The first day of the GLS was very successful. We ended up with 3-4 volunteers from other local churches we were able to provide coffee and refreshments and lunch for 260+ people four times throughout the day. I think, however; there were two times that were most significant to me . The first one was while I was hearing bits and pieces of Liz Wiseman's talk during the Summit over the intercom. The volunteers had a bit of downtime, and I was able to spend quite a bit of time speaking with Lise (I hope she doesn't mind me sharing this). What I mostly wanted to share with Lise was how much she influenced me the night before as we were setting her resource table. Lise is in charge of setting up, organizing, and selling all of the resources for the Oslo site. While I was helping her organize and set up last night, there were several times that she evidenced to me that she was a "multiplier". The way she interacted with me was so supportive and encouraging. I didn't perceive a negative reaction in her about anything that was going on [and it was a semi-stressful night!].
So, this morning, or some time during the day today, I knew that I wanted to reach out Lise and talk to her about how encouraging she was to me. What I learned though, was that she had attended Willow Creek in August during the Global Leadership Summit there and was so convicted by Liz Wiseman's message that she knew she had to work on changing. So, for me to specifically reach out to her today, during and because of that message, I knew must have been orchestrated from God. It was such a blessing to be able to connect with her and begin to build a relationship with her.
While we were taking apart the gymnasium this afternoon, Lise then came downstairs and told us about a former pastor who had been given tickets to come to the GLS because someone else couldn't make it. As she was talking to him, he shared that he had left the church and didn't know what it had to offer anymore. A little while later, he came back and shared and said that maybe there is hope after all. Isn't God just amazing! I am so glad that Lise was able to connect with him and then share that story with us. Being able to meet Nick's uncle and the pastor of his church was a lot of fun also!
The second thing that really stood out to me was when Bernadikte, Sonya, and I were all upstairs listening to Cornerstone and singing together. From the sound room upstairs, I was able to watch the Norwegian leaders worship, the worship team lead, and be able to worship for just a couple of minutes all togethers. It doesn't fail to amaze me that we all are worshiping the same God and that we are all believers of one body. I am so very much looking forward to seeing what God has in store for tomorrow!!
God natt!!
(Good night!!)
