Pray for Denmark

The Greatest Gift

2011-12-01T10:35:00.000-08:00

The Advent Season culminates in a day in which we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, born of a virgin at Bethlehem 2000 years ago. There is no Christmas without Christ. His birth gave him the name Immanuel—God with us. He was indeed the Son of God and the Son of Man —God in human flesh. Deny that and the heart would be ripped out of Christianity. His birth cannot be separated from two other events, that is, His crucifixion and three days later his bodily resurrection from the dead. Bethlehem and Calvary, Christmas and Easter, are inseparably connected. The Son of God took on human flesh and it was that One who was equally God and man in His person. The purpose of His coming was to be the one and final sacrifice for man’s sin and alienation from God. Christmas is a wonderful celebration for Christians all over the world because of these truths. Can there be any doubt that Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior was God’s greatest gift to humankind, including the Danish people?

I am sitting at my computer here in California writing this and thinking about Christmas in Denmark. There is a small core of believers in that beautiful little country, the home of my ancestors, who have committed their lives to the Savior based on the truths stated above. They will gather joyfully in their churches at Christmastime to celebrate the birth of Christ and some of the traditional Christmas customs will mark the celebration. However, for the majority of Danes who out of tradition will flock to churches on Christmas Eve simply because its sort of Danish to do so have little or no understanding of or life-changing commitment to Jesus Christ. Christmas has become embedded in Danish hygge and encrusted with ideas and customs that stray far from the simple truth of who Jesus was and why He came as he did as the babe in Bethlehem’s manger ultimately dying in our place to save us from sin and to give us eternal life in Him. How unfortunate it is that the real meaning of Christmas has been obscured in Danish culture and become just another folk holiday.

Jesus Christ, God’s greatest gift to humankind, was His gift to every one of the nearly six million Danes. The country is desperately in need of an evangelism that will call Danes to repentance and saving faith in Christ.

Will you PRAY with me that God will raise up a host of Danish evangelists with a passionate message rooted in the saving truths of the Word of God that given voice would penetrate the hearts and minds of the Danish people. The Apostle Paul wrote of his fellows Jews , “My heart’s cry for Israel is that they might be saved” (Romans 10:1, KJV). My burden could be stated this way: “My heart’s cry for the Danish people is that they might be saved.” The greatest gift for Denmark would be a new forthright and uncompromising proclamation throughout the land that “Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners” (1 Timothy 1:15).

Faithful readers of Pray for Denmark.com, PRAY with me that Denmark and Danes would accept God’s greatest gift—His Son, our Savior, and the salvation He offers! That above everything else would really make Christmas really Christmas in Denmark.

For Urgent Prayer . . .

2011-09-28T19:10:00.000-07:00

I was deeply grieved the other day to read about the dilemma of a solid evangelical and well-educated brother in Denmark, far better educated in the inerrant Word of God than almost any evangelical pastor in the country. This dear servant of God, brother M, has a call and sincere desire to serve the Lord full-time and is well-equipped to do so. It is why he spent so many years in preparation at one of the world’s finest evangelical theological seminaries. However, the small Danish assembly with which he is connected is unable to provide for the support of his family. As a consequence it became necessary for him to seek full-time secular employment in order to keep ministering to the small flock while at the same time providing for his family.

The job brother M has involves very menial labor, work that most others would consider far beneath them. Understandably, that limits his time for the important work of study for teaching and preaching the Word of God. Right now this dear brother is considering moving with his family to another country where he has been offered a full-time ministry position. Given his current situation, it is not difficult to understand the attraction of such an opportunity. I am grieved because it seems to me that it would be a tragic and even strategic loss for Denmark where there is such a tremendous need for a man of his passion and ability.

There is an imperative for ministry in Denmark as in any other area of the world. The nation desperately needs pastors and teachers, like brother M, with a heart for evangelism who anchor their ministry in this truth from John 3:7: I må fødes på ny (You must be born again!). The biblical imperative of the new birth, the core and impetus of evangelism, must be reclaimed and reemphasized over and over again in Denmark. That will not happen unless there are pastors and teachers like brother M who can lead people to Christ, help deepen their walk with the Lord, and train them through sound biblical instruction and doctrine to reach others.

There are some friends in other lands preparing and praying that they will be able to minister in Denmark. We can only rejoice that the call and spirit of missions is alive and well in the world. These messengers of the gospel will come to Denmark with full support from churches in their homeland, though it will take some years before they will be able to learn the language fluently and be able to evangelize in Denmark. What grieves me sorely is that a native-born Dane without the support incoming missionaries will have has the language and is in place for effective ministry.

PRAY that the Lord will provide the resources through His people so that brother M would be freed to minister full-time in Denmark with adequate financial support for his family to make that possible. With God all things are possible!

Does Denmark Need to be Re-Evangelized?

2011-08-16T09:58:00.000-07:00

An article that recently appeared in Folkekirken’s Inter-Church News (Folkekirkens Mellemkirkelige Råd) summarizes startling results from a Rambøl Analysis published in the Jutland Post. Apparently only 48% of Danes over age 17 believe that Jesus was crucified and only 26% that Jesus rose from the dead. Among them, more women than men and more seniors than the rest of the population, believe the crucfixion and resurrection were real events. The strongest percentage for belief in the resurrection came from North Jutland (37%) and the weakest from the Copenhagen area (18%). If four out of five seniors call themselves “believers,” one wonders how younger people skew the overall results.

Responding to the Rambøl Analysis, professor Hans Jørgen Lundager Jensen at Aarhus University opined, “I thought the Danes would be even more skeptical about a supernatural event. On the other hand I’m also surprised that so many are skeptical about the crucifixion, which in no way breaks with our concept of a realistic event. But in my experience belief is not a permanent dimension.”

Dr. Marie Vejrup Nielsen, who produced the Religion in Denmark 2010 report, stated that “Danes are not particularly atheist or traditionally religious. They just do what suits them. They accept the religious offers that are tended and they don’t mind the church being among the tenderers. They just don’t use them.”

Peter Luchau, a sociologist of religion from the University of Southern Denmark, commented on a recent book, Minor and Major Changes: Danish Values Since 1981, saying that “Figures in the book show that 72% of Danes call themselves ‘believers,’ and we ought to take that seriously. We know that Danes are fine with God and life after death, but that’s about it. We generally like things that offer hope.”

Luchau concludes, “We have become individualized, and no one any longer tells us what to believe or not to believe. But we have no idea what we actually mean by a ‘believer.’ The collectivity of faith has disappeared. There is no doubt that young people are less religious than the over-65s, but there is no saying that this trend will increase. Today there is no youth rebellion involved in being a non-believer, so there may well be a change in the next generation.”

For the Bible-believing and committed Christian, it would appear that apostasy is stalking the land. “ . . . Danes are fine with God and life after death, but that’s about it”? What’s missing here is the element of sin, repentance, and faith in the finished work of the cross of Christ. That is the gospel of grace apart from works and that is where and in whom (Jesus Christ) true hope that Danes are looking for is to be found. Does Denmark need to be re-evangelized? The answer has to be a resounding, “Yes, indeed!”

PRAY that God would raise up Bible-believing evangelists and a great surge of evangelism to reach the Danish people, most of whom lack any true sense of what the gospel of Christ is all about.

PRAY that the Holy Spirit would draw thousands of Danish younger people to a biblical understanding of sin, repentance and faith in Jesus Christ so that in turn they would become strong witnesses for the gospel of grace to fellow Danes of all ages.

Reformation Resurrection Conference

2011-07-09T15:19:00.000-07:00

Cameron Buettel asks the readers of this blog to be informed and to pray about a forthcoming Reformation Resurrection summer conference/family camp to be held in Mariager, Denmark beginning Tuesday, July 26 and continuing through Friday, July 29.

The conference keynote speaker will be Dr. Voddie Baucham, reputed to be one of the best reformed preachers from the United States. He will be coming to Denmark to teach in expository style through the Epistle to the Ephesians. His emphasis will be on why we should trust the Bible, and will call believers to stand against the Danish culture and to follow God's call on men to lead and disciple their families. Dr Baucham is an apologist for the Christian faith who argues powerfully against atheists, evolutionists, and academics for the authority of the Bible. He is also a strong defender of biblical manhood and womanhood and will be arguing strongly against feminist views prevalent in most Danish churches and denominations..

Much is said these days about "new reformations" offering new solutions to old and new problems. But the fact is we face the same problem today as in Reformation times 500 years ago, namely, that the pulpits of Europe have for the most part watered down or abandoned the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The rallying cry of the conference's sponsoring network, Tilbage til Bibelen (Back to the Scriptures), underscores the same solution the Reformers risked their lives to proclaim centuries ago--that sinful men can be justified before a Holy God by grace alone, through faith alone, in Jesus Christ alone as faithfully proclaimed in God's Word alone, and to God's glory alone.

There is truth in Cameron’s perspective that the reformation isn't over--it just needs new life breathed into timeless truth. The Reformation Resurrection summer conference is devoted to the furtherance of the truth by men and women who are not ashamed of the glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ, that the Bible declares is “the power of God unto salvation” (Romans. 1:16, KJV)

The conference will meet in north Jutland at Skroedstrup Boarding School, Skroedstrupvej 26, Mariager. Details about the conference are available on the Internet at http://onceuponacross.blogspot.com/2011/01/reformation-resurrection-2011-voddie.html.

While the conference message is certain to go against the grain of majority religious views in Denmark and the Danish culture as a whole, the Reformation Resurrection Conference offers an opportunity to hear Reformed teaching that has seldom been heard in Denmark for many years.

PRAY that the presence of the Spirit of God will be manifest during the four-day conference and that every aspect of the gathering will proceed in a wise and orderly fashion.

PRAY that the speaker's ministry will have the anointing of the Spirit and that the question-and-answer period will be a time of serious reflection about the future of Gospel ministry in Denmark.

PRAY that those who should attend the conference will do so and that each attendee would carefully consider Dr. Baucham's teaching and benefit from it.

Open Air Campaigners-Denmark (Friluftsmissionen)

2011-06-13T16:02:00.000-07:00

We value the friendship of Torben Østermark, a good friend of Pray for Denmark.com whom I met in Copenhagen several years ago. Torben is the Director of Friluftsmissionen, the Danish branch of Open Air Campaigners International.

Torben has done a lot of travel this year. At the beginning of the year he and his family were in New Zealand and Australia where they had an opportunity to meet with Robert Siakimotu, the President of Open Air Campaigners International. Since then, he has been in Vienna, Austria for the European Open Air Campaigners leaders meeting and in the Faroe Islands teaching evangelism in a Bible school. At the end of June he will be evangelizing on Bornholm island. He is also looking forward to a trip to Mexico in February-March that may include a visit to the United States. Torben will participate in the Open Air Campaigners International conference in Mexico. We can be assured that Torben will have his eyes and ears open to learn new ways of presenting the gospel in Denmark.

Friluftsmissionen engages in many evangelistic endeavors. As I am writing this on June 13 the organization, along with several Folkekirke churches, has been involved with the Jesperhus Gospel day camp event held at Blomsterparken near Nykøbing Mors, Denmark. Jesperhus Gospel is held annually on the day after Pinsedag (Pentecost or Whitsun tide).

Gammelbro Camping is a quiet and attractive camping site located directly at the sea (Little Belt/Lillebælt) in the southern part of Denmark at Årøsund near Haderslev.. A family Bible camp is held there annually in which Friluftsmissionen has a major evangelistic ministry with adults, children, and young people. This year the camp will convene from July 4 through July 15.

A Reach the City campaign is coming to Copenhagen, August 3-6, involving Friluftsmissionen in cooperation with Inner Mission youth of Copenhagen. The team will hit the streets in the area of the city around Storkespringvandet fountain sharing the gospel through such means as drama, kids programs, and music. In addition, the plan for the three-day event calls for bringing the gospel to residential areas, parks, beaches throughout the city. The three-day effort will also be joined by a team from Open Air Campaigners-USA headed by OAC evangelist Paul Adams.

Reach the City was originated by Open Air Campaigners in Europe to bring the gospel of Christ to such cities as Vienna, Austria; Cologne, Germany; and, Bristol, England. Inspired by what God has done in those cities, Friluftsmissionen and young people of IMU have joined together and organized the 2011 project to reach Denmark’s capital city, believing that God desires to reach out to the people of Copenhagen as well.

Besides direct evangelism, Reach the City-Copenhagen will also provide team members with instruction and training in evangelism that will doubtless have a continuing effect throughout Denmark in the months and years ahead. There will be workshops on giving a personal testimony, kids programs, puppet theater, sketchboard, drama, event organization and much more taught by Danish and international teachers.

PRAY that in each of these scheduled events the gospel will be proclaimed boldly in the power and presence of the Spirit of God empowering Friluftsmissionen’s evangelists Torben Østermark, Lars Kristiansen, and team member associates.

PRAY that in each venue the Lord would prepare the hearts of unbelievers to receive and apply the biblical message of salvation by grace through faith plus nothing.

PRAY that Danish young people who join the team will not only have surrendered their own lives to Jesus Christ, but will through these events get a taste for evangelization that is so greatly needed in Denmark today.

Danish Gideons at Work

2011-05-18T10:39:00.000-07:00

It amazes me to discover something new about Danish people who love the Lord and are busy in the work of the Kingdom of God. Just when I think I have learned about all there is to know, something new comes to my attention. For instance, I hadn’t the slightest idea that there are Gideon camps throughout Denmark until I came across the Danish Gideons’ webpage (www.gideonitterne.dk) just a few minutes before I sat down to begin writing this issue of Pray for Denmark.com. The Gideons are not strangers to me for when I was a child my father was a Gideon and I accompanied him often when he spoke in churches about Bible and Testament distribution. Later, as a pastor I also had the privilege of welcoming Gideons to speak about their work in our services.

For those who may not be familiar with Gideons International, its members throughout the world are mainly Christian businessmen and professionals. Generally, local Gideon groups (called in Gideon parlance “camps”) also have an associated Gideons wives auxiliary (in Danish, gideonithustruers). The Gideons number around 280,000 members in 193 countries. The website of Gideons International may be viewed at www.gideons.org/Splash.aspx.

The Gideons are wholeheartedly dedicated to Bible distribution and evangelism. Gideons’ focus worldwide is on the distribution of complete Bibles or New Testaments in more than 90 languages. Copies are presented directly to certain individuals such as students, prisoners, and police, fire, medical and military personnel, or to individuals they have witnessed to about faith in Jesus Christ. The Gideons are perhaps best known for the copies of the Scriptures they have placed in hotels and motels, hospitals, convalescent homes, medical offices, domestic violence shelters, or prisons and jails or in selected public locations where large numbers of seeking individuals have found life-changing answers from the Word of God for their spiritual needs.

Though there were precursor organizations in the country, the work of Gideons (Gideonitters) in Denmark dates from 1969 and has since spread throughout the country. Currently there are around 260 Danish Gideons who come from local folkekirker or evangelisk frikirker. Gideon camps are found in Bornholm, Esbjerg, Frederikshavn, Haderslev, Herning, Hjøring, Horsens, Næstved, Nørresundby, Odense, Randers, Roskilde, Silkeborg, Sønderborg, Thisted, Vejle, Viborg, Aalborg, Århus, Aars, and several camps in metropolitan Copenhagen. Danish Gideons distribute 3500 New Testaments annually.

The Danish Gideons webpage tells of the first Bible-Blitz held in Denmark in October 2003 (week 44) when within a week's time several thousand New Testaments were distributed in schools, universities and colleges and other locales in West Jutland, Lolland, Falster, Roskilde, Odense, and in the Copenhagen area.

Whether from churches or individuals, all contributions go toward purchase of Bibles or New Testaments. Gideons themselves pay for administrative expenses. As in other countries, Gideons value invitations to speak in churches and Christian groups about their work of Bible distribution. Though non-denominational in nature, the Gideon’s depend on contributions from churches’ and individuals’ to assist them in their work of Bible distribution.

PRAY that Danish Gideons will see Scripture distribution as an important avenue of evangelism and that they themselves will not lose sight of or water down the saving message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

PRAY that many individuals and families will come to know the truth of the Gospel and be saved through reading a Bible or New Testament placed in hotels and other locations by Danish Gideons.

PRAY that Gideons will find open doors in many more locations throughout Denmark for distribution of Bibles or New Testaments.

PRAY that God will supply needed funds through His people to help Danish Gideons purchase Bibles and Testaments for distribution.

PRAY that chairman Tommy Petersen will be able to provide godly and effective leadership for Danish Gideons as they seek to increase the number of groups (camps) and members throughout Denmark.

A New Church Plant in Bjerringbro

2011-04-12T18:11:00.000-07:00

Free churches and denominations in Denmark form a sort of patchwork quilt of “Danish evangelicalism.” It appears that the theological emphasis of most leans heavily toward Arminianism with Pentecostal/charismatic movements seemingly in the ascendancy. I have not been able to verify something I recall having heard a while back that Baptists in Denmark (the present Baptist Union) were originally Reformed in theology, i.e., Calvinistic but with a Baptist perspective. Somewhere around 1930, and for reasons to me unknown, a switch was made to embrace a more Arminian approach. As far as I have been able to tell currently, one would look far and wide in Denmark without finding a free church or denomination that subscribes to Reformed theology. The Folkekirke is confessionally Lutheran but that theological base is highly compromised in some parts of the church because of the inroads made by liberal theology.

However, there is a new and significant development on the free church scene with the recent formation of a “Reformed Baptist” church in Bjerringbro called “Kristuskirken, a name more commonly associated with the church of the same name in Copenhagen, the first Baptist church in Denmark, founded in 1839, and one that I know quite well. Bjerringbro is located in the Mid-Jutland Region near Fjends and Sparkaer where, just incidentally, my mother was born. American pastor Paul Washer of the HeartCry Missionary Society visited Denmark in July 2009 and spoke at a public gathering in Randers on July 15. There were also private meetings from July 14 to 16 concerned with the planting of “biblical churches” in Denmark.

Two “ultimatums” issued by Washer caught the attention of Cameron Buettel, an Australian engineer working in Denmark: 1. If you are in a church where the Gospel is not preached―get out! Come out from among them! Touch not the unclean thing. 2. If you are not in a biblical church then find one or start one.

Buettel indicates that he was “desperately sad and grieved after almost three years in Denmark because he had not been able to find a church where the Gospel was preached.”

Influenced by Washer’s ultimatum, Buettel together with his wife and children moved to Bjerringbro to become a part of a new church plant. The new church was “formed in November 2009 by several Christian families in Denmark who were desperate for fellowship and a place where the Gospel would be preached in purity.” Buettel would agree: it is far easier to start a new church than to try to reform an old one.

The recently formed church in Bjerringbro is described in this manner: “Kristuskirken is a newly planted Reformed Baptist Church in Denmark. We hold to the 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith. We place great emphasis on the authority of Scripture, the exclusivity of Jesus Christ, gospel purity, and the call on all people everywhere to repent and believe the gospel. We believe that evangelism should be normal Christian behavior. We stress the biblical importance of male headship. We love the fellowship of believers and seeing sinners come to saving faith. And we desire to see God's Name magnified and exalted in Denmark.”

Buettel’s blog further describes the new church as one “that preaches Christ crucified without apology. A church where the Bible is the sole rule for all matters of life, faith, and practice. Kristuskirken is a church that recognizes the Holiness of God, the utter sinfulness of all men, the reality of God’s wrath, the constant danger of hell, the necessity of the Christ’s death as a penal substitute on the cross, the exclusivity of Jesus Christ, the call on all men everywhere to repent of their wickedness, and the glorious eternal hope for those who put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ – Who is the resurrected Savior." That sounds pretty much like historic, classic evangelicalism to me and a message Denmark needs to hear.

At this point precise information is difficult to come by as to how this new church is faring after little more than two years of existence. There is a website for the church: http://www.kristuskirken.com/blog/wordpress/ (in Danish). Cameron Buettel himself is a consummate and dedicated blogger whose interesting postings in English may be read at: http://onceuponacross.blogspot.com/2010/12/kristuskirken-reformed-baptist-church.html.

Don’t look for existing free churches in Denmark or the Folkekirke to give an especially warm welcome to the new church or to the Reformed doctrines that underlie its message. Buettel has already had some brushes with representatives of existing denominations and movements that are less than appreciative of his approach. There is a note of bluntness in Buettel’s approach that probably hits hard at the heart of Danish cultural and even “evangelical” hygge.

I have prayed for a more aggressive evangelism in Denmark and the Reformed Baptists may be God’s way of initiating it. It remains to be seen whether or not the movement gains traction in the country. There are certain aspects of the Reformed message that make it an important counter-thrust to an evangelism of an easy-believism that downplays the necessity of sound biblical doctrine and teaching.

PRAY that the Reformed Baptist message will turn out to be a positive corrective and not unnecessarily divisive voice in a land so greatly in need of confrontation with biblical teaching and evangelism that takes into account “the whole counsel of God.”

Church Planters for Denmark

2011-02-23T17:11:00.000-08:00

I recently came across a “church planting in Denmark” page on the Internet that immediately got my attention. The content focused on Matthew and Sarah Bates, a young American couple in process of raising support with the intention of becoming church planters in Denmark.

Given the increasing difficulty and numerous requirements involved in establishing permanent residence in Denmark, I had all but dismissed the idea of overseas “missionaries” coming to work in the country and had been doubtful that many could or would be able to do so. To my amazement and joy, the Lord doesn’t always work as I expect Him to work. I could not detect anything in Matthew and Sarah’s Internet page that would seem inimical to evangelical interests in Denmark and took the step of making contact with this young couple. The Bates are associated with Biblical Ministries Worldwide, an evangelical, Bible-believing agency whose purpose is to serve the Lord and the local church by establishing reproducing churches through evangelism, discipleship and leadership development (www.biblicalministries.org/).

My wife and I finally got to meet this young couple in person a couple of weeks ago. We were very grateful and pleased to have a short but fruitful visit with Matthew and Sarah Bates and their two children. They were traveling in California and were able to stop by for a visit on their way to a weekend engagement in a local church in Sacramento. We found them to be not only a delightful couple but also very knowledgeable about Denmark and its spiritual condition, and above all far from naïve about its many challenges. We took to them immediately and view them very favorably. Matthew has done his homework and has profited from having the opportunity to travel widely in Denmark where he had been able to interview individuals and leaders of various churches and denominations and learn from them. My sense is that they will help spur the planting of new Bible-believing churches in Denmark and hopefully encourage young Danish believers to seek God’s will to join them in such endeavors.

Doubtless, many obstacles and unexpected trials lie ahead of Matthew and Sarah. I would urge readers of this Pray for Denmark weblog to follow the couple’s exciting faith journey to Denmark through their excellent and informative Internet page. Look for it at www.churchplantingindenmark.org/.

PRAY that Matthew and Sarah will be able to raise needed support within the next few months. Their Internet page will show how God is helping them discover supporting churches and individuals.

PRAY that even now the Lord will lay the groundwork for their coming to Denmark in the choice of where to center their ministry, in fruitful contacts with evangelical believers, in the acceptance by Danes of their presence and ministry in the country.

PRAY that the Lord will give Matthew and Sarah unusual ability to grasp the Danish language and to understand and integrate easily into Danish culture and customs, two essentials in getting a hearing for the Gospel message.

PRAY that the Lord would give a Danish local church or organization a willing heart to sponsor Matthew and Sarah’s residence in Denmark.

PRAY that God would also give Danish believers and leaders a vision for the planting of new churches that hold steadfastly to the Bible as the inspired Word of God.

Gospel Choirs Come to Denmark

2011-01-13T09:04:00.000-08:00

My sense is that God’s Spirit is at work quietly, and perhaps in ways overlooked, plowing up the fallow ground of Danish Christian culture. Can it be that “signs and wonders” are not always spectacular and immediately discernible? The comment I (Bill) made in the August 16 issue of Kristeligt Dagblad suggested that one of the indications of the Spirit’s working in Denmark is the presence and increase in the number of gospel choirs. Though at the time it was a statement not probed deeply enough, I have thought much of it since it appeared in print and have become more and more convinced of its truth.

So, what are we talking about here? When we refer to gospel music in Denmark, the essential reference is, as Pastor Lewis defines it, “the rhythmic sounds of African-American gospel with texts that convey a gospel message in English.” To get an idea of what this sounds like in a Danish context, press *Ctrl + click* on each of the following links:

The Danish Gospel Choir

Joyful Noise & Crossroads

Ringe Kirkes Gospelkor

My perceptions have recently been firmed up in the reading of a paper written by Mark W. Lewis, /“Gospel Choirs: A Meeting Ground Between Christians and New Age Adherents”/ (the paper was written when Lewis was a doctoral student at the School of World Mission at Asbury Theological Seminary). It is available on the Internet at

Gospel Choirs

Lewis, who is currently the pastor of Jerusalemkirken (Methodist) in Copenhagen, gives some excellent insights about the gospel choir movement in Denmark. I now find that the thrust of his doctoral research has been made available in a book recently published in the United States (ISBN 419-994-0535) entitled "The Diffusion of Black Gospel Music in Postmodern Denmark: How Mission and Music are Combining to Affect Christian Renewal."

No figures are available as to the exact number of gospel choirs in Denmark, but there is little question there has been exponential growth of the movement from a few choirs in the early 1990s to what must be several hundred or more at present. There can be little doubt that for Christians this is a phenomenal and not-to-be overlooked development in Denmark. While our focus is on Denmark, it should be noted that the black gospel music movement has filtered to other European countries as well.

Gospel music grew out of the long struggle of black Americans for deliverance and the achieving of justice and civil rights. It is somewhat perplexing to see “proper” Danes, who have no parallel experience originating from the effects of slavery, uninhibitedly “singing, clapping, and swaying to the energetic, rhythmic and joyful sound” of gospel music. Rather than dismiss gospel outright as out-of-character for Danes and Danish culture, it is perhaps best understood as a deliverance of another sort than that experienced by black Americans. Lewis sees its manifestation in Denmark as “a deliverance from the stodgy forms of state and folk church religiosity that have pacified the populace from deeper interaction with and experience of Christian faith in a way that appeals to a common interest that may or may not be associated with Christian meaning.”

Though largely centered in Danish churches, both Folkekirke and free, the gospel choir movement is pluralistic in that it attracts singers from the entire social and cultural spectrum. Age seems no barrier as both young and older, even the near elderly, are participating. Singers are attracted by the informality that requires very little from them other than interest and desire to engage with others in this particular musical modality. In the choirs’ rehearsals and performances, singers find themselves feeling very comfortable coming into a non-threatening social networking of the kind not usually found in churches of the Danish Folkekirke. As a general rule, choir members seem to be willing to support choir activities, even singing at worship services or other Christian events, even if they hold personal views that are quite contrary to evangelical Christianity and more akin to New Ageism. Usually, no requirement of Christian commitment is made of choir members with the result that the choirs are often made up of believers and unbelievers alike. The position of some directors is, as Lewis suggests, that “encouraging those who sing about Jesus to actually believe in the One whom they were singing about is an unnecessary imposition and is not germane to the future proliferation of the gospel music movement.” Lewis says further, “People can sing ‘Jesus is the Rock’ or ‘O Happy Day’ again and again, and be free to be moved by the message, or simply sing and sway without real regard for the intended meaning of the message.” Not a few committed Christians will shudder at this.

Not everyone in Denmark is so enchanted by gospel music and not a few consider it an abberation. However, gospel has arrived at pop status throughout the country, evidence of its wide acceptance and accessibility in spite of the fact that the gospel message in the music is as Lewis avers “image-laden and expressive in ways that do not reflect the conceptual theology of many traditional sermons and hymns.” Gospel choirs have sung on Danish radio, at the famous Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen, in various festivals throughout the country, and elsewhere other than in churches. There is concern on the part of some and undoubtedly well-taken, that “gospel choirs must make the effort to insure that the music does not disengage from the message, lest the movement begin to contradict its roots and squander a unique opportunity for Christian mission and discipleship.”

One has to know something of Danish religious culture to understand how revolutionary the spread of gospel choirs has been. Danes may be for or against gospel music, but the discerning believer can look beyond and at least wonder if this may be God’s way of breaking up the ingrained, stodgy Danish religious culture so that the biblical Gospel message can be more effectively introduced in its place. Gospel music may not be great music, but in Denmark it may be the vehicle for transition to worship styles that are more in keeping with worshiping God in spirit and in truth (John 4:23-24, NIV). Indeed, gospel music could conceivably bring revival to places in Denmark where revival and renewal have never even be dreamed of.

* *

PRAISE God that many Danes have been moved in recent years by a lively and energetic musical form so completely different from traditional Danish church music.

PRAY that the imprint of more immediate spiritual experience that is the mark of gospel music will spill over into the too-often spiritually dry or tepid liturgies of the traditional churches, whether Folkkirke or free.

PRAY that the spread of gospel choirs will be promoted in Denmark without doing violence to the very heart of gospel music that is so deeply embedded in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

PRAY that the unbelieving singer may in spite of himself or herself come to believe and personally commit to the truth of the gospel of Christ so simply portrayed and reiterated in the gospel music they are singing.

The Meaning of Christmas Largely Forgotten in Denmark

2010-12-17T20:21:00.000-08:00

From a purely worldly and cultural standpoint, Christmas in Denmark has many wonderful and inviting traditions. This is not the place to write of how Danes celebrate Christmas, but if the reader is unfamiliar with these customs the following websites offer a fine overview. Check them out at:

http://www.fyidenmark.com/christmas.html

http://www.californiamall.com/holidaytraditions/traditions-Denmark.htm

http://www.fisher.k12.il.us/denmark/report.htm

What is rather depressing in these descriptions of Christmas customs in Denmark is the absence of reference to Juletjenester (Christmas services) in the churches, save for one line in one of them, “… some families go to church in the afternoon [i.e., Christmas Eve] to hear the Christmas Gospel about the birth of Jesus,” a statement that says much of where Denmark is spiritually. It is likely there will be more Danes attending church services on Christmas Eve than usual, upping the percentage somewhat from average Danish church attendance reputed to be only about 2-3 percent of the population. But, the truth is the vast majority of Danes will not “hear the Christmas Gospel about the birth of Jesus” because they will not be there to hear it.

