached hope and salvation to them.

Continue to pray for me as I continue on my scouting trip in Pakistan...

They even gave me a personal bodyguard... How about that!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Only Found in Pittsburgh!

2010-09-06T15:17:00.002-04:00

When we were driving out to the airport today to drop Peter off for his 2 week trip to Pakistan we saw something totally awesome! As we all know, fotball season starts now and if you live in Pittsburgh there's really only ONE team to cheer for :) - right? Well, this man certainly got that one right!

An entire Steelers team glued to the top of his car - I just love it!!!

/Martina

From One Great Event to Another!

2010-09-02T16:47:00.007-04:00

We just came home from an awesome celebration in our mother church in Stockholm, SOS Church. SOS Church celebrated one year and what a celebration it was!!! World Evangelist Reinhard Bonnke was our guest of honor and preached on the Sunday service downtown Stockholm. We are overwhelmed by God's grace and favor, this man of God has prayed with more people to salvation than anyone in history, just imagine that he chose to come to our church!!! Thank you precious Jesus! The entire weekend was great, but to see people running to the altar to give their life to Jesus right in the center of our capital city was so wonderful. So many were healed in their bodies, this was truly the absolute best way to celebrate one year as a church!

Jesus healed the sick!

After the service on Sunday we rushed out, drove to Tommy and Ylva's house, closed our suitcases (hoping that everything was in it) :) and drove to the airport. Spent the night at the airport in Helsinki and then got on our plane back home to Pittsburgh!

Yeah! Our new MCM students!!!

Yesterday was another amazing day. MCM Ministry School started with 22 new students! Wonderful people that are eager to learn, be filled and used by the Holy Spirit! What a great week! Life with God truly is an adventure!

/Martina

MCM Ministry School

2010-09-01T11:03:00.001-04:00

They are finally here. The new recruits have come to town and today is orientation day. 22 have been accepted and 20 are here today.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

A Jesus-weekend

2010-08-27T07:49:00.003-04:00

Today it starts - SOS Homecoming. We have been planning, working, fasting and praying for a long time and tonight is the night! Evangelist Christian Hedegaard from Denmark will start off tonight, Rev Siegfried Tomaszewski from CfaN tomorrow night and then on Sunday Evangelist Reinhard Bonnke will speak at the anniversary celebration. I am so excited and it feels like such an honor that these men of God are visiting SOS...

Praying for this weekend to be a real JESUS-weekend, where everything else falls to the ground and the only thing left is the precious presence of God, that Jesus will walk among us, save, heal the sick, deliver from addictions, depressions and bondage. Jesus - this is your weekend, do whatever you want to do!!!

He must become greater; I must become less.

John 3:30

Come celebrate Jesus together with us, tonight and tomorrow at 7 pm at SOS Church and Sunday at CCC at 4pm!

/Martina

Celebrate One year with us!

2010-08-23T12:15:00.003-04:00

Crab Fishing

2010-08-21T07:52:00.000-04:00

Yesterday on our last day of vacation I took my two oldest crab fishing. What joy to see them thrilled at catching a small crab from under a rock among the sea weeds.

In total we caught 8 crabs during the course of the day. That my friend is fulfillment in life.

Today we begin working again. We soon arrive to Stockholm

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

My Girl!

2010-08-15T02:07:00.000-04:00

When I came up to breakfast this morning the table was set this way for me... Wow what a way to wake up! My little girl made a regular meal very special!

/Martina
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Things I Missed the Past Year :)

2010-08-12T18:06:00.005-04:00

After a long flight and a very looong train ride in the middle of the night from Oslo, Norway to southern Sweden (where Peter's parents live) we arrived in Lund on Tuesday morning. Apart from family members that we have missed I also realized other things that I missed this past year:

Well... These things are not really neccesary in life, BUT to get a little taste once in awhile is REALLY good!!! I love my country, the people, the culture, all the different sceneries that nature offers... God is good, and this is a good vacation!

/Martina

Skyrocket!

2010-08-04T10:32:00.003-04:00

Yesterday we and the Elvelyck family went to Kennywood, such a fun day! I only payed $12 to get in cause I'm pregnant and the people selling the tickets stronly advised me NOT to ride ANYTHING... Well what's the point of going then eh? I did ride this one!!! FUN, but Stephanie laughed harder than me; because she was laughing AT me ;). It was a great day!

/Martina

Christmas in July

2010-07-22T18:11:00.000-04:00

Yes that is correct. At least that is what this entire day has felt like. I have been opening presents all day. It all began this morning around 740am.
Parked outside ware house that we were given for free through October was a 53 foot semi trailer filled with boxes. 16 pallets with brand new gear that needed to be unloaded.

By now you have already guessed: yes it was our sound system for the portable festival equipment that finally arrived to day.

Marcus Urso, who will be working on our festival team with technical part and myself have opened up so much stuff today and it has felt like Christmas in July for real.

To pull open a box with brand new equipment and get a whiff of that new smell is just amazing and to know that this all belongs to us in Mission SOS makes it feel even better.

It has been a long five years and I think that many lost faith during the course but we have been a team a few people that have never given up and today was like a dream come true. Part two will be in Haiti later this fall ad we take the equipment there and set up for a Signs & Wonders festival in the capital city.

It is not to late to sign up. Come and join the adventure and bring Jesus to the devastated nation of Haiti.

Enjoy the pictures of us unpacking...

For the Kingdom!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Cool Blessing!

2010-07-15T14:54:00.002-04:00

This summer has, so far, been pretty hot in Pittsburgh (about 35 degrees C the wamest days). Even though I'm a huge fan of summertime, the beach/pool, sunbathing etc etc I have to admit that going to sleep in that temperature has been a little challenging (our bedroom has evening/afternoon sun). Anyway God know's everything right?! And sometimes He answers our wishes even before they become prayers! This week we were blessed with three brand new window AC's!!! God is so good! (And our bedroom has a temp of about 20 degrees C now!)

/Martina

Just listen and marvel at our GOD!

2010-07-14T15:24:00.002-04:00

Exatrordinary Measures

2010-07-10T10:00:00.001-04:00

Saw a GREAT movie two days ago!!! You just have to see it too:

/Martina

The Word

2010-07-09T19:12:00.002-04:00

This morning I read the following Psalm:

1 LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary?

Who may live on your holy hill?

2 He whose walk is blameless

and who does what is righteous,

who speaks the truth from his heart

3 and has no slander on his tongue,

who does his neighbor no wrong

and casts no slur on his fellowman,

4 who despises a vile man

but honors those who fear the LORD,

who keeps his oath

even when it hurts,

5 who lends his money without usury

and does not accept a bribe against the innocent.

