We have had a most wonderful weekend in Tromsø. The weather has been excellent. The sun has been shining day and night! The scenery is magnificent. The environment is perfect for a confirmation service with a following celebration. Seven girls were confirmed in the joint service in the Baptist church. Our granddaughter introduced the service with her masterful violin playing. Accompanied by our daughter in law on the piano Kristina delivered a fantastic performance. The young girls did a very good job in everything they did and made the service enjoyable. But the best part came after the service.
Kurt, a friend of the family, had taken upon himself the responsibility
of preparing dinner, and he did well. The food was very good. During the meal
we had several speeches. Parents, grandmothers, aunt, all gave very good
speeches or read beautiful poems written for Kristina. They caused us to laugh
and the shed tears, but none of them could compare with what was taking place
after they had finished.
Vilde, Kristina's friend during about three years, stood up to give a
speech to our big surprise. I did not expect a young girl to speak in this
gathering of Kristina's relatives which she had never met. But she stood up,
started to speak and caught the attention of all the participants of the big
party. She gave the best testimony I have ever heard in a gathering like this.
She started to share how Kristina became her friend when she moved into
the neighbourhood and joined her class at school. Then she gave a short
description of their friendship and why she appreciated her friend. She was so
clever to put into words her appreciation and love for Kristina that I was
amazed how mature she seemed to be for her young age.
But when she told us how Kristina had been the light to lead her to
Jesus, I was so moved that I had problems to keep back my tears. I think all
those present felt the same way. This young girl was radiant in her joy of
knowing Jesus. She gave thanks to God for Kristina who had been like a
sparkling precious stone, a diamond, more worth than anything else to her,
since she had helped her to come to know the Lord Jesus Christ for herself.
I was overwhelmed by thankfulness to God when I heard this testimony. I
was filled with a great joy which I cannot describe in words. Here I am, a
grandfather, with my dear wife, my son and his wife and our two grandchildren,
looking at this sweet girl who is radiant of joy because my granddaughter had
led her to Jesus. What a joy to see grandchildren walking with God! What an
even greater joy to see grandchildren winning their friends for Jesus! My
granddaughter is a missionary! She is a hero of faith!
Thank you
God, for your faithfulness that last from generation to generation.