Most Danes possess a secular mentality. They will celebrate a jolly and tradition-filled Christmas with little or no thought of Jesus Christ, who he is and why he came to earth taking on himself human flesh. The Apostle Paul tells us why Christ came: "God our Savior . . . wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:3-6, NIV). Or, as John 3:16 affirms so clearly, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

One couple (http://www.churchplantingindenmark.org/) who sense a call to minister the gospel in Denmark and have a good grasp and accurate assessment of where Denmark is spiritually write on their webpage: “Today, the Word of Truth (Eph 1:13) has lost its voice in the land of Denmark. The generations that once knew God have passed away, leaving a generation that is postmodern, post-Christian, and unaware of the Gospel. The place that at one time revived the heartbeat of missions has indeed hardened its own heart toward God.” Denmark needs to be reevangelized and the gospel made clear by every means possible to everyone throughout the country.

Having said that of the land and secularized culture as a whole where the Word of Truth has lost its voice, we do need nevertheless to recognize that there are numbers of born-again believers in Denmark found in both Folkekirke and free churches. While they comprise only a miniscule percentage of the Danish population and while we may not agree in every aspect with many of them theologically, God thankfully has not left himself without a witness in this dejlig (lovely, beautiful) land. We continue to ask God to bring revival to his people in Denmark and to give new breath and voice to evangelism and church planting. For that to happen, the Word of Truth must be given voice as never before so that every Dane has an opportunity come to faith in Christ, the One born in a manger, put to death on a cruel cross, and arose from the dead. God loves the Danish people and so do we!

PRAY that Danes’ love of family and the cozy hygge of Christmas customs will not stand in the way of understanding it is Christ and Christ alone through his birth and ultimate death and resurrection who is the central focus of this Season.

PRAY that at this Christmas season there will be many spiritually hungry Danes who will realize their need of a Savior and turn to him in repentance and faith to own him as Lord of their lives.

PRAY that Danish born-again believers will be empowered during the Season to give a clear and bold witness to their friends and neighbors of their commitment to Christ and trust in his finished work of redemption.

To all friends of Pray for Denmark,

We wish for you a Blessed Christmas and a Spiritually Prosperous New Year.

Introducing the Tuohy Family in Esbjerg

2010-10-20T19:33:00.000-07:00

Confident and determined to follow God’s leading, Martin and Hansy Tuohy recently returned after five years in the United States to their home base in Denmark’s city of Esbjerg. Martin completed his biblical education at Dallas Theological Seminary, Dallas, Texas and received his Master of Theology degree on May 8. The Tuohys had lived in Esbjerg before leaving for study in the USA and Martin has members of his family living there as well. Hansy was originally from the Faroe Islands. The Tuohys have four children: Jónatan, Isabel, Victoria, and Emma Grace.

The family is in fellowship with a small church in Esbjerg, Den Kristen Forsamling i Mølleparken (The Christian Assembly in Mill Park). This small assembly has been in existence for 30 years but has for some time lacked the theological background and gifting of someone who can offer systematic teaching of the Scriptures, as had been true in past years. This is the very thing that will be the focus of Martin’s ministry. The worldwide network of non-denominational churches (i.e. assemblies) popularly known as “Brethren,” from which the Esbjerg assembly springs, has been noted for the emphasis on such teaching. Some of the most well-known and able verse-by-verse expositors of the Bible have come from within that fellowship of churches, especially in Great Britain and the United States. Among them have been such Bible teachers and scholars as H. A. Ironside, Robert Chapman, J. N. Darby, F. F. Bruce, A. C. Gabelein, Samuel Ridout, F. C. Jennings, J. G. Bellet, W. E. Vine, and many others.

Martin is well-equipped spiritually and academically for this ministry of the Word of God. He is now teaching on Sunday mornings following the church’s Breaking of Bread service (believers’ worshipful remembrance of Christ’s death and resurrection). The Breaking of Bread, as it is called, has been a hallmark of assemblies services from their beginning in England in the early 1800s. Martin is rejoicing having a part in a ministry that he believes strongly has great potential for Mølleparken assembly’s development and growth. While Mølleparken is not exactly a new church plant, the Lord has given him an opportunity to help the church get up and ready for what He has for its future. As he puts it, “Prayer supporters have been doing the groundbreaking work here in Denmark. May this mean that the seeds of God’s Word that we cast out here will fall on good soil.”

As far as getting started in ministry is concerned, Martin says the first learning objective has seemingly been more about waiting than doing and adds humorously, “We thought waiting was what missionaries did before leaving for the field.” Martin will have to be self-supporting at present and has had to secure secular employment. He writes, “Our years at seminary should have prepared us to expect the unexpected from God, but once again we are reminded that some lessons, though basic, are not learned in just a few years. Before moving, we made a mental list of the challenges we expected to face. So far, we have only been able to add to the list, rather than check them off. I am sure the others will come later.”

Martin’s Danish mother and other members of his family have been very helpful getting the family settled into an adequate rented home near the church and daughter Isabel’s school, and only a few minutes away from his parents’ farm.

Esbjerg, Denmark’s fifth largest city, is located on the central west coast of Jutland, about three hours west of Copenhagen and just an hour away from the original Legoland. It is a city and area of 115,000 people. At one time Esbjerg was noted for its large fishing industry. However, with the discovery of oil and gas in the North Sea, the harbor is now mainly devoted to the needs of this new industry.

The Folkekirke (state church) is found all over the area, but Esbjerg has several “free churches” (independent of the Folkekirke), including Baptist, Methodist, Pentecostal, Apostolic, Word of Faith, Salvation Army and non-denominational churches. I understand, and I hope correctly, that none of these churches has over 80 in attendance and non-charismatic churches are doing well to have 20 attenders at Sunday services. Martin believes, “There is much work to be done among Bible-believing evangelicals.”

Of Denmark in general, Martin writes: “It seems Danes are searching for answers, but many have dismissed Christianity, thinking they already know what Christianity is all about [through] confirmation classes …”The truth of the matter is they have received a false understanding of what the gospel is all about … It is our desire to help people in Denmark realize that they have not been given the whole truth regarding Christianity. We want to be available to them to present God not only as their loving Creator, but also as the only One worthy of our worship.”

PRAY that God will provide liberally for the material needs of the Tuohys and their children.

PRAY that Martin’s life and testimony before his fellow workers at his secular employment will draw them to the church and to Christ Himself.

PRAY that believers at Mølleparken assembly will grow in grace and knowledge of Christ through Martin’s teaching ministry and become a major influence for the gospel of grace in the Esbjerg area.

PRAY that as God leads Martin’s ministry may ultimately extend to teaching opportunities at Danish and Faroese Brethren assemblies in Hirtshals, Odense, Copenhagen, Amager (Kristnastova), Glostrup, Skovlunde, and perhaps even in the Faroe Islands.

PRAY that the believers of Mølleparken assembly, armed with sound teaching from the Word, will be spurred to seek new ways and means of confronting men, women, and children with the truth of the gospel of grace and that many in the Esbjerg area will come to faith in Christ as Savior and Lord.

Pray for Denmark.com Article in Kristeligt Dagblad

2010-09-17T17:51:00.000-07:00

August 10 was significant for Pray for Denmark.com. On that day the Copenhagen daily newspaper Kristeligt Dagblad published a story about our ministry headlined “Amerikanere beder for vækkelse i Danmark” [Americans praying for revival in Denmark]. The initiative for the article came from Denmark. Brad and I were not available for a one-on-one interview, so reporter Marguerita Hvid Spangsberg submitted a series of interview questions for our written responses. The result was a story that accurately and fairly reflected the nature and purpose of Pray for Denmark.com. Much of the story consisted of direct quotes from the interview questions. The article in its entirety [in Danish] with an excellent photo of Bill taken by his granddaughter Kari Meidlinger, may be retrieved on the Worldwide Internet at www.kristendom.dk/artikel/374943:Globalt-nyt--Amerikanere-beder-for-vækkelse-i-Danmark.

Here are a few excerpts of our responses to reporter Spangsberg’s interview questions:

Kristeligt Dagblad: “Why do you pray specifically for Denmark?”
Pray for Denmark.com:
“We believe prayer is an essential aspect of all Christian ministry. For us it is more than a tool, it is the very lifeblood of relationship with God, spiritual growth, and ministry. John 5:17 records Jesus as saying that “If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.” Brad and I are just crazy enough perhaps to believe that promise and to accept it at face value. The major purpose of the Pray for Denmark.com blog is to call believers around the world to prayer on behalf of the spiritual needs of Danes. We believe that if we pray God will answer according to His will and in His own time. The blog has no denominational or other organizational affiliations or support. It is completely self-supporting—two evangelical believers of Danish heritage attempting to summon prayer support for evangelical outreach in our ancestral homeland. We validate any ministry that honors the Word of God. We yearn to see Danes have a personal and vital relationship with God by faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ for the salvation of humankind. We have a passionate love for Denmark and the Danish people.”

Kristeligt Dagblad: “How do you use the webblog?”
Pray for Denmark.com:
“It is a matter of “what you see is what you get.” We are devoid of ulterior motives. We support existing work and workers and have no plans for ourselves taking up ministry in Denmark. We neither attempt to procure funds from others nor do we have funds to disburse for work in Denmark. We are simply calling others, especially those who like us may have Danish ancestry or connections, to join us in prayer for Denmark and its spiritual needs. The blog is on the Internet with the expectation that God will use our efforts as He sees fit. We keep looking for ways in which we could be of greater use to God’s work in Denmark.”

Kristeligt Dagblad: “Why do you pray specifically for Denmark?”
Pray for Denmark.com:
“Who else but us? There certainly are Danes who share our prayer burden for the country, people like Aase Ellerbeck Larsen, Inger Porson of Women’s Aglow, and scores of others. We believe God led us to establish the blog and we join our prayer efforts with Danish prayer blogs such as Bedehus and OASE. If God were to bring a resurgence of evangelism and revival/renewal to His work in Denmark, the overflow would certainly reach all of Scandinavia and the rest of Europe as well.”

Kristeligt Dagblad: “What do you pray for? Can you mention some specific subjects?”
Pray for Denmark,com:
“It seems that by and large the church in Denmark is asleep and lacking in spiritual power and effectiveness. That is why we focus primarily on praying for aggressive evangelism, Spirit-empowered revival/renewal, and greater vision and effort in planting new churches. Our goal is to try to arouse prayer support for any evangelical effort in these areas of concern. As any reader of the blog can affirm, we want to come alongside churches, denominations, para-church organizations, and individuals that have a similar evangelical belief in the authority of the Bible as the Word of God and hold to the classic theological fundamentals of evangelicalism. We do not by any means rule out what God can do by His Spirit for the Folkekirke and pray toward that end. Lately, I have been concerned as well for a resurgence of solid, in-depth Bible teaching and expository preaching in the evangelical churches and ministries.”

Kristeligt Dagblad: “What is your impression of Christianity in Denmark? - How is it different from America?”
Pray for Denmark.com:
“In spite of all its problems, its sometimes lack of depth, and sad disappointments in ethical and moral areas on the part of some, evangelical Christianity in America is much stronger than in Denmark and church attendance is far greater. Denmark has a strong heritage from the Reformation but that heritage seems not to be as powerful a force in Danish life and culture as it may once have been. From north to south, from east to west, Denmark is filled with hundreds of church buildings too often all but empty of worshipers. Secular influence on Danish culture seems to be at its zenith while committed Christian life is at low ebb. It might even be said that the majority religion in Denmark today is a highly secularized Christianity. The trappings of Christianity are in place but the mind-set of the nation is secular. That is, Christianity has unfortunately become a sort of cultural artifact that keeps many Danes going through the motions of christening, confirmation, marriage, and burial rites but is otherwise irrelevant in the daily life of the majority of them. The low level of church attendance would seem to be a major barometer of the church’s irrelevance. To be fair, much of what is said of Denmark is equally true of Great Britain and the United States.”

Kristeligt Dagblad: “What should Danish Christians/the Danish church do to attract more people in your opinion?”
Pray for Denmark.com:
“Danish believers and churches need to be more focused and aggressive in praying for and expecting revival and renewal to come to Danish life and culture. Churches cannot and should not compromise with secularism but must display renewed zeal and commitment in consistent and no-legalistic Christian faith and lifestyle. The culture needs to be seen for what it is so that attractive ways and means of presenting a biblical gospel is found that is not watered down or compromised. Denmark should be viewed as an open and needy field for evangelism. The land requires its own methods, strategies, and approaches that attract and not repel Danes. Danish evangelicals may be informed by American ways of doing ministry but need to tailor them to fit the Danish context. A prime need is for young people to prepare and step into leadership roles. The evangelical churches need to pray for their young people encouraging them to catch the vision of service for Christ as ministers and evangelists. Many older ministers currently serving as pastors of churches are at or near retirement age and churches appear increasingly to have difficulty finding trained pastors and workers to replace them. Hundreds of gifted, leadership-quality young people are needed to sacrifice their lives and plans for the sake of the kingdom of God. Without them the churches and ministries will be crippled for the future.”

Kristeligt Dagblad: “How do you see the future for Christianity and the church in Denmark? What is your hope?”
Pray for Denmark.com:
“There is quite enough evidence that God is at work in Denmark to cause us to have great hope for the future. If God is for us, and He is, who can be against us? Nothing would thrill us more than to see Denmark come alive in Jesus Christ.”

PRAISE God for Kristeligt Dagblad reporter Marguerita Hvid Spangsberg’s article that we hope will make many in Denmark and elsewhere who have not heretofore known of us aware of the ministry of Pray for Denmark.com.

PRAY that Danish believers will be encouraged by the article to join with us and with the several Danish prayer webblogs (i.e. Bedehus, Dansk OASE) in earnestly and importunately asking God for revival, evangelism and new church planting in Denmark.

Pray for Spiritual Revival in Denmark

2010-07-26T14:38:00.000-07:00

If you have read any number of Pray for Denmark.com postings since March 2004, you will have noted a recurring mention of prayer for revival/renewal, evangelism, and church planting as major concerns. We began this blog on that note and continue to hold the same concerns in 2010. Perhaps we need to spell out why we have concern for these areas.

First off, let me underscore that we believe God laid on our hearts to put this blog online. I (Bill) had long wanted to visit Denmark again but couldn’t quite understand why the way was not open to do so. That is, until the Lord seemed to say that going to Denmark merely as a tourist or to visit relatives was an insufficient reason. Such a trip would have to be motivated somehow by some aspect of ministry.

Once Pray for Denmark.com went online, it wasn’t long before God answered prayer as dear friends provided the funds to make the trip. That wonderful journey in 2006 put me in touch with a number of wonderful, godly Danish pastors, churches, and ministries that have helped us get a better understanding of evangelical ministry in Denmark.

What I saw during the 2006 trip confirmed what I already had known from my first visit to the country in 1952. In a land with a state church (the Folkekirke), there is a small but viable minority of conservative, evangelical believers in free church denominations, in various para-church organizations and even in the Folkekirke itself that have been praying for the very same things that God has laid on our hearts. Don’t for a minute believe that there are no praying Danes who have similar concerns as ours for a great spiritual awakening to come to Denmark. Many believers and churches in Denmark have been lulled into powerlessness in a highly secular society.

Brad and I are Americans of Danish descent. So we perceive the role of Pray for Denmark.com to be that of encouraging those outside of Denmark, especially those with similar Danish heritage or interests, to join with believers in Denmark who are committed to praying for revival/renewal of believers and churches, an increase in aggressive evangelism, and a resurgence in the planting of new bible-believing, evangelical churches. Revival is assuredly needed in every country worldwide, but God has placed Denmark on our hearts specifically. Because we are American citizens in no way obviates the need as well for a sweeping revival in our own country.We believe Denmark is greatly in need of a revival that would turn the country upside-down spiritually and undoubtedly spread to the rest of Europe as well.

And what do we mean by revival? It is a fact that over time, believers can become lukewarm and lethargic. The need for revival amongst God’s people has its roots in Old Testament history and the declensions and revivals amongst God's people Israel. Though given initially to Israel, 2 Chronicles 7:14 (NIV) spells out clearly what can be expected to happen when believers in any age become serious about revival: “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

The British pastor D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones underscored clearly and accurately the meaning of revival: “You cannot revive something that has never had life, so revival, by definition, is first of all an enlivening and quickening and awakening of lethargic, sleeping church members. Suddenly the power of the Spirit comes upon them … they are humbled, they are convicted of sin … then as a result of their quickening and enlivening, they begin to pray. New power comes into the preaching of the ministers, and the result of this is large numbers are converted. So the two main characteristics of revival are, first, this extraordinary enlivening of the members of the church, and, second, the conversion of masses of people who have been outside in indifference and in sin.”

All spiritual awakenings begin by prayer whether through the prayers of a few or many. Dr. A. T. Pierson affirmed this truth when he wrote, “From the Day of Pentecost, there has not been one great spiritual awakening in any land which has not begun in a union of prayer, though only among two or three; no such outward, upward movement has continued after such prayer meetings have declined.”

General William Booth, founder of the Salvation Army, said: "You must pray with all your might. That does not mean saying your prayers, or sitting gazing about in church or chapel with eyes wide open while someone else says them for you. It means fervent, effectual, untiring wrestling with God. This kind of prayer be sure the devil and the world and your own indolent, unbelieving nature will oppose. They will pour water on this flame."

When revival comes to Denmark, biblical preaching and love for the Word of God will again become central in the churches, nominal Christians will regain their “first Love” (Revelation 2:4) as they fervently renew their commitment to Christ, and the salvation of unbelievers will suddenly become an active and heartfelt burden. Indeed, in a very real sense Denmark needs to be re-evangelized.

Join with us and with Danish believers who are committed to praying for revival fires to break out in this small but influential Scandinavian country. God has done it many times before in other areas of the world. Pray that it would happen once again—this time in Denmark. Nothing that may seem impossible to humankind is impossible to God.

PRAY that Satan’s stronghold on Denmark will be broken as God’s Holy Spirit revives His church and empowers His people for evangelism and the planting of new churches.

PRAY that lukewarm and indifferent Danish believers of whatever denomination will realize that revival in Denmark must begin with them through repentance, confession of sin, and “fervent, effectual, and untiring” prayer for a nationwide awakening.

PRAY for the mobilization of Danish, pastors, leaders, believers and intercessors claiming the conditions and promise of 2 Chronicles 7:14 for revival in Denmark.

PRAY that revived and renewed Danish believers and churches would be awakened to a new vision of mission, including aggressive evangelization on behalf of the unsaved both in the homeland and worldwide.

Summer Camps and Conferences in Denmark

2010-04-20T16:24:00.000-07:00

It is not too early to pray specifically for this year’s summer ministries throughout Denmark. There will be camps and convocations of the free church denominations as well as a number of camps set up by the several Folkekirke revival movements. Denmark needs a stirring of the Holy Spirit in a genuine revival that would turn this wonderful small nation into a spiritual powerhouse with an effect on all of Scandinavia and the whole of Europe. It could well happen this summer as believers gather in Christian camps and conferences.

The following list may be far from complete, but at least it provides a sampling of spiritual opportunities this summer. Many of the camps listed below feature special programs for children and teenagers and some for seniors. Beyond this list are also many parachurch organizations with stepped-up activity during the summer, among them Friluftsmissionen (Danish Open Air Campaigners led by our good friend Torben Østermark). We do not overlook other such organizations as YWAM, Operation Mobilization, and Youth for Christ that offer practical ministry experience during the summer months whether in Denmark or in other nations.

Note that the larger number of these camps and conferences in the following list will be held in the month of July. Because a number of Denmark’s free church pastors are aging, there is a great need for commitment of young people to respond to God’s call to ministry to replace them. A number of churches even now are without a pastor. We believe young people are often more open to the call of God when challenged with the need during summer camp. Genuine revival arising out of this summers camps and conferences would undoubtedly lead not only to the filling of pulpits but to a great wave of evangelism and planting of new churches.

FREE CHURCH DENOMINATIONAL CAMPS AND CONFERENCES:

Pinsekirker Sommer-Camp (Pentecostal) at Mariager, July 10-16.
Baptist Missionsstævne at Mariager, July 18-24.
Apostolskkirkens annual meeting, at Kolding, July 10-16.
Vineyard Copenhagen, Roskilde (Vineyard Norden Summer Camp 2010) at Nyhem, Mullsjö, Sweden, July 18-24.
Metodistkirkens Landsmøde 2010 at Lægården Efterskole, Holstebro, May 21-24.
Nazaræeren Kirkens Sommerlejr at Tømmerup Efterskole, July 2-9;
Danske Missionsforbundet Sommerkonference at Kolding, July 24-30.
Calvary Chapel Scandinavia Conference 2010 at Ekebyholm (30 minutes outside Stockholm), August 4-8.

FOLKEKIRKE REVIVAL MOVEMENTS:

IM (Kirkelig Forening for den Indre Mission) will have no fewer than13 summer camps, including Bibelcamping, Teencamping and Seniorcamping events during the summer throughout Denmark at Haderup, Lystruphave; Valby, Sønderborg, Bornholm, Tullebølle, Hadsund, Fårevejle, Hurup, Sæby, and Allingåbro;
LM (Luthersk Missionsforening) has scheduled several Bibelcamping events in July at both Haderslev-Næs and Virksund.
ELM (Evangelisk Luthersk Missionsforening), meets for its Bibelcamping 2010 at Bækkely i Snogebæk, Bornholm, July 16-25.
NYT LIV (Forbund for Evangelisation i Danmark) will hold its Bibellejr 2010 at Fjellerup, July 10-17.
OASE (Dansk Oase) has scheduled its SommerOase 2010 family camp at Odder, July 17-23.

PRAY that God will prepare the hearts and minds of the organizers, speakers, seminar leaders, counselors, and hundreds of attendees at these important camps and conferences to be open to the leading of the Holy Spirit.

PRAY that the Word of God will be presented attractively and passionately in every venue and that there will be a holy hush as hearts are stirred and challenged to lifetime decisions for Christ.

PRAY that the denominational meetings will be bathed in prayer and punctuated by unity of heart and mind in all of the sessions. PRAY that sessions will be marked by a revival atmosphere of confession and repentance that would ignite a resurgence of commitment to evangelism and church planting in Denmark.

PRAY that young people will be open to God’s call and encouraged to seek His will for full-time pastoral and cross-cultural ministry in Denmark and throughout the world.

Calvary Chapel in Denmark

2010-03-03T14:24:00.000-08:00

Calvary Chapel is an association of independent and like-minded evangelical Christian churches numbering around a thousand congregations worldwide and growing (www.calvarychapel.com/). The life and ministry of Calvary Chapel churches is based on the Reformation principle of Sola Scriptorum exhibited throughout the movement by an emphasis on verse-by-verse, chapter-by-chapter, book-by-book expository teaching of the Bible. Calvary Chapel work in Denmark brings with it this distinctive approach to Bible teaching.

This approach resonates with me because it was always my own emphasis in pastoral ministry. From what I have come to know about Denmark thus far suggests that such an expository method of teaching and preaching is not a common approach in the churches. In fact, to our knowledge there is a great dearth of solid expository teaching throughout Denmark. Calvary Chapel envisions a distinctive ministry in Denmark (www.calvarychapel.dk) and has several ministers of Danish nationality in place and seeking God’s direction in church planting.

It is not easy getting started in church planting in Denmark, especially when it involves “new wine in new wineskins," i.e. new churches in new denominations. We have been tracking Calvary Chapel’s efforts at church planting since the inception of Pray for Denmark.com and have been in contact from time to time with leaders Theis Brøgger and Daniel Jacobsen. Daniel has had a Calvary Chapel weekly Bible study in the northern Sjaelland city of Hillerød for the past three years. Meeting as a house church, the work is slow and as with many new works has had its share of ups and downs, but the Lord has been blessing. True to form, Daniel has based his ministry on systematic verse-by-verse, chapter- by-chapter, book-by-book teaching of Scripture. Currently he is finishing a study of the gospel of Matthew and then plans to begin a study of the Old Testament Book of Exodus. Click on “Hillerød Bibelstudie” on the www.calvarychapel.dk page for Daniel’s teaching available for Mp3 upload (in Danish). While the group in Hillerød is small, the year 2009 saw two persons radically converted, both of whom are now studying at a Calvary Chapel Bible College.

Daniel was born in Denmark and reared in a Christian family. How he came to be involved with Calvary Chapel is an interesting story best told in his own words: “In 1996, my family and I were vacationing in California where the Lord had a divine appointment with me. We were finishing up dinner [at a restaurant] and as we were leaving my dad saw some people sitting at a table with their Bibles. He looked a little bit too intently and a woman among them asked, ‘Are you born again?’–not a question you’re used to getting in Denmark. My dad answered, ‘Yes,’ and after some conversation she asked him, ‘Where are you from?’ He answered, ‘Denmark,’ and the woman replied, in Danish, ‘So am I!’ She was a Danish American who at the time attended Calvary Chapel in Costa Mesa. The rest is history, but I saw her love for Jesus and her knowledge and love for the Word of God and I wanted that for myself. So, in the year 2000 I became a student at Calvary Chapel Bible College in Murietta, California, and graduated in 2002.”

As yet there is no officially organized Calvary Chapel in Denmark. For the present there is much ground work yet to be done made harder by the necessity of Daniel having to support himself for the time being through secular employment, but the Lord will bring the work to fruition in His own timing. Calvary Chapel’s distinctives will mean a great deal for evangelicalism in Denmark through promoting and hopefully igniting deeper study of the inerrant Word of God.

PRAY for wisdom for Daniel and his wife Lisa in knowing how to prioritize family, secular work, and the ministry while at the same time maintaining faithfulness in all three areas. The life and work of a bivocational church planter is not an easy one as other church planters can attest.

PRAY that the Lord will lead a committed worship lead to the Hillerød Bible Study. (Note that Calvary Chapel in Costa Mesa, California and Maranatha Music were pioneers in the development of praise and worship music.)

PRAY for the two individuals from the Hillerød Bible Study who are now students at Calvary Chapel Bible College.

PRAY for the guest teachers and attendees expected at this year’s Calvary Chapel Scandinavian Conference to be held August 4-8 at Ekebyholm Castle, 30 minutes outside Stockholm, Sweden. The focus of indepth Bible teaching will be on The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). Last year’s conference was attended by 120 people.

Viborg, Denmark and Its Baptist Church

2010-02-02T17:38:00.000-08:00

Viborg, about 86 miles west of Copenhagen, is a city and municipality situated in the Central Jutland peninsula. The city has a population of about 35,000 with the larger municipality having close to 100,000 residents. The city of Viborg dates back to the 8th century, settled by Vikings. Viborg municipality, reputedly Denmark’s second largest, has a land area covering more than 560 square miles. Viborg city is the administrative seat of both Viborg municipality and Region Midtjylland, as well as of the Western High Court, the High Court for the Jutland peninsula. The name Viborg means Holy Hill and the city's skyline is indeed dominated by the Domkirke, the historic cathedral of the Viborg Folkekirke bishopric located at the highest point in the city. Viborg has a fascinating Christian history dating from before the Reformation and after. The Reformation was a historical event that ever after transformed the religious life and practices of the area and, for that matter, of the entire nation. The history of the coming of the Reformation to Viborg is given briefly on the following webpage: http://www.thereformation.info/denmark.htm.

Today not only are there numerous and historic Folkekirke (Lutheran) churches in Viborg and the surrounding municipality but also several active free churches, including Viborg Baptist Kirke (Baptist) Viborg Internationale Pinsekirke (Pentecostal), Viborg Apostolsk Kirke (Apostolic), and Viborg Adventkirke (Seventh Day Adventist).

Viborg Baptist Church is one of the churches I visited on my last trip to Denmark, a church dear to my heart for the hospitality extended to me by members Dr. Torben and Rita Rouland and also because of its close proximity to my mother’s birthplace in Sparkær (Fjends), a village only a few kilometers from Viborg. Though small, as are many of the free churches in Denmark, Viborg Baptist Church comprises a fellowship of fine, faithful members and attendees. The past several years have been difficult for the church as it has been without pastoral leadership. However, the church continues to function under dedicated lay leadership and has great potential for growth and for influence in the city and municipality. The church’s website may be viewed in Danish at www.ViborgBaptistKirke.dk .

PRAY that the Spirit of God would bring a time of spiritual revival and renewal to the churches of Viborg city and municipality.

PRAY that by His sovereign grace God would soon provide the Viborg Baptist Church with dynamic pastoral leadership to help move the church’s ministry and outreach forward.

PRAY that the members and attendees of Viborg Baptist Church will not be discouraged or disheartened but remain faithful in prayer believing God in His timing will surely provide the pastor the church needs.

Why Pray for Denmark?

2009-12-19T10:01:00.000-08:00

We are in the midst of the Advent season and Christmas is now only a few days away. Sitting here at my computer in California, for various reasons my thoughts have focused on my ancestral homeland of Denmark. Prayer for Denmark is always on my heart.

It’s strange as I write that so close to Christmas a large United Nations climate change conference is in tumultuous session in Copenhagen. This in the middle of a season when the Christian world focuses on the incarnation of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, at Bethlehem some 2000 years ago. Climate change theory has unfortunately taken on a sort of religious fervor of its own that is sadly at odds with the true meaning of Advent. So as to not offend non-Christian participants, I understand Copenhagen has been largely cleansed of anything that would remotely suggest Christ or Christmas.