He who does these things

will never be shaken.

Psalm 15

This Psalm so spoke to my heart this morning! Who is really able to do all this? The answer is no one, but in Jesus and through His blood and work on the cross it IS possible! How we need the grace of God... Thank You Jesus for the cross, the blood and that You cried out; It is finished...

Love You Jesus!

/Martina

Faith in Jesus and fanatism

2010-06-14T00:11:00.001-04:00

This weekend Johannes and I have been in Bechtelsville, PA, about 50 min north of down town Philadelphia. We have been with Pastor Steve and Liz DeFrain @ Morming Star Fellowship. What a great church with such excellence.

We have had 4 services here and it has been a weekend of salvation. So many people, most of them new to the pastors @ Morning Star, received salvation and now they have faith in Jesus. Thank you Jesus for your saving grace.

Then for lunch we were invited to the home of a hunter. You know there are hunters and then there are hunters and then there is Dale. He is a hunter with a passion. We love this kind of fanatism. He built an extension on his house to have space for all his trophies.

What great steaks that we were served. Thank you Dale and Donna. We appreciate your hospitality so much. Thank you again.

Moose, elk and countless deer. He also has mountain lion, bob cats, lynx, goats and bear - black, brown and grisly.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Warrior Graduation ...

2010-06-06T17:18:00.000-04:00

This weekend is graduation for the MCM Ministry School and Johannes Amritzer preached about Given from Heaven...

After two powerful services this morning we all gathered for a luncheon. Words of appreciation were given and we honored both students and staff as diplomas were handed out. What a great joy to see how these students have grown in the past nine months. They can shake any place for the Kingdom. They all graduated as warriors. So beautiful.

Thank you Jesus for the privilege to impart into the lives of others. We are raising up a breed of warriors that will be on the frontiers in these end times.

I am so proud of you all! Be strong and bold! Love u all!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Good to be Home!

2010-06-02T15:10:00.004-04:00

Change of plans...

2010-05-27T05:20:00.001-04:00

The first word we teach our missionary cadets is: FLEXIBEL. The quicker that word becomes a part of your system the easier life becomes.

Yesterday at the airport they could not find tickets for Michael and Josefina. So after much strife I canceled my flight as well and stayed here in Tanzania with the fam.

Lucas was all ready to go! But I think he is enjoying the extra bonus day at the pool as well...

Not sure yet when we can go home. I have asked them to put us on the same flight home and they are still working on it.

C u soon again!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Day off turned sour...

2010-05-26T07:30:00.001-04:00

Yesterday the entire team had a day off and went on a safari to Tarangire National Park. They all saw many animals and Martina took the two oldest kids and tagged along. I did get to see the Mountain as they refer to it here:

I spent the day in bed with Lucas. I had a fever during the night and felt awful all day. Today life is coming back to me...

We are heading home today. Will get to Pittsburgh late tomorrow! Thanks for praying for us while here in Tanzania!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Another festival has come to an end

2010-05-24T13:57:00.000-04:00

So it's Monday and yet another festival, the Kilimanjaro Signs & Wonders Festival, has come to an end. The town of Same will never be the same again. God has transformed the region.

It has not rain like this year for the past 6-8 years and wells have been drilled to bring physical water to the Pare people.
And then of course the GOSPEL has been preached to hungry people. We have tried to sum up this festival:

Around 2,800 salvations both in the streets and at the festival.

Around 800 baptized in the Holy Spirit and FIRE. In the pouring rain I night add. A beautiful site.

Crippled arms have begun to move - blind eyes now see - deaf ears can hear sound - cancer has left - the mute now speak - and many many more wonderful healings by King Jesus!

Wow, wow, wow!

Pictures will follow as I can connect my laptop to the Internet.

Tomorrow we are heading on a safari. Praying to God that we WILL SEE animals.

C u soon!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Miracles ...

2010-05-20T23:42:00.001-04:00

Last night was a miracle night. Jesus showed up and kissed the festival. I just want to share one miracle story with you this morning.

A mother came to the festival with her three boys. When they arrived the boys were mute. But our King Jesus entered the stage and He loosed their tongues so that they for their first time made some noice and the crowd went crazy as they tried to form words on the platform.

King Jesus is wonderful.

Go to missionsos.com for video updates from the festival.

C u soon again!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Internet issues, new recruits and heights

2010-05-17T00:46:00.001-04:00

I have been unable to blog for some days due to very limited Internet access. Today a fresh try...

On Friday the team from Pittsburgh arrived and yes that did include my queen and wonderful kids. So good to see them again. But they had had an adventurous journey and it began in Pittsburgh. At the airport they had no ticket for Lucas and at their final layover in Nairobi there were no boarding passes for the two oldest kids. But they DID make it (not their bags though).

Sunday morning started with building platform, then back to camp to dress up to go preach...

Michael then helped with building the platform and speaker towers while the team had an outreach close by...

I love working high up!

Then the team from Sweden arrived last night. We are now almost at full strength.

C u soon again!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Undercover heroes ...

2010-05-13T01:58:00.000-04:00

In Mission SOS we have been blessed with many many good people. There are those that are seen all the time and often stand on the barricades and are the ones that are central to the work. They are all important to the ministry.

But today I want to take the opportunity to brag on one of our undercover heroes. We have so many that are not seen but without them the work would crumble.

As I was returning from Nepal one of our missionaries to Ethiopia, Katrine emailed me asking if I needed some help in TZ prior to the team coming. I replied that I most likely would. She then responded that she would meet up at the airport in TZ.

Katrine is one of our heroes. It took her seven days with a bus to go from Harar, Ethiopia to Arusha, TZ. Three of those she spent at the border between ET and Kenya - it had rained so much that the roads had collapsed. The guard post cleared out a room for her to sleep in until the roads reopened. When they did, Katrine climbed into a Land Rover and rode for 25 hours straight.
She was standing at the airport with a big smile as I came out.

Not a word of complaint. Always a big smile and the words "chigger yellum" meaning no problem. She pays for everything all the time and stands there with a cold soda or water to serve. She said goodbye to all of us yesterday by buying watermelon - what a treat!

She left this morning so that she can make it back to the base before the others leave to come and be a part of the festival team here in Same, TZ.

Thank God for people like Katrine. We need more people in the Kingdom like her.

C U soon!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

First time ...

2010-05-12T13:07:00.000-04:00

Today the students from the School of Leadership were able to do their first outreaches in TZ. Always great fun and the reason that we live and breathe.

