Thank you for your good letters in which I see that Br. Tollefsen from Bergen intends to make a trip to Horten. My task has not been so much to communicate outwardly, but rather inwardly. Therefore, I know little about diplomatic negotiations, which are, no doubt, essential in order to get things done. But, like everything else, they are dependent on what a person can draw from the divine fountains. Since the one—for the sake of love—cannot get along without the other, we have to make ourselves available—not so much because of the help we can give, but to help God’s people understand more readily that as members of the body we are different and that all members do not have the same ministry. So, in light of that, Br. Tollefsen is heartily welcome, because he also welcomed me when I was in Bergen.

Br. Andresen (nicknamed “the happy bricklayer”) is now here in Horten. He has had several meetings, and we have nothing but good to say about him. What he spoke about has been a great blessing. He prayed for Kristian to be healed. Yesterday he spoke in the market square. He prays unceasingly to God. This evening he has another meeting at the Lodge.

One of the Methodist lay preachers—Christian Borgersen, the foreman of the Hafslund mill, Sarpsborg—spoke at a feast here in the Methodist church. He said that in Sweden he saw several young men wearing black ribbons. He asked them what that meant and was told that it was a sign showing that they had renounced God. We live in strange times. We need to remember Jesus’ words: Watch and pray!

You spoke about a paper. It should be born in rest and come forth from need, because it is God who supplies all our need in Christ Jesus. Articles for the mission work should not be the kind that transport people to the rice paddies of China and how they live there. Stories about Indians have the same effect. On the contrary, mission work should be directed toward urgent evangelization, because Christ is standing at the door, and apostasy has already begun to have an effect. Articles about mission work, articles giving instruction, and articles providing enlightenment should fit hand in hand, and everything in the paper must lead directly to godliness. We have plenty of “story-telling” papers. We need a “working” paper, full of Spirit and life. If, by the grace of God, we could initiate that sort of paper, it would become the “leader” for all spiritual life in the entire country—nothing less; and it would have the ability to spread on its own. A paper that can provide teaching and instruction is sorely needed in our country. The need is there already, but it’s just that this need is being concentrated in us as a burden. And once we have received it as a burden, then the burden itself will provide the power by which the Spirit of God will bring the work to fulfillment. We know that God will supply all our need in Christ Jesus, and I have almost come to the point where I see no other outlet for my need than through a paper. For God has given me a strong need to spread these teachings which He Himself has taught me. My need demands an outlet, something that God Himself, according to His Word, will provide in order to supply “all need.” I am not making much of an effort to explain myself. I am writing my thoughts without beating around the bush, since you understand what I mean.

Greet Berglioth and the friends.

Brotherly greetings,