Thankfully, the climate change conference will soon be over and Danes can get on with preparations for Julefest (Christmas), one of the country’s major holidays. Though considered to be a Christian country, secularism has Denmark by the throat and for the larger percentage of Danes Christianity has become irrelevant. True, the churches will see larger attendances on Christmas Eve than is usually the case. However, out of a population of nearly six million, we understand that only one sixth will attend Christmas Eve services. Most will not be seen again until Easter, if then.

Why do we pray for Denmark? We do so because the love of Christ compels us to. There are churches all over the land but Danish culture has wedded Christian rites into what in reality has become a secular society. There are thousands upon thousands of Danes baptized into the church but for whom Christ and Christianity have little or no meaning for everyday life. The essence of Christmas and the power of the Gospel is that Christ came into the world to save sinners. The Apostle Paul put it this way, “For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again” (1 Corinthians 5:14-15, NIV).

Denmark needs to be re-evangelized and that is why this webpage calls upon believers throughout the world, especially perhaps those with Danish roots, to pray that Danes would come to know the presence and power of Christ in every aspect of their lives and culture. Advent and Christmas help us to understand that God wants all people to come to a knowledge of the truth and to escape the wrath that is to come. The meaning and message of Christmas is encapsulated in 1 Timothy 2:5: “For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men—the testimony given in its proper time.” In God’s timing the Babe born in a manger at Bethlehem is the One who died on the cross at Calvary as a ransom for all humankind. The world abhors the thought that Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, but the truth remains that no one comes to have a relationship with God and to possess eternal life except through commitment to Jesus Christ.

Let me urge every reader of this page who is committed to Christ to continue faithfully in prayer for this little jewel of a Nordic country that Danes might “get it” and come to grips with what Advent and Christmas are really about―Christ came into the world to save sinners. What a wonderful Christmas present that was. That is the message Denmark needs to hear at Christmas 2009.

PRAY for the minority of Danes, their churches and pastors who do know and understand the meaning of the Gospel, that God would give them boldness of life and witness as the redeemed of the Lord.

PRAY with us that a revival of biblical truth and genuine understanding of the Gospel story from the manger to the cross will fill the spiritual vacuum in the hearts of many Danes in the weeks and months ahead.

God is up to something in Copenhagen

2009-10-26T20:30:00.000-07:00

I have recently had some delightful correspondence with Kasper Thorskov Hansen, an intern at Copenhagen’s Vineyard Christian Fellowship. Kasper shared with me some aspects of his own journey as a believer from being raised in a Christian home, to a period of wandering, to a crisis experience in New Zealand when he almost lost his life in strong and powerful river currents, to his restoration to Christian fellowship at Grace Vineyard in Christchurch, to his felt call to Christian leadership during the course of a unique six-week Capernwray Adventure Bible School in New Zealand, to his return to Denmark where he became involved at Copenhagen Vineyard as a small group and prayer group leader and in other outreach and church activities culminating in his selection as an intern. Kasper has not lost sight of his call to ministry and leadership. His fellow interns are Anne Walsøe, Samuel Larsen, and Michael Hald Jacobsen.

As an intern, Kasper reports that his responsibilities center in outreach. Copenhagen Vineyard, whose lead pastor is our good friend Flemming Mølhede, is growing in numbers and effectiveness. Kasper reports that its pastors are part of a new monthly prayer meeting composed of pastors of different churches and diverse backgrounds, “but with the same fire for God’s kingdom work.” Its purpose is to focus on the almost overwhelming spiritual and unmet social needs of metropolitan Copenhagen. As Kasper puts it, and I agree wholeheartedly, “Wow, God is up to something!”

Since it was planted in 1997, Copenhagen Vineyard has taken the church out into the community, branching out into several social- and evangelistic outreach ministries. Kasper informs us of a new outreach involving 28 women of the congregation working in conjunction with Reden (The Nest) International. This organization works in several Danish cities to combat the trafficking of women from other countries who have been brought to Denmark and forced to work as prostitutes. It offers counseling, medical help, a place to live and other needed helps. Though most of the website is in Danish, there is a summary available in English at http://redeninternational.dk/.

Kasper writes that Vineyard is dreaming of even further growth of its outreach ministries into Greater Copenhagen. The church is now in process of starting up a ministry on behalf of single mothers, offering them practical in-home aid and other elements anticipated as the ministry gets off the ground.

PRAY that the Holy Spirit will come in power to bring about unity of heart, mind and purpose through the recently convened monthly prayer meetings of Copenhagen pastors deeply burdened for the spiritual and social needs of the metropolitan area.

PRAY that Pastor Flemming Mølhede and his leadership team, including staff members and interns, will experience unity and the Spirit’s guidance in all areas of the church’s life and outreach ministries.

PRAY that Copenhagen Vineyard’s participation in the work of Reden International will bring salvation, healing, deliverance and a new direction in life to women from other countries that have been forced by criminal elements into a life of prostitution in Denmark.

PRAY that God will give great vision, wisdom and creative direction to Copenhagen Vineyard as it starts up a new work on behalf of single mothers.

PRAY for Copenhagen Vineyard’s interns—Kasper Thorskov Hansen, Anne Walsøe (with Reden International), Samuel Larsen, and Michael Hald Jacobsen—that each of them will “be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:17) in service for Christ wherever and however God leads.

"New Danes" and Ethnic Churches

2009-09-25T17:03:00.000-07:00

It is estimated that of Denmark’s population of five and a half million, almost seven and half percent are of non-Nordic descent. Denmark has received immigrants from all over the world, including various Arab and Muslim countries, the former Yugoslavia, and many countries of sub-Saharan Africa and the Far East. The peak of immigration was reached in 1995 when 40,000 immigrants came to Denmark.

The largest ethnic group, and also the second largest faith after the Danish Lutheran Folkekirke, is Islam with its more than150,000 adherents (three times the number of free church evangelicals in the country). Some ethnic groups have a better history of assimilation into Danish society and culture than others. Muslims, for instance, vigorously resist assimilation. Once an open door country, more recently there has been a backlash on immigration in Denmark and we are told the country now has the strictest immigration policies in Europe.

Among “New Dane” immigrants are those with a strong Christian faith and commitment. Because of language and other cultural factors many have not felt entirely at home in Danish language churches. As a consequence, more than 200 ethnic churches or groups have been formed in Denmark, worshiping in such languages as Kinyarwanda, Tamil, Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu, Vietnamese, Indonesian, Burmese, Farsi, Kiswahili, Karen, Twi, Tagalog, Korean, Arabic, and Amharic, as well as various languages of eastern and western Europe. Some congregations minister to immigrants from English-or French-speaking African or Asian countries.

It is noteworthy that the more spirited and sometimes exuberant worship of various ethnic churches has been eye-opening for Danes used to formalistic religion. Black Gospel music has captured the interest of many Danes, even those who are not particularly religiously inclined. Nothing short of amazing is how many “swinging and swaying” Gospel Choirs there are throughout Denmark, even among parishes of the Folkekirke. “Gospel Kor” concerts are not all that uncommon. Though Danes are a fun-loving people, their staid religious tradition and expression has tended to present itself in stark contrast to ethnic worship styles. Ethnic churches and Black Gospel music may be one way God is “loosening” up Danes who would ordinarily look askance at more uninhibited worship expressions. Under our very eyes, there may also be a sort of pre-evangelism at work. Christianity in Denmark has over the centuries become so institutionalized that it seldom opens itself to a vibrant, heart-stirring worship experience. It is no wonder that a large percentage of Danes are in reality practical atheists.

If Denmark is to be re-evangelized, as in the early history of the Church, Christianity has to move from being merely an institution with ecclesiastical trappings and traditions to a genuine, heart-gripping movement of the Holy Spirit. Ethnic churches in Denmark may be leading the way.

Church Integration Ministries (KIT), led by Pastor Hans Henrik Lund, is doing a splendid job of tracking what God is doing through the ethnic churches and fellowships and offering them fellowship and assistance.

PRAISE God for those strongly evangelical and evangelistic ethnic churches that are showing Danes that worship can be heart-stirring and exciting while firmly anchored in the truths of God’s Word.

PRAY that with Denmark’s new and stricter immigration policies and a slowed influx of new immigrants, the country’s “New Danes” will ultimately assimilate Danish language and culture without losing the spontaneity of their worship and evangelistic zeal.

PRAY that where needed, other ethnic evangelical churches and fellowships will be established and warmly welcomed by their counterpart Danish churches.

PRAY that the ethnic believers will not be stand-offish but rather experience unity of heart, mind and ministry with their fellow Danish evangelicals.

PRAY for Church Integration Ministries (KIT) and its very competent leader Hans Henrik Lund, serving as a clearinghouse for relations between Danish churches and the country’s ethnic congregations and fellowships.

Unanticipated Ministry

2009-08-17T10:21:00.000-07:00

When Pray for Denmark.com (abbrev. PFD) came online in 2004, something happened subsequently that neither Brad nor I had quite anticipated. Almost from the beginning we have had requests from people going to Denmark for a visit or even for temporary or long-term residence to assist them in finding “a good evangelical, Bible-believing church.” We have had requests from students coming to Denmark for higher education and also for Danish students who have studied in other countries and while there have come to faith in Christ. They need to find a Danish congregation that will nurture them in the faith. Once, a crew member on a ship that had come into Copenhagen harbor emailed us to help him find a church in the city where he could worship on the Lord’s Day. It was rather amusing that he would email us in the United States to assist him in finding a church in the very city in Denmark where his ship was docked. What wonders of communication there are in our modern day. Though it has surprised us to have such requests as these, we thank the Lord for this unanticipated and unplanned facet of our ministry.

I have endeavored to be as helpful as possible in responding to these various requests. Though I have a pretty good handle on the various Danish denominations and organizations and their theological commitments, I am sometimes hard put to locate a “good church” in some of the out-of-the-way locations in Denmark, though I try very hard to do so. Many evangelical churches tend to be located in urban areas with fewer to be found in the smaller towns and rural areas. I know a number of Danish pastors and churches and have contact with some that I have not met personally, so it has been interesting research for me in helping inquirers find a church or to make contact with a pastor or church leader.

We are often asked to recommend a church that has services in English, though I have responded that the vast majority of Danes speak English and many Danish churches are glad to provide simultaneous translation during their services. Some inquirers insist that the church they wish to find has to be non- charismatic in theology and practice, while others are just as emphatic that they are looking for a charismatic church. That sometimes makes it difficult because among evangelicals in Denmark currently the charismatic movement has made significant numerical gains and a majority of the Danish free churches appear to have accepted that theological commitment, including some Lutheran churches. Unfortunately, some of the older non-charismatic or classic evangelical churches appear to have cooled off and have lost much of their original evangelistic zeal. Evangelicals from other countries seem to think that the choice of churches in Denmark would parallel those to be found in their own countries. For that reason, I often have to explain the situation in Denmark and that choices of denominations and churches are fewer in number. My greatest regret is that PFD does not always get feedback from the recommendations that are made, though there are those who have expressed gratitude for this aspect of our ministry.

While helping people find a church is an unanticipated but yet important part of what Pray for Denmark.com does, it is secondary to our main emphasis, that is, soliciting prayer worldwide for revival/renewal, evangelism and church planting in Denmark.

PRAY that the Holy Spirit will give wisdom and discernment in assisting those who contact Pray for Denmark.com find a church in the area they plan to visit or where they expect to establish permanent or temporary residence.

PRAY especially for churches in the larger Danish cities that regularly have services in English and attract visitors from many countries. An example of such churches is Copenhagen’s First International Baptist Church whose entire ministry is English-language based..

PRAY for a young Dane who was an exchange student in the United States and while abroad found Christ as Savior and Lord. This young person, and possibly others like him, needs to be integrated in a Bible-believing Danish congregation where he can be nurtured in the faith and find supportive friendships and fellowship with other believers. PFD has made some church recommendations.

New Wine, New Wineskins

2009-07-12T18:43:00.000-07:00

Though I have not been able to find the original documentation, there is research information from Denmark that seems rather ominous. The July 2009 issue of Church New from Denmark (No. 3/6), published by the Danish Lutheran Church’s (Folkekirke’s) Council of International Relations, cites some amazing statistics derived from interviews done by the YouGov Zapera research organization. In 820 interviews, it was found that 17 percent of Danish Lutheran church members believe in reincarnation. However, only 15 percent believe in the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ. Eighteen percent of those interviewed would like to have the Church accept reincarnation on a par with other ideas about life after death. There was agreement by 70 percent of the interviewees that the basis for religion is “we should be good to one another,” while 34 percent agreed with the statement, “I’ve found my own way of being religious.”

For committed Christians, these interview results are very disturbing. The item in Church News from Denmark remarks that with only 3 percent of the members of the Folkekirke attending services regularly, that fact in itself may be a prime reason for such statistics of departure from the tenets of historical Christianity.

The Gospel of Christ has been so compromised in Denmark with “churchianity” and comfortable unbelief that the country needs to be re-evangelized to make clear that the Gospel of Jesus Christ demands spiritual rebirth—a belief that Jesus Christ died for the sins of all and a personal decision and commitment to live for Him. The oft-repeated verse of John 3:16 (NIV) says it well, “For God so loved the world that He gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” God wants everyone to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. And what is that truth? – “For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all men” (1 Timothy 2:5-6,NIV). “If you confess with your mouth, Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved” (Romans 1:9, 10, NIV).

Why do we fervently pray for revival, evangelism and church planting in Denmark? Can anything be clearer as a reason than the statistics cited above? The trappings of religion are everywhere in Denmark, but there is so little evidence of dynamic belief, spiritual power and God-focused lifestyle. There is relatively little success in pouring new wine into old wineskins. There is continuing need for the planting of new churches, new wine in new wineskins.

Denmark is under-evangelized. The time is ripe to present the Gospel in its purity to the Danish people. In the 1840s, God brought to Denmark a wave of evangelism and church planting through the Baptists that initiated the free church movement not only in Denmark but in all of Scandinavia. Our prayer is: Oh, God, do it again!

PRAISE God for Denmark’s minority of evangelical believers who hold fast to the truths of the Gospel, not forgetting those within the Folkekirke who also hold in common with them the truths of the Word of God about sin and salvation. They are truly “a voice crying in the wilderness.”

PRAY “without ceasing” for this small country of Denmark that in a new wave of evangelism the Holy Spirit t would counteract the country’s plunge into secularism and convict the Danish people of how far they have strayed from God and how much they need the Savior whose finished work of redemption assures salvation for everyone who believes.

PRAY that Bible-believing evangelicals in Denmark will prioritize the planting of new churches throughout the country and that God will raise up mature couples to be skilled and wise evangelists and church planters. God will provide the resources when they step out by faith.

Danish Bible Camps and Conferences in 2009

2009-06-06T16:59:00.000-07:00

Throughout the summer months from June to the first week or so of September there will be many Bible camps and denominational annual conferences of virtually every evangelical group in Denmark. They may be of only a single day’s duration but many are in week-long session. Some of the denominations have critical issues to debate and act upon.

In previous years, I have attempted to list as many camps and conferences as I was able to provide information about as to dates and locations. I won’t do that this year, but since these are significant gatherings of churches, denominations, and parachurch and Lutheran revival organizations it is important that throughout the summer months readers of this webpage take it upon themselves to pray earnestly for them.

Danes love the out-of-doors so that while these are recreational events they are more so opportunities for the Spirit of God to work in believers’ lives in settings removed from their home areas and home churches. With evangelicals a minority in the country, the fellowship aspect of these summer activities is vitally important and spiritually invigorating. However, for those churches and organizations primed to stress evangelism and faith commitment it is very likely there will be young people and adults who will come to trust Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord this very summer.

PRAY that the Holy Spirit will empower each one of these camps and/or conferences where the name of Jesus Christ is lifted up and His Word is honored, taught and preached.

PRAY that the leaders and the speakers will be guided by the Spirit to give teaching from the Word of God that speaks to campers’ personal and corporate issues and needs.

PRAY that every camper and attendee of the camps and conferences will have an open heart and mind to not only hear the Word of God but also to act upon what they hear.

PRAY that evangelism and spiritual nurture will impact the lives of those who may have come only for the recreational and social aspects of the camps and conferences.

PRAY that nagging issues brought forward in the annual meetings scheduled during the Danish denominational camps will be marked by unity of the Spirit and an attitude of sweet reasonableness in all of the discussions and business sessions.

Leadership Change at Roskilde Vineyard

2009-04-29T16:35:00.000-07:00

The pastoral couple, Hasse and Gitte Falk Jakobsen, will be taking over Roskilde Vineyard’s overall pastoral leadership this week , i.e. May 1). When I heard that David and Solvej had come to believe it was God’s will that they turn over leadership to another pastoral couple, for some reason the first thought I had as successors was of Hasse and Gitte. I had met Hasse at the Copenhagen Vineyard where he had been involved with music ministries and leadership in the twelve years since its planting. With whatever gift of discernment the Lord has given me, I was impressed God was going to use him mightily in ministry. It is amazing how wonderfully well a transition can be made when God is in it and certainly He is in this one..

Hasse is no stranger to Roskilde Vineyard as he has on occasion led music and preached there. Now, the Lord has called Hasse and Gitte to move to Roskilde and to minister to this congregation. There are many challenges ahead, but God will use Hasse and Gitte’s ministry gifts to build on the foundation that David and Solvej have labored to lay these past several years. The pastoral couple will be formally installed to their new charge at the Sunday, May 3 service.

Church planting anywhere is a difficult and draining experience and no less in Denmark. As planters of the new Vineyard in Roskilde, David and Solvej have given of themselves joyfully and sacrificially and have expended their energies selflessly to pastor the new work. Both have had to maintain secular employment in order to plant and pastor the church. In a sense they have burned the candle at both ends and have experienced fatigue and some burnout maintaining such a schedule. It was frustrating for them to not be able to have the time for more extensive evangelism and outreach. Now, in the goodness of the Lord they have stepped back without stepping out as they together with another couple, Carsten and Monika Lund, continue to be a part of the church’s leadership team.

David and Solvej have lost none of their commitment to serve the Lord. They need rest and a diminished schedule for some months in order to retool for wherever He leads for future ministry. I believe they can effectively use their experience of church planting in another city in Denmark.

PRAISE God for David and Solvej Allen’s willingness to give of themselves so unstintingly to plant Roskilde Vineyard church.

PRAY for God’s anointing, empowerment, and wisdom on the lives and ministry of Hasse and Gitte as they relieve David and Solvej of overall responsibility and take up their work with Roskilde Vineyard.

PRAY that Hasse and Gitte’s three daughters will be able to make an easy transition to a new home and schools.

PRAY that the members and attenders at Roskilde Vineyard will enthusiastically support the new pastoral couple and together discover, join and utilize their spiritual gifts for ministry.

PRAY that God will provide needed rest for David and Solvej and in His timing make His will known clearly for their future ministry.

God's Spirit is at Work in Denmark

2009-03-27T08:59:00.000-07:00

While in my view the overall spiritual condition of Denmark is rather grim and the need for genuine revival very great, such an assessment isn’t the whole picture. We must not forget that the Spirit of God often works in ways that are not always immediately discernible. He is working quietly but decisively in various ways in Denmark, of that I am certain. It is my firm conviction that revival in Denmark would have to have a major influence on Denmark’s Lutherans. Though the Folkekirke is culturally embedded in Danish society, it seems to have little impact on the spiritual lives of the increasingly secularized nation.

And yet, God never leaves Himself without a witness. It would be tragically irresponsible to ignore the fact that there are Danish Lutherans who love the Lord and who long for and pray constantly for revival. I have met some of them and have been impressed by their earnestness and genuine faith. A trusted Danish friend of this webpage recently wrote that “there IS something encouraging going on in Denmark––a network of God-fearing Lutherans who have good theology but want more of the movement of the Spirit and who recognize people’s need to be born again.” These God-fearing Lutherans are connected in a network of new local churches and fellowships through Dansk Oase Netværk (www.danskoase.dk). Dansk Oase is a Lutheran charismatic renewal movement. The new congregations are variously called “Valmenigheder” [or fælleskab or frimenighed]. All are in some way different or “edgy” in contrast to the more formalistic Folkekirke congregations and are more open to contemporary forms of praise and worship. They are growing and demonstrate that there are Danes who do indeed hunger and thirst after righteousness and a seek a vital, personal faith in Christ.

There is a large, healthy Valmenighed church in Århus (www.valmenighed.dk), and one that just opened in Copenhagen last November and understand it already has over 100 members. It is most encouraging to see what God is doing through these groups. It all started at Karlslunde Strandkirke (www.strandkirken.dk) that had a God-fearing, level-headed charismatic pastor back in the seventies by the name of Helge Pahus. He was responsible for the Alpha course coming to Denmark. Pastor Pahus is now retired, though still active in ministry. During his years of ministry, Pastor Pahus has built a lot of bridges to revival and renewal movements around the world and his influence is felt strongly in Danish charismatic Lutheran circles.

The Valmenighed congregations in various places in Denmark constitute a new and genuine church planting experience of which we have been too little aware. All are connected in some way with the Oase revival movement. To mention a few, there are now congregations and fellowships in Odder, Kolding, Silkeborg, Vejle, Aalborg, and elsewhere, and the list is growing. The terms Valmenighed and Frimenighed are not exclusive to the Oase Network as there are other Lutheran revival groups that also use them. The more I look into it I am finding there are many dimensions to Danish Lutheranism and writing about Oase I am not unmindful of the testimony through the decades of other Lutheran revival organizations, including Indre Mission, Nyt Liv, Luthersk Missionsforening, and Evangelisk Lutherske Missionsforening, some of which also have planted free Lutheran congregations.

If God was able to raise the Lord Jesus from the dead, He can also bring revival to spiritually dead Denmark. If I didn’t believe that I would shut down the Pray for Denmark website. No major revival in history has ever occurred without a barrage of prayer behind it. In some small way it is my hope that we are a part of that barrage of prayer and why we should be praying for the outreach of Oase throughout Denmark. That’s why Brad and I pray doggedly for the land of my ancestors and urge you to join us as well.

PRAISE God for the encouraging evidences of the Holy Spirit’s work in Denmark through the Oase revival movement.

PRAY for the Oase movement to continue to exert its influence for revival and renewal throughout Denmark without itself becoming overly institutionalized.

PRAY for the planting of new Oase-related Lutheran congregations throughout Denmark that will provide a resurgence of evangelism calling Danes to repentance and personal faith in Jesus Christ.

Baptistkirken i Danmark

2009-03-03T10:28:00.000-08:00

Baptist work has existed in Denmark for 170 years. In fact, the Baptists constituted the first free church in Denmark outside the Folkekirke, Denmark’s Lutheran state church. Today there are fifty Baptist congregations throughout the country with a total of 5260 members, making it still Denmark’s largest free church denomination. The Baptists have been and continue to be an important part of Denmark’s community of free churches.

As might be expected, the Baptist churches have throughout their history had their highs and lows in spiritual power and effectiveness. Understandably, it is difficult for any denomination to maintain a consistently high level of spiritual power and evangelistic thrust over 170 years. Succeeding generations more often than not lose some of the fire and joyful spiritual energy their fathers experienced in coming to Christ. Periodic revivals are needed.

The earliest years of Baptist work were marked by extensive evangelism and the planting of new churches. Converts came to faith through sound preaching of the Word of God. Their fervor of witness to the liberating gospel of Christ brought persecution but also a spread of their witness throughout the country. The aging of the denomination and a settling in of its organization and traditions seemed to sap the spiritual power the first generations had known. In the 20th century, the coming of the charismatic (Pentecostal) movement to Denmark caused a fair number of Baptist leaders and lay folk to switch allegiances. Some leaders in the Pentecostal and new charismatic denominations were formerly a part of the Baptist churches. Some of the Baptist churches have adopted charismatic theology and worship practices while others have not. The denomination has gone through some tough times theologically and organizationally and even at present is experiencing some leadership problems. It is not my place to delve into the details of controversy, but Baptists are at a crossroads. I am concerned that now is the time for a sweeping revival and renewal throughout the Baptist churches in Denmark that would renew and reinvigorate their ministries.

I have a great appreciation for Danish Baptists. Myself an American of Danish descent, I was ordained to the gospel ministry by a Conservative Baptist church. My first contact with Danish Baptists was in 1952 at Copenhagen’s Kristuskirken. Pastor Thomsen greeted me and discovered that I was a Conservative Baptist missionary on my way to the Belgian Congo. He knew something of Conservative Baptist origins and said warmly, “I don’t have to ask you what you believe. I know.” He then invited me to speak in the church. That was a never-to-be-forgotten experience. I found Pastor Thomsen to be a man of God with a real heart for the gospel of Christ. My last trip to Denmark three years ago introduced me to several more Baptist churches and I met a number of Baptist friends in Viborg and Aalborg who were so warmly welcoming and hospitable.

I don’t know the reasons behind Danish Baptists’ current discussions and difficulties, but, I do know there is need for a sweeping movement of the Spirit of God to bring genuine cleansing and renewal. Pray earnestly with us for the Baptists in Denmark! Revival and renewal will not come merely through improved organization, but it will come to churches and believers that surrender to the restorative work of the Holy Spirit through confession of sin and repentance that are always prime ingredients in spiritual revival.

PRAY that a series of regional meetings of Danish Baptists to be held in the following locations in March and April will evidence the cleansing, restorative presence and power of the Holy Spirit, repair of broken relationships, unity amongst leaders and churches, and renewed commitment to evangelism and church planting:

Monday, March 30, 7:00-9:30 p.m., at Roskilde Baptist Church
Tuesday, March 31, 7:00-9:30 p.m., at Odense Baptist Church
Wednesday, April 1, 7:00-9:30 p.m., at Vårst Baptist Church,

West-Himmerlands congregation
Thursday, April 2, 7:00-9:30 p.m., at Silkeborg Baptist Church
Friday, April 3, 7:00-9:30 p.m., at Sindal Baptist Church.

PRAY that God will provide effective, Spirit-filled leadership for several of the Baptist churches that are currently without pastoral leadership.

Good News from Tønder

2009-01-26T08:01:00.000-08:00

The southern Jutland town of Tønder, located not far from the border with Germany, has been mentioned several times in Pray for Denmark.com, especially in relation to the famed Tønder music festival (see the August 17, 2008 prayer posting).

In March of 2006 when I made a trip to Denmark the first persons I met were Pastor René Nielsen and his lovely wife Mette. Pastor Nielsen is pastor of the Tønder Frikirke, in dual association with the Apostolsk Kirke and the Pinse Kirke denominations. I was not with the Nielsens for long, but long enough to sense their burden for the city and the need for the church to move forward in some new directions. Pastor Nielsen and I had a wonderful time around the breakfast table praying for a breakthrough in the work. Before I moved on to Sønderborg, he showed me around the church building located in the center of town. It appeared to me at the time that it was not a building that would lend itself well to substantial growth. It was rather small and very lacking in space that would foster growth.

I have continued to pray for Tønder as I am sure Pastor Nielsen and Mette and the church itself have done faithfully. It was such a delight recently to have an email message from Pastor Nielsen that communicated some of the great excitement and gratitude he and the church are experiencing at what God is doing for the Tønder work. First off, the old church building has been sold and a new location has been found for Tønder Frikirke that hopefully will have all of the features needed for a significant outreach in the community and surrounding area.

Getting the leaders and members of the church to come to agreement about sale of the building was not an easy one. As often happens in significant change for a church, some were not fully convinced that now was the right time to sell and move. The resulting tension can have a negative effect on a church’s future and ministry. However, the Lord intervened in a wonderful way. He used an elderly woman member who stood up in a congregational meeting and said prophetically, “God has spoken to break up and move on, and I think we should do so.” One by one the members of the congregation stood up and agreed with this dear lady to sell the old building and look for a new site. As Pastor Nielsen puts it, “Within two months everything had been done. God had a prepared the way and now the old building has been sold and we have bought a new one. Praise God! Now we have several months in which to renovate the new building before moving into it on April 1.” The Lord has not forgotten Tønder! Frikirke and He is on the move.

A significant evidence of God’s blessing is the church’s revived children’s ministry. There were hardly any children in the church, but now acting on what Pastor Nielsen and the church felt was God’s direction there is contact and ministry with about 40 kids and their families. Every Wednesday there are after-school meetings where workers help the kids with their homework, followed by a Royal Rangers meeting and ending in a time of eating together with the kids and their parents. The net result is a marked increase in the number of people now attending the worship services.

At the beginning of 2008, René was asked to help with the reorganization of a Danish humanitarian organization. Ultimately he was left with the major responsibility and has had a lot of work of rebuilding and reorganizing. He is now the head of the organization that needs to reestablish its Christian foundations. This plus the new developments with the Tønder church are keeping him very busy and using up a lot of his energies. It is important for church members to him and to involve themselves heavily in the renovation of the new property.

Pastor Nielsen writes, “Thank you for your prayers. Please continue to pray for us.” Let's agree to do so.

PRAISE God for answers to prayer in the sale of Tønder Frikirke’s less than adequate facilities and the congregation’s unity in responding to the Lord’s provision of a new and more adequate location for ministry.

PRAY that Pastor Nielsen’s health and strength will not be eroded because of the heavy schedule he carries these days with local church responsibilities as well as time-consuming leadership involvement with a Danish humanitarian organization.

PRAY that the members and attenders of Tønder Frikirke will go through this time of change with renewed vision, commitment and unity and that the move to a new building will open up as yet unrealized possibilities for evangelistic outreach in the community.

PRAY that the Lord will use the renewed children’s ministry as a fruitful means of evangelistic outreach with many coming to faith in Jesus Christ and those already believers standing firm and maturing in the faith, using their spiritual gifts in ministry.

PRAY that Pastor Nielsen’s influence and leadership in the humanitarian organization will help return it to its previous Christian foundations.