Soccer was a great tool in gathering people. Two in the team went two on two and the people cheered. Then one of our missionaries to Ethiopia, Anna-Karin, stepped up to preach her first outreach message. Several hands went up. Anna-Karin typically ends up behind the sound gear. But today she wrote history peaching among the Pare people.

So proud of all of them. They have all grown this year and to see what God has for them is so wonderful.

C U soon!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Tomorrow We Take off for Africa!

2010-05-11T19:13:00.003-04:00

Tomorrow we leave Pittsburgh and fly to Same, Tanzania! Peter has already been there a little more than a week, so it will be wonderful to be together as a family again. Going on mission trips as a family is so great! I have never regretted that we bring our kids into sometimes very remote areas, where there's no water, electricity, we sleep on the ground sometimes on our air mattrasses under a thin mosquito-net :). Sounds frightening to some, but it is sooooooooo much fun! And the adventure part is just the little bonus really.

The real reward is to see thousands of precious men and women, young adults and senior citizens run into the arms of Jesus! To see the blind woman gaze into the lights beacuse Jesus has just opened her eyes and the light is so strong, or the little girl, unable to walk because of Polio take her first steps on thin spagetti-legs after Jesus has touched her body... To be out with our Bible School students in the villages and see them dance, do drama, preach and testify and realize how much God has done in their lives over the last year is incredible! I wish I could take all of you, my wonderful friends with me on one of these trips - it changes you forever!

Lucas - getting ready for the trip!

This time we have so many kids from the SOS families with us that our Childrens Pastor in SOS Church Stockholm is arranging a kids festival too! Michael and Josefina are practising dance and preparing what they want to say to the children in Same. I am so proud of them! So looking forward to this trip - Africa is so special to me, there is no continent that touches my heart like just Africa!

Sweet toddler years, ha ha!

/Martina

Bore holes & joy

2010-05-11T13:37:00.001-04:00

This afternoon we were able to visit two of the bore sites in the Same district. The first completed well is in a place called Kisiwani. The well is now visited by up to 1,000 people daily. The area around the well is now fruitful and crops have begun to grow around it. We saw the windmill from a distance. An hour's drive from Same town.

9 kilometers further down the road we found the drill team from Majitech in Njiro. Here they have had some trouble. There was to much mud and a two day drill has taken over two weeks. They are almost done and will hand over to the team that will build the windmill.

Enjoy some pictures from the site at dusk.

When I talked to the main engineer he showed me how they check for water. Every two meters they take a sample and check for dampness. Very interesting. At both these sites they found water at 100 meters.

To see the joy in the faces of the people at these sites is priceless. Thank you all at Allison Park Church that have given towards the well project. Next week we will send teams that will bring the living water that last through eternity: Jesus Christ.

Thank you Pastor Jeff and all at APC for standing with us in Mission SOS in bringing the Good News to all corners of the Globe. We love you so much.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Map making

2010-05-10T12:51:00.001-04:00

Today we met two Americans that are here in TZ through the Peace Corps. Talk about commitment: they sign up for two years. Then they are trained in-country for 9 or 10 weeks before they move to "their" village for the rest of the time. One of them is a Quacker and the other used to be a Christian. I got to share the gospel with him over a cup of coffee. He was not ready today. Said he believed more in man than in God. But he is real close...

Now: having dinner with the students from the School of Leadership. Great fun with great people.

Earlier today: we drove through the town and drew a map. We also took some measurements at the festival site and drew it up on my laptop.

Tomorrow we hope to begin to visit all the bore sites and maybe begin to do some outreach as well.

C U soon!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Salvations in Same

2010-05-09T13:31:00.001-04:00

This morning one of the students at the School of Leadership at Mission SOS in Stockholm Sweden, Christopher, preached the word and four people responded to the altar call for salvation.

Christopher continue to invited people for baptism in the Holy Spirit and they were clothed with fire and power from on high.

The service ended in powerful worship after we had prayed for the sick as well. 3 hours later we all felt good after a great powerful service.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Day three in TZ

2010-05-08T12:19:00.000-04:00

Last night I arrived in Same town. I spent the first 36 hours in Moshi crunching the festival budget with Bishop Shoo. Always great fun.

Last night the students from our School of Leadership in Stockholm arrived to Same as well

This morning they had a taste of a day on my life. We had a great committee meeting that lasted only 4 hours. Everyones mood was great and we all left feeling that we own this event.

I later took the team to the festival ground as well as to the compound where most of the team will be staying beginning this weekend.

Right now - dinner with the team. We are having ugali and beef stew. Life is great.

C u soon again!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Water is flowing in the Same region

2010-04-30T16:58:00.006-04:00

As a part of the Kilimanjaro Signs & Wonders Festival, a total of 7 wells are being drilled in the Same District in northern Tanzania. Allison Park Church has raised half the funds and their funds have been matched dollar for dollar.

Here are some images sent to us by the drilling company Majitech, based in Arusha, Tanzania.

It is hard for us who live in the western hemisphere to understand the joy this people have at the moment. We walk up to one of several taps in our home when we need water. These people sometimes walk for hours in one direction just to get enough water for the cooking and maybe drinking. They can not take a shower everyday like you and me. Imagine waking up and having to walk a couple of hours to get some water to make your first meal of the day.

Most of the wells that are being drilled will be powered by a windmill. There is no need for these wells to be within the power grid network and to tell you the truth - that would narrow down the amount of potential sites to a bare minimum.

Thank you Allison Park Church for making this possible.

When our team hits the ground in just two weeks, they will visit the villages that have been targeted as well sites.

I will keep you posted from TZ.

C U!

Miracles among the unreached

2010-04-16T22:25:00.003-04:00

It has been a long time since we have experienced the kind of hunger that the people of Butwal, Nepal have. Everyday sick are brought to the festival ground early in the day in expectation of a healing. Most of them are Hindus, yet they come to receive healing from the Creator God that the Bible teaches about.

Even though the salvation altar calls have been crystal clear, the sick have made their way to the front in anticipation to receive... then they have pressed towards the front and almost demanded prayer... the area around the front and sides of the platform have been close to out of control. There has been almost no way for people to move to the healing documentation station to report what God has done for them... So many wheelchairs and crippled people carried to the ground...

To see the hand of God in action, touching people's lives with his power and love... there is nothing like it. It is PRICELESS!

Last night was a breakthrough night for salvation... Around 500 people made their way to the platform and prayed the sinners prayer asking Jesus to be King in their hearts for the first time.. Souls in the Kingdom... That is what gets us up in the morning... We are completely sold out... Also, as the worship team began to sing the first demons manifested and till the end there was a steady stream of people carried to the demon clinic, where they were set free from evil powers... Our deliverance team leader counted 15-20 precious people that were totally set free... No one left before being set free in the name of Jesus...

