Erling Thu

A giant of faith and prayer

On our way to the mountain area for a few days of vacation and picking cloud berries we visited a man of God: Bjørn Olav Hansen. He is our longstanding friend, but more important he is a praying saint, a giant of prayer. He. is one of my heroes of faith.

We have co-authored the book we are holding in our hand: The Big Family Prayer Book. It is a collection of prayers covering the entire life span, from birth to death.  Some of these prayers have been prayed by the people of God for hundreds or thousands of years as some are taken from the Bible and some from throughout the entire church history. Several of the prayers are written by the two authors behind the book.

Bjørn Olav Hansen was a journalist for several years before he became a Baptist Pastor. He is one of the founders and leaders of the Norwegian Prayer Council. He has been very important in the prayer movement in our nation.  Constantly he is ministering in all kind of churches helping the people of God into a fruitful prayer life in the power of the Holy Spirit. That he is still doing this, is a miracle to me. For many years he has been suffering from the Parkinson desease as well as many other serious sicknesses. He is no longer able to stand while he is preaching and teaching, often we see him in a wheelchair, but he is never quitting! By faith he overcomes many obstacles.

He is also an excellent writer and have authored many books. But through his blog,  he is reaching many more people than through his books. What he is writing on his blog he also publish on Facebook and his writings are a great encouragement to thousands of people. I admire him that he in spite of his many health challenges every day share his insight and wisdom with us through social media. He is also very transparent and makes himself vulnerable by sharing with us his struggles. This adds weight to everything he writes and publish as we understand this is real stuff not theories.

I want to encourage all my friends to keep Bjørn Olav in prayers, that God may strengthen him and enable him to continue in his important ministry!

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Text: Erling Thu

Savika’s mission trip

Sunday, 23^rd October 2022, early in the morning we woke up because we had a long way to travel. Right at 6 am we all got out of the house and rode the vehicle which was taking us up to Manari Bazaar.

The cold breeze was softly blowing through the windows of the vehicle, while we were warm inside. As we travelled, we also saw the sun rise and the mountains reflecting the light of the sun. The sight was beautiful. We travelled through highways to bumpy and rocky roads to nice roads. We finally reached Manari around 11 am.

We got out and unloaded all the bags from the vehicle. Then we went to a hotel to have lunch. We ate warm rice, lentils, meat, and pickles. After we had eaten, we waited a while till the vehicle to Aambari came to pick us up. The vehicle finally came but only one vehicle came and there were 14 of us. The vehicle only could fit half of us but was insisting it could take all of us but only 10 of us were going there.

Funny thing is that Devendra uncle was not happy that it was taking a lot of people and it would be uncomfortable, but his bag was the first to be put on the vehicle’s top and he was shouting “ay ayy tyo mero bag” which means ay ayy that’s my bag. After a while he had cooled down and also, we had just stopped laughing but just then a bag fell down from the top of the vehicle and it was none other than Devendra uncle’s bag and we burst into laughter.

Praying friends

Our stay in India so far has been wonderful.  We have met with a lot of friends whom we have not seen for a long time. It is always a great joy to meet with friends, and I thank God that he has given us so many friends in this great nation of India. When friends meet stories are shared and love expressed in many ways.

One day as we were together with the covenant community all the friends laid hands on each other asking God to heal those who were ill. The power of God came upon us. People stood up testifying on being instantly healed by God when we prayed for one another in the name of Jesus Christ. Many people told that their heavy headache just disappeared. Back pain disappeared. Even a growth in the back of a lady vanished. We had so many testimonies of healing, but I did not record them all and do not remember all the details, but I want to bring glory to God for wonderful goodness.

My Indian friends are praying friends. I love to see their zeal and listen to their fervent prayers. When they pray they move mountains. This nation has a great future because of the prayers of my Indian friends.

A young man discover that his mother’s God is real

Bikash (not the real name) is a young man in the city of Jaipur. His mother gave her life to Jesus some time ago, but Bikash was not really convinced as he had be brought up as a Hindu. Just a few days back he was given a new costly smart phone. As he was playing with his new gadget he was kidnapped and taken away by a gang of young people. He feared for his life and knew that they wanted his new phone. As he was taken away, he prayed to God in the name of Jesus, just like he had been hearing his mother praying. He said: God, if you are real, save me in Jesus’ name! He begged in his heart for God to intervene.

Then suddenly he heard the sound of siren of a police car and could even see the flashing lights. The young people became so scared that they left him and ran away. Then he discovered that there was no police and no siren and no flashing light on a police car. He realised that God had heard his prayer. Jesus, the God of his mother was real. He had been saved from the criminal gang of young people. God scared them with his divine sound and light effects!

 

A Healing Miracle in the Operation Theatre

Today we have been able to spend some wonderful time with our dear friends Brenda and Zephry in India. Our longstanding friends are serving the covenant community in a most excellent way. They have a very big heart overflowing of love for people. We are so thankful that they are our friends. As we were fellowshipping, on this first day of our visit to India, they told us a great testimony of the goodness of God.