Glædelig Jul og Godt Nytår

2008-12-23T17:50:00.000-08:00

Bill and Brad wish you a Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year as we work together with you, our viewers, to pray for spiritual revival in Denmark. We are American Christians with ancestral roots in Denmark. We are both very much aware of how much our own country is in need of a mighty, sweeping spiritual revival. But, we are attempting to be obedient in following through with what we believe the Lord laid on our hearts almost four years ago, that is, to pray for God’s Spirit to move with power in the ancestral homeland in revival, renewal, evangelism and church planting.

We are grateful for the response we have had and for the many believers in Denmark with whom we have had contact through Bill’s visit and through ongoing correspondence. Please covenant with us in 2009 to continue sharing the prayer vision on behalf the nearly six million Danes, most of whom do not know what it is to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

The focus of this website is prayer for Denmark. Our ministry is a personal effort and is not related to any mission organization, denomination or church, though both of us are members of strong evangelical churches in California. It appears from the many email messages we have been receiving from Africa and Asia that there is some misunderstanding about the nature of our ministry.

We are certainly not unaware of the Lord’s work in other areas of the world, but God has laid Denmark on our hearts specifically and we are determined to keep our prayer focus there. We have missionary friends around the world. Bill has himself spent some years as a missionary in the Congo and Madagascar in years gone by and appreciates the work being done by faithful pastors and workers in Africa and Asia who have seen this website. We do not solicit funds or disperse funds to any ministries, thus far even those in Denmark, because our mandate from the Lord is specifically to focus on prayer for our ancestral homeland. We support through prayer the efforts of all Bible-believing evangelicals in Denmark.

Please join with us throughout 2009 in concerted prayer and intercession for Denmark and for the evangelical pastors and people working tirelessly to bring the Gospel to bear on Danish life and culture. May the Lord Jesus Christ be honored and glorified as we work together with you in this prayer ministry.

Theological Education in Denmark

2008-11-27T14:01:00.000-08:00

There is currently a dearth of pastors in the Danish free churches. Older pastors are retiring and a number of churches have been without pastors for some time. The overall, long-term outlook for an adequate number of pastoral replacements is apparently not too promising. It is cause for concern that young people are not committing to biblical/theological study and full-time ministry in numbers that would insure the needed and continuing flow of pastoral leadership to fill pulpit vacancies or to keep pace with the retirement of older pastors. This appears to be true of the older Danish denominations but may be less so of the more charismatic (Pentecostal) denominations.

Other than the two charismatic Bible colleges at Mariager and Kolding that have been previously mentioned in these postings, the free churches’ main framework for theological education is the Skandinavisk Akademi for Lederskab og Teologi, (SALT - Scandinavian Academy of Leadership and Theology), that offers church-based, seminary-level theological training for Denmark’s free churches. SALT, founded in 2000, comprises a network of several entities in Denmark, Sweden and Norway, including, Hyllie Park Folkhögskola (Malmø), Baptistkirkens Teologiske Seminarium (Tølløse), Ørebro Missionsskola (Ørebro), Baptisternes Teologiske Seminarium in Norway, Pinsekirken København, Dansk Oase, the Apostolsk Kirke, and the Lutheran charismatic revival movement OASE. We understand the Danish program currently has about 30 students with two full-time and three half-time professors. Accreditation of aspects of the SALT Danmark program is through association with Sweden’s Örebro Missionskola. Every SALT student is required to have a church relationship and a pastoral mentor throughout his/her studies. The school has administrative and classroom facilities in Copenhagen, though courses are also held in other areas of the country. The website for SALT may be accessed at www.salt-akademi.dk/1_0/1_0.asp.

Those desiring to enter the ministry of the Folkekirke (the Lutheran State Church) generally prepare for ordination at the Universities of Copenhagen and Aarhus that are not particularly noteworthy as centers of evangelicalism in Denmark. However, there are two independent Lutheran seminaries also training ministers for the Folkekirke that by contrast offer a curriculum based on a high view of the inspiration of the Scriptures. These are the Dansk Bibel-Institut in Copenhagen (also known as the Copenhagen Lutheran School of Theology), founded in 1972 and the Menighedsfakultetet in Aarhus, founded in 1967. The Dansk Bibel Institut website declares openly that the school holds to (1) the whole Bible as the inspired and inerrant Word of God; that (2) Scripture's prophetic and apostolic testimony to Christ and the view of Scripture is that of Jesus and the apostles, and that (3) this testimony is expressed in the biblical writings themselves. Both schools are committed to classic Lutheran theology. That such Bible-affirming schools exist in Denmark is further reason to believe that God can and will yet bring revival to the Danish Folkekirke. A genuine and sustained revival of biblical faith in Denmark’s Lutheran churches would have profound implications in arresting the spiritually deadening secularization of Danish culture. For further information, relevant websites are www.dbi.edu/Default.aspx?tabid=168 and www.teologi.dk/.

PRAY that Danish young people will respond to the call of God in increasing numbers for local church ministry with the full knowledge that such a commitment will undoubtedly involve a life of sacrifice for the sake of the Gospel.

PRAY that SALT and the other independent theological schools in Denmark will not be swayed by post-modern theology and pseudo-evangelicalism that have begun to seep into theological faculties in other countries.

PRAY that Danish evangelicals and their churches will see the importance of a trained ministry and unite to insure that the theological schools will serve as centers of unity rather than dissension.

PRAY that the Danish churches will see the need for providing adequate support for SALT and other independent theological schools.

PRAY that the theological schools will be able with greater financial support to establish stronger academic standards, achieve relevant academic accreditations, and recruit academically and spiritually competent faculty.

PRAY for those churches that are having difficulty finding and calling pastoral candidates.

A New Prayer Initiative for Denmark

2008-10-30T17:42:00.000-07:00

Much to my amazement, in surfing the web one day I came across the Bøn for Danmark webpage of Birgitte Steffensen-Thomasen (www.boenfordanmark.dk). That caught my attention immediately because Bøn for Danmark is the exact Danish equivalent of Pray for Denmark. Birgitte is a member of Karlslunde Strandkirken (www.strandkirken.dk/), located near Copenhagen, a new, nontraditional and dynamic Spirit-led congregation functioning within the Folkekirke, Denmark’s Lutheran state church. I have since been in correspondence with Brigitte about her webpage and her vision about prayer for her country. Here is the origin of her ideas and of her vision as she recounts it, edited a bit here and there for clarity:

“[Birgitte writes], I got this vision for a year and a half ago when my family and I went skiing in Norway. While there, I felt I should pray for my country and I did. I prayed, I fought the Enemy, et cetera, and after some I felt fatigue from it. I knew I had obeyed, but it was clear to me that I did not break through in any area of my prayer. Then I felt God spoke to me over a period of time. To pray for salvation, revival, and the coming of the Kingdom of God is not to be done by just one person alone––it is a task for the whole church. When the prayer answer comes we will be part of it and receive it knowing we all had a part in praying for it. If not, we will stand by skeptically watching what those involved in the breakthrough prayed for. So Bøn for Danmark tries to encourage all churches and Christian fellowships in Denmark to participate, whether free or Folkekirke.

“The idea is that every church in Denmark chooses two concerns for our country and then commit themselves to pray for them. That means that when you pray for those two concerns which means you have 25 churches involved you will cover 50 concerns in prayer!. We will stand together side by side and know that when I at home pray for those two concerns my church will be praying for them and I will sense I am not praying alone. I pray with all the others from my church for these concerns for our country and we are also praying with all the other churches involved.

“A lot of Christian give up praying for their country because they don’t know where to start or end, but the Bøn for Danmark plan is meant to be a help. Now I can send my little prayer to the Father along with all the others from my church and the other churches and it is really important that I pray with them too. Bøn for Danmark believes that there are enough Christians in Denmark to pray God’s Kingdom through, but two things are need: One, all of us need to be involved and not just the ‘super prayer-people' or some churches. Two, we need to know what we pray for. That is the vision and the idea behind getting each of the churches to pray for two areas of concern for the country.

“I do spread the vision around when I speak, and a few Christian groups are now involved plus my own church (Karlslunde Strandkirke). I do believe that a lot of churches in coming years will join in our effort. I believe that the Bøn for Denmark concept is very powerful and could be spread abroad even.”

God is at work in Denmark in ways that sometimes are all but imperceptible to us. Birgitte’s idea is quite simple and has yet to really catch on. What impresses me is that God has laid this on her heart and she is following through with it. We should never despise the day of small things when God is in it. Let’s back her up in prayer for the success of this venture of faith and obedience. It pleases me that this is an initiative that comes straight from the heart of a godly, praying woman within the Danish Folkekirke. Praise the Lord!

PRAY that Birgitte’s prayer initiative, as outlined above, will soon catch on with many Folkekirke and free congregations throughout Denmark.

PRAY that the Lord will give Birgitte great wisdom in discovering strategies to help expand and promote her prayer initiative throughout the country.

PRAY that this may be a genuine breakthrough, yet another step toward revival, renewal, and evangelism in Denmark.

Church Planting in Denmark

2008-09-29T16:04:00.000-07:00

Church planting in Denmark is a tough assignment in view of the entrenched and deepening secularism that eats the heart out of a nation’s sensitivity to the things of the spirit. Though I have mentioned them before, and not too long ago, I have been impressed by the work of church planters David and Solvej Allen in Roskilde (shown here on their 25th wedding anniversary). These two have been slogging it out for Christ for several years planting a new Vineyard church. As Solvej has written: “It is hard being ‘free church’ in a bogged down state church-focused and increasingly secularized country like Denmark.” There have been obstacles and discouragements along the way, but joys ands victories as well. It is especially difficult because the fledgling congregation cannot as yet remunerate a full-time ministry. So, both David and Solvej have had to take outside employment to make ends meet for themselves and their family. Because David’s employment has required a greater number of hours in the week, Solvej has had to take up the slack in helping shepherd the little flock that God is calling out of the world into His fellowship. David and Solvej deserve great honor and support for their determination to follow the will of God and to live like they have had to live for several years. A church planter sows the seed, but it is God who gives the increase. Truly, God has been at work in Roskilde and He has been using David and Solvej in a remarkable way.

The new church plant requires extensive pastoral ministry as many have come into the fellowship having tremendous needs and some even quite serious problems. It is no easy thing these days for people to come out of the world and to come clean for Jesus Christ. By loving them with unconditional love and making themselves available to them even at inconvenient times is a drain on this church planting couple’s spiritual and physical energies. Exponential growth has been seen in some of the “new broken people” but less visible growth in others.

One of the major tasks of a church planter is to help members of a congregation know their spiritual gifts and to challenge them to utilize them for the growth and progress of the whole body. A new church plant is no place for spectator believers. Spiritual advance becomes possible as everyone pitches in with prayerful and selfless exercise of his or her spiritual gifts.

Prayer support is essential in any church planting endeavor and this Roskilde church planting couple are appreciative of those in Denmark and elsewhere who continually hold them and the new congregation before the Lord in intercessory prayer. We urge Pray for Denmark.com readers to join with the intercessors. The prayers of many will assure David and Solvej that they are not going at it alone in Roskilde. .Here are some items to take before the Lord:

PRAY for health and strength for David and Solvej, for deliverance from discouragement, and for employment requiring fewer hours of David’s time. It is frustrating to have a gift for evangelism and not enough time to exercise the gift. Nothing would please this couple more than for David to be freed for full-time ministry.

PRAY that the new congregation will seize opportunities for open air evangelism. A recent experience with other churches in the town square indicated that townspeople will stop and listen. Sometimes older, tried-and-true evangelism methods still work in a sophisticated society.

PRAY for the “new broken people” who have come under David and Solvej’s care with various addictions, marital breakups, New Age involvements, unbelieving spouses, physical challenges, excursions into the demonic, suicide, depression, and the like. Solvej writes: “Working with broken people can get quite messy, but we trust that where the enemy has come in like a flood the Lord will raise up a standard of righteousness.”

PRAY that the good, spiritually strong couples in the church that until recently had not been involved in anything of a ministry nature will continue to step out with eagerness to exercise their much-needed spiritual gifts and leadership. They have a lot of potential as “soldiers fully armed and equipped,” as Solvej puts it, but only now beginning to step “into their spot in the row.”

PRAISE God for the progress made thus far at Roskilde Vineyard and His promise that “He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6, NIV)

Bible Colleges Begin their Academic Year

2008-09-05T19:09:00.000-07:00

Denmark has two major charismatic denominations, the Pinse Kirke (Pentecostal Church) Church and the Apostolsk Kirke (Apostolic Church). Each of these denominations maintains a two-year Bible college: Mariager Højskole (Danish Pentecostal Bible College) and International Apostolsk Højskole (International Apostolic Bible College). Qualified graduates of both schools are eligible to continue their studies toward the Bachelor in Ministry degree from Australia’s Harvest Bible College in a schedule of class taught in Denmark.

International Apostolic Bible College (top image) is located in Kolding (pronounced CALL-ding), a city in southeast Jutland. The school’s campus, less than a mile from Kolding’s city center, is situated next to a small lake surrounded by a large and beautiful park, nor far from open countryside and forested areas. The school opens its academic year on September 21 with 80 new students. Principal Brent Christiansen heads the faculty that includes, Birthe Christiansen, Moise Olivier, Dominique Lachat, Birgit Tind, Ole Drejer, Steffen Bay, Linda Flament, Cecile Favre, Johnny Hansen, Thomas Christiansen, Manu Marcotto, and Dorte Viftrup.

The Danish Pentecostal Bible College (bottom image), already in session for its 2008-2009 academic year, is located farther north in a charming town in Mariager (pronounced MY –air) in east central Jutland, 36 miles (58 kilometers) north of Aarhus. The town is connected to the Baltic Sea via a deep saltwater inlet called Mariager Fjord. The Bible College is attractively situated on a large campus in perfect surroundings, close to Mariager Fjord. This year the school has enrolled 64 new students, its largest incoming class since 2000. Kent Jacobsen is the school’s principal. He heads a faculty composed of Peter Hove Sørensen, Bjarne Knudsen, Leif Petterson, Jakob Vagner, Rikke Lauritsen, Simon Linde, David Jakobsen, Peder Poulsen, and Solfried Bracher.

Bible Colleges such as these are important for the growth and development of charismatically-oriented free churches in Denmark. Unfortunately, because of lack of time during my trip to Denmark two years ago I did not had the privilege of spending time at the International Apostolic Bible College, other than to pass by its location in Kolding. As it turned out, I did manage to spend a bit of time and walk the campus at Mariager. As I have mentioned previously, I attended a Tuesday evening student-led worship service at Mariager which was an inspiring experience. Both schools nurture their students’ spiritual lives carefully in the Word and in dynamic worship experiences. Much emphasis is placed on the importance of prayer and on providing seasons of all-school prayer (see the Pray for Denmark posting for April 3, 2008 for further details about the prayer emphases at Mariager).

It is noteworthy that the campuses of both schools again this year were utilized by other free church denominations for their summer camps. Both Bible Colleges deserve our prayer support, especially that they may provide a continuing flow of pastors for the charismatic free churches and contribute hugely to revival, renewal, evangelism and church planting in Denmark and other countries.

PRAY for Principal Brent Christiansen at Kolding and Principal Kent Jacobsen at Mariager that the Lord will give them wise, Spirit-led leadership for their heavy responsibilities in overseeing the work of their respective schools.

PRAY for the faculty and staff at Kolding’s International Apostolic Bible College that they will handle the Word of God skillfully, with intellectual integrity, and with spiritual maturity in all their classes and in all of their contacts with students.

PRAY that the faculty and staff at Mariager’s Danish Pentecostal Bible College will be recipients of outstanding Spirit-endowed ability to satisfy the intellectual and spiritual needs of students both in the classroom and in one-on-one contacts.

PRAY that the hearts and minds of students will be open and receptive to the teaching they receive and that they will be obedient to what the Spirit of God lays on their hearts for the effective use of their spiritual gifts wherever the Lord may lead them.

PRAY for a spirit of unity and prayerfulness among administration, faculty and students to pervade both schools throughout the entire academic year and that the name of the Lord Jesus Christ will be high and lifted up by these two learning and worshiping communities.

Southern Jutland’s Tønder Frikirke

2008-08-17T14:38:00.000-07:00

Once again Pray for Denmark.com focuses on the ministry of the Frikirke (free church) in the southern Jutland town of Tønder (pronounced TON-ner), situated only a few kilometers from the border with Germany. The town’s population explodes when it hosts the Tønder Festival folk music event (www.tf.dk/pages/choose_language.php?), held annually since 1975, that has become one of Denmark’s largest festivals. The event is always scheduled for the last weekend of August, this year from August 28 to 31. There will be many musical groups involved coming from a number of countries. Last year’s attendance reached 23,000. The Festival utilizes 9-10 smaller indoor venues as well as a large tent that can accommodate as many as 2500 festival-goers.

Each year the Tønder Frikirke, located in the town’s central district, keeps the church building open and maintains a coffee service for tired festival-goers who are invited to drop in for coffee and conversation. Though not on the schedule as a formal part of the Festival itself, the church presents Christian musical events on Friday and Saturday evenings. This year the Friday night music will feature old-fashion gospel and country-blues musicians Mikael Olesen and Hans Juhani from Valmenighed church in Århus. Saturday evening’s event will showcase the dynamic Gospelkoret Room4Joy, a gospel choir from Grinsted’s Vestermarkskirken. The Festival weekend gives the Tønder congregation many opportunities for witnessing, a ministry that benefits festival-goers as well as church members.

The pastor of the Tønder church is René Nielsen, seconded by his wife Mette. The work has not been easy, but there are signs that the Lord is working. One of the challenges for this fall is to develop and implement the church's vision for relocation and building to effectively meet the ministry demands and needs of the new century.

My dear friend Pastor René tells me that several years ago the church held a monthly Children’s Festival on Saturdays with a number of child-focused activities, such as drama, theater, Bible stories, music, and the like. On one of Saturdays, an Iranian mother made an appearance with her children, but said she was otherwise too busy to attend church services. Last year at Tønder Festival time, Pastor René met her again and invited her to come and sit awhile in the open church. She did so and since then has been to almost every service and event at Tønder Frikirke. She is now in a home-group together with other Iranian ladies. This summer Pastor René took nine Iranian people to a nearby Bible Camp. He says, “We are in contact with many foreign people and it is a challenge for our church.”

PRAY as the Tønder Frikirke opens its doors to festival-goers and provides a warm welcome and friendly conversation during this year’s Tønder Festival, August 28-31.

PRAY that Frikirke members will be empowered by the Spirit of God to offer a winsome witness for Christ to festival-goers who choose to accept the church’s hospitality.

PRAY that the ministry of the Tønder church’s guest musicians, the Mikael Olesen-Hans Juhani duo and Gospelkoret Room4Joy, will attract many to the Friday and Saturday evening concerts by offering a Christian alternative to the secular music featured at the Tønder Festival. As Mikael Olesen says, "Thanks for praying--our wish for the evening is to bring some of God's character and presence and we need Him for that."

PRAY that God's wisdom, oversight and provision for the church in forging and implementing plans that would allow Tønder Frikirke room for growth and a more effective ministry to the community.

PRAISE God for giving the church a fruitful ministry to Iranian and other immigrants to Denmark who have settled in the Tønder area.

PRAY that God will encourage the church to move forward aggressively under Pastor Nielsen’s ministry and that townspeople will respond to the church’s outreach ministries and witness to the saving grace of Jesus Christ.

Danish Open Air Campaigners

2008-07-25T13:38:00.000-07:00

Because of its emphasis on open-air evangelism, i.e. taking the gospel to where the people are, Friluftmissionen is one of my favorite ministries in Denmark. Friluftsmissionen is the Danish branch of an international organization called Open Air Campaigners [the Danish word friluft means outdoors or open air]. National branches of this evangelistic thrust are usually inter-denominational. However, given the religious situation in Denmark, Friluftsmissionen has until recently worked exclusively with Folkekirke and independent Lutheran churches. That is changing some as opportunities present themselves to work with some of free churches. Many of the free churches tend to be more aggressive in their evangelistic outreach. Friluftsmissionen has added an evangelistic presence amongst sympathetic Lutheran churches that is not usually a vigorous aspect of the Folkekirke modus operandi. It also allows Friliftsmissionen to sustain good working relationships with the various revival movements within the Folkekirke (state Lutheran church) and now with some of the free churches was well.

Torben Østermark, the national director of Friluftsmissionen and a good friend of Pray for Denmark.com, recently contributed a paragraph for Open Air Campaigners International 2008 Update. It is a worthwhile assessment giving a glimpse of an aspect of Friluftsmissionen ministry:

“Every summer we are a team of about 20 people doing two-week outreach at the biggest camp site in Denmark. The camp site is owned by a Christian couple who want us there to share the good news about Jesus amongst children and youth. One of the activities is a youth café every night, where we talk and witness and drink coffee. At midnight we preach a short message. There was a message this summer which was very encouraging. One of the young guys, who visited us several times in previous years, became a Christian during the last year. He gave his testimony: ‘Some of you know me. I lived my life far away from God, but I became a Christian, because Jesus changed my life.’ It was wonderful to hear it. And the others listened very carefully. We are looking forward to next year. We hope and pray that some of them will receive Christ during the next year.”

Friluftsmissionen’s website may be accessed at http://www.friluftsmissionen.dk/. Though mainly in Danish, parts of the website are also in English. Friluftsmissionen is a unique evangelistic and faith ministry in Denmark that deserves to have its support base enlarged. The organization’s address is Kirkegade 14, Hvidovre, Denmark 2650.

PRAY for wisdom in Torben’s leadership of Friluftsmissionen and for his and fellow evangelists’ seizing of new opportunities for direct, aggressive evangelism throughout Denmark.

PRAY that Friluftsmissionen will be able to effectively model means and methods of evangelism to prepare Lutheran-related believers to reach uncommitted Danes with the gospel of Christ.

PRAY for attentive and responsive English language listeners at open air evangelistic efforts during the summer months when there are thousands of visitors traveling in Denmark, many of whom come through Copenhagen.

PRAY for increased financial support for Friluftsmissionen’s workers. As a faith ministry, each of the evangelists and their families are dependent for support upon God’s provision through the generosity of His people in Denmark and elsewhere.

Danish Summer Conferences and Summer Camps

2008-06-14T16:08:00.000-07:00

Summer is when the Danish Free Church denominations, Lutheran revival movements and parachurch organizations gather in conferences and summer camps. The following is a list of such conferences and camps. No claim is made that the list is comprehensive and some may have inadvertently been overlooked. The list is fairly representative of a great deal of summer activity among Danish believers.

Pinse Kirke, July 12-18, at Pinse Højskole, Mariager
www.sommer-camp.nu/
Theme: “Når livet leves–sammen”

Apostolsk Kirke, July 12-18, at International Apostolsk Højskole, Kolding
www.staevne.dk/
Theme: “Dit liv–Dit ansvar”

Baptistkirken I Danmark, July 20-26, at Pinse Højskole, Mariager
www.missionsstævne
Theme: “Hvem siger I jeg er?” (Whom do you say I am?)

Det Danske Missionsforbundet, July 26-August 1, at International Apostolsk Højskole, Kolding
www.sommerkonference.dk
Theme: “Glæde” (Gladness)

Syvende Dags Adventistkirken Årsmøde 2008, September 12-12 Nærum Hovedgade, Nærump
www.adventist.dk/Default.aspx?ID-6253
No theme indicated.

Nazaræerens Sommerlejr Church of the Nazarene), July 4-11,Tømmerup Efterskole (near Kalundborg)
www.nazarene.dk/ and http://grevefrikirke.dk/Sommerlejr.pdf
No theme indicated.

Vineyard Norden (includes Denmark) Summer Camp 2008, July 27-August 2, Risøya Folkhøyskole on Sørlandet, Norway
http://summercamp.vineyard.se/
Theme: “Doing Healing”

Metodistkirken, Familiespejderlejr 2008, July 16-22, Solborgen
http://metodistkirken.dk/downloads/familiespejderlejr%20invitation.pdf
No theme indicated.

Luthersk Missionsforening, Bibelcamping 2008, various camps in July, Haderslev Næs
www.bc.Haderslev.dk/bc/index.php
No theme indicated.
Bibelcamping 2008, various camps in July/August, Virksund
www.bibelcamping.dk/index1.php
Theme: “Ichthys” (Fish Sign)

Indre Mission, Bibelcamping 2008, different dates and sites throughout the country, May to September.
www.bibelcamp.dk/
Themes not indicated.

Calvary Chapel Danmark, Sommerkonferencen 2008, July 30-August 3, Lejrstedet “Kilden,” near Roskilde
www.calvarychapel.dk/
Theme: “Through the Book of Daniel”

Nyt Liv–Forbund for evangelization i Danmark), Familiestræf. July 12-19, Fellerup, Nordjursland
www.nytliv.dk/?Familiestraef_2008.pdf
Theme: Kristus–Guds Hemmelighed” (Christ–God’s Secret, Colossians)

Evangelisk Luthersk Missionsforening, Bibelcamping 2008, July 11-20. Bækkely, Bornholm
http://www.elm.dk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=83%3 ABC+2008&Itemid=57
Theme: “Jesus–Liv” (Jesus–Alive)

Kristeligt Forbund for Studerende (InterVarsity), Studenterkonference 2008, July 7-12, Grejsdalen Ungdomsskole, Vejle
www.studenterkonference.dk/
“Den Skjulte Skat,” (The Hidden Treasure, 2 Cor. 4:7)

Oase Sjælland, July 6-12, Odsherred Efterskole
www.oaselejrsjælland.dk/Forside.html
Theme: “Brændte vores hjerter ik’?” (Did not our hearts burn within us?)

Oase National, SommerOase, July 12-19, odded
www.sommeroase.dk/?id=728
“Tro for I morgen” (Faith for tomorrow)

PRAY for a fresh touch of the grace of God upon His people as the Holy Spirit ministers in these camps and conferences. The Danish free churches need God’s encouragement and empowerment as never before.

PRAY that many young men especially will sense the definite call of God during these “times of refreshing” and commit themselves to preparation for full-time ministry for Jesus Christ. The need for pastors in Danish free churches is at near crisis level and some churches have been without a pastor for months and others for several years. We believe God can and will raise up gifted laypersons to carry on the work but wise, well-trained, Spirit-filled pastoral leadership and shepherding is essential for future growth.

PRAY that conferees and campers will be revived in their spirits and make decisions about their life and walk with Jesus Christ that will be life-long in effect and pervade every aspect of their lives, their choices, their marriages, and their vocations.

PRAY for the speakers in the various conferences and camps to be used in a new and unusual way this year to encourage discouraged, faltering pastors and leaders and to reach the hearts of believers of all ages who are lukewarm and increasingly drawn toward the things of the world.

Copenhagen Vineyard Praise

2008-05-20T19:02:00.000-07:00

For several years, Copenhagen Vineyard rented the facilities of the Apostolsk Kirke (Apostolic Church) but it became evident that larger space was required because of Vineyard’s growth. When I visited the church two years ago, I asked Pastor Flemming Mølhede what he saw as the church’s most pressing need. He replied that the church was bursting at the seams and needed larger facilities of its own. Flemming also felt it was essential that the church remain in the same area of Copenhagen in which it has been ministering. Ever since that conversation with Flemming, I have prayed with the church and its leaders for the Lord’s provision of a new and larger facility. Ever faithful, the Lord has answered the prayers of His people. All praise to God for what He has done.

At the beginning of this month, Copenhagen Vineyard began holding services at its attractive new building located at Nyvej 7, 1851 Fredriksberg C, near the Fredriksberg Shopping Center and close-by to a Metro station. The property, purchased earlier in the year from another congregation, was renovated by Vineyard Church volunteers who worked hard and long to ready the building for occupancy. The first service, one of worship, prayer and thanksgiving, was held on Saturday, May 3. The first week in the new location, May 3-10, the church engaged in a 24/7 cycle of prayer leading up to the Global Day of Prayer on Sunday, May 11.

Copenhagen Vineyard Church was planted in 1997 through the efforts of a small team of workers. Since then it has become a church of 380 attendees, truly astounding growth for a new church plant in Denmark. For eight years, beginning in May, 2000, Vineyard had rented the facilities of Copenhagen’s Apostolsk Kirke (Apostolic Church) at Filippavej 3 in Fredriksberg. How good and gracious the Lord is in providing Vineyard’s new location and His answer to prayer that it would be able to continue its ministry in the Frederiksberg district of metropolitan Copenhagen.

Besides a regular schedule of Sunday services, a significant part of the ministry is the 25 small groups that meet throughout Copenhagen, including one that is English-speaking. A large part of the church’s ministry is to younger people and they form the largest segment of regular attendees. Besides its ministry to children, youth, adults, and seniors, the church is also engaged in several significant social and evangelistic ministries involving homeless people, prostitutes, and drug addicts.

For further details in Danish and English, view Copenhagen Vineyard’s website at http://kbh.vineyard.dkj/forside/. The section in English may be found at http://kbh.vineyard.dk/english/.

PRAISE God for answered prayer in His provision of a new and larger property and space for Copenhagen’s Vineyard ministries.

PRAY for vision and great wisdom on the part of the church’s leadership, including lead pastor Flemming Mølhede; pastors Hasse Falk Jakobsen, Helle Rønne Samuelsen, and Thomas Lorenzen; pastoral assistants Søren Bladt and Christian Nissen; and intern Maria Lundbak Hinge, and others. They need the enlightenment of the Word and empowerment of the Holy Spirit in all the church attempts to do in its varied ministries.

PRAY for many opportunities for the exercise of spiritual gifts through lay ministry both within the church and outside its walls by such dedicated people as Erik and Liv Hansen and others.

PRAY for an evangelistic burden in which Christ will be exalted and many brought to faith in Him through the various age group, social, and outreach ministries of the church.

PRAY for the testimony of the many young people who have been attracted to Vineyard’s ministry, that they will mature in their understanding and application of God’s Word with growth in the grace and knowledge of Christ expressed in their daily lives and walk.