Keep praying for us! Tonight is the final night and we believe in a great finale... Tonight will be a Holy Ghost night...

The Power of a Praying Grandmother

2010-04-13T17:28:00.003-04:00

My grandmother, Hildegard (my dad's mom) was an amazing person! She has meant so much to me and it's not until I am getting a little older (I am 35 this year :)...) that I realize what an impact she has made in my life. When I was little I used to spend quite a lot of time with her and what I saw left a good impression!

My grandmother had a life that you could say was hard. Her first husband died in World War II and she was left to raise two little boys (twins) by herself. Later she met my grandfather and they had another little boy which was my dad! All her life she struggled with a lot of illnesses and many things that made her life difficult.

So what did I see when I was visiting her that left such an impression? She was a praying grandmother! That's really all she did, she would take at least 2 long prayer walks every day and in between those she would kneel by her "special prayer chair" in her den and pray. Did she pray for herself mostly? No, she prayed for her children, her grandkids, she would weep and pour out her heart to the Lord for all of us, that we would get to know Jesus, that we would succeed in life and so on... Wow! What a legacy she left behind! She would spend hours every day, just praying for my dad and his ministry as a missionary and pastor. Wow! That's power that continues to work and go ahead of all of us even though she's been with the Lord for a long time now. I am so thankful for my grandmother, everything she did for me and what she taught me, just by being who she was...

/Martina

Butwal, Nepal

2010-04-11T10:05:00.002-04:00

Yes I am now back in Nepal and this time it is for the actual festival that we have been planning for last three months. I arrived in Butwal at 1am after a looooonnnngggg journey on which every flight that could be delayed was... and because my last leg was 4 hours late there were no seats on any of the domestic flights. I had to jump in to a cab and head towards the bus station in hope that there was a bus for Butwal. And there was. We left the capital at 430pm and arrived at around 1230am. Because of the darkness at the time of my arrival I got of the bus over 2km from my hotel and had a good night stroll through empty streets. Upon arriving at the hotel my dear brother and coworker from India, Asokan, met me at the gate and we found a street vendor that served us one of the best omelet sandwiches I have ever had....

It has been a lot of work but it seems like the committee here on the ground have been able to get everything together. There is excitement among the planning committee and members and now all we can do is pray that God draws a crowd of people.

Tomorrow is a nationwide BANDA! That means that the entire nation stands still because the opposition wants to put pressure on the government. I will be able to get some reading done and lay low. No vehicles are aloud to move around, and no business are aloud to be open...

Pray that everything works for the best!

C U soon!

It's My Birthday!

2010-04-02T18:24:00.001-04:00

Today is my birthday! Yes, that's right, April 2nd 1992 I was born again... At a youth service - that I only attended bacause my sister was singing in the choir - I gave my life to Jesus! I don't remember what the pastor preached on, what songs were sung only that I realized that if I don't give my life to Jesus now - I will probably die... I remember going down that isle, tears streaming down my face (I had NO makeup left afterwards :) and the entire choir came down and prayed for me.

What amazing years it's been with my Jesus... Jesus; You changed my life forever then, and continue to do so every day! Every day is an adventure (if you let Him lead you). I don't really have words to describe what He has done in my life, only that He is my life. Countless miracles, families restored, little everyday miracles... Jesus you have given me a family, a wonderful husband, three great kids, a life full of excitement and adventure, and most of all; Yourself. I love You more now than I did 18 years ago and I know that love will just grow with every year.

/Martina

Springtime!

2010-03-19T15:50:00.003-04:00

Don't you just love this time of year??? After a long winter the sun shows its pretty warm face again and we all want to be outside all day. Today was such a day... The only thing was that I had alot of work to do on my computer, so I took my laptop and went to our little sunroom at the back of the house, sat there, in the sun, laptop in my lap and could actually get alot of work done!!!

It was actually Maria Amritzer's idea that we should fix the porch, paint and clean it so we could use it the months before and after summer when it's a little too cold to sit outside. THANK YOU MARIA FOR HELPING ME GET THIS DONE!!! We took one afternoon when she was here a couple of weeks ago and painted, cleaned and put some patio furniture in there. Last time she was here we had some landscaping done in the yard - she's amazing! I learn so much from her all the time, her patience, love and down to earth mentality is so wonderful. Maria - I love you and I'm so thankful for the days we had together!!!

Spring - I love you too :)!

/Martina

Haiti

2010-03-13T14:40:00.004-05:00

I am now in Haiti scouting for a festival we want to conduct here later in the fall of 2010. We were talking and praying about this before the earthquake shook on January 12th. Being here I sense the heart of God for this nation. Reading statistics this nation seems Christian but after spending a few days here and talking to a local pastor I quickly realize that this people needs the light of Jesus to shine in their lives. It is unfortunate to see how the Catholic church has embraced the voodoo practices and how it is now one and the same.
Talking to my new friend Pastor Hudson, I have come to know that evangelistic events used to be come in Haiti but now they are rare. He caught the vision for a signs & wonders festival straight away. He believes that now is the time for Haiti. So do I. The people here are hungry for hope and meaning and only our wonderful Jesus can give them that.
It is very possible that this will turn into one of our larger events. The hunger for God is so real in this place and after the earthquake people are beginning to question voodoo like never before. People are already coming to Jesus in great numbers and the churches are increasing in size.
Cap Haitien is situated on the northern coast and was not affected by the earthquake. However, the days following the disaster, thousands came daily to find shelter in this city. The greater Cap Haitien area has a population of 1 million people and there are people everywhere.

We have driven around the city in search of good potential locations for the event and we have found several. The best, is a national soccer stadium dead center of down town. However since the earthquake, the sports administration have had to rearrange their schedules and are not sure that this venue will be available. We are going to apply for it and pray that God clears a week in October on the schedule, so that we can have the festival right there.

Otherwise there are several other options that we are looking into. Please join me in prayer that the stadium will be available. God many times in His word says for us to ASK OF HIM and that is what we are doing now. God give us the stadium in October!

See You soon!

Motherhood

2010-03-12T22:11:00.002-05:00

Watched such a great movie tonight; Motherhood!!! I recognized so many of the scenes and it was just hillarious and thought-worthy. A great movie for mothers of preschoolers!!!

/Martina

The Power of Love

2010-03-03T12:07:00.003-05:00

Love ya! Love u... I love you... How many times do we say, e-mail and text this every day? Love is a powerful thing, real love that comes from the heart can accomplish anything. Unselfish, sacrificing, deep and true... Love...

This morning I read this passage in the Bible;

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.

