Christians in Oulu, Finland
The “runner boy” for God, Pastor Patrick Dickson, gave his farewell service on Sunday 26.8. at 10:00 at Karjasilta Church (Nokelantie 39). Everyone was welcomed to this event, especially, the ones that know Patrick from his long-term service as a shepherd and friend in Jesus Christ ;-) It was held in Finnish, but there was also a programme in English. After the service there was a mission lunch with a free will offering. The proceedings went to a childrens’ orphonage in Mozambique.
From 8.8.-12.8. Oulu was conquered by various Christian congregations and their members in the frame of the Truth 07 event (see also blog entry in June). They all gathered downtown, arranged free services and told the Gospel of Christ to citizens and tourists. ICFO was proud to be part of making this event come true along with other Christian denominations, and thanks all the ones that participated and gave their time and energy, as true followers of Christ: “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.” (Matthew 20:28)
ICFO put up its own “ship stand” in the Otto Karhi park (see also picture collage above). We served snacks and juice for free, and organised international games and activities: sketchboard arts, a fishing and throwing game, carrom board etc. We also gave out Bibles and leaflets in various languages, and placed a number of “Messages in a Bottle” nearby the sea, lakes and river shores. We hope that the ones that came across the Truth at the event will be strengthened and encouraged to find their way into a congregation and community that shares Christ’s love, just as Juha Sirviö, the coordinator of the Truth 07 event, reminded people in the concluding service on Sunday 12.8.: “Love each other as I [Jesus Christ] have loved you” (John 15:12)