A man fell seriously ill. He was not even able to talk. He was taken to the hospital. The doctors discovered that something was wrong in his throat. After a thorough examination they found that a nerve had been damaged and he needed surgery. This surgery was very costly, about 400.000,- Indian Rupies. His wife and all the believers were praying fervently for him. Nothing seemed to happen, and he was taken to the operation theatre. Just before he was given the injection to put him to sleep for the surgery, he made some sounds and he began to speak. The doctors called off the injection and gave him a new thorough examination. Then they concluded that there was nothing wrong with the nerve or the throat. He had actually been healed by God in the operation theatre, just minutes before the surgery! He was dismissed and sent home totally well. No wonder that his wife was crying of joy!

Update on the situation in Nepal

I have talked to Henry several times and have had some updates from him and other friends in Nepal. All our friends are safe, as far as we know. Henry has not been able to get in touch with all our co-workers in the villages, but those he have spoken to are safe. 

Ten reasons to attend apostolic conferences

Good reasons to attend the apostolic summer festival ”Lys og Salt”:

1. It is always beneficial to attend a gathering when called together by the apostles. There will be an impartation of apostolic and prophetic vision and anointing.

2. It is very important to receive apostolic and prophetic teaching, to receive direction from God that we may work together to advance the Kingdom of God.

3. God has always arranged for the covenant community to come together to celebrate His goodness and to worship Him together as a people. It is very pleasing to God to dwell together in peace, harmony and unity.

4. The annual gatherings for the larger covenant community, is creating a sense of belonging and of having a common destiny in God.

5. When we are part of local churches, house churches or smaller fellowships, will the larger gatherings, on a regional or national level, give us important and fresh impulses, encouragement and strength.

6. It will help the people of God to understand that they are part of something bigger than just the local church, that they are part of an apostolic work and a great mission outreach towards many nations.

7. The reports from what God is doing in other parts of the world will build faith and inspire to local Kingdom of God initiatives.

8. The children and young people will benefit from good programs and even more important be able to form new friendships with fellow believers that could last for life.

9. For young people it is an excellent opportunity to build healthy relations, which even could lead to godly marriages. Two of our children found their spouses in such gatherings.

10. The many different practical and spiritual seminars and workshops will in a specific way equip people to serve the purpose of God in their generation.

”I don’t know much about Jesus, but ..”

This lady was radiant. She carried a baby in her arms. Among many others did she give her testimomy in the covenant community. I was intrigued by the way she started her testimony. Her joy and her sincerity struck me with great power. Her story blew my mind.

The Kingdom of God advances in Nepal

When I visited Nepal for the first time in 1971 I was told that the total number of Christians in the Hindu Kingdom was only 500. During my last visit I was told that the number had increased to nearly 2 millions. The Kingdom of God is really advancing in this wonderful nation in the Himalyas.

Dilbahadur came to Norway as an asylum seeker. He found Christ in Oslo and became part of a house church where he was discipled. He didn't get permission to stay in Norway and returned to Nepal as a new believer. What he had learned he passed on to his family. They all received Christ as their Lord and Saviour. Now he leads a house church in his town and new families have come to know Christ through him.

In this way the Kingdom of God changes families who influence and change society for the better.

Baktha from Mugu in the Himalayas

I met Baktha in Kathmandu last october at a short term Bible School. He is a fine young man who has committed his life to Jesus Christ. He lives with his family in Mugu, remote village in the western part of Nepal in the Himalayan mountain range. He has to walk for nearly 7 days to get to the nearest road and transportation system.

Tahk Bahadur

A few years back we met Tahk at a gathering of covenant friends in Nepal. He always has an open face, a nice smile, and a bright outlook. He is a happy disciple of Jesus Christ. He is working hard to support his family and to bring the Good News of the Kingdom of God to new people. He lives in the Mackwanpur district of Nepal. We were so happy to see him again these days we spent in Kathmandu. Full of joy he told us that he had been able to bring the Good News to an unreached village about 20 miles from where he lives. He travels to this place partly by a cycle and partly by walking and climbing the mountains. Some parts he even had to carry his cycle on his shoulder as well. When he first visited the village he found that many of the villagers were sick. They were suffering from all kinds of sicknesses. As he was proclaiming the gospel of the Kingdome he prayed for sick people to be healed and the power of God at work. Many healings took place. One girl was partly paralyzed. She was barely able to move around with crutches. As Tahk Bahadur was preaching Jesus Christ, he told the girl that God wanted to heal her. She believed in Jesus and was completely healed. Now she is able to walk without crutches or sticks to support her. Many people have received Jesus Christ in this new village. This all happened the last month only so no one had been baptized in water yet. But the Holy Spirit is at work and soon people will be buried with Christ, he assured me. In the fellowship of covenant friends in his own village he has baptized 6 people since May.