1 Cor 13:1-8

If I have and can do all these great things mentioned above, but don't have love for the people around me or God, it's worth nothing. Love is a powerful thing!

Love on the people you meet today, go that extra mile for someone, give that extra smile or hug, give someone a gift. Everyone needs love!

The greatest example we have in doing this is our Master Jesus! He went all the way and spared nothing, and because of Him and His love for us, we too can love others...

/Martina

Transformation

2010-02-25T22:10:00.004-05:00

So, today Maria arrived with Alicia and Adam. Michael and Josefina have been counting the days to their arrival and they are soooo excited to have their friends here!! It took about 30 minutes and Alicia had transformed Josefina into... Pippi Longstocking!!! Swedish culture at its best!

Great friends!

/Martina

Very Loved Friend...

2010-02-15T10:06:00.006-05:00

You came into my life about 10 years ago

The smile on your face was bright and beautiful

Your love for Jesus was so pure

Your passion and eagerness to tell EVERYONE of Him was so real

You stole my heart back then

And have continued to do so over the years

I'm thinking of all the times we've laughed together

Cried together

Worked together

Played with my kids together

Had picknicks in the snow together

You were, and will probably always be my little princess' favorite person in the world

I will always remember the bright days

The days where laughter was so close, and we had so much fun

I'll always remember all the late night talks eating your favorite food; Pepsi Max and Rocky Road ice cream :)

Jennie, you will live in my heart forever, and I miss you already

I know that you are with Jesus now, the place you wanted to be for some time

I know that you have no more pain and anxiety

And I know that I will meet you again some day and see that same beautiful, bright smile of yours

I love you so much my dear friend, and I will never forget you

Your friend Martina

Engaged 10 Years Ago...

2010-02-14T11:53:00.003-05:00

The beach we got engaged on, but it was a LITTLE colder in February 2000!!! :)

Ten years ago, today, on Valentines Day Peter I got engaged on a very cold windy beach in Skanör, Southern Sweden! As soon as we got the rings on our fingers (in Sweden the guy gets an engagement ring too) we ran back to the warm car :) and drove back to Malmö for dinner at an Indian restaurant... (I had this dream of getting engaged on a beach...) Can't believe it's been 10 years... 10 wonderful, great, exciting and adventurous years together with the best man on this planet!!! Love you Peter!

/Martina

Great God, Great Friends, Great Life!

2010-02-10T11:44:00.004-05:00

Lead prayer school at the MCM Ministry School yesterday morning, we prayed for the Dong people in China. Wow, we could just feel the heart of God for this people as we were praying. I love to pray with the students, love to see them grow, take new steps of faith and watch them being transformed by the precious Holy Spirit's work in their lives... This is a great school BTW ;) you can apply here!

After prayer a great friend of ours walked into the classroom; Daniel is here again!!! Yeah! We've missed him the last couple of months. The students absolutely love him and the way he teaches and we are so blessed to have him here with us for a couple of weeks! The only downpart I guess, is that Stephanie, his fabulous wife isn't here... Stephanie is a wonderful friend of mine that I admire a lot. She has such a gentle sweet personality and breathes the love of Jesus wherever she goes. She is a great mother to Novali and Denzel, she deals with all the everyday stuff that mothers do and at the same time spends a lot of her time at SOS Church Stockholm serving in every way possible, and always with a huge smile on her face!!! Stephanie - I love you and I am so proud to have a friend like you - you are awesome and such an example of a godly wife, mother and woman of God. I miss you...

Snow snow snow as I look out the window :) I love it!!! Kids have friends over and they're playing hard in the basement. This is a great day!

/Martina

Just Another "Magic" Monday...

2010-01-18T16:35:00.002-05:00

When I came downstairs this morning I was met by a wonderful smell of coffee and breakfast was already on the table... Did Peter come home early? No, Josefina got up early and made me breakfast!!! So sweet. Later the same morning Michael looked up from reading and said "mom, I just love reading the Bible!" Wow, what great words to hear as a mom!!!

Later this afternoon as we were all in the car running errands and getting groceries, right between Aldis and Walmart, singing at the top of our voices to Jimmy Braxton's Bad Religion, I just realized that I am so rich, wow, what a life to live! Having the best husband in the world, the best kids, the best job, the best boss, yeah... And being a daughter to The King of Kings!!! Truly the best of everything!!!

I am very rich!

/Martina

Back in Doha...

2010-01-18T13:59:00.002-05:00

Just arrived in Doha, Qatar for an overnight stay, courtesy of Qatar Airways.

Friday turned out to be another interesting day full of adventure. Asokan and I woke up at 530. After showers, Bible reading and prayer, quick pack and breakfast, we headed for the airport. We arrived at 800. The place was deserted, let alone for the security personnel. But as we walked out from the hotel we walked into a wall - a wall of fog. Visibility was at less than 100 ft.

The weather did not clear up and we began to search for options... A SUV jeep parked outside seemed like a good options, so we talked to the check-in agent but were told that they would not cancel any tickets for complete refund until 1pm... in the mean time another passenger gave the SUV driver a higher bid and off they went...
Finally at 130pm we managed to get another vehicle, new but much smaller. A business man wanted to share the cost, so we agreed. By the time all three of us had received our refunds, the time was close to 3pm and we headed towards Kathmandu... We were held back by several roadside accidents and a major Hindu festival at a temple next the road, about midway... To cut the story short, we checked in at a hotel in Kathmandu at 130am...

But as Asokan and I look back at this trip we see God's hand all over this. How we were able to meet with pastors in each city we arrived in and how they cared for us was like we were traveling with Paul... This is the opportune time for Nepal. In the midst of political upset and instability, the Christians are at peace and they can work unhindered. Elections are scheduled for May this year, so this might be the last time for this nation. God is up to something big.

Butwal will never be the same again. They have never had an outdoor evangelistic event in the city and the churches are excited. The churches had planned for an event this past Christmas but had to postpone indefinitely due to a three day banda (strike) that took place on the planned date. The pastors now see this as the event and are so eager to work for its success.

Pray with me and believe God for a breakthrough in this dark place so bound by Hinduism and Buddhism. The light of Jesus needs to shine forth in this region of the world. Believe with me that we will see key miracles take place that will turn people to Jesus.

Again... pictures will come...

C U!

God is on the move...

2010-01-14T07:30:00.003-05:00

Have had a couple of very interesting days here in Nepal. Last night we formed an organizing committe for Butwal Signs & Wonders Festival 2010. There has never been an evangelistic festival in the city of Butwal, with a population of 400,000. The pastors are very excited...

Today we continued with a meeting with the Chairman, coordinator and the treasurer. We crunched through financial matters and policies...