Global Day of Prayer, May 11, 2008

2008-05-05T18:02:00.000-07:00

Christians in 170 countries of the world, including Denmark, http://www.globaldayofprayer.dk/hvor.html, will gather in various venues on Pentecost Sunday, May 11, to join together in united prayer. Wherever they gather next Sunday, there will be one thing uniting Christians from all nations: a Prayer for the World that will be prayed by millions from where the sun rises in the East to where it sets in the West. Pray for Denmark.com is happy to commend this global prayer effort. We ask viewers of this webpage to join in this expression of believers' unity in Christ and to pray this prayer with them.

A PRAYER FOR THE WORLD

"They lifted their voices with one accord ..." (Acts 4:24)

Almighty God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
Together with believers all over the world,
We gather today to glorify Your Name.
You are the Creator of heaven and earth.
There is no one like You, holy and righteous in all Your ways.
We submit to Your authority as the King of the universe.
We pray with one voice to enthrone You in our hearts
and to honour You before the world.

Response: Lord God, You alone are worthy of our praise and adoration.

Our Father in heaven,
Thank You for loving the world so greatly.
You gave Your only Son, Jesus Christ,
to die on the cross for our sins
so that we could be reconciled to You.
We are grateful to call You Father and to be called Your children.
Nothing can separate us from Your love.

Response: Thank You Father, for adopting us into Your
family because of Jesus Christ our Saviour.

Lord Jesus Christ,
You alone are worthy to open the scrolls of history,
for You were slain and have redeemed us to the Father by Your blood.
We confess that You are Head of the Church
and Lord of all heaven and earth.
May people from every tribe and language become Your followers
so that Your blessing brings transformation among all peoples.
Let Your kingdom be established in every nation of the world
so that governments will rule with righteousness and justice.
And may Your Name be great, from the rising of the sun to its setting.

Response: Jesus Christ, You are the Saviour of the world
and the Lord of all.

Father of mercy and grace,
We acknowledge that we have sinned
and that our world is gripped by the power of sin.
Our hearts are grieved by injustice, hatred and violence.
We are shamed by oppression, racism and bloodshed in our land.
We mourn all loss of life in murder, war and terrorism.
Our homes are broken and our churches are divided by rebellion and pride.
Our lives are polluted by selfishness, greed, idolatry and sexual sin.
We have grieved Your heart and brought shame to Your Name.
Have mercy on us as we repent with all our hearts.

Response: God of mercy, forgive our sins.

Pour out Your grace and heal our land.

Spirit of the living God,
Apart from You, we can do nothing.
Transform Your Church into the image of Jesus Christ.
Release Your power to bring healing to the sick,
freedom to the oppressed and comfort to those who mourn.
Pour Your love into our hearts and fill us with compassion
to answer the call of the homeless and the hungry
and to enfold orphans, widows and the elderly in Your care.
Give us wisdom and insight for the complex problems we face today.
Help us to use the resources of the earth for the well-being of all.

Response: Holy Spirit, we need Your comfort and guidance.
Transform our hearts.

Lord Jesus Christ,
Because You were dead, but are now risen,
and the Father has given You a Name above all names,
You will defeat all powers of evil.
Tear down strongholds and ideologies that resist the knowledge of God.
Remove the veil of darkness that covers the peoples.
Restrain the evil that promotes violence and death.
Bring deliverance from demonic oppression.
Break the hold of slavery, tyranny and disease.
Fill us with courage to preach Your word fearlessly,
and to intercede for the lost faithfully.

Response: Almighty God, deliver us from evil.

King of Glory,
Come and finish Your work in our cities, our peoples and our nations.
We lift our voices in unison with believers from Africa and Asia,
from the Middle East and Europe, from North and South America,
and from Australia and the Pacific Islands—together we cry:

Response: Lift up your heads, O you gates!
Be lifted up ancient doors
so that the King of glory may come in!

As Your deeds increase throughout the earth,
and as Your blessings abound to all the nations,
they will seek You, asking, “Who is this King of glory?”
Together we will answer:

Response: He is the Lord Almighty!
Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!

Come fill the earth with Your glory as the waters cover the sea.
The Spirit and the Bride say:

Response: Amen! Come Lord Jesus!

First International Baptist Church, Copenhagen

2008-04-23T16:25:00.000-07:00

Copenhagen’s First International Baptist Church is led by Pastor N. Erik Nielsen, a Dane born in Indonesia who received his training for the ministry primarily in the United States. The church was a relatively young church plant that has now been firmly established as a self-governing congregation. Previously, the host church (historic Kristuskirken, Denmark’s first Baptist congregation) had held English services but had not organized a separate congregation. The two churches continue to share the same facilities. Members and regular attenders of FIBC come from all over Metropolitan Copenhagen and outlying areas. Since last year, there are even families from Sweden in regular attendance at the Sunday services.

On any given Sunday, the FIBC congregation averages around 130, including children. When I attended services two years ago, I found the congregation to be truly international and the fellowship between people from many different countries warm and inviting. The pastor and his family (wife Kim and five handsome boys) are obviously greatly appreciated and Pastor Nielsen’s ministry of the Word is having a salutary effect on many lives. There is an evangelistic emphasis to the ministry and there have been several (nine in recent times) who have taken the first step of obedience in the Christian life through believers' baptism. Capable laypersons assist in various aspects of the ministry. Great emphasis is placed on small mid-week group meetings held in various parts of Copenhagen

Besides his preaching and teaching ministry, Pastor Nielsen is a well-trained musician and pianist. On the occasion of attendance at the services, I noted that he had a large responsibility for the music, making it difficult to care efficiently for other aspects of the service. He told me then that he really needed someone to assist with the music and I have prayed regularly that the Lord would fulfill that need. In the summer that same year, the Lord answered our prayers when a college student intern assisted with the worship and music. More recently a person employed by the United Nations has become the church’s worship coordinator, often leading the worship services. That freed the pastor to start a choir ministry for Christmas and Easter cantatas that ever since has become an outreach event drawing a number of people to attend the church regularly. This year again there the Christmas and Easter services were very well-attended.

As in any international church, there are challenges. Many members and regular attenders are only temporarily employed in Denmark. It is not always easy to find replacements for key leaders when they complete their employment in Denmark and must move on to other countries and assignments.

The host church, the Danish-language Kristuskirken, continues its ministry under the leadership of Pastor Ove Vang Jensen who was called out of retirement to serve while the church is without a pastor. There is a shortage of possible pastoral candidates among the Free churches in general and the Baptist churches in particular so the interim has extended beyond the church’s expectations. In addition to the Danish and English-speaking congregations, Kristuskirken is also host to Spanish-speaking services conducted by Digna Fernandez, and Roumanian services conducted by Julia Bajna.

Webpages: www.kristuskirken.dk/ and www.fibc.dk/. Kristuskirken is located at Baggesensgade, 2200 Copenhagan N.

PRAY for the spiritual health and growth of Kristuskirken and for encouragement through interim Pastor Ove Vang Jensen’s faithful ministry. Pastor Jensen is a former pastor of the church.

PRAY that the Lord will speedily raise up a Danish-speaking pastoral candidate for Kristuskirken to succeed interim Pastor Jensen who was called out of retirement to take up leadership of this important church of the Danish Baptist Union. The interim has now extended to 18 months and the need is most urgent for the calling of a new pastor. Our prayer support is crucial and much appreciated.

PRAISE God for the fruitful outreach events that have come about under Pastor N. Erik Nielsen’s ministry with Copenhagen’s First International Baptist Church and especially for the believers baptisms in recent months.

PRAY, as key leaders and volunteers at FIBC must leave Denmark for other places and assignments, that God will raise up replacements who possess needed spiritual gifting for the health and growth of the church body..

PRAY that FIBC and Kristuskirken’s Danish, Spanish and Roumanian ministries will flourish with renewed emphasis on evangelism and revival.

PRAY for a number of Free churches and Baptist churches in Denmark that are currently without pastors. The available pool of candidates is extremely limited and the need is critical.

Prayer Emphases at Mariager Højskole

2008-04-03T10:56:00.001-07:00

Pray for Denmark.com has a new and valued friend. In the past several months I have had contact with Jakob Vagner who is a teacher of Bible and theology at Mariager Højskole (Danish Pentecostal Bible School). Jakob asked if we could give some information about prayer emphases at Mariager Højskole. This is of interest to me because we are more and more realizing the need to publicize the prayer efforts of Danish believers, churches and Christian organizations.

This webpage hopefully raises prayer support from outside Denmark, but we are thrilled always to know that there are many believers, churches and organizations within Denmark itself that gather together regularly to pray. We want by all means to encourage such efforts. There is nothing more important to the evangelization and spiritual life of a nation than the fervent prayers of God’s own people. Spiritual revivals are always bathed in prayer.

Students at Mariager Højskole are encouraged in many ways to be prayer warriors. Students, faculty and staff set aside a full week of prayer twice every year. Jakob writes: “This year we will have one week of prayer for Denmark in the summer–and then one week of more quiet prayer retreat in October. In August ( in typical Danish dating, week 32), we will be around 40 adults and young people focusing on intercession for Denmark, for revival in our personal lives and throughout the nation. We have three gatherings each day with a bit of Bible teaching and then we pray for each other and for our country. In October’s week of prayer, it will be about 30 people getting together for Bible meditations, quiet prayer, symbolic acts, and so on, in which the emphasis is more personal. In both settings we work in small groups as well as with the group as a whole praying together. . .When we get together for the weeks of prayer we pray for many different things, but more than anything else we pray for Danes to be saved and for churches to grow.”

Students at Mariager Højskole meet each school day for morning worship. Then, on Tuesday evenings throughout the school year there is a ministry service where great emphasis is placed on leaders praying with students concerning important problems and decisions about their ongoing spiritual life and walk with Christ. I attended one such Tuesday evening meeting while in Mariager two years ago and was greatly impressed with the intensity of praise and worship and dynamic teaching during the service, and of an unhurried and sometimes quite emotional after-meeting with faculty and staff counseling and praying with individual students. As in all Bible training institutions, I suspect too that at Mariager Højskole there are groups of committed students who gather together for informal prayer times.

In a later posting, I intend to give more specific information about Mariager Højskole as well as other Bible and theological training facilities and programs in Denmark.

PRAY that faculty, staff and students at Mariager Højskole will be encouraged to engage in sustained prayer and intercession on behalf of secularist Denmark and the hundreds of thousands of Danes who do not know what it is to have a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.

PRAY for Jakob Vagner, for an effective ministry of teaching at Mariager Højskole, for his and other faculty members’ influence on students’ spiritual life and walk, and for the salvation of Jakob’s unsaved sister.

PRAY that what students learn and experience of intercessory prayer during their time at Mariager Højskole will be transformed into an ongoing and vibrant prayer life in their future ministries, wherever the Lord may lead them.

Påske (Easter) 2008

2008-03-13T14:35:00.000-07:00

CHRIST IS RISEN!

Several years ago, attention was drawn to the Danish Folkekirke pastor in Tårbæk who declared unabashedly, “I do not believe in the physical God, in the afterlife, in the resurrection, and in the Virgin Mary.” He also wrote, “We do not believe in God or in God as Creator of Heaven and earth, or as Almighty, consequently nor in Jesus as his Son nor the virginity of his mother, nor in his Second Coming and the resurrection from the dead.” Such statements contravene what Protestant orthodoxy and historic Christianity have believed and taught over the centuries. The deity of Christ and the resurrection of the dead unquestionably are nonnegotiable tenets of Easter faith.

Though there are probably few Danish pastors who would go so far in their unbelief, in some respects the Tårbæk pastor’s atheism is understandable given the effects of secularism that has all but engulfed Danish life and culture. One member of the pastor’s church, epitomizing in a single sentence the view of much of Danish life and culture, declared, “Danes, we don’t talk too much about God, and Christianity is not a big force here.”

Fortunately, the larger percentage of Folkekirke pastors do believe in the resurrection as an actual historical event. Indre Mission and other Folkekirke revival entities have been vocal in their protests against the Tårbæk pastor’s views. Thankfully, numerous Danish pastors and theological professors who are orthodox in their beliefs have reacted with great fury to such stark unbelief. The not altogether surprising fact is that the Tårbæk pastor was allowed to retain his post in the town’s1200 member parish.

Easter is another of the times in the church calendar when Danes are more likely to gravitate to church services. So it would not be surprising to find Folkekirke churches (the State Church) and other Danish churches better attended during Holy Week and Easter than the usual five percent or less average weekly attendance.

While 85 percent of Danes are nominally Christian and members of the Folkekirke, it is not irrelevant to ask whether the average Danish citizen believes in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. We note that one Danish source reported fewer than one in five Danes strongly affirms belief in the resurrection while more than half emphatically reject that the event ever occurred.

Danes are reputed to be the happiest people on earth, but without a firm belief in historic Christianity there is a terrible vacuum in spiritual understanding and commitment. Is it any wonder that we believe Denmark needs a massive wave of prayer for revival and a new Reformation to offset the secularism which is so infects Danish life and culture. In a very real sense, Denmark is ripe for re-evangelization. The Lutheran revival movements and the evangelical free churches seem poised to pray toward that end. Furthermore, the more than 150 churches established by “New Danes” (immigrants from Africa and other areas of the world), many of whom are strongly evangelical and evangelistic in their understanding of Christianity, may prove to be the opening wedge in Denmark’s return to the faith. These very alive churches are demonstrating something that has been lacking in many Danish churches.

As for the resurrection, we thank God for the faithful believers in Denmark, whether in the Folkekirke or in the evangelical free churches, however small their number, who hold unwaveringly to the nonnegotiable truths of the Word of God in spite of bumping up again and again against the country’s deadening secular culture. With irrefutable logic, they agree with the crystal clear assessment of the Apostle Paul when he wrote: “If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. If only in this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men (1 Corinthians 15:13-19, NIV).

CHRIST IS RISEN! HE IS RISEN INDEED!

PRAISE God for those Danes who have been willing to affirm the nonnegotiables of the Christian faith, among them the events of the Easter miracle–Christ’s deity, atoning death, burial, and bodily resurrection.

PRAY that during Holy Week and Easter the Holy Spirit will impress upon Danish pastors and churches the necessity of the resurrection as the crowning reality of Christ’s finished work of redemption.

PRAY for a resurgence of vital historic Christian faith in Denmark against such enemies as secularism, theological declension, lukewarm Christian life and practice, and aggressive non-Christian religions. “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12, 2, NIV).

“God creates out of nothing. Wonderful you say. Yes, to be sure, but
what is still more wonderful: He makes saints out of sinners."

–Danish philosopher Søren Kiekegaard

Bedehus Danmark

2008-02-21T18:40:00.000-08:00

“Mit hus skal kaldes et bedehus for alle folkeslagene” (Esaias 56, 7)
“My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations” (Isaiah 56:7, NIV)

Do Danish believers pray for the things that also concern this webpage? The answer is an immediate and straightforward affirmative. In fact, Bedehus (House of Prayer) is a strong and growing prayer movement throughout Denmark, one that has been strongly aided by the ministry of its website (www.bedehus.com/) and its outreach to every corner of the nation.

The ministry of Bedehus Danmark is overseen by a Visionsgruppe (Vision Group) composed of Ruth Cilwik Andersen, Mariager; Kurt Christensen, Nexø; Bent Christiansen, Apostolsk Højskole, Kolding; Jürgen Galonska, Betania Kirkecenter, Blahøj; Peter Holmsgård; Åse Ellerbek Larsen; Lars Bo Olesen, Kristent Center, Herning; Inger Porsen, Aglow International, Danmark; and Claus Aagård, Græsted Frikirke. I know personally and appreciate greatly the life and testimony of three members of the Visionsgruppe.

Bedehus prayer groups are led by local coordinators. There are at least 43 scheduled prayer groups listed on the Bedehus website. They meet monthly and cross denominational lines, though at present the “full gospel” (Pinse, Apostolsk) and charismatic churches appear to be most in evidence. It is to be hoped that other free church denominations as well as many churches of the Folkekirke will ultimately align with this tremendous prayer effort. I believe that to reach the heart and soul of the Danish people, revival must come to the Danish State Church (Folkekirke).

When they meet, these groups always pray in general for all who are in high places (1 Tim. 2:1-2), for all the people, for believers, for their communities, for Israel and the nations, and for Bedehus Danmark itself. In addition, the Bedehus website posts various lists of specific prayer concerns to help guide the prayer groups in their ministry.

Even those who do not read Danish would be impressed by browsing the website to see the breadth of prayer concerns Bedehus has not only for Denmark but also for the work for Christ throughout the world.

The history of revivals demonstrates quite clearly that revival comes as God’s response to fervently praying believers. It does not begin in unbelievers but in the hearts and commitments of God’s own people. Without volumes of believing, intercessory prayer, revival will never come to Denmark. That’s why I strongly support such prayer movements as Bedehus Danmark. We call on our readers to back with our prayers those Danish believers who are faithfully storming the gates of heaven with believing prayer. May God bring genuine spiritual revival to Denmark. Jesus said, “If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer” (Matthew 21:22).

PRAY that every member of every Bedehus prayer group will be able to pray, “Lord, send a revival, and let it begin in me!” Revival begins first of all in the hearts and lives of those most concerned for revival.

PRAY that God by His Holy Spirit would ignite the ministry of Bedehus prayer groups with great power and extravagant faith that like a spreading flame would in turn stir the hearts and lives of Danish believers, pastors and leaders all over the country.

PRAY for the calling out of local coordinators for the formation of many more Bedehus prayer groups in Denmark in areas in which they are still lacking, especially through expansion of Oase and other Danish Lutheran revival movements in Folkekirke parishes and churches.

PRAY that God will direct and empower the members of Bedehus’ Visionsgruppe as they prepare themes and materials for the use of the Bedehus prayer groups. This month’s prayer list was written by Åse Ellerbek Larsen with a focus on “Et kald til omvendelse” (“The call to Conversion”).

PRAY that God will indeed bring revival to His Church in Denmark and in its wake the coming to faith of many thousands of unbelieving Danes.

YWAM Establishes a New Base in Svendborg

2008-02-03T19:32:00.000-08:00

The older Youth with a Mission (Ungdom med Opgave) base in Denmark is at Sjellebro in Jutland. Recently, Mirjam and Frank Lauridsen have established a new base in Svendborg on the southern coast of the island of Fyn (Funen). The Lauridsens are well-prepared for this undertaking having worked in YWAM for many years with campaigns and ministry in Australia, New Zealand, and Denmark. The new base is called Elleruphus (Mercy House) and shares buildings with a Christian rehab center the Lauridsens started last year.

Elleruphus is a social work ministry whose purpose is to help people with various needs, including abusers of drugs, alcohol, gambling, et cetera, as well as single women and teens dealing with various sorts of social problems. The thrust of this ministry is reaching out to these needy people with the gospel of Christ.

Last August, the base started its first school, called NETS (Neighborhood Center, Evangelism, Training and Small groups). Mirjam has responsibility for this school and has the assistance of a new staff member, Trine. The nine-month school began with a twelve-week teaching program incorporating many essential leadership principles in evangelism and church planting, and then has shifted to a practical outreach in Svendborg for a six-month period. Specific neighborhoods of the city are targeted with the gospel message shared through one on one evangelism, and acts of mercy with the intent of helping to establish Elleruphus where those coming to faith in Christ can be discipled. NETS will have the help of believers from Svendborg’s churches in this outreach ministry. Enrollment is small, but this may be of strategic importance in launching the new ministry as it will give greater opportunities for one on one mentoring. As a second level YWAM school, NETS students must have completed a DTS before beginning the program.

YWAM’s recruiting outreach is largely based on its unique system of Discipleship Training Schools (commonly referred to as DTS) found in YWAM bases worldwide. The Sjellebro base has had a number of such schools in past years and will continue to schedule them. The new Svendborg base has also begun its first DTS, which in fact began on Sunday, January 27. The teaching phase is of three-months duration and will be followed by practical experience in a two-month mission in another country. The passion of this DTS is “to know God and make Him known. We want to see people be transformed and equipped to live a 24/7 life for God, and get the tools to start new initiatives in their own local areas when they go home, that reaches out and meets people where they are.”

There are nearly 18,000 YWAM workers worldwide who are engaged in numerous forms of mercy evangelism and church planting efforts. Many of these workers are young people thrust into difficult ministry situations and often under-supported. For further information about YWAM work in Denmark, browse the website at http://ywam.dk/.

PRAY that the Lord will give Frank and Mirjam great wisdom and ability in their administration and spiritual leadership of the Svendborg base and its various outreach efforts.

PRAY that the Lord will keep them focused on the Father’s will and direction, and themselves and their children in good health and strength for an arduous ministry.

PRAY that Satan will be prevented from sowing discord and creating interpersonal conflicts among staff and students that would interfere with a positive, life-changing spiritual impact on each NETS and DTS student.

PRAISE the Lord for new staff member Trine and for the fellowship and assistance of believers from the churches in Svendborg in launching this new venture.

PRAY that NETS and DTS students whom God has led to the Svendborg base will profit intellectually and spiritually from the learning and mentoring opportunities given them.

PRAY that God will provide for the material needs of the Lauridsens and Trine and for operating funds for these faith-based ministries through the support of His people in Denmark and in other countries

PRAY for the new challenges for Ungdom med Opgave that must be faced with the integration of the efforts of the Sjellebro and Svendborg bases through their communication, joint planning, leadership, and programs.

Fårevejle Menighed--Oddsherred Church Plant

2008-01-11T13:13:00.000-08:00

In the November 13, 2007 posting, I mentioned that no free church exists in West Sjaelland’s Oddsherred Commune. Subsequently, I heard from an authoritative source that I was misinformed and that there is indeed a relatively new church plant in Fårevejle. I am delighted to correct the error and to give a further bit of information about Fårevejle Frimenighed.

Oddsherred is found in West Sjælland about 50 miles (80 km) northwest of Copenhagen. The region is characterized by steep cliffs, white and silky sand dunes, and forestland. The town of Fårevejle is situated at the coastline. There are more than a dozen Folkekirke parishes in Oddsherred commune, including Fårevejle.

Fårevejle Frimenighed is an evangelical Lutheran free church having the same doctrinal confession as the Folkekirke. However, the church is not affiliated with the Folkekirke (Denmark's state church). The church participates in the Dansk Oase Netværk, the Lutheran charismatic revival movement’s network of churches and local fellowships.

The church believes that the Bible is indeed the Word of God and has something to say to everyone in busy, contemporary everyday life. The evangelical flavor of Fårevejle Frimenighed is expressed in its vision statement, “mennesker må få et personligt møde med Gud, lære Jesus at kende og få lyst til at leve deres hverdag sammen med ham” (everyone must have a personal encounter with God, get to know Jesus and have a desire to live their everyday lives together with him).

The pastor and congregational leader of the church is Pastor Jørgen Lund together with Pastor Aksel Lausten and lay leaders Flemming Møller, Dorrit Dirchsen, and Jacob Kofod. The church’s webpage may be accessed at www.faarevejle-frimenighed.dk/. The current membership of Fårevejle Menighed has reached 25, with about 70 regular attenders.

The church does not as yet have a permanent location and has met at times in a local school building. Some activities are conducted in adherents' homes. Even without a building of its own, the church has a number of active ministries, including children’s church, youth, singles, gospel choir, the elderly, and the like. The worship format includes more contemporary, rhythmic music led by a five-instrument praise band.

PRAISE GOD for the planting of a free church at Fårevejle in Oddsherred Commune.

PRAY that the pastors and lay leaders of Fårevejle Frimenighed will keep evangelism a high priority and that they will find strategic ways to promote the gospel throughout the area.

PRAY for growth in numbers of members and regular attenders and for perennial revival and spiritual maturity in those who come to faith in Christ.

PRAY that in His timing the Lord will provide a permanent location for Fårevejle Frimenighed.

PRAY that ways will be found for the new church to minister effectively to the large number of visitors and vacationers who come to Oddsherred during the summer months.

Glædelig Jul og Godt Nytår

2007-12-21T11:24:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all who share with us in the prayer ministry of Pray for Denmark.com

Denmark desperately needs a visitation of the Holy Spirit that would lead to renewal and a nationwide evangelistic thrust. Please continue to PRAY for a great spiritual revival to come to Denmark. The land is dotted with churches, but so many Danes lack a vital personal relationship with the Christ of Christmas and Calvary. PRAY urgently that in 2008, this wonderful little country will experience a return to the truths of the Bible, the Word of God, and that many through radical repentance and faith will realize in their own lives the true message of Christmas: “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11, NIV).

Bill (Olsen) Hunter and Brad Haugaard

Prayer Alert: Spiritual Effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder

2007-12-12T08:38:00.000-08:00

There is an immediate and urgent need for prayer that affects all of Denmark (and other Scandinavian countries for that matter) and its churches, one I never so much as dreamed would appear on this website. The request comes from alert and concerned Danish prayer warriors and concerns a deep mood of depression and heaviness of heart and soul that becomes apparent in many people during winter months in Scandinavia. It is a mood altering condition that mental health professionals refer to as seasonal affective disorder. The days are very short at this time of the year because it gets dark around three o’clock in the afternoon and daylight doesn’t reappear until after eight o’clock in the morning. Many people suffer from depression because of the lack of daylight, so psychiatrists actually prescribe lamps and light boxes to provide artificial daylight. Satan uses this situation to cause even some in the churches to consider or even attempt suicide, all a result of this heaviness and depressive mood that we are seeing in so many people at this time of the year.”

My correspondent, a pastor from Denmark reports, “We sense a certain battle fatigue and heaviness about people and even feel sort of weary ourselves from it. When I was praying the other day, the Lord led me to ask for the weak knees to be strong and for tired arms to be lifted. Again today he showed us that a lot of people are under this ‘cloud’ of soul heaviness or weariness, as it were. It’s as though they are sleepwalking, groping around like zombies, and lacking spiritual direction. We felt led to ask the Lord to speak to them as He spoke to Lazarus, to ‘Come out!’ So we prayed that the hand of the Lord would move and awaken, and I sensed a stirring, a moving in the heavenlies.”

At a recent leadership meeting in Copenhagen, Pastor Flemming Mølhede exhorted those present to press on and not to expect harvest without sacrifice—a serious message but by God’s grace one that was offset by intimate worship during which the worship leader prayed, “How can we even worship you Lord as anything we sing or say is so inadequate.” But, the Lord spoke to our hearts with an encouraging, spirits-lifting word assuring us that ‘Your very lives are an act of worship.’ How encouraging when we are all feeling a little battle weary and see so many needs that in ourselves we do not have the resources to meet.”

PRAY that God would shake life and alertness into those in Denmark and other Scandinavian countries who are depressed and going through daily life as though “weary and heavy-laden,” heavy of heart and soul from the lack of daylight.

PRAY for church planting teams that are seeing symptoms of the “down mood” of seasonal affective disorder, in some instances affecting both team members as well as those they are trying to reach for Christ. They sacrifice so much for the kingdom and need strength and endurance with splashes of joy in their serving.

PRAY that many believers in Denmark and committed intercessors worldwide would “grab the horns of the altar” and shake the heavens by teaming up and pressing on in prayer that God would by His Spirit and power lift spirits and bring “daylight” to the depressed and oppressed.

PRAY that the “sleepwalkers” will discover the reality of the hope-giving, soul-saving Gospel of Christ.

The Influence of Denmark's Frikirker

2007-11-13T18:16:00.000-08:00

At least in name, according to the statistics from 2005, 83 percent of Danes are counted as adherents of the Lutheran State Church (Den Folkekirken), with slippage noted from 1990 when the percentage was 89.3 percent. The Folkekirke comprises 2200 parishes, 2400 churches, 2400 pastors, 2200 parish councils with 18,000 council members, and 12 bishops. The Queen is the titular head of the church, with the Danish Parliament (Folketinget) and the government’s Church Ministry (Kirkeministeriet) occupied with its overall administration and support. In Denmark, the term “free churches” (frikirker) refers to those churches and denominations that are not a part of the Folkekirke. The Frikirker are few in number in comparison to the monolithic state-supported Folkekirke.

The FrikirkeNet (the network of Denmark’s free churches), recently reported that there are 335 free churches in Denmark, with ten new self-standing churches added since the last semi-annual count. Of the 98 Danish communes, there are still 19 that are without an organized free church. Counted among the 335 free churches are many international churches that have come into being as a result of immigration. There are also a number of international ethnic fellowships that operate as a part of an existing free church. Most of the Danish free churches appear to be strongly evangelical with many even so needing a special touch of revival.

Without being overly judgmental, the larger share of the churches and parishes comprised within the Folkekirke appear to lack evangelical zeal and evangelistic fervor. This is reflected in the extremely low percentage of Danes (estiumated at five percent) who attend church services regularly and for whom the church has little relevance for daily life and walk. Thankfully, there are notable exceptions and especially those churches and parishes related in some way to one or another of the revival organizations within the Folkekirke, including Indre Mission, Luthersk Mission, Evangelisk Luthersk Mission, Oase, and Nyt Liv.

The free churches in Denmark have kept alive a spirit of evangelism and many of these churches practice believers (adult) baptism exclusively. The influence of the free churches has undoubtedly been quietly more effective than many Danes realize. The influence of the influx of ethnic believers through immigration, the coming of many interdenominational seminars from overseas, the zeal of the charismatic churches, and the introduction of praise and worship music are but a few of the factors which I see as having had some influence on Folkekirke pastors and parishes. I believe that a key element in reaching the Danish population with the Gospel of Christ is new evangelical churches strategically planted that will help keep alive the flame of evangelism in the country. Evangelism and revival go hand in hand and evangelism is a strong need in every generation for, as has been said, God has no grandchildren.

