From the Superintendent's DESK

Tolu, Josiah, and I arrived in Norway on Saturday, April 12, to join the Stavanger congregation ahead of the Scandinavia Camp Meeting, held annually during the Easter season. We were warmly received at the airport by LeRoy Tonning, the Scandinavia District Superintendent, and Seun Ogunleye, the Stavanger pastor.

We had a wonderful Palm Sunday with the Stavanger congregation. Then, during the few days before the start of the Easter retreat, we visited significant historical locations. One site was where the first Apostolic Faith service in Stavanger was held in 1912. We also went to a former church site downtown where the inscription “Jesus Verdens Lys” (“Jesus, the Light of the World”) still shines as a beacon of faith.

The following report, written by a member of the Stavanger congregation, give highlights from the Palm Sunday service and the Scandinavia Camp Meeting, held April 17-21.

Palm Sunday
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‍The morning service commenced with a piano prelude by Mika Kinnari and a clarinet solo by Dami Ogunleye. Brother Seun welcomed all attendees and led the congregational singing. Then Brother LeRoy offered the opening prayer, followed by announcements and special greetings extended to visiting guests. These included Brother Sola, Sister Tolu, and Josiah; Don and Tove Paulsen of Portland, Oregon; and the Emitola family: Toyin, the pastor at Manchester, England, his wife, Funke, and their children Damilola, Tomisin, and Seze.

Continuing the service, Crystal Kinnari shared an illustrated story using an egg to depict how Jesus redeems and transforms lives. This was followed by a song by Frode Brundtland. Then the message was given by Brother Sola on “The Lord Hath Need of You,” based on text from Luke 19:34. He highlighted the role of the colt—a seemingly insignificant detail—illustrating how everyone is essential in God’s plan. The service concluded with a closing hymn and prayer led by Brother Seun.

The evening service began with a piano prelude by Brother Frode. Congregational singing and the opening prayer were followed by announcements and testimonies. The Emitola family offered a special song, and Brother Toyin preached on God’s faithfulness. The service was wonderfully blessed and concluded with a closing hymn and prayer.

‍Thursday Welcome

‍Believers from across Scandinavia, the United Kingdom, and beyond gathered on Thursday, April 17, for a welcome service at the Ognatun campground in Norway. This year’s theme of “Catching the Vision” was highlighted throughout the service, which began with a violin solo by Joanna Akano from Denmark. During the announcements, Brother LeRoy read greetings from leaders around the globe, reinforcing the international fellowship of the Apostolic Faith.

Following special music by the Kolding group, Brother Sola shared his testimony, telling about his journey to salvation. Then Brother Seun gave the message on “Keeping the Right Focus.” Using Hebrews 12:1-2 as his main text, he encouraged everyone to focus on Jesus throughout the camp meeting.

‍Good Friday Services and Activities

‍A morning Bible teaching began with a clarinet prelude and worship led by Brother LeRoy. Some other highlights were spirit-filled testimonies, heartfelt music, and an object lesson by Sister Tolu using a tea bag to symbolize spiritual transformation.

For the teaching, Brother Sola spoke about being “Dead, but Alive,” using Romans 12:1-2 as his text. He urged the attendees to daily surrender their lives to God and live holy. He also encouraged everyone on this Good Friday and beyond to put on the mind of Christ, who made Himself of no reputation and lived a surrendered life.

In the afternoon, a film was shown on the life of the Apostle Paul. This was followed by a session titled “The Power of Inviting One Person to Church” led by Brother Sola. He encouraged everyone to reach out and invite at least one soul to their local church within a designated timeframe. The session was received well, and attendees left with a passion to evangelize their respective countries.

The evening service featured music by the ladies’ choir and a moving testimony session. The sermon, given by Brother Toyin, was taken from Colossians 2:13-15 and titled “Settled Account.” Brother Toyin illustrated how Jesus paid each person’s spiritual debt. He said, “The old account was settled long ago.”

‍Saturday Reflection and Fellowship

‍The morning session included worship and a heartfelt testimony from Vigdis Tonning. Then the Emitola family provided special music before Brother Seun gave the Bible teaching on “Watch and Be Ready.” Reading from Matthew 24:31, 42–44, he reminded his listeners of the many signs of Christ’s soon return and emphasized the need to be ready.

Afternoon activities included crafts for the seniors and a scenic hike. In the evening, dramatic readings and classical music highlighted a reflective program titled “Voices from Jerusalem.” It presented the Easter story from the perspectives of figures like Pilate, Mary, and Judas. The day ended with youth fellowship, food, and games.

‍Sunday Worship and Ordinances

‍The morning service featured music and an object lesson by Jorma Kinnari that used an egg to depict new life in Christ. Liv Johansen gave the Bible reading and shared her moving testimony of transformation after Jesus saved her. Brother Sola gave the Easter message on “We Have Seen the Lord,” taking John 20: 11 as his text. He highlighted the joy and blessings that follow seeing or experiencing the Resurrection Power.

The evening was dedicated to the ordinance service. The sermon on the breaking of bread was delivered by Mercy Adeyemi, who leads the work in Ireland. Robert Makasi from Denmark preached before the ordinance of foot washing.

‍Monday Conclusion

‍The final service began with a flute prelude by Modupe Olarewaju. After congregational worship and testimonies, special music was presented by Joanna Akano and Blessing Oloruntobi from Denmark and Ebenezer Amusa from Birmingham, England.

The closing message was given by Solomon Akano, who leads the work in Denmark. Taking his text from Exodus 3:1-12, he spoke on “Certainly, I Will Be with Thee.” It was an encouragement to finish the retreat with God’s promised presence. The service ended with the beloved hymn “God Be With You Till We Meet Again” before Brother LeRoy gave the final benediction.

The 2025 Scandinavian Easter Camp Meeting was a spiritually enriching. It was a joyous gathering filled with worship, teachings, fellowship, and renewal. The messages were followed by powerful altar services where many sought the Lord and were blessed. It was a time to reconnect with God, with one another, and with the mission to “Catch the Vision.” May the seed of God’s Word that was sown continue to germinate and bring forth many fruits in all Scandinavian countries and around the world.