Today the city was closed due to a region wide strike, called a Banda. The entire city was shut down and people were just out walking the streets... Strande experience..

I will upload some pictures later on...

C U soon!

In Nepal - the land of the Himalayan Mountains

2010-01-11T05:05:00.002-05:00

I left the US on Thursday for Nepal. I arrived in Kathmandu on Saturday afternoon and found out at the airport that there was to be a strike the following day. So when my friend and co-worker Asokan PK from India arrive 2.5 hours later we decided to make the 6 hour drive to Pokhara that evening. We met with a pastor that got us a taxi after we had chai at his home. We left Kathmandu just before 8 pm and did not arrive in Pokhara until 4am. It was an adventurous trip. The driver did a phenomenal job keeping us on the road and getting us to Pokhara safely.

In Pokhara we meet with key pastors on Sunday morning to share our plans and vision. They were thrilled and wanted to hear when we planned to come. When we shared our dates with them, they said that they had already committed to another event that same week and that they were very busy during the time from now until April and would not be able to do a good job. I like that kind of integrity - both keeping your word and being excellent in what you do...

So we siad that we would check our calendars and see when we could come back to Pokhara. Back at our guest hoiuse hotel we made plans to go south the following day to Butwal. So this morning we got on a bus and made our way south on yet another adventurous trip. A pastor meet us as we got of the bus and took us to a guest house. We will meet him in the morning and again share our vision... God is on the move...

I have heard about some exciting opeinings in the countries in this part of the world. Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Myanmar are on the verge to opening up. Help me pray for these nations as we scout out Nepal for another hit and run expedition this April!

C U Soon!

Big Day for SOS USA!

2010-01-10T20:43:00.003-05:00

Today was a big day for Mission SOS USA! As many of you now we have a Ministry School here in Pittsburgh that trains people for the mission field, either here in America or abroad among the unreached people groups. Each student have, after completed the one year training, opportunity to go our as a SOS missionary to one of our mission bases for at least 6 months. And so, today we prayed for, and "sent off" Paul Pindroh from the church here to our base in Thailand. Paul will be leaving on Friday and spend his next 6 months in the city of Khon Kaen, north eastern Thailand to be a a part of the SOS team there and work to reach Buddhists with the delivering Gospel of Jesus Christ. Peter and I are so proud of you Paul, we love you and will be praying for you like crazy!!!

Cullen Allen and Chris Griffin praying for Paul

We believe that this is just the beginning, many many more will go through the MCM Ministry School and later go off to the unreached peoples on a faith journey and adventure together with the Holy Spirit! Paul is the first one to go, but not the last... Peter and I are so thankful to the Lord to be able to be a part of this, this was a big day!

/Martina

Just Love This One!!!

2010-01-04T20:53:00.002-05:00

1st Birthday and a New Decade

2010-01-01T10:51:00.003-05:00

Yesterday was quite a full day at our house. Lucas turned 1, so we celebrated him in the afternoon and then had some friends over for "New Years Eve Dinner." Here are some pics from Lucas' first birthday and the three giant snowmen that Michael and Josefina made in our backyard!!!

Happy New Year everyone!

/Martina

Love this Time of Year!!!

2009-12-26T10:13:00.003-05:00

I absolutely love this time of year!!! All the preparations before Christmas, decorating our home, buying gifts, planning for the "perfect" Christmas Eve (that's when we do most of the celebrating, we just eat and rest on the 25th...) and the kids anxioulsy waiting for what's behind the all that wrapping paper??? It's almost sad when it's all over...

But then when you look up and ahead we have an entire new year ahead of us!!! 2010 hasn't yet begun and we don't know what those 365 days will hold, exciting exciting!!! What we do know is that the Holy Spirit has adventures that He wants to take us to, miracles that are waiting for us in this new year and that He has promised to be with us even the days that are tough and when unexpected things happen. We have such an awesome God! He is with us every step of the way, He promised never to leave, He is the God of joy, love, peace and miracles. He is faithful, He's our deliverer and Savior! He is Jesus, the Risen One, the Mighty One, the Beautiful One! Wow, how great to enter a new year with Him!!!

Psalm 121

I lift up my eyes to the hills—

where does my help come from?

My help comes from the LORD,

the Maker of heaven and earth.

He will not let your foot slip—

he who watches over you will not slumber;

indeed, he who watches over Israel

will neither slumber nor sleep.

The LORD watches over you—

the LORD is your shade at your right hand;

the sun will not harm you by day,

nor the moon by night.

The LORD will keep you from all harm—

he will watch over your life;

the LORD will watch over your coming and going

both now and forevermore.

A Friend For Life...

2009-12-17T22:42:00.005-05:00

I just spent over 1,5 hour talking to one of my very best friends over skype... Marielle lives in Thailand and runs Mission SOS' base there together with her husband Per since 3 years back. Marielle is one of the sweetest, funniest, strongest and passionate women I know... She totally lives her life for Jesus, her family and the unreached in South East Asia. She planted a church inside the womens prison about 1,5 years ago and they have baptized so many women there. She constantly has stories to share how she stayed by a little sick baby boy's bed at the hospital all night since his mom couldn't be there because she was in prison, or how she took care of the abused woman that came to her door in the evening bleeding because her husband was beating her... Marielle has such passion and Christ-like love for people, she teaches me so much all the time. I haven't met her for 2 years now... oh I miss her...

My beautiful friend Marielle and her oldest son Noel

Years back we used to spend almost every waken hour together, we shared apartment, worked at the SOS office and travelled all over Sweden speaking on mission and preaching some as well. I love to listen to her! We've had so many crazy funny moment together while driving home at 2 am from a conference... Or watching our kids grow up. I love her so much and I am so blessed to have her in my life. While we were talking she had to run to get her youngest kid Melvin, a long snake had crawled into their yard so we had to end our conversation very fast!!!

/Martina

Imagine Something Worse Than Having No Water...

2009-12-16T07:09:00.004-05:00

On this trip I have been thinking a whole lot on the situation in Same. There is such a great need of the Gospel among the Pare People. I have met with several pastors but they represent very few believers. The churches among the Pare People are very small in size. The greater part of this people adhere either to Islam, or they belong to the SDA (that is the Seventh Day Adventists, I know very little about them, think I have to do some reading up on them when I get home) or they have animistic beliefs. Statistically they are just over 600,000 in number and that just confirms the need of the Gospel to break through in their region.

That I know will happen and I also know that we, Mission SOS will be a part of that equation. God has planned something great for the Pare People and their time for salvation has come. On this I have sensed the favor of God on everything that we have worked with. Every meeting with pastors and church leaders has gone so smoothly and God has united people who have chosen to not work together in the past.