Pray for Denmark.com has from its inception three and a half years ago called believers throughout the world to pray for the spiritual needs of Denmark. Our website statistics indicate that there are those who are doing so and Brad and I praise God for them. I believe sincerely that intercessory prayer is the key to renewal/revival, evangelism, and new church planting.

As a longtime committed evangelical, I have not given up on the Folkekirke. God’s arm is not shortened that it cannot save. Because of the strong cultural and familial pull of the Folkekirke on the Danish people, I tend to believe that if revival and renewal are to come to Denmark it must come to the pastors and parishes of the Folkekirke. But I also believe that God has raised up the free churches to be a part and promulgators of the revival that Brad and I pray and believe will come. Denmark is ripe for revival. “Repent . . .and turn to God . . . that times of refreshing may come from the Lord” (Acts 3:19-20).

PRAY for the cities of Hovedstaden region that to our knowledge do not as yet have a free church, including Albertslund, Brøndby, Dragør, Frederikssund, Furesø, Gladsaxe, Hørsholm, Ishøj, Tårnby, and Vallensbæk.

PRAY for Sjælland region where a free church does not exist in the cities of Odsherred and Stevns.

PRAY for Syddanmark region and the planting of a free church in Fanø and Æro.

PRAY for Midtjylland region and the planting of a free church in Samsø, Skanderborg, Struer, and Syddjurs.

PRAY for Nordjylland region where a new church plant is needed in Læsø.

PRAY for all those with responsibilities for the day-to-day work of the Folkekirke, including governmental authorities, the twelve bishops, and all of its 2400 congregations and pastors.

PRAY for a genuine revival of committed Christian faith, a 21st century Reformation, to sweep over Denmark and in turn spread throughout Europe.

PRAY that Denmark’s free churches will regain a sense of aggressive evangelism that knows and understands Danish culture and with the Holy Spirit’s power and direction winsomely calls men and women to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

PRAY that God will raise up a new generation of church planters with a compelling vision for planting new churches in Denmark’s unreached communes.

Brethren Assemblies in Denmark

2007-10-18T16:25:00.000-07:00

So-called Christian Brethren or Plymouth Brethren assemblies are found throughout the world and Denmark is no exception. Though not as well known in Denmark as they ought to be, the Christian Brethren are unquestionably in the mainstream of evangelicalism. Their church organization is simple and they gather in independent assemblies without an overarching denominational structure. They have been an important force in world-wide evangelism since the early part of the 19th century. Many great Bible teachers and missionaries have come from the assemblies, including such men as J. N. Darby, Robert Chapman, H. A. Ironside, H. L. Ellison, F. F. Bruce, my beloved friend Bill Deans of Nyankunde, Congo, and others far too numerous to mention.

The term Christian Brethren is not an official name amongst them as they consider themselves to be simply Christians gathered to the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is a laymen’s movement based on New Testament church principles. Their local assemblies do not have an ordained ministry as such but function under the leadership of elders who must fulfill elder qualifications as specified in the New Testament epistles. Itinerant missionaries and teachers often travel in ministry from assembly to assembly, but most of the teaching and preaching is done by men from the local assemblies themselves. A feature of Brethren worship is the weekly gathering at the Lord’s Table known as “The Breaking of Bread.” The Brethren are notable for their intense study of the Word of God and they are by and large amongst the most Biblically literate of evangelicals. They practice believers baptism by immersion.

Over the years I have known many believers and leaders from among the Christian Brethren in the United States, in Kenya, in the Congo, and in Denmark. It was my good fortune in 1957 to have been in Copenhagen where I attended a Sunday evening gathering at that city’s Brethren assembly. I have mentioned before in these postings the Faroese physician, Dr. Rodmundur I Liða. That evening in Copenhagen I heard Rodmundur give a memorable, intensely emotional testimony of his faith in Christ that has left an indelible impression on me ever since. He was at the time attending medical school at the University of Copenhagen. I learned that more than ten percent of the Faroe Islands population is associated with the Christian Brethren assemblies. Rodmundur long practiced as a highly respected physician and surgeon in Tørshavn, capitol city of the Faroe Islands. Though now retired, he continues to teach and preach in the assemblies. He has on occasion visited and spoken at Christian Brethren assemblies in Denmark.

The Copenhagen assembly with which I had become acquainted in 1957 later relocated to Bronshoj where the believers gathered for 30 years as Brønshøj Kristne Forsamling and more recently has relocated to new facilities in Skovlunde. In its various locations, this assembly has been in existence for more than 100 years and is now known as Skovlunde Frikirke (www.skovlundefrikire.dk). Other Danish-speaking assemblies are located at Glostrup (www.glostrupfrikirke.dk/index.htm), Copenhagen (www.kristentf.dk) and Odense (www.kfodense.dk/)

Ten percent or more of the population of the Faroe Islands is said to be associated with Christian Brethren assemblies. There are assemblies related to the Faroe Island Brethren located in the metropolitan Copenhagen area (known as Kristnastova, http://www.kristnastova.dk/) and other cities. I was pleased to discover that there is an assembly in Hirtshals known as Malta (http://home19.inet.tele.dk/malta/index.htm).

Christian Brethren, wherever located throughout the world, have always been motivated toward world-wide evangelism. For example, Skovlunde Frikirke supports missionaries Ole and Wilsy Ottosen in Papua New Guinea, and René and Heide Bryld in Uummannaq, Greenland. Most of the Danish and Faroe Island assemblies appear to support missionaries of the New Tribes Mission International.

PRAY for the believers who meet in independent Christian Brethren assemblies throughout Denmark, for their spiritual growth, for sound Bible teaching and for their evangelistic outreach in the areas in which they are located.

PRAY for wisdom in the exercise of spiritual leadership given to the elders of Sjæland’s Skovlunde Frikirke, including Charles Dalton, Flemming Windfeld, Preben Madsen, Steen Asmussen, Jørgen Andersen, Bent Ottosen, and Dan Fuglø.

PRAY for Kristnastova and the Faroese Christian Brethren assemblies of Denmark, not only for their ability to reach Faroese people residing in Denmark but also for their fellowship and cooperation with Danish-speaking assemblies.

PRAY for Ole and Wilsy Ottosen working with New Tribes Mission in Papua, New Guinea, and René and Heide Bryld who have worked in Uummannaq, Greenland.

PRAY that the Lord will raise up workers from amongst the Danish assemblies to plant new work in other areas of Denmark.

Bethel Baptistkirken in Aalborg

2007-09-25T09:48:00.000-07:00

In the summer of 1948, following completion of my junior year at Northwestern College (St. Paul) and just after I had married, I had the opportunity to be the summer assistant at Bethel Baptist Church in Harlan, Iowa. It was a thrill for me to work with the pastor, Rev. Arlen Halvorsen, in a good-size church affiliated with the Danish Baptist Conference. During my time in Harlan I had contact with several older believers who had come to the United States from Aalborg, in north Jutland, Denmark. I remember those conversations in which there were tearful stories of the hardships Baptists had had in Denmark before the turn of the century. The Folkekirke (State Church) was none too kind to free churches in that time, especially when some of its adherents left to join the Baptist churches in Aalborg and elsewhere. I don’t recall all the details, but these dear old saints endured ostracism and persecution, severe enough for them to feel the necessity of leaving their native land to make a new home in the United States where they could freely practice their faith without interference from government. Fortunately, the conditions which had forced those old saints in Harlan, Iowa to leave Denmark no longer apply.

Imagine the thrill it was for me last year when I had the opportunity to visit Denmark and to have contact with Bethel Baptistkirken in Aalborg, the very church from which those older people in Harlan had come. That church has had an illustrious history since its founding on October 1, 1840, when P. C. Mønster from Copenhagen baptized six people and with them planted the first Baptist church in Jutland. Though now in existence for 167 years, Bethel Baptistkirken remains today a testimony to the faith and vision of its founders. Many churches as old in Denmark and elsewhere have become lifeless monuments of a once vibrant faith. Not so Aalborg’s Bethel Baptistkirken which continues to have a strong Bible-believing, evangelistically focused ministry under the leadership of its Senior Pastor Chresten Eskildsen. The church’s website contains information about the church’s history and current church life. View it at www.bethelkirken.dk/index.asp?side=4.

Bethel’s International Pastor is Lee Hanson who has an extensive ministry with Danish and international students from the University of Aalborg. I have seen him at work and he is a very busy pastor who makes friends easily and has had a godly influence in the lives of many young people. Bethelkirken has a well established International Christian Fellowship. Internationals from many countries have long been part of the church family. Sunday services at Bethelkirken offer simultaneous translation in English. Every second and fourth Sunday evening of the month, there is a service conducted entirely in English. Internationals are encouraged to become part of one of the small groups meeting during the week for prayer, study of the Scriptures and fellowship. There are many spontaneous opportunities for newcomers to enjoy the hospitality of church members. Every Wednesday, when the University is in session, Lee makes himself available in the cafeteria to meet and chat with students over the lunch hour, always striving to gain a hearing for the message of the gospel of Christ.

PRAISE God that Aalborg’s Bethelkirken is not so enamored with its 167-year history as to lose sight of faithfulness to Jesus Christ, the Word of God, and God’s mandate for evangelism.

PRAY for Senior Pastor Chresten Eskildsen and his family, that God would bless his ministry of teaching and preaching of the Word of God, counseling, and guiding the church in obedience to the Great Commission.

PRAY that Pastor Lee Hanson will have many opportunities this year to develop friendships with international students and the Spirit’s leading to present to them the claims of the gospel of Christ.

PRAY that Aalborg’s Bethel Baptistkirken will find ways to aggressively reach this important northern Jutland city with a dynamic witness for Jesus Christ.

PRAISE God that for the spirit of cooperation that exists in several areas between Bethel Baptistkirke and other free churches, including Aalborg Apostolsk Kirke, Frikirken Aalborg Øst, and Aalborg Pinsekirken.

Blessing at Roskilde Vineyard

2007-08-20T12:13:00.000-07:00

Start-up of a new church plant in Denmark is a God-sized major undertaking not for the faint-hearted. Church planting is fraught with difficulties, so much so that it has been said that two out of three church plants in Denmark do not make it.

One that has seen God’s blessing and has thrived and grown is the Vineyard church plant in Roskilde. This new work has been under the leadership of co-pastors David and Solvej Allen. It has not been easy, but the Allens say, “We are thankful now and we chalk it all up to grace and endurance, mostly God’s endurance with us!”

Just last November, this several-years-old plant had a release party from the supervision by Copenhagen Vineyard leadership. Roskilde is no longer considered to be a church in the planting stage but now in its own right is a fully independent Vineyard church. The church is still a small but growing congregation of 50 that meets in Roskilde’s Kulturhuset (Culture House). Most of the members are young people, with a good number of them having only recently come to faith in Christ. A month ago or so David and Solvej had a wonderful celebration service at which two of the young men who have recently come to Christ were baptized in the Roskilde Fjord. One of them is now a house group (small group) leader and the other a worship leader, so as David and Solvej put it, “They are already getting ‘milked for all they’re worth’ in the Lord’s service.”

Church planters make some tremendous sacrifices. David and Solvej minister as a team with David as Senior Pastor (see photo above of recent worship and group leaders retreat with Solvej third person in the front row and David standing behind her). David has had full-time secular employment but will finally begin to get a day off every week starting in September. That will release him for more time in evangelism. Solvej has been on one-third salary from the church for the past year, so the church’s giving has also increased. She still has to work half-time as a secretary to help make ends meet. The Allens state that the church has a good sense of community, even though it took a long time to get to that point. Now people “hang out” and do fun things together all the time during the week. Four house groups also contribute to that end.

An exciting new development is that Roskilde Vineyard has been invited to have some of its services at the local Music Hall, a place where youth tend to gather. The Allens consider it to be a “God-thing” that this door has opened. Plans are to have three services in that venue this Fall with the hope of attracting a different crowd by meeting in this even more public place.

Pastor David had his 45th birthday recently and Solvej wanted to celebrate the event by taking him out for dinner after church, probably to have some time together just as a couple. However, five other people also wanted to come along with them and the Allens in true pastoral fashion thought, “Oh well, the more the merrier!” There was lots of fun and laughter. Solvej had felt bad that they had not been able to celebrate Pastor David’s birthday with more of a party because Sunday is a pastor’s “work day,” filled with preparing for the service, leading the service, and debriefing after the service. But when they got back home, they realized that eating with those great friends was so much fun. But not only that, they also realized with praise to God that out of the five who had joined them for dinner four had come to faith in Christ through the ministry of Roskilde Vineyard. It is likely they are all people that would have had a hard time adjusting to any other type of church setting. That thought made the Allens so thankful and, as David said, “What better birthday gift could anyone want!”

For more information, browse around in the church’s attractive website at www.rosvineyard.dk.

PRAISE the Lord for what He has been and is accomplishing in Roskilde through the power of God’s Holy Spirit wooing and winning people to Christ and to trust in His finished work of redemption.

PRAISE God for dedicated church planters David and Solvej Allen who have stayed committed to the task through thick and thin and have seen His working in many lives as an evidence of faithful, Spirit-empowered ministry.

PRAY that the young Vineyard church in Roskilde will maintain a strong, vibrant and grace-filled evangelistic outreach that will attract many Danes who would likely never become a part of any other type of church.

PRAY that the Lord will knit the members of Roskilde Vineyard together in unity and community to create a worshjpping congregation intent on discovering and using their spiritual gifts to build up and nurture the Body of Christ.

PRAY for God’s presence and blessing in the opportunities that will present themselves this fall to reach an entirely different crowd of young people in the occasional services that will be held at the new Music Hall venue in Roskilde. (The Allens report that the first service at the Music Hall on Sunday, August 19 went very well with an excellent turnout and many seekers! Praise the Lord!)

PRAY for continued passion and wisdom on the part of the church’s leadership, for effective grounding and discipling of new believers, and for new and fresh, Spirit-led ideas for fruitful evangelism.

PRAY that in the Lord’s timing the church’s increase in numbers and giving will allow Senior Pastor David and co-pastor Solvej to leave secular employment in order to engage full-time in ministry.

Tønder Festival 2007, August 23-26

2007-08-03T17:05:00.000-07:00

Once again, Jutland’s southern border city of Tønder (pronounced TON-er) will be hosting its internationally known summer music festival, August 23-26. As it does every year, Tønder Festival 2007 will showcase many secular music groups, both traditional and folk.

Each year during the Festival the Tønder Frikirke, the small city’s only evangelical free church, makes a major effort to offer a vibrant and attractive musical witness. This year popular Christian singer-songwriter Hans Jørn Østerby, known as West Jutland’s Troubador, will be the Friday evening, August 24 headliner musician. On Saturday, August 25 the featured musicians will be the Danish southern gospel group, ABC Gospel Quartet. These fine Christian brothers, whose repertoire is in the style of the Gaither Vocal Band and The Imperials, will add to the variety of music that will be heard in secular venues during the Festival. The members of ABC Gospel Quartet are tenors Jan Stern Johansen and Ejvind Lohse; baritone Jens Bracher; bass Paul Sander Hansen; with pianist Øvind Lillemæhlum.

Tønder Frikirke is ideally situated in the central business area of the city with hundreds of excited Festivalgoers of many nationalities milling about. Sounds of music will be heard everywhere in the city whether through ticketed concerts in the cultural hall as well as informally on the streets. The hope is that many will be attracted to the sounds of music coming from the church’s worship center and be drawn inside. There they will be greeted warmly by the pastor, Rene Nielsen and members of the church. Coffee will be served (what would a Danish event be without coffee and a “little something” to go with it!). Friendly one on one conversation will go along with the coffeetime.

Zechariah 4:6 reminds us that it is “not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord almighty.” Plans and programs will fail without the might, power and presence of the Holy Spirit. As He provides the opening in the coffee and conversation-times, the visitor may be ready to accept a low-keyed, non-pressured and winsome witness to Christ and the gospel. Christian literature will also be made available. The church will be open from 8:00 to 11:00 p.m. on Friday the 24th and 3:30 to 11:00 p.m. on Saturday the 25th.

Prayer partners of Pray for Denmark.com, as you think about the wonderful opportunities Tønder Festival 2007 presents for an evangelistic outreach, in the next several weeks please

PRAY that the faithful efforts of Pastor Nielsen and Tønder Frikirke will be rewarded by many visitors to Tønder Festival 2007 accepting the invitation to come into the church’s worship center to hear the featured musicians.

PRAY that the Holy Spirit will use the style of music and earnest testimonies of Hans Jørn Østerby and the ABC Gospel Quartet to stir the hearts of visitors who may be spiritually hungry seekers.

PRAY that visitors who come to Tønder Festival 2007 only to hear a variety of secular music will have hearts open to the life-changing claims of the gospel and come to faith in Christ as Savior and Lord through the efforts of the Tønder Frikirke believers and the guest musicians.

PRAY that the Holy Spirit will be in control and use the ministry of every guest musician and every believer on Friday and Saturday, August 25-26 to the glory and praise of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Summer 2007 - Schedule of Selected Danish Conference/Camps/Bible Schools

2007-06-27T19:38:00.000-07:00

Once again, denominational and revival movement conferences and Bible camps will be meeting throughout Denmark this summer under tents, at resorts, in school buildings, or even in the open air. The larger share of these conferences and camps will take place in July. A sampling of them appears below, though the list reflects only those of which we have thus far become aware. Such summer activities are important avenues for inter-church fellowship, for evangelistic contacts, and for believers' spiritual growth and development and training for ministries. Many of the conferences and camps include a full program and activities for children and young people.

Various weeks in July and August - Indre Missions Bibelcamping 2007 is a large and multifaceted camping program with 18 different camps for different ages at a number of locations throughout Denmark, including Bornholm, Fårevejle, Haderup, Hadsund, Hurup, Lystruphave, Myrhøj Pinsecamping, Mørkholt Strand Camping, Sdr. Felding Å Festival, Skovgårde Bibelcamping, Sundeved, Sæby, and Tullebølle. Indre Mission is the oldest of several revival/renewal movements in the Lutheran Folkekirke. The full schedule for Indre Mission’s extensive 2007 camping program may be viewed at www.bibelcamp.dk/oversigt.html.

Various weeks in July – Luthersk Missionsforening (a Folkekirke revival movement) has scheduled youth, family, and children-juniors camps at two locations: Haderslev Næs in Mid-Jutlland, south of Kolding, and Virksund, near Skive in northern Jutland. Full schedules for both campsites may be found at www.bc-haderslev.dk/bc/index.php (Haderslev Næs) and www.bibelcamping.dk/index1.php (Virksund).

July 2-8 - Oaselejr Sjællands Sommerlejr 2007, a regional family camp associated with Dansk Oase, meets the week prior to the national SommerOase 2007 (see below). This family camp will be held at Odsherreds Efterskole, in Fårevejle, northwest Sjælland. This theme selected for this year’s camp is “Noget om nåde” (Something about grace). www.oaselejrsj.dk/

July 7-13 - The Apostolsk Sommerstævne 2007 of the Danish Apostolic Churches will again be held on the campus of the Internationale Apostolsk Højskole in Kolding, Jutland. The theme of this year's conference is "Autentisk kirke" (The authentic church). www.staevne.dk/

July 14-20 - The Pinsekirkernes (Pentecostal Churches) SommerCamp 2007 will meet on the expansive campus of the churches' Højskole (High School and Bible School) in Mariager, 36 miles north of Århus. This year's theme is "Drevet af en passion" (Driven by a passion). http://sommer-camp.sequelsite.dk/default.asp?id=8693

July 8-15 - Dansk Oase, a charismatic-oriented revival movement within the national Lutheran Folkekirke, will hold its SommerOase 2007 conference at Rudehøj Efterskole in Odder, Central Jutland. The conference theme is "Reformation." A number of Danish church leaders will be featured speakers together with several pastors and Christian workers from other countries. www.danskoase.dk/index.php?id=406

July 8-15 - Nyt Liv (New Life), a revival movement within the Lutheran Folkekirke, has again scheduled its Familietræf 2007 family camp at Djurslands Efterskole, northweast of Århus.. www.nytliv.dk/Nyt%20Liv%20april%2006(9).pdf

July 22-28 – Baptisternes Missionsstævne 2007 (BaptistChurches’ 2007 Annual Conference) will once again take place at the Pinse Højskole in Mariager. This year's theme is "Nyt live I tro” (New Life in Faith). www.missionsstaevne.dk/

July 21-27 - Det Danske Missionsforbund (Danish Mission Covenant Church) holds its multigenerational "Sommerkonference 2007) on the campus of the Internationale Apostolsk Højskole in Kolding (south Jutland). The theme of this year's conference is "Værktøj for livet: När tro bliver til livsstil" (Tools for the Life: grace belief gives birth to lifestyle").

www.missionsforbundet.dk.staevne.portal/portal.asp

July 23-29 - Vineyard Norden churches from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Iceland, and Finland will gather for a week of SommerCamp, this year at Liljehomen's School in Rimforsa, Sweden. The theme for the week is "Att vara en Jesu Fäjunge idag--vad betyder det?" (To Be a Disciple of Jesus today--what does that mean?" The visiting speakers will be Peter and Kathy Downs, national directors of Vineyard in Australia. A wide range of seminars will also be offered. www.vineyard.se/summercamp/index.asp

August 2-5 - The 8th Scandinavian Calvary Chapel Annual Summer Conference will take place at Sommerhjemmet , near Roskilde. Invited speakers are Pastors David Guzik of Calvary Chapel Bible College in Siegen, Germany, and Bob Pecoraro from the Calvary Chapel in Turku, Finland. Calvary Chapel ministry specializes in verse-by-verse biblical exposition and this year's conference study will focus on the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Ephesians. www.calvarychapel.dk/english/indexeng.htm

August 5-12 – Den Dansk Metodistkirke (Danish Methodist Church) will hold its annual Sommerhøjskole at Solborgen ved Sejerbugten, near Holbæk (a short distance northwest of Copenhagen). The Sommerhøjskole theme is "Livsglæde og kristent fællesskab" (Christian fellowship/community and the joy of life). http://hjem.get2net.dk/ed/hs2006/hs06.htm

There are evidences that God is truly working in Denmark. Let us join Him in His activity through our fervent intercession on behalf of these 2007 conferences, camps, and Bible schools. "Revive us, and we will call on Your name" (Psalm 80:18b, NIV).

PRAY that the Holy Spirit will use every leader and speaker mightily in each of these conferences, camps or Bible schools.

PRAY that every camper, of whatever age group, will come to these summer events expecting God to bless graciously and powerfully in meeting their individual needs. When they return to their families and congregations, may it be evident that "they have been with Jesus" (cf. Acts 4:13).

PRAY for the musicians as they lead the people in praise and worship. When it comes, revival will surely be borne along on the wings of Spirit-led praise and Spirit-empowered singing. No revival ever comes without God's people breaking out in songs of high praise and worship.

PRAY that every conference, camp, and Bible school will offer a fearless and dynamic presentation of the human need for salvation and a positive response by the unsaved to the Savior who has so graciously, through His once-for-all sacrifice at Calvary, made possible our salvation.

PRAY for a sense of ministry to pervade the actions and activities of the supporting staff at each of these conferences, camps, or Bible schools.

PRAY for God's protection from accidents and injuries and the possible intrusion of demonic influences at every summer campsite.

PRAY that as a result of these summer conferences God will give such a spirit of unity and love for each other that the various denominations and organizations will be able to deal effectively with whatever problems, antagonisms, dissensions and spirit of competitiveness there may be between themselves and other denominations, local churches, and church members.

Preparing for Danish Summer Camps and Conferences

2007-06-23T16:28:00.000-07:00

Once again this year, the months of July and August will see the gathering of hundreds of Danish believers in summer camps and conferences sponsored by the various free church denominations and Folkekirke revival movements. This website will shortly begin to post the dates and places of the summer camps and conferences of which we have been made aware.

Because many of these camps usually bring together large numbers of people from all over the country, the spiritual implications are tremendous. Many of the free churches in Denmark are rather small. There is a dynamic and excitement often present in the singing and worship of large assemblies that is rarely experienced in smaller local churches. There is also an appreciation for fellowship in the larger Body of Christ that comes from worshiping together with fellow believers from throughout the country. Enduring friendships are often made at these summer events.

PRAY for the intense preparations going on now for the many July and August summer camps, including the final details for each camping event, the setting up of the camp grounds, the orientation and training of camp helpers, and the ministries of camp administrators, musicians, seminar leaders and speakers.

PRAY for God’s protective mercies as camp workers and campers travel by bus, train, and auto from the far corners of the country. Some of the speakers and seminar leaders will be coming from other countries. PRAY that campers at each of the scheduled camps will be spared serious injuries or illnesses.

PRAY that the power of God’s Holy Spirit will be felt in every camping event and that speakers will confidently proclaim the Word of God with His anointing in every teaching and preaching sessions.

PRAY for revival to break out in many of the camps with numbers coming to faith in Christ and every camper, whether child, youth or adult, strengthened and encouraged toward growth in their Christian life and walk.

Urgent Need in Burundi

2007-06-05T11:17:00.000-07:00

As a matter of policy, Pray for Denmark.com does not generally become involved with matters of funding or fund raising and does not expect to do so often in the future if at all. However, Thomas Spanner of Baptistkirken i Danmark (Danish Baptist Union) has notified us of an urgent request pertaining to the African country of Burundi, where Danish Baptists began mission work in 1928. As the work grew, and because of the need for medical care for converts and families related to the indigenous churches as well as ministry to the general local population, the Danish Baptists early on financed and constructed a hospital at Musema in Burundi’s Kayanza Province. With the cooperation of local Burundis, the hospital was long administered and staffed by dedicated Scandinavian doctors and nurses, among them for some years my dear friends Dr. Torben and Rita Rouland., now retired in Viborg.

In 1989, the property and management of Musema Hospital was taken over by the Burundi Ministry of Health. The hospital was all but destroyed during the civil war years between 1993 and 2000. The World Bank provided financial support for its renovation between 2001 and 2003. As a temporary measure, Musema Hospital has been managed since early 2005 by Médicins Sans Frontiers (Doctors Without Borders) which has very recently ended its participation. The local population had great doubts that the Burundi government could or would maintain proper hospital standards. The Burundi Minister of Health has now asked the leaders of the Baptist Union of Burundi (UEBB) to assume the burden of management of Musema Hospital.

It is essential that this Hospital continue its medical services and caring ministry for the obvious reason it is one of only two hospitals in the entire Province of Kayanza, an area with a population of nearly 560,000. There are high costs involved in managing such a large hospital operation and the Burundi Baptist Union has limited resources. Danish Baptists have continued over the years to give generous support to missions endeavor in Burundi. In a cooperative effort on behalf of the Burundi Baptist Union, the Danish Baptist Union program coordinator Thomas Spanner has launched an urgent project and appeal to churches and Baptist organizations worldwide, as well as other entities, to consider lending support to the Burundi Baptist Union in its management of the Musema Hospital project. That support is expected to take the form of medical teams of volunteer doctors and nurses; financing for specific projects such as fences and security around the hospital; provision of a building to house a radiology unit; upkeep of paths and roads on the hospital grounds; and new surgery facilities and equipment. Also needed are funds for daily running expenses for a period of at least three years. The Burundi government has been asked to contribute support, though it is not all certain that such support will materialize. In the aftermath of the civil war, the nation’s resources are still decidedly inadequate and limited. The country is still in transition from civil war to peace and reconstruction.

Those concerned for this urgent need may contact Musema Hospital project coordinator Thomas Spanner, Secretary for International Missions, at Baptistkirken I Danmark, Lærdalsgade 7, st.tv., DK 2300 Copenhagen S. He may be reached via email at spanner@baptist.dk.

PRAY that the urgent appeal for support of the Burundi Baptist Union’s management of Musema Hospital will result in widespread interest and generous response in the hospital’s ministry for Christ on the part of many individual donors, churches and other Christian organizations.

PRAY for wise leadership by Danish Baptist Union's cooperative program coordinator and Secretary for International MissionsThomas Spanner in concert with the Baptist Union of Burundi’s General Secretary Isaac Bimpenda as the needs of Musema Hospital are disseminated amongst concerned believers and churches throughout the world.

PRAY that the mercy ministries of Musema Hospital will be the means of introducing the Gospel of Christ to many unreached Burundis in Kayanza Province.

Global Day of Prayer, Pentecost Sunday, May 27

2007-05-08T16:58:00.001-07:00

On Pentecost Sunday, May 15, 2005, Christians from 156 of the world’s 220 nations came together across denominational and cultural boundaries for the first Global Day of Prayer. The movement had its origins in South Africa in July 2000 but has now rapidly spread world-wide year by year. Believers from 199 nations, including Denmark, participated in the 2006 Global Day of Prayer.

I would like to encourage those throughout the world who regularly or even occasionally view this Pray for Denmark.com website to check the Global Day of Prayer international website for information on their country's gatherings this year and to become a part of this Christ-honoring prayer movement. See www.globaldayofprayer.com/) for further information. It will take awhile for the idea of the Global Day of Prayer to ignite the hearts and actions of Danish believers, but it is beginning to happen under the leadership of volunteer coordinator Kirsten Nielsen of Copenhagen.

In Denmark, at least three major public gatherings will be held on Pentecost Sunday, May 27, 2007: at Rådhuspladsen in Copenhagen; at Rådhuspladsen in Århus, and at Signalbakken in Aalborg. Details (in Danish) may be found on the Internet at www.globaldayofprayer.dk. We understand that thirteen local churches in Aalborg have banded together to participate in the Global Day of Prayer. May there be similar unity and participation all over Denmark.

The church I and my family attend here in California will also be participating in the Global Day of Prayer on May 27. The church’s large choir and orchestra will be singing Tommy Walker’s hauntingly beautiful and heart-searching contemporary anthem, Calling Out to You, picking up the theme of 2 Chronicles 7:14 in these words:

“Lord, You have told us;

Lord, you have promised,
That if Your people will pray,

You will hear from heaven
And you will send Your mercy,

And touch us with your strong, healing hand.
So, we’re calling out to You, crying out to You,
Forgive us of our sins and heal our land.
As we seek Your holy face

And turn from all our wicked ways,
Hear from heaven even now,

Hear from heaven even now.”