The covenant community is expanding

We have had some wonderful days in the Pink City of Jaipur. We have met with many friends and have heard many fantastic testimonies. The covenant community is growing in numbers and expanding to new areas of the city. This vibrant community consists of more than 1000 people in more than 30 communities scattered around the city. Last year 8 new communities were birthed. 260 new believers were baptised in water and in the Holy Spirit.

Miracles in Mumbai

I have had a wonderful time with Sashikant from Mumbai. He is a young man that studied at the Covenant School. He came to Christ through some older students and has been used powerfully by God since he returned to Mumbai. In few years he has seen a covenant community of about 150 committed people emerge. Ten young men are working with him and they have a 200 believer to look after. Recently they started a new work in a place where many people have come to Christ.

Celebrating Chapchar Kut 2012

We arrived in Mizoram just a few days prior to the main festival of the Mizos, Chapchar Kut. It must have been the arrangement of God that we happened to be here for this great festival. We only came here to be with our friend Andrew and he introduced us to the festival. Actually, he just mentioned that we were fortunate to arrive at the time of the main festival, but since he was so enthusiastic about it, he triggered our curiosity and a desire to take part in the festival.

Harry runs

Last Sunday we met Harry at the Rotary Club. He reminded me of prophetic word that I brought him many years back. Now, it has all been fulfilled, he exclaimed with great joy! Then he took me back to the first time I met him. He was in a hospital after a serious accident on his motorbike. His young son died in the accident, but Harry survived. However he was seriously wounded with multiple bone fractures. I was taken to the hospital to pray for him.

Miracles in the covenant community

This morning we were taken to the Rotary Club to meet with the covenant community. It is always a great joy to meet our covenant friends. It is like being with our own family and brothers and sisters.

During our time together we heard so many stories of miracles taking place among the people in this covenant community. There is always great joy and lots of thanksgiving to God when people tell their story of what the Lord has done for them.

Sandarao

He has been part of the Blessing Colony from the very beginning. He was overflowing of thankfulness to the Lord for his goodness towards him and his family.

“I used When we met with the Yanadi community, Sandarao at the age of 75 came forward to tell his story. to live under a tree. I had no proper shelter, no proper clothes. I was catching crabs to make a living. That was the only thing i could do. But unfortunately I used the little money I was earning on alcohol. When I heard of the Blessing Colony project I was happy to be able to join with my relatives. During the time I have been here I have learned so many things. I am so thankful to God for this help.

Before we came here, we used to be dependent on others for everything. Now others are dependent on us and the work we do. I have increased my knowledge. I have acquired new skills. I have stopped drinking alcohol. I have stopped with all the bad things I used to do. I have been given a new life by God.

People used to look down on us. Now we meet respect. People used to insult us by saying all kinds of bad things to us. Now we receive honour. Now people call me by my proper name. I am living in peace and joy because of Jesus Christ and the help he has given us through you!

40 years anniversary

Solveig and I are on the way to India. We are sitting in the airport at Copenhagen waiting for our next flight. I fell in love with India during my first visit to this marvellous country in 1971. Solveig and I have been going together regularly to India since 1991. During this trip we will celebrate my 40 years anniversary and our common 20 years anniversary. During these years we have made many friends.

Sushikant

Our friend Sushikant is a living miracle. We met him a few years ago at the Covenant School. A former student had been instrumental in bringing him to Christ, as he was sent to Surat to die. His father could not stand seeing his son suffer a slow death as the doctors had given up on him. Therefore he was sent away to Surat to some relatives to die there. The former student of Covenant School met him one day and gave him the gospel promising him that if he received Jesus Christ as his Lord and Saviour, he would be healed! Sushikant believed in Jesus and was baptized immediately. As the former student laid hands on him and prayed for him he was instantly healed!

Rajinder from the Desert City

Rajinder and Madhu are some wonderful friends me met several years ago in Rajasthan. They came to Christ through some of our friends who introduced them to us. They have seen the power of God at work in their lives in many ways. Madhu was illiterate when she came to Christ, but she had a strong desire to be able to read the Bible. She asked God to open the Book to her. Instantly she could read and understand the Bible.

Jyoti is seeing students coming to Christ

Our covenant friend Jyoti gave a wonderful report today as we met with covenant friends from many parts of India. He had been invited to share about Christianity at a University. Many Buddists and Hindu students came to listen to him. He started quoting som of the Hindu scriptures talking about the sacrifice of God. Since the Hindu scripture does not explain what the sacrifice of God is, he used the Bible to prove that Christ is the sacrifice of God. As a result 45 students received Christ as their Lord and Saviour!

Jyoti and his team is currently looking after more than ten churches and three new house-churches in the district of Darjeeling. His team is very excited to see the Spirit of God at work in the hills of Darjeeling. Two completely paralyzed women have been fully healed and can walk and work to the glory of God.

The team working together is the main reason for the advance of the Kingdom of God in the hill areas, according to Jyoti.