I sense history in the making as we begin to write HIS story among the Pare People.

Now back to my title for this entry. We all know that we as human beings need water to survive. We can go along time with out food but not so concerning water. Driving around Same I think I found something that in a way must be worse than not having water. In one of the suburbs, if you can even call it that, Masandare, there are three taps spread out for the public but they are only open twice a week for five hours each time. In the mean time, the tap has a pad lock. So, these people are in dire need of water and they can see the tap but is for the most part locked. That to me must be even harder than not having water at all...

Yesterday started early... We left for Same at 0600. We were scheduled to meet with a representative for the District Commissioner (DC). We arrived in Same early and were invited for tea at the house of a pastor that we had not yet met. It turned out that he is the Bishop over the region for one of the denominations. There had been some church politics in the past that had led to him not wanting to be a part of the fellowship. But after tea at his home, he gladly welcomed us to Same and vowed to be a part of the festival committee and work for the event. God just performed another miracle in front of our eyes.

Then it happened. As we arrive at the place for our meeting with the government official, Pastor Shoo's phone rings and a man at the other end asks where we are. Why are you not here at the DC's office? He has been waiting since this morning for you. (We had the evening before been told that the DC would not be available since he was out of town...)

We quickly drove up to his office and waited for the meeting he was in to end. When it did we were welcomed in. There was the DC himself along with the DED - the District Executive Director, the Administrative Director, the Intelligence Officer and a technical water engineer. Until the day before these people had all been unavailable. But again, God turned things in our favor.

The DC welcomed us and said that they would support us in any way possible and that we should just let his office know and he would take of business for us. WOW! It was an intense morning but it is always interesting to walk with God!

C U soon!

An African Experience and Jesus as the Healer...

2009-12-14T10:22:00.004-05:00

Yes, this weekend I had a great African experience. I was invited to attend a wedding. It was two of Pastor Glorious co-workers, one pastor and one accountant, that were to be wedded. When we got to the church there was another wedding taking place and then before the one we were to attend, there was one more scheduled... so I got to see three ceremonies in one afternoon. It turned out to be a loooonnnnggg afternoon that ended sometime at night after a great reception dinner.

Then on Sunday I was invited first to preach at Pastor Glorious church International Christian Community (ICC) Church. Their first service is at 7am and usually has the highest attendance. This Sunday morning they suffered badly due to the wedding the previous evening. But God had given me a word for the church and His Spirit ministered to the people that had gathered.

After a cup of morning tea, I was taken to El-Shaddai church where I was to preach for the second time this morning (keep in mind that it is not 10am yet). There were no non-believers present and when I made my second invitation an elderly man, probably in his seventies came to the front. I asked him what his need was and he said that he had suffered from very bad eyesight for almost a year. I laid my hands on him and command life to return and a healing to take place. He then said that something happened and that he now could see some light. I continued with my translator to pray a second time and when asked, he was shining like a sun because now he could see. HALLELUJAH!

King Jesus still has one more move left. It doesn't matter what life throughs at you or where you may find yourself, it may even seem like you are at check mate and that the devil has you squared away in a corner. But please remember that the King still has one more move...

This morning me and Pastor Glorious met with the regional church leaders here in Moshi and shared the vision collectively with them. After talking for about an hour and a half the chairman for the Pentecostal pastors in Kilimanjaro Region turns to me and says that we will now make this our mission and in whatever way that they can be of assistance that we should let them know through Pastor Glorious.

I tell you my friend that God is up to something great here in Tanzania and specifically in Same next year. I can sense it in everything that we do. The favor of God is here is such an awesome way.

Thanks for praying for me...

God is so GOOD!

C U soon again!

Writing Church History...

2009-12-11T13:59:00.003-05:00

Back in Moshi, I now have access to the Internet again. The past couple of days have been so interesting. Just sitting back in the midst of activity, to watch God at work is phenomenal. On Wednesday we, Pastor Glorious Shoo and myself drove down to Same to meet some pastors to simply share the vision of what we want to achieve in Same next year.

One of the local pastors in Same, Pastor Charles Hangi had invited pastors from all the denominations and gathered were 18 pastors. Pastor Shoo and myself shared how God had connected us and how He had spoken about Same. They were all excited to hear our plans and invited us to their region.

We also had time to drive around in Same to get acquainted with the town and the surrounding areas. We found a football (soccer) pitch that will be a great site for the festival. It is located next to a market place and close to the main road that passes through Same. This will make it easily accessible and a well known place that people will find with ease.

When then had to return to Moshi for the night since we had an early morning meeting with the Regional Commissioner (read Governor). She is a Member of Parliament and appointed to this position by the President. Madame Mbega was very happy to hear our plans of both bringing the Gospel to Same as well as bring water to the people. She confirmed that there is a great need of water in the Same region. Again we saw the favor of God ahead of us.

More than once on this trip, Pastor Shoo and myself have looked at each other in amazement if how God's favor is working on our behalf. After lunch we headed back to Same for a meeting with the Lutheran Bishop in the region. We meet him over dinner and he was at first a bit hesitant and wanted to meet again to discuss this and try to create unity among the leaders before making this public. But then it happened... the Holy Spirit took over and worked in his heart. All of a sudden he says several times: "I am convinced that this is a good thing" and in doing so welcomed us to the region and opened up his churches to be a part of the event. God is so faithful...

This morning we drove out to one of the wards outside the town, where the need of water is very real. They have taps on a government pipe line but they are pad locked and only opened for five hours twice a week, on Mondays and Fridays from 7am - 1pm. We saw people come with their buckets to buy water at the tap. This morning however there were less people than usual because it had rained some the past few days. The people gather the rain water so that they do not have to buy water. Even if the water is cheap, for someone that has no money, they choose to drink the not so clean rain water.

We then returned to Same to meet with the District Executive Director (DED). We managed to set up a meeting with the District Commissioner, DED, and the Water Engineer for Tuesday next week. God is really using this water well project to open up doors. Everyone that we have talked to so far all confirm that water is the greatest need in the Same district.

We will bring in water but then like Jesus we will offer them the water of Life that will be like a fountain of life, rushing forth on the inside and they will thirst no more. Jesus meeting with the Samaritan woman at the well speaks to strongly into this region. THE WATER OF LIFE THAT QUENCHES ALL THIRST IS ABOUT TO BE POURED OUT IN A DRY LAND.

Before returning to Moshi, we again met with the pastors and formed an organizing committee that will work with the preparations for the festival. They have never been part of a project of this size and magnitude so please PRAY FOR THEM. We will also make sure that we bring in some leaders that Pastor Shoo recommends. They will bring in wisdom and well needed guidance.