It is especially important in these troubled and dangerous times that God’s people come together in repentance and prayer for the glory of Christ and the healing of the nations. The formula for genuine revival has remained ever the same from Old Testament times to our present day: “If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14).

PRAY that Danish believers, pastors and churches will gladly and enthusiastically unite with their counterparts worldwide in massive, passionate repentance and intercession on the Global Day of Prayer, Pentecost Sunday, May 27.

PRAY for Spirit-empowered vision, ability, and wisdom for volunteer coordinator Kirsten Nielsen as she plans and promotes the 2007 Global Day of Prayer throughout Denmark.

PRAY that as Danish pastors, churches and born-again believers unite for the Global Day of Prayer it will lead to repentance and unprecedented spiritual revival in Denmark’s churches and in turn spread with blessing and healing to all the nations of Europe.

Denmark's Island of Bornholm

2007-04-19T09:45:00.000-07:00

Bornholm, the most eastern part of Denmark, is situated in the Baltic Sea 94 miles southeast of Copenhagen and 24 miles south of Sweden. The island has a land area of approximately 227 sq. miles and a coastline of approximately 87 miles. The current population estimate is 45,000. Rønne, the largest town and the island’s capitol, has a population of 16,000. Smaller towns include, Nexø, Gudhjem, Allinge-Sandvig, Aakirkeby, Svaneke, Listed, Hasle, Snogebæk, Dueodde, and Arnager. Bornholm has been called Denmark’s “Crown Jewel.”

The landscape of Bornholm includes rolling wheat fields and thick forests in the center of the island. The coastline is rugged with many small fishing villages and dangerous cliffs that dip down into the sea. Two thirds of the island is granite. The northern sector is very rocky while in the south the landscape changes to gently rolling and fertile farmland. The southern coastline has powdery white sand beaches. Fishing is a major industry.

The Lutheran State Church (Folkekirke) is the most prominent of Bornholm’s churches with 22 parishes located throughout the island; many of the Lutheran churches are centuries old. Bornholm is famous for its four whitewashed Round Churches (Rundkirke). The Danish Lutheran revival movements Indre Mission, Evangelisk Luthersk Missionsforening, Luthersk Missionsforening are active and have mission houses and ministries at various localities on the island. Significantly, Luthersk Missionsforening had its origins in 1868 on the island of Bornholm.

Though relatively few in number, a free church presence is maintained by Baptist (www.baptistkirkenbornholm.dk/), Methodist (www.roenne-metodistkirke.dk/), Missionskirken/Mission Covenant (www.missionskirken.dk/), Pinsekirken/Pentecostal (www.pinsekirken-tejn.dk/ and www.pinsekirken-bornholm.dk/) churches, mainly in the capitol city Rønne. A Syvende Dags Adventistkirke/Seventh Day Adventist Church is located in outlying Tejn (www.tejnadventkirke.dk). Frelsens Hær (Danish Salvation Army) has ministered on the island for many years. Further information regarding the history of Christianity on the island may be found on the website at http://www.kma-bornholm.dk/kultur/ (in Danish only).

PRAY, as for all of Denmark, for a sweeping spiritual awakening on the island of Bornholm.

PRAY that believers and their pastors and leaders will be committed to aggressive but culturally sensitive evangelism to reach every town and hamlet on Bornholm for Christ.

PRAISE GOD for the Christian radio network (BKN, Bornholms Kristne Nærradio) that operates on Bornholm with the participation of several of the Lutheran revival organizations and free church denominations (see www.bkn.nu/).

Heartfelt Prayer for Denmark at Eastertime

2007-04-07T09:35:00.000-07:00

On Easter Sunday, the sun will rise in the east and make its way bringing the light of dawn across Denmark from Bornholm to Esbjerg, just at it did over Palestine and Jerusalem two thousand years ago. When the sun rose then, it was a day such as the world has never known--it was Resurrection Day! The disheartened band of disciples experienced a thrilling, life-changing moment when it dawned on them that the crucified Christ had truly risen from the dead!

Any human life that recognizes the fact that Jesus Christ the Son of God died for our sins and rose bodily from the grave can also have just such a life-changing experience. The New Testament makes that clear: “If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved” (Romans 10:9, 10, NIV).” Membership in a church and putting trust in its rites can in no way guarantee eternal salvation--only personal faith and trust in Christ brings salvation.

Easter Sunday in Denmark will see many Danes making their way to church services, some out of the continuing thrill of having met and known the Risen Christ personally and others merely out of curiosity, family tradition or holiday sentiment. There are not many in Denmark today who know and have experienced Christ in a genuine personal and life-changing way--thank God, there are some. A country once evangelized is always in danger in succeeding generations of cooling off and engulfing itself in a tradition of belief about Christ without personal trust and commitment in Him as Savior and Lord. That could change in Denmark through spiritual revival and a renewal of evangelical faith. We earnestly pray that it will.

PRAY that the Spirit of God will hover over Denmark from one end of the country to the other to make Easter observances this year not merely the trappings of a traditional and sentimental holiday but a day when the crucified and risen Christ becomes a personal reality for many.

PRAY for a great outpouring of God’s revival blessing everywhere throughout Denmark this Easter with many coming “to know Christ and the power of His resurrection” (Philippians 3:10).

A Potpourri of Prayer Requests

2007-03-24T10:43:00.000-07:00

Pray for Denmark has continuing contact with a large number of friends in Denmark, including pastors and laypersons in local churches, leaders of Christian organizations, and a number of those who have initiated contact with us through the website. Some I have had the privilege of meeting personally. There are many needs that surface through these various contacts and the interchange of email messages. Let me share a few of these with you in the hope that you will join with us in prayer on their behalf.

PRAY for a young American believer who is currently playing professionally for one of the Danish basketball teams in Jutland. He first contacted us for assistance in finding a church or group with whom he could have fellowship. He needs prayer that he will be able to stand true to his faith in difficult and demanding circumstances.

PRAY for a young Scot lassie who recently arrived in Denmark and is attending a college in Sjæland to enhance her training and experience as a teacher. She is a believer who craves fellowship with other believers. In response to her request we have helped her by making some suggestions of possibilities of fellowship with Danish believers in Holbæk.

PRAY for a fine Danish couple in Kolding who are loving parents of two autistic children. They are believers and need prayer for wisdom and strength in caring for their children's needs day by day.

PRAY that a Christian faculty member and Campus Crusade advisor at a community college in Minnesota will have many opportunities for witness with Danish exchange students from Svendborg. We have been able to put him in touch with Anders Seekjær, a leader in Funen of the Danish counterpart of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. The prayer need is that upon their return to Denmark there will be good follow-up with these exchange students who have shown some interest in having a Christian group similar to the one they attended in Minnesota.

PRAY for a newly married couple temporarily working at a Christian facility near Aalborg in Jutland. They are concerned and a bit anxious to know God's will for their future and more permanent ministry together. He has a German father and Danish mother and has had some training at an American Bible college. His bride comes from America. Some of their plans have been frustrated by changes in visa regulations. Our hope is that if it is His will the Lord will guide them into ministry in Denmark.

PRAY for a fine young theological student attending one of the universities in Jutland. He is a strong believer intending upon completion of his studies to become a minister of the Danish State Church (Folkekirke). The liberal university environment is not especially friendly to a student who espouses an evangelical and evangelistic faith. Our prayer is that he will remain committed to his faith in Christ during his time at the university.

The Salvation Army at Work in Denmark

2007-03-12T15:25:00.000-07:00

The Salvation Army is an evangelical Christian church founded in England in 1865 by William and Catherine Booth. With its unique quasi-military organizational structure, this faith community now has work in 109 countries with over a million members worldwide (the Army calls its members "soldiers"). With its Christian heritage and motivation, the Salvation Army has been supremely successful in wedding evangelism with works of a social nature, based on its sense of the interdependence of material, emotional, and spiritual needs. It has never surrendered its essential biblical base, and has long fed and sheltered the hungry and homeless, ministering to the "down-and-outers" in countries around the world. It has been at the forefront of the rehabilitation and restoration of those having problems with alcohol. The Salvation Army is prepared and can be counted on always to be among the very first on the scene of any catastrophe wherever in the world it may occur. As an organization it casts spiritual vision on all of the dimensions of human need through its churches (corps), social work, crisis centers, work with children, youth, and adults, rehabilitation, thrift stores, and the like.

The work of the Salvation Army in Denmark dates from 1887 where it is known by its Danish branch name Frelsens Hær. Its purpose is one with that of The Salvation Army International: "Dens opgave er at forkynde evangeliet om Jesus Kristus og i hans navn møde de menneskelige behov uden diskrimination" (Its task is to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ and in His name to meet human need without discrimination). Frelsens Hær has 34 corps (churches) in Denmark with 1072 soldier-members and 172 civilian members. It operates three recycling centers and 21 thriftshops, 16 social institutions, and six "åbent-hus" centers. According to the latest available figures, Frelsens Hær provided help to more than 160,000 persons in Denmark during 2005 with Christmastime assistance offered to 6000 families. For further information, click on the following informative webpages: www1.salvationarmy.org/ihq/www_sa.nsf or www.frelsens-haer.dk/.

PRAISE GOD that though relatively small in number, the "soldiers" of Frelsens Hær are quietly and without compromise or fanfare providing for the material, emotional, and spiritual needs of thousands every year in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

PRAY for adequate financial support for the many social and evangelistic ministries of Frelsens Hær on behalf of needy Danish children, youth, and adults.

PRAY for the newly appointed leaders of Frelsens Hær in Denmark as they enter upon their many responsibilities. Lieutenant Colonel Erling Maeland will begin his work on July 1 following the retirement of Colonels Michael and Ina Marvell. Colonel Maeland's wife, Lieutenant Colonel Signe Helene Maeland, will work alongside him as the leader of Frelsens Hær children's division.

English Bible Study in Aarhus

2007-02-27T20:36:00.000-08:00

Pray for Denmark.com often receives requests from people in various countries asking for help in locating a church to attend while in Denmark for a brief or longer time. Just recently a foreign student at the University of Aarhus wrote asking if we knew of English services in Aarhus. Not having that information at hand, I tried to get the information for her though it took me some time to find it. Meanwhile, the student herself had found a weekly Bible study. When I had finally located the same Bible study group and emailed her she had already been attending for several weeks and was enjoying it immensely.

As it turns out, the laid-back, non-denominational Bible study is led by Theis Broegger, a good friend of Pray for Denmark.com since its inception. Folks from various countries and church backgrounds have found the group provides excellent and focused Bible study along with fulfilling Christian fellowship through worship, prayer, and social activities. While it is an independent group, it meets in facilities graciously opened to them by the Apostolic Church in Aarhus. The language used in the Bible study is English, a language in which Theis is as proficient as he is in his native Danish. Theis is a journalist by profession, as is Brad, my partner in the Pray for Denmark.com ministry.

The website for the new Bible study group can be found at http://www.aarhusbiblestudy.dk/. Information about location, some photos, and contact data are provided on the website as are downloads of past weekly Bible study content. Currently the study is in the Gospel of John. Sessions are held each Monday evening at 7:00 o’clock in the facilities of the Apostolic Church, Nørre Allé 23, 8000-Aarhus C. Already there are 20-25 people involved in the Bible study.

Theis tells Pray for Denmark.com that his vision for this Bible study is "as simple as it gets: feed the sheep." He adds, "God has told me not to worry or concern myself with the amount of people that might come, but to focus fully on preparing meaty spiritual meals each night for those that do show up. It has been a blessing to see how God has blessed it tremendously. His Word is powerful, so as long as we serve that faithfully, we all go home edified and inspired."

PRAISE God that international students and permanent residents for whom English is their first or preferred language now have a weekly opportunity for solid Bible study and warm Christian fellowship.

PRAY for the Spirit’s wisdom and direction as Theis (and Allison) work with the Aarhus Bible study group and for the weekly preparation of study materials.

PRAY for those who are attending the Bible study, that they will delve deeply into the Scriptures as did the Bereans in the Book of Acts 17:11: "They received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true" (NIV).

Tightening of Residence Requirements

2007-02-08T17:14:00.000-08:00

The Danish government is tightening immigration laws and the conditions for issuing residence permits (visas) to foreign pastors, missionaries, and other religious workers. Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen has implied that in the past residence permits have been able to be obtained too easily.

Among other requirements, the government is now demanding that pastors, missionaries, and other religious workers desiring to establish legal residence in Denmark be appropriately educated, be financially self-sufficient, have more than passing familiarity with the Danish language and culture, and respect Denmark's position on human rights, in particular the right of an individual to change religions. Given world conditions at the present time, it is likely that national security concerns are in large part fueling the new residence requirements.

Muslim leaders believe the new requirements are discriminatory, designed to limit the activities of imams already in the country and prevent the entry of others. Christian leaders believe that the all-encompassing law may have a negative effect on the residence of international pastors and missionaries, including those called to ministry by local congregations. As we understand it, the law will require an applicant to be recommended by an existing, legally recognized Danish denomination.

At the present time there altogether nearly 700 foreign pastors, missionaries, or religious workers of all sorts in the country (including evangelical pastors and missionaries, Muslim imams, and Mormon missionaries). Some evangelicals have been waiting several years to obtain approval of their residence permit applications, among them Lee Hanson, Tony Acheampong, and Jonas Kouassi-Zessia. In a recent issue, the weekly newsletter of the Danish Baptist Union indicated that residence permits for the three pastors are at long last expected to be approved (www.baptistkirken.dk/nyheder/Nyhedsbreve/nyeste.htm).

PRAY that the new requirements for residence permits will not adversely affect the opportunities for ministry on the part of evangelical pastors and missionaries approved the various free church denominations.

PRAY for Pastor Lee Hanson's ministry through Bethel Baptist Church in Aalborg. Lee, originally from the USA, speaks fluent Danish and received his seminary education in Denmark. He has an significant work with international students at Aalborg University. (www.bethelkirken.dk)

PRAY for Pastor Tony Acheampong's ministry with the International City Baptist Church in Taastrup. This church is oriented to English-speaking Africans and other internationals residing in Denmark. (www.tvaerkulturelt-center.dk/)

PRAY for Pastor Jonas Kouassi-Zessia of Copenhagen's Eglise Protestante Baptiste. Pastor Jonas is a former Ivory Coast diplomat. The church is oriented toward French-speaking Africans now working or studying in Denmark. (www.tvaerkulturelt-center.dk/)

Pastoral Crisis in Danish Free Churches

2007-01-25T09:48:00.000-08:00

Who will replace aging pastors in Danish free churches? In its June 2006 issue, Church News from Denmark, reported that several free church denominations in Denmark are experiencing difficulty finding candidates to replace retiring pastors. Too few free church young people seem to be drawn to the vocational ministry, tending rather to follow other career paths even while remaining a part of the church. One University of Copenhagen sociologist finds it puzzling that free church young people are not drawn to the ministry at a time when youth in general are more interested in religion than ever.

There may be reasons why many young believers from the free churches are seemingly deaf to the call of God and are bypassing pastoral ministry as a career. Some of the free church denominations and the local churches are themselves aging and have perhaps lost some of the spontaneity, ardor and freshness of their origins. Even free churches can over time develop their own rigid traditions. Whether in Denmark or elsewhere, subsequent generations tend to cool off, lack the commitment of their forebears, and look for new religious experience or affiliations. Young people often find older church members to be inflexible and uncomfortable with change even when the times warrant it. As one young American believer put it, "It's lonely being a Christian my age in my church."

There tends to be considerable divergence in the views of older and younger church members on what the church should look like and on how to go about doing church. As the article in Church News from Denmark suggests, "For the young generation the most important thing is the social network in the congregation, and they do not understand the traditional ways followed by the older generation." Rather than fight the system, many leave. In addition, many of the free churches in Denmark are quite small and struggling to support their pastors, some having only part-time pastors who must supplement their income from other sources. For young people considering career opportunities, such uncertain modeling detracts from the attractiveness of the vocational ministry. Not a few young people are forsaking the traditional free churches to find a home in the new church plants as, for instance, Copenhagen's lively youth-oriented and thoroughly evangelical Vineyard Church and other similar churches in the urban areas.

Meanwhile, the problem of free church pastoral vacancies persists and begs a solution. Dare we say it--were genuine spiritual revival and a new wave of the Spirit to occur in Denmark, it would go a long way toward remediating what is now a challenging situation threatening the future and possibly even the continued existence of some local churches.

Happily, there are several fine training institutions in Denmark where young people who do respond to God's call to vocational ministry can receive sound theological education and pastoral training. Among these are the Danish Pentecostal Bible College at Mariager (www.pvhcollege.dk/danish/english.asp?ID=1); the International Apostolic Bible College at Kolding (www.biblecollege.dk); the Skandinavisk Akademi for Lederskab og Teologi (SALT) in Copenhagen (www.salt-akademi.dk/SALT_english_version.pdf); and the Dansk Bible Institut/Copenhagen Lutheran School of Theology (www.dbi.edu/Default.aspx?tabid=168).

PRAY for young believers in the Danish free churches, who are idealistic and committed and wanting to serve Christ in ministry, but who find it lonely and frustrating being a part of a church more oriented to the needs and perspectives of its older members.

PRAY that older believers in the free churches will become less concerned about maintaining church and denominational traditions and more understanding of and receptive to the passions and perspectives of younger believers.

PRAY for an increase in the number of students preparing for pastoral ministry in the Danish Bible colleges and evangelical theological faculties noted above.

Evangelical Alliance Prayer Week (Bedeuge)

2007-01-06T15:38:00.000-08:00

In concert with its continent-wide counterpart, the European Evangelical Alliance, the Evangelisk Alliance i Danmark sponsors a week of prayer each year in the first full week of January. The Alliance's 2007 Bedeuge begins tomorrow, January 7 and continues through Sunday, January 14. There will be scores of prayer groups meeting all over the country and it is hoped that more than 30,000 Danes will be participating. While much of the announced focus is on prayer for evangelical work in Eastern Europe, and rightly so, we believe this week also gives Danish believers a significant opportunity to agree in prayer for revival and renewal throughout the nation's parishes and congregations.

Pastor Rick Warren said at the December 27-31, 2006 Urbana Conference that, "God's timing is perfect. I see a spiritual hunger, I see a spiritual readiness, the willingness to commit, and a willingness to sacrifice; and all of these things coming in together ... has created a 'kairos' moment--the right time for a reformation to take place." As one pastor has reiterated, prayer and worship go hand in hand. He writes: "I believe the pathway for the Church's moving into its full destiny in God's counsels, while retaining a practical sanity and spiritual balance on earth's surfrace, lies in our ability to perceive the true purpose and spiritual dynamic in worship. What has been defined for too long as an hour's exercise on Sunday, packaged by enculturated tradition and preserved in doctrinaire posturing is being redefined, unwrapped, and unsealed today. Worship is being redefined in terms of its form and focus. It isn't that valid traditions must be scorned or discarded but that newness must refill them with meaning." (Jack W. Hayford, Worship His Majesty, Gospel Light Productions, 2000).

That is what happens when revival and renewal occur. Wouldn't it be wonderful were such revival and a new Reformation, bathed in prayer and worship, to break out all over Europe in 2007 and for it to begin in Denmark this coming week! The website for the Evangelisk Alliance i Danmark is http://evangeliskalliance.dk/.

PRAY that the the Spirit of God will move graciously and powerfully among the many prayer groups meeting in Denmark next week with Christ-exalting worship and fervent, believing prayer. Thirty thousand people so engaged could turn Denmark and the whole of Europe upside-down in a mighty demonstration of God's power and blessing.

PRAY for the hundreds of parishes and pastors of the Danish State Church (Folkekirke), as well as the scores of free evangelical pastors and congregations, that they will experience a life-changing spiritual encounter with Jesus Christ through this coming week of prayer throughout Denmark. (For a list of participating prayer locales, see the following website: http://evangeliskalliance.dk/index.php?mainid=6&subid=39.

PRAY that there will be a rebirth of aggressive but culturally relevant and sensitive evangelism throughout Denmark and the Faroe Islands.

PRAY that God will reverse the downslide of Christianity in Europe as believers are stirred to their depths with the urgency of evangelism and revival.

Christmas Greetings

2006-12-23T10:04:00.000-08:00

GLÆDELIG JUL OG GODT NYTÅR

We wish all of the faithful prayer partners of Pray for Denmark.com a Blessed Christmas and a Happy and Spiritually Prosperous New Year.

Let's continue to pray that the Spirit of God will sweep over Denmark in grace and power in 2007 to bring revival and renewal in all of the churches and that many will come to faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

In His love and grace,

Bill and Brad

Denmark and Missional Churches

2006-12-12T18:40:00.000-08:00

The evangelical community is not immune from the coining of new buzz words. Two of the newest of them are "emergent church" and "missional church." These are strange to the ears of some of us who have been involved with missionary service from some years back.

A big word in my era of the 1950s and 1960s was "indigenous church," a term not often heard today. I, for one, am rather conservative on the coining of new words and always wonder what brings on the need for them and whether the new term may in some way be a subtle insult to biblical theology. So it is with "missional church," a term that I am beginning to hear frequently even in the church we attend. Apparently the idea is catching on.

I am truly aware that the world has changed in the past fifty or more years and certain mission methods, strategies and structures that were once prominent no longer work as they used to. The message certainly hasn't changed, but the means and manner of propagating the message have had to change in a changing world. A detailed and useful definition of the term"missional" was offered at the 2004 Lausanne Conference on World Evangelization. Click on : www.urbana.org/_articles.cfm?RecordId=993 for the full article.

Briefly stated, "missional" "is not the same as 'mission-minded,' though they are both important and related. The term 'missional' is simply the noun 'missionary' adapted into an adjective. For example, an 'adversary' is your enemy. Someone who is 'adversarial' is acting like your enemy. Thus, a 'missionary' is someone who acts like a missionary (for example, understands a culture, proclaims the faithful Gospel in a way that people in culture can understand, and uses parts of that culture to glorify God). A 'missional church' is a church that acts like a missionary in its community" (see www.christianindex.org/1657.article).

One of the foremost thinkers these days about the missional church is Australian missiologist Alan Hirsch whose writings include The Shaping of Things to Come and The Forgotten Ways--Reactivating the Missional Church. A major perspective from his writings suggests that the older formulas for growth in the Body of Christ no longer work. His vision for the future includes growth of the church of Jesus Christ in the powerful ways that occurred in the outreach of the early church and its growth from perhaps only 25,000 believers in A.D. 100 to an estimated 20 million in A.D. 310.

The thrust of Hirsch's message is that the dormant potential of the church in our time can again be aroused to early church-like passion, prayer, and incarnational service. If that is what "missional" entails, let's use the term!

Through the sponsorship of SALT (the Skandinavisk Academi for Lederskab og Teologi), the Evangelical Alliance, and Emerging.DK, Dr. Alan Hirsch is coming to Denmark for a one-day session on the theme of the missional church. The conference takes place on Thursday, January 11, 2007 at a locale at Drejervej 15-17 in Copenhagen.

Conferences come and go with greater or lesser impact, but perhaps the input from this brief conference will help foster a new attitude and approach by Danish churches to revival, renewal, evangelism and church planting, or just acting like missionaries in their own communities.

PRAY that Alan Hirsch will be guided by the Holy Spirit and the Word of God in what he has to say to Danish pastors and Christian leaders about theory and practice for missional churches.

PRAY that this brief conference with Alan Hirsch will help ignite a greater understanding and vision in Danish believers of what the church was meant to be and do, using culture but not engulfed by it.

PRAY that conferences with overseas leaders such as this one with Alan Hirsch will not "talk down" to Danish pastors and Christian leaders or come across as having all the answers for Denmark, but rather will cause participants to listen for the Spirit's direction to make specific insights gained from the conference work effectively in the Danish cultural context.

The Lord's Work in the Faroe Islands

2006-11-21T09:15:00.000-08:00

Back in the 1950s, I was in Copenhagen with my family on our way back from our first term in the former Belgian Congo. While visiting relatives in Copenhagen, I had occasion to attend an assembly of the Christian Brethren, sometimes referred to as Plymouth Brethren. At the meeting, a young man who at the time was studying medicine at the University of Copenhagen gave an unforgettably impassioned and joyful testimony of how he had come to faith in Jesus Christ.

Two things especially impressed me about this young man. One was that he was overcome with emotion when trying to express the depth of his commitment to Christ, filled with praise for having found Him as Savior and Lord. The other was that he wasn't a Dane at all, but rather had come to the University from the Faroe Islands to study medicine. It was undoubtedly the first time I had ever heard of the Faroe Islands. All through these many years since, I have often thought of that impassioned testimony and wondered whatever had become of him, even though I did not even remember his name. I also have warm memories at this assembly of meeting a fine Christian brother, Mr. Paisley, owner of a language school in Copenhagen, and a Christian Brethren missionary and his wife from Scotland, Mr. and Mrs. J. J. Adams. The Adamses invited me and my family to have "kaffee" with them at their apartment in Copenhagen and what a gracious time of fellowship that was. Mr. Adams, a wonderful man of God, was a great encouragement to us and our work in the Congo. Mr. Adams ministered in Norway, Sweden, and Denmark and spoke his own brand of "Scandinavian" that he said allowed him to be understood in all three countries.

As the old hymn declares, "God works in mysterious ways, His wonders to perform." When I was in Denmark this past spring, I attended a Sunday service at the Baptist church in Viborg. There was a visitor there that morning, Heri Jacobsen, who was from the Faroe Islands. After the service I chatted with him and told him of my experience hearing the testimony of the young Faroese medical student so many years before in Copenhagen. I asked Heri if there was any chance that he might know the man of whom I spoke. Heri reflected a moment and then said, "I think I know the man you're talking about." Heri gave me an address for a Dr. Rodmundur i Lida in Torshavn, Faroe Islands. I later followed up with a letter to Dr. Lida in which I recounted that memorable meeting in Copenhagen.

What a joyful surprise it was shortly after to receive a wonderful letter from the now retired Dr. Lida, who, it turns out, had returned to the Faroe Islands after completing his medical studies and a brief residency in the United States, ultimately becoming the little country's chief surgeon.

The Faroes are a group of islands (among them Kalsoy, Kunoy, Vodoy, Eysturoy, Stremoy, Bordoy, Svinoy, Fugloy, Sandoy, and Suduroy) situated between the Norwegian Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, approximately halfway between Iceland and Norway. The many bays, fjords, and mountains are a feature of the islands' rugged and treeless typography. The land does not support extensive agriculture, though there is a good bit of sheepherding because of the grasslands. A most important aspect of the economy is fishing. Access between the various islands in the past was limited to crossing open water, though now there is a well-developed infrastructure with connecting bridges and tunnels, some of them miles in length.

The Faroe Islands have had a long history with Denmark, but became an autonomous region of the Kingdom of Denmark in 1948. The Faroese manage their own affairs, except for national defense and foreign affairs which are still represented by Denmark. The islands' population is less than 50,000 and the native islanders speak Faroese, a language akin to the Scandinavian languages. The Faroese have a culture all their own, though it has many commonalities with the cultures of Norway, Iceland, and Denmark. A majority of the inhabitants are Lutheran and part of the Danish Lutheran Folkekirke. Ten percent of the population gather with the assemblies of the Christian Brethren (known as Brødrasamkoman), reflecting a strong evangelistic missionary endeavor since the 1860s. There are two Bible translations available in the Faroese language. Many Faroese are involved in commercial fishing. Through the faithful witness of believers connected with the Brethren assemblies, many fishermen have over the years come to trust Christ as Savior and Lord.

Lutheran revival movement efforts are found in the islands. Indre Mission (Inner Mission) has a number of gathering places throughout the country called "mission houses" (www.mission.fo/index.asp?pg=41). There is a Pinse (Pentecostal) church in Torshavn (Filadelfia.net.dynamicweb.dk/). Christian broadcasting is represented by Radio Lindin (www.lindin.fo/index.php?id=283). I expect to include further information about the Lord's work in the Faroe Islands as I become better informed.

PRAY for the people of the Faroe Islands and the continued spread of the gospel of Christ among them through the efforts of the various evangelical churches and organizations.

PRAY for the leaders and activities of the Lutheran revival movement organization, Inner Mission (Indre Mission), centered in its network of mission houses throughout the islands.

PRAY for the elders and congregants of the assemblies of Christian Brethren, the largest of which appears to be Ebenezer Sankoman in Torshavn (www.ebenezer.fo), and for continued growth through aggressive evangelistic and Bible teaching ministries.

PRAY especially for the now retired Dr. Rodmundur i Lida who continues to minister the Word of God in the Faroes and in Denmark (he ministered last spring at Brønshøj Forsamling in Copenhagen -- www.bkrf.dk/).

PRAY for the leadership and ministries of Filadelfia Sankoman (Pentecostal church) in Torshavn.

PRAY for the the workers and extensive outreach of Radio Lindin, the non-denominational Christian radio station for the Faroe Islands, broadcasting the gospel from its studios in Torshavn.

Scandinavian Consultation for Church Planting

2006-10-23T09:22:00.000-07:00

Our overriding concern for Denmark is in the areas of revival-renewal, evangelism, and planting of new churches. While we hope and pray for reformation and revival-renewal in older churches, it is an unfortunate fact that the older a church is the less able it seems to be to keep up with the times. Some Protestant churches in Denmark date back many centuries and sadly gather only a handful of worshipers. A great danger is that older churches may become relics of another day and time and fail to meet the challenges of the present. Antiquity offers no assurance of relevance. In fact, relying on a church's history can spell the death of evangelism. Theological considerations coupled with population shifts, increasing urbanization and new housing developments make the planting of new churches an urgent necessity. It is not often that an older church can easily adopt or adapt to new approaches to music and worship, new methods of outreach, or changing social conditions. Unfortunately, there are churches that take pride in not doing so.