WOW what a week so far... Tomorrow I get to attend a Tanzania wedding, perhaps three...

Check back soon for more from the Field General...

C U soon!

Spectacular morning view...

2009-12-08T14:14:00.002-05:00

I arrived in Tanzania late last night and it was pitch black, just the way Africa is after sunset. My friend Pastor Glorious Shoo and his wife Josephine met me at Kilimanjaro International Airport and drove me to my hotel in Moshi. So I knew where I was, but when driving in pitch black darkness it is hard to keep your directions straight all the time. So when I went to bed after traveling for over 24 hours, I crash quickly. Then this morning it happened. I woke up with sun rays filling my room through the gaps in the drapes. As I pull the drapes apart I am met by this spectacular view. I see Mt Kilimanjaro in all is splendor and stand in awe of God's creation. (Yes, I took this photo myself...)

God had given me a word this morning for Pastor Glorious staff: depend on the Anointing! Be like the wise virgins in Matt 25 who brought extra oil. Carry the anointing into every situation!

Today has been full of miracles and Divine encounters. I have today had the privilege to sit down with regional leaders from the main denominations in Tanzania and after briefly sharing God's vision for Same, they all welcomed us with open hands and wished us peace in our preparations. They all echoed the fact that Same is a dry place - both spiritually and physically. So when I mentioned that we are not only bring the Gospel of Jesus to the Pare people but that we are planning to dig water wells, they all got excited.

I strongly believe that God is up to something great in this region! I sense his favor in a strong way over the preparations, that have barely begun...

Tomorrow morning I will get up early and together with Pastor Glorious drive down to Same... I can not wait!

C U soon again!

Open Your Eyes

2009-12-06T21:27:00.005-05:00

Last week was a busy week, but oh so great! I met so many new, wonderful people, moms at Josefina's friends birthday party, people at the outreach down at Southside here in Pittsburgh etc... have you noticed that if we just take a moment and open our eyes there are so many great people all around us!!! I absolutely fell in love with a very special group of people last week... Our students at MCM Ministry School - oh they are so wonderful, fun, eager to learn, passionate, so in love with Jesus and the list could go on... When I was teaching them on Friday I just felt that they entered into my heart like never before. I just know that so many of them will do great things for Jesus!

So, Peter left for Tanzania yesterday and should be landing at Kilmajaro Airport anytime now. He will be in the town of Same for 10 days to koordinate our Signs & Wonders Festival that Mission SOS is arranging there in May next year. I am so proud of him!!! Michael and Josefina asked me yesterday; "is he gonna be there all alone? No one there to help him?" And I said, "Yes, isn't your daddy the best, that he can do that all alone???" (Well, he's not alone, the Holy Spirit is with him, but not any human being...) And they were very proud of their dad. They can't wait to go there in May!

I have to run now, have to wake Lucas up and go pick up Josefina at school. Remember; open your eyes today and see all the incredible people around you!

/Martina

Walking in Authority

2009-11-28T11:20:00.005-05:00

Thought that is was about time to blog again. My beautiful wife Martina is so much better at this than I am...

Yesterday I read Kenneth E Hagin's book The Believer's Authority. WOW what a great book, filled with revelation from the Word.

Imagine that we can walk in the same Authority that Jesus did when he walked the earth 2000 years ago. When Paul writes to the believers in Ephesus, he tells them that we are seated with Christ (the Anointed One and His anointing) in the heavenly realms and that Christ himself is seated on the right hand of the Father in heaven.

When studying history, we see that the right hand of the throne was the position of delegated authority in a Kingdom. God the Father has delegated his Authority to Jesus and by seating us with him in the heavenly realms, he has delegated that same Authority to us as believers.

If we would simply grasp this simple, yet profound fact, our lives would change for all eternity. I can influence my situation and people within my reach by acting on the Authority delegated to me through Jesus. I can take command of a situation in the spirit and know that the situation will change accordingly because the devil trembles when he hears the Name of Jesus used in Authority.

We are supposed to influence our society, community and surroundings by walking in the Authority given to us.

Read the Word, meditate on the Word, eat the Word, digest the Word, get intimate with the Word - then the Word becomes like an nondetachable part of your body. That is when the revelation comes alive in you and you will then walk in that God given Authority and begin changing the world.

Day Off and Do Your Best!

2009-11-17T09:47:00.003-05:00

Yesterday we had a great day off, got some work done around the house, ran in our neighborhood and then went to the Mall with Nina! The evening was spent with Nina, Rebecca, Peter and Johannes at our house, pizza, Austrian cards and a movie... Wonderful!

Today as I'm back here at the office I'm thinking and meditating on "doing your best" a little bit. You know, there's such a joy in doing your very best and laying down that extra little effort into every day work. Then the every day work suddenly becomes something special and not so "every day"... Does this make sense? The Bible says: Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men... Col 3:23. Whether you are working at a department store, a bank, a hospital, a church or are out as a missionary, always work at it with all your heart. You are working for the Lord, not men.

A couple of weeks ago I was getting ready to start a bigger project and I just didn't feel like it at all... A good friend that was here visiting then said: Martina; think about the thousands of dollars that this might generate for the unreached people groups! And when I did that, it suddenly wasn't boring anymore... Whatever you do, do it with excellence as you are serving the Lord. Everything we do in Mission SOS all comes down to this:

This is why we keep on going, there's a world dying without Jesus and the love for Jesus and these people is what keeps me going; and guess what? It's a fabulous life!!!

/Martina

Laughing is Good for You!

2009-11-14T15:29:00.002-05:00

This afternoon I just had to watch some Brian Regan clips on Youtube... Enjoy!

/Martina

New Video!

2009-11-12T10:40:00.000-05:00

Mission SOS in 150 sec from Mission SOS on Vimeo.

Cowboy, Cowgirl and Froggy

2009-10-29T16:19:00.004-04:00

Today the kid's school celebrated Halloween and Michael and Josefina decided to be cowboy and cowgirl. So here they are...

And then we have little froggy as well :).

What we Live for

2009-10-28T17:49:00.002-04:00

This is what we live for, this is why Mission SOS exist, to help reach these 2 billion people that have never heard the wonderful gospel of Jesus... This is why we have SOS Mission Bible College and MCM Ministry School, to train, equip and send out missionaries to these people groups. That's why we have mission bases, mission offices and the church in Stockholm - so that we can do everything we can to reach and see these precious people saved from an eternal hell... I am so grateful to be part of such a wonderful comission - wow, Jesus is soon to return!

/Martina