In line with our concerns for the church in Denmark, I have been delighted to hear of a Scandinavian Consultation for Church Planting that will take place in at Copenhagen's Culture Center on November 23. The event is sponsored by DAWN Scandinavia in cooperation with SALT (Scandinavian Academy of Leadership and Theology). This is the second such Consultation, the first having taken place in Malmø, Sweden, in January 2005, unfortunately with only a few Danish leaders in attendance. But with this year's Consultation scheduled in Copenhagen, the hope is that many Danish church leaders and church planters will participate. The purpose of the Consultation is to provide a gathering for church planters in the Scandinavian countries for the building of relationships and learning from each other.

The Conference is ecumenical in nature, so that representatives of state-sponsored as well as free churches will be in attendance. Church planters from Norway and Sweden will also be present. Danish leaders expected to participate include Claus Grønbæk, church planter and founder of a free Lutheran congregation in Copenhagen; Anders Michael Hansen, Dean of Copenhagen's Scandinavian Academy of Leadership and Theology (a theological seminary of cooperating free evangelical organizations, denominations, and churches), pastor of Århus Valgmenighed, and director of the European Church Planting Network; Hans Henrik Lund, leader of the Churches' Integration Service in Denmark working with ethnic churches throughout Denmark; Svend Løbner Madsen, who works with the organic church movement and is a part of the Network of Free Churches in Denmark; Flemming Mølhede, pastor of Copenhagen's Vineyard Church and leader of the Vineyard movement in Denmark; Birger Nygaard, theologian and missiologist, national director of Areopagos; and Andreas Wolf, leader of the European Research Network focusing on church planting in Europe. For further information about this important Consultation, contact Niels Christian Storgaard at nes@paradis.tdcadsl.dk.

PRAY that those in attendance will acknowledge the necessity for the presence and leadership of the Holy Spirit in this important Consultation.

PRAY that concerns for church planting will be coupled with the vision for active evangelism through the country. As someone has well stated, "God has no grandchildren." Evangelism is needed in every generation.

PRAY that the presentations by seminar leaders will be informative and challenging and lead to fruitful discussions and interchange of participants experiences and strategies.

PRAY that this Consultation will result in a resurgence of Spirit-led church planting efforts throughout Denmark and an increase in the number of committed evangelical church planters.

YWAM and "Resurrect Denmark" Campaign

2006-10-09T16:04:00.000-07:00

Michelle Geraty, who works with Youth with a Mission (YWAM in Denmark is called Ungdom Med Opgave) has informed us of plans for a campaign to affect Denmark through a 24/7 prayer network together with a nationwide series of evangelistic tours and follow-up discipleship ministries. The campaign is to be called "Resurrect Denmark."

Michelle writes, "We want to call forth praying, Great Commission-minded Christians to establish networks of prayer across the nation. Also, another part of this campaign is to train an army of young people." For this purpose, YWAM is planning to launch an Impact Discipleship Training School beginning January 14, 2007, focusing on prayer, evangelism, and discipleship. "We believe that passion for Jesus fuels passion for the lost. So, we are very excited about what God is going to do during the six-month school." For further information, visit the YWAM Denmark website: www.ywam.dk. The mailing address is Randersvej 195 (Sjellebro), 8544--Morke, Denmark.

We'll add prayer requests to this website as the "Resurrect Denmark" campaign begins to take hold. We want do everything possible to help foster prayer support for this promising campaign.

PRAISE the Lord for this new and zealous YWAM-sponsored nationwide prayer and evangelism initiative in Denmark.

PRAY that the Ungdom Med Opgave leadership and workers will have the Spirit's direction and great wisdom and profound insight into Danish church history and evangelical culture in seeking the cooperation of local churches and other ministries for the "Resurrect Denmark" campaign.

PRAY that the framework of the campaign will from the first meet with a positive and enthusiastic response from Danish evangelical leaders and ministries all over Denmark, and that many Danish believers will become involved in the nationwide prayer network.

PRAY that there will be a large number of applicants for the Impact Discipleship Training School scheduled to begin at YWAM's Sjellebro campus this coming January.

PRAY that God will supply the personnel as well as financial and prayer support for an effective launching of the "Resurrect Denmark" campaign.

Encouraging Response from Funen

2006-09-18T18:01:00.000-07:00

From time to time, we get especially encouraging responses from individuals who have viewed Pray for Denmark. Here is one we received recently from a pastor in northwest Funen (Fyn). He writes:

I am very delighted to hear about your ministry of encouraging people to pray for Denmark.

Our island, Funen, has for many decades been known as one of the 'dark spots' in Denmark in terms of active churchgoers.

But we believe and pray that God will change this. A year ago there was a lady from our church that took the initiative and started a prayer group of prayer-willing people in our region. Now we meet [with] 15-20 people from different denominations for prayer every month, and in-between we are connected in pairs, promising to pray for one another. We pray especially for one another to be faithful in the prayer items God has asked us to keep praying for. In our monthly prayer meetings we share what God has done and what to continue praying for. Many of us can witness to God's help in many situations.

I share this with you to say that what you do for the Lord is most valuable. Please keep on praying and pray also for our specific part of Denmark.

This is another indication of what we firmly believe: that the Spirit of God is quietly at work in many places throughout Denmark. How wonderful it is to know that Danish believers are being led of the Lord to form prayer groups such as the one in west Funen. In my own daily prayer remembrances, Funen is high on the list because I have dear relatives living in that region. While praying for reformation and revival in the established churchs, a special concern has been that the Lord would also lead someone to undertake an evangelistic ministry in southwest Funen, and especially around Assens and Faaborg. My own paternal grandmother came from Faaborg and I have relatives living in southwest Funen.

Brad and I are grateful when we receive encouragement from those who view Pray for Denmark. In this case, this dear pastor heard of us from praying friends Eric and Liv whom I met at the Vineyard Church in Copenhagen last spring. It is wonderful to see how God works. We are aware of the significant prayer ministry of the several revival movements within the Folkekirke, of Bedehus (www.bedehus.dk/), and of Dansk Oase's prayer network called Bedenetværk (www.danskoase.dk/index.php?id-1020), not to mention that of the various free church denominations. Aase Ellerbeck Larsen is one very special Danish lady I know of who has a wonderful ministry of encouraging fellow Danish believers to pray for revival. We can be sure of this one thing--God answers the prayers of His people. No church is ever without the need for the continuing reviving and renewing ministry of the Holy Spirit.

PRAISE God that He is raising up praying people and prayer networks all over Denmark of those who are desperately concerned for the spiritual needs of the country.

PRAY for those individuals of several denominations who are coming together monthly in west Funen as they agree together in prayer for each other and for their fellow countrymen.

PRAY for the Spirit's empowering of the pastor and his wife mentioned above as they minister in west Funen and for guidance in strengthening the believers in the churches they serve with dynamic growth and maturity and for vision and Spirit-led strategy for outreach in the area.

PRAY for a growing movement and networking of groups of believers who are committed to prayer for revival and renewal of local congregations of the Folkekirke (Danish state church) as well as of the free churches.

Prayerwalk Revisited

2006-08-30T14:47:00.000-07:00

In April 2005 Peet Bekker, a Christian brother from South Africa and a friend of Pray for Denmark came to Denmark for a prayerwalk at the northern tip of Jutland known as the Horn of Denmark. You may recall that he prayerwalked from Hirtshals on the west to Skagen at the tip of the Horn and then on to Fredrikshavn on the east.

Before undertaking this special prayerwalk, Peet said, "I know that once I smelled the air, tasted the water, felt the wind and seen the people, I will have so much more compassion and be able to pray with all my heart. Walking in an area helps me to see the way God sees it and better understand the things to be prayed for. I will also be there in person to deliver God's messages of hope and inspiration to people that are in need of it right there and at that specific moment in time...I have an excitement in my heart for Denmark. I believe the Lord wants to bless this country. If these words stir your heart in any way, please pray for Denmark too."

It is more than a year since Peet completed his prayerwalk and if no discernible spiritual breakthroughs have followed upon the prayerwalk, we need to remind ourselves that God does not waste the efforts of His servants when He has led them by His Spirit. Though God may not yet have revealed His purpose, in time He will.

We believe that God is working in quiet ways in Denmark. There are numerous small indicators, among them Peet Bekker's prayerwalk, God's leading in getting PrayforDenmark.com online, and in raising up groups of believers throughout Denmark who are praying for revival. How and when that revival will occur, we do not know, however we are persuaded by faith that a new Reformation and revival will someday break out in Denmark and bring salvation and the infilling of the Spirit to individuals and churches all over the country. I pray every day for that to happen and I sense there are others joining with me in praying for for revival in Denmark.

One day, God will make it clear why he led a believer in South Africa with no known connections in Denmark to engage in a prayerwalk at the northern tip of Jutland, but we do know from the Word something about God's nature: He will never guide a believer in a capricious manner and He will one day reveal His purpose. A simple prayerwalk carried out in response to God's leading has inspired other believers to pray for a great movement of God's Spirit in Denmark.

An update on Peet Bekker: He has recently moved from South Africa to New Zealand. Because his ministry is not confined to Africa, he has changed the previous name AFROWALK to "Come Walk with Me." His website is now found at http://prayerwalk.blogspot.com/. In an email message from Peet he wrote that, "I know I spoke and prayed some things in the spirit in Denmark which had to be given life, so to speak. You know ... when we speak God's will and God's Word over a place. the angels (and the demons) recognize it by the aroma of God's Word and presence. Going there and praying for those towns, people and Denmark moved things in the spirit-world which I am not seeking to find out, because maybe God will show me some day. But I know I had to go and things are moving." I like how Peet describes prayerwalks as "just 'intercession on the move.'" At age 44, it is still his dream to take part in the 20 km (12.4 miles) Olympic Walk event. He trains weekdays, spending many hours on the road and says, "When I train for the walks, I not only walk--I prayerwalk." What a special ministry this dear brother has whose one desire is to magnify the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

PRAISE God for Peet Bekker and one man's willingness to quietly and without fanfare step out by faith last year on a prayer journey from Hirtshals to Skagen to Fredrikshavn.

PRAY that Peet Bekker's prayerwalk will serve as a model for other believers, whether from Denmark itself or from other countries, willing to ask God for direction in prayerwalking in various parts of Denmark.

PRAY that God's Spirit may move across the land of Denmark from east to west and north to south in ways that may only be discernible to the eyes of faith, bringing a new Reformation and spiritual revival to the Folkekirke as well as free churches.

Tønder Festival, August 24-27

2006-08-20T18:47:00.000-07:00

Tønder is a small city located close to the Danish-German border in southern Jutland. For more than 30 years, the town has played host to the gala Tønder Festival that presents a wide variety of traditional and modern folk music from all over Europe and elsewhere. The Festival has an international flavor. Besides Denmark, participating musical groups will be coming from Australia, Canada, England, Ireland, Scotland, Sweden and the United States. There are paid, ticketed concerts on the official program, but also a lot of music to be heard in the streets for free.

Tønder (pronounced TUN-ner) Frikirke is well located in the very center of the city's downtown area. This weekend there will be countless numbers of passersby milling about the streets and thus providing a marvelous opportunity for evangelism. Though the church events are not listed as part of the official program, Pastor Rene Nielsen and the church's members are concerned to have a vibrant and welcoming Christian presence during the Festival by keeping the church doors open at crucial times and by providing good Christian music and coffee hours. On Friday, August 25 the church building will be open for music and coffee from 8:00 to 11:00 p.m., featuring Danish noted gospel singer Signe Walsøe. On Saturday, August 26 the church will be open from 3:30 to 11:00 p.m. and will feature a concert by a 30-voice Room4Joy gospel kor (gospel choir). The coffee times provide an opportunity to talk with people one on one and to make vailable informational booklets and tracts about the gospel and church's ministries. Faithful Pastor Rene and his wife Mette are warm and loving people. I met them and had delightful fellowship with them while on my trip to Denmark last spring. I got to see the church's facilities and admire its very attractive and inviting worship center (see an image of the church's exterior at www.toenderfrikirke.dk/). Pastor Rene and I walked the streets around the church building itself that this weekend will be crowded with many hundreds of Festival-goers. I feel a great burden for Tønder Frikirke and for Pastor Nielsen and his family. They will greatly value our prayers on their behalf.

PRAY that the Holy Spirit will give Pastor Nielsen and the congregation of Tønder Frikirke direction and enormous wisdom for an attractive and winsome witness for Christ and the gospel during the Festival.

PRAY for many opportunities to meet and talk with Festival-goers and for wisdom and "holy boldness" in opening fruitful conversations on spiritual matters.

PRAY that the Spirit-anointed music and testimony of Signe Walsøe on Friday evening, and the Room4Joy gospelkor on Saturday evening, will attract overflow crowds of those readily able to discern when music is used to lift up and magnify the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

PRAY that during the Festival there will be young people and young married couples from the Tønder/Møgeltønder area itself who will be attracted to the gospel and align themselves with the fellowship and ministry of Tønder Frikirke.

Den Danske Global Leadership Summit, September 29-30

2006-08-11T18:43:00.000-07:00

Over the past 14 years, the Willow Creek Association has provided "outside-the-box" leadership ideas and challenges at regional Global Leadership Summits in more than 130 locations throughout the world, including Denmark. This year is no exception as many pastors and ministry leaders from all over Denmark will gather at Copenhagen's Kulturcenter for two days of intensive focus on transformational leadership, Friday and Saturday, September 29 and 30. Prominent speakers will focus on this year's Summit theme: "En leder ser ikke virklighheden som den er, men som de kan blive" (A leader sees reality not as it is, but how it might be). Church transformation committed to changing the world requires a transformed leader. As one pastor put it, "I don't believe the 21st century church is about bigger and better ... It's about who can serve the people effectively and efficiently." Many Danish pastors and ministry leaders validate the input they have received from previous Summits. Willow Creek Association is an American organization and the danger is in trying to slavishly impose American ideas on Danish culture and on the Danish churches. But, we believe that God's Spirit can and will use the various presentations as prods to Danish vision and creativity. The enormous task of putting this Summit together is in the hands of the Willow Creek Denmark Steering Committee and the effective day to day management of Coordinator Ruth Cilwik Andersen. I had the privilege of meeting Ruth and her family last spring and found her to be a godly woman and a graciously gifted and visionary Christian leader and executive. The Summit has its own brochure that for those interested may be downloaded at the following web address: http://www.jasplus.dk/willowcreek/ny/pdf/programmer/GLS2006.pdf

PRAY that all of the myriad details of planning and producing this year's Global Leadership Summit in Copenhagen will come together with no last-minute hitches in programming, all-important media technology, worship and drama teams, or financial arrangements and support.

PRAY that the spiritual purposes of the Summit will overshadow every session and maximally influence everyone attending so that the the person and redemptive work of the Lord Jesus Christ will be prominent and preeminent.

PRAY, as we did last year, that the Summit venue, Copenhagen's 800-seat Kulturcenter, will be filled to capacity with pastors and ministry leader coming expectantly to drink in fresh inspiration for ministry and to experience transforming renewal of their spiritual commitments and leadership vision.

PRAY that this Summit will become one more piece in the Holy Spirit's activity toward radical reformation, revival, and renewal in the life of all of Denmark's churches, whether folkekirke or frikirke.

August Summer Conferences in Denmark

2006-07-31T09:03:00.000-07:00

There are two summer conferences scheduled for the month of August, including the Scandinavian Calvary Chapel conference at Sorøro, Sjælland (August 3-6), and the Dansk Metodistkirken Sommerhøjskole at Solborgen ved Sejerbugten (August 5-12). Please refer to the 01 July posting below for prayer requests that continue to be relevant for these conferences. John Arnott's prayer is a fitting conclusion for all of the Danish summer conferences this year:

"Father, I want to be like You. I want my heart to be as big as Yours ... As far as revival is concerned, I ask You to find those who will be guileless and entrust them with the wonderful treasures of Your power and Your presence. Please don't hide from us because our hearts are divided. Make us one big family rejoicing in Your love."

Danish Summer Conferences - Week of July 23-29

2006-07-25T08:42:00.000-07:00

Det Danske Missionsforbund (Danish Mission Covenant) churches are gathered at Kolding this week for their annual conference, while Vineyard Norden is meeting at Rimsforsa, Sweden. Danish churches of Vineyard Norden are located in Copenhagen, Roskilde, and the house church at Aars. Please use the list of prayer requests on the 01 July posting below that remain pertinent for this week's conferences.

"Revivals are a special moving of the Spirit of God. While it is important for us to pray for the kind of massive movement that takes place in a revival, we must remember that God alone can flame the fire that springs up to change a whole nation." - Larry Richards

Danish Summer Conferences - Week of 16-22 July

2006-07-14T18:51:00.000-07:00

Those joining in prayer for Denmark are asked to continue to refer to the specific summer conferences prayer reminders in the 01 July posting below. This week's conferences include the Baptistkirkens Missionsstævne at Mariager and Indre Mission's Sommerbibelskole at Børkop Højskole. Pray for God's blessing and the Holy Spirit's guidance into truth and conviction of sin, righteousness, and judgment. It is important to believe that a great spiritual awakening can occur in Denmark throughout the Folkekirke and the free churches.

"A church in the land without the Spirit is rather a curse than a blessing. If you have not the Spirit of God, Christian worker, remember that you stand in somebody else's way; you are a fruitless tree standing where a fruitful tree might grow." -- Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Danish Summer Conferences - Week of 8-15 July

2006-07-08T20:44:00.000-07:00

Please continue to consult the previous posting (1 July 2006) for information on the four summer conferences meeting this week, including those of the Apostolsk Kirke, Pinse Kirke, Dansk Oase, and Nyt Liv. These are important conferences with many ramifications for reformation, revival, and renewal in Danish churches, both the Lutheran Folkekirke and the free churches. The prayer requests at the end of the 1 July posting will greatly assist in focusing prayer on behalf of this week's conferences.

"(I)t is a common factor of the revivals (, i.e. of the past) that they have been expressions of the sovereignty of God, explained only in terms of the power of the Holy Spirit to change people and communities. . . Two characteristics of Christian awakenings point to this sovereignty of God:

"An increased emphasis on prayer, as people have grown deeply discontent with the state of their unrevived churches.

"Deep repentance, involving both sorrow for sin and a determination to change." - Eerdmans Handbook to Christian Belief (1982), p. 371

Danish Summer Conferences, Camps, and Bible Schools

2006-07-01T15:39:00.000-07:00

Many church and revival movement conferences, camps and Bible schools will be meeting this summer throughout Denmark whether under tents, at resorts, in school buildings, or even in the open air. A sampling of them appears below, though the list is hardly complete. Because such summer activities are important for inter-church fellowship, for evangelistic contacts, and for believers' spiritual growth, they are surely deserving of our prayers.

July 2-8 - Oaselejr Sjællands Familielejr, a regional family camp that is part of Dansk Oase, is meeting the week prior to the national SommerOase 2006. Sjælland (Sealand) is the large island on which Copenhagen is situated. This Family Camp will be held at Odsherreds Efterskole, in Fårevejle Stationsby, northwest Sjælland. Speakers include overseas visitors as well as Danish pastors and leaders. www.oaselejrsj.dk

July 8-14 - The Apostolsk SommerCamp 2006, a gathering of believers aligned with the Dansk Apostolsk Church (Danish Apostolic Church) will be held on the campus of the denomination's Internationale Apostolsk Højskole in Kolding, Jutland. The theme of this year's conference is "Tro, virksom i kærlighed" (Belief, effectual in love). The headline speaker will be Dale Hewitt, pastor of the Apostolic Church in Perth, Australia. Several practical worshops on ministry-related topics are on the program schedule. www.staevne.dk/

July 8-14 - The Pinsekirkernes (Pentecostal Churches) SommerCamp 2006 will meet on the expansive campus of the churches' Højskole (High School and Bible School) in Mariager, 36 miles north of Århus. This year's theme is "Drevet af en passion" (Driven by a passion). http://sommer-camp.sequelsite.dk/default.asp?id=8693

July 8-15 - Dansk Oase, a charismatic-oriented organization within the national Lutheran Folkekirke, will hold its SommerOase 2006 conference at Rudehøj Efterskole in Odder, Central Jutland. The conference theme is "Reformation." A number of Danish church leaders will be featured speakers together with several pastors and Christian workers from other countries. www.danskoase.dk/index.php?id=406

July 8-15 - Another Lutheran Folkekirke revival movement, known as Nyt Liv (New Life), will have its Sommerferie 2006 (Summer holidays) family camp at Djursland Efterskole, northweast of Århus with meetings and activities for children and youth as well as adults. The speaker will Mikkel Vigilius, Luthersk Mission Højskole, Hillerød. Svend Aage Paulsen of the Dansk Bibel Institut, Frederikssund, will conduct a seminar on apologetic topics. Renown singer Signe Walsøe will assist with the music.
www.nytliv.dk/Nyt%20Liv%20april%2006(9).pdf

July 16-22 - The Baptist churches' Missionsstævne (Missions Meeting/Conference) will once again take place at the Pinse Højskole in Mariager. A full and challenging program has been planned for adults, youth, and children. The theme chosen for this year's Missionsstævne is "Vejen" (The Way). The schedule displays an imposing array of speakers from Denmark and from other countries. One main speaker will be well-known author Philip Yancey, from the United States. www.missionsstaevne.dk/

July 16-22 - Indre Mission's Sommerbibelskole 2006 will be held at Børkop Højskole, between Vejle and Fredericia on Jutland's east coast. Various course are to be offered by Danish instructors on the Book of Isaiah, chapters 40-66; on spiritual gifts; the Epistle to the Romans; central ethical themes from everyday life, from Romans 12:1, 2 and 13:1-10; and, the ministry of the church's diaconate. Indre Mission is the oldest of the Lutheran Folkekirke revival movements. www.imb.dk/sommerbibelskole06.htm

July 22-28 - Det Danske Missionsforbund (Danish Mission Covenant) will hold its multigenerational "Sommerkonference 2006) on the grounds of the campus of the Internationale Apostolsk HYøjskole in Kolding (south Jutland). The theme of this year's denominational conference is "Gud gir håb" (I believe this means, "God gives hope"). The well-designed conference program features as speakers the pastors of several of the denominmation's churches. There are activities planned as well for various age groups, from children to seniors.
www.missionsforbundet.dk.staevne.portal/portal.asp

July 23-29 - Vineyard Norden churches from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Iceland, and Finland will gather for a week of SommerCamp, this year at Liljehomen's School in Rimforsa, Sweden. The theme for the week is "Att vara en Jesu Fäjunge idag--vad betyder det?" (To Be a Disciple of Jesus today--what does that mean?" The visiting speakers will be Peter and Kathy Downs, national directors of Vineyard in Australia. A wide range of seminars will also be offered. www.vinyard.se/summercamp/index.asp

August 3-6 - Scandinavian Calvary Chapels' 8th Annual Summer Conference will take place in Sorøro, Sjælland, only a 45-minute drive from Copenhagen. Guest speakers will be Pastors David Guzik and Mark Walsh of the Calvary Chapel Bible College in Siegen, Germany. Calvary Chapel ministry specializes in verse-by-verse biblical exposition and this year's conference them is "Kong David's Liv" (Life of King David) from 1 Samuel, chapters 14-18. www.calvarychapel.dk/english/indexeng.htm

August 5-12 - The Dansk Metodistkirken (Danish Methodist Church) will hold its annual Sommerhøjskole at Solborgen ved Sejerbugten, near Holbæk (a short distance northwest of Copenhagen). The Sommerhøjskole theme is "Livsglæde og kristent fællesskab" (Christian fellowship/community and the joy of life?). http://hjem.get2net.dk/ed/hs2006/hs06.htm

This could be merely a long and boring list of events. But, visitor to this website, think what could happen to Denmark if the Spirit of God were to revive the hearts of hundreds who will be involved in these conferences, camps, and Bible schools. The prayers of earnest and committed believers from all over the world, joined with those of Danish leaders and prayer warriors, could make the difference between business-as-usual and a genuine visitation by the Holy Spirit. God truly does hear and answer the prayers of His people. There are small but powerful evidences that God is working in Denmark. Let us join Him in His activity through our fervent prayers of intercession for these 2006 conferences, camps, and Bible schools. "Revive us, and we will call on Your name" (Psalm 80:18b, NIV).

PRAY that the Holy Spirit will inspire and unify the hearts and minds of every leader and speaker in each of these conferences, camps or Bible schools.

PRAY that every attender will come to these events expecting God to bless graciously and powerfully in meeting their individual needs. When they return to their families and congregations, may it be evident that "they have been with Jesus" (cf. Acts 4:13).

PRAY that this summer the Spirit of God will sweep over Denmark bringing repentance, genuine reform, renewal, and revival evidenced by changed lives and all-out commitment to Christ and the Gospel of grace.

PRAY for the musicians as they lead the people in praise and worship. When it comes, revival will surely be borne along on the wings of Spirit-led praise and Spirit-empowered singing. No revival ever comes without God's people breaking out in songs of high praise and worship.

PRAY that in every conference, camp, and Bible school there will be a fearless and dynamic presentation of the human need for salvation and a positive response by the unsaved to the Savior who so graciously through His once-for-all sacrifice made possible our salvation.

PRAY for a sense of ministry to pervade the actions and activities of the supporting staff at each of these conferences, camps, or Bible schools.

PRAY for God's protection from accidents and injuries and possible Satanic influences at each conference, camp, or Bible site.

PRAY that as a result of these summer conferences God will give such a spirit of unity and love for each other that the various denominations will be able to deal effectively with whatever problems, antagonisms, dissensions and spirit of competitiveness there may be between themselves and other denominations, local churches, and church members.

Encouragement for Pray for Denmark.com

2006-06-15T10:29:00.000-07:00

The other day I received a most encouraging email from a lady who had viewed this website. This is what she wrote:

"Thank you for creating this website. Recently, a Bible study I host at my home decided to pick countries and research areas in which we can pray for the people and needs of the country. I picked Denmark because of my family background. My grandfather was born in Denmark and came to the US in his twenties. I have always had a curiosity about the country. I appreciate your heart for the people there and thank you for helping me see what our group can pray for."

This is not only an encouragement for us at Pray for Denmark.com, but also for believers in Denmark itself. When I was there a few weeks back, there were Danes who told me they never imagined there were people outside of Denmark who were praying for their country.

PRAY that many more believers, including but not limited to those with Danish ancestry,in countries world-wide will take up the challenge to pray for revival and renewal in Denmark.

PRAY that prayer groups and Bible study groups throughout the world will be led to make Denmark a focus of their intercession, praying especially for the thousands upon thousands of Danes who do not have a personal relationship by grace through faith alone in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

PRAY for and with committed believers in Denmark, such as Aase Larsen of Copenhagen and others like her, who are deeply concerned about the spiritual condition of their country and who are praying that the Spirit of God would bring revival and renewal beginning with the churches and their leaders.

Friluftsmissionen (Open Air Campaigners)

2006-05-24T15:34:00.000-07:00

When I was in Copenhagen in April, I had the joy of having a lengthy dinner meeting with Tørben Østermark, the leader of the Danish branch (www.frilusftsmissionen.dk) of Open Air Campaigners International (www.oaci.org). Tørben is a dear brother in Christ who is consumed with a vision for evangelism in Denmark and other Scandinavian and Baltic countries.

There is a noticeable rise in the secularization of Danish culture and with it a lessening of the traditional influence of the Folkekirke, Denmark's national Lutheran Church. As a general rule, the thrust of Open Air Campaigners International is non-denominational. However, the historic dominance of the Folkekirke in Danish culture since Reformation times has led Friluftsmissionen to focus its work with Lutheran churches and societies without, of course, compromising the well-known evangelistic stance of Open Air Campaigners.

Tørben and his fellow evangelists, Lars Kristensen and Hartvig Kloster, maintain a busy Bible teaching and evangelistic ministry through local congregations and church-related organizations, emphasizing sound biblical and evangelistic preaching and teaching in which they use such visual aids as sketchboard art and gospel magic. Much of the work continues Open Air Campaigners' special ministry of open air preaching, much of it during the summers.

On Sunday, June 4, Friluftsmissionen evangelists will be participating in an all-day gospel effort (Gospel Bakken) at Dyrehavsbakken in Klampenborg, on the east coast of Sjælland. Dyrehavsbakken has the distinction of being the world's oldest, intact, still-surviving amusement park. Another gospel effort (Jesperhus Gospel) will be held the next day, Monday, June 5, at Mors in northwest Jutland. Families will be vacationing at the Jesperhus holiday resort where there are famous gardens, a water park, a nature park, and a zoo. From July 10 to 21, Friluftsmissionen evangelists and a youth-oriented Sommerteam (Summer Team) will be bringing the gospel to children and youth at Gammelbro Camping, Årøsund, near Haderslev in South Jutland.

PRAY for Friluftsmissionen's many opportunities for evangelism during the summer months when there is an upsurge in tourism bringing people from all over the world to Denmark. The summers provide wonderful opportunities for direct evangelism. English is often the preferred language in such summer ministry.

PRAY that many will come to personal faith and trust in Jesus Christ for their salvation as a result of Friluftsmissionen's work at Gospel Bakken, Jesperhus Gospel, and the Fremstød (Campaign) at Gammelbro Camping, and at other times and places throughout the summer months.

PRAY that there will be a good response by younger believers to the call to join Friluftsmissionen's Sommerteam (Summer Team) to assist in evangelistic work with children and young people during the Gammelbro Camping campaign, July 10-21.

PRAY that God will through His people supply the financial needs of Friluftsmissionen evangelists Østermark, Kristensen, and Kloster. (Philippians 4:19)