Thank you for coming to the conference. They were days of blessing that strengthened the friends here. Br. Nils Risnes has just arrived. He says that he has never been as happy as he is now. We have attended several meetings together, and he has a very good way of explaining the word of the Lord. God has done great things here in Ålesund. Several are now going through the fire that Peter writes about, which comes after a person has been enlightened. The friends from Langevåg have to row about five kilometers to get to the meetings, but they feel a compelling desire to come and wouldn’t have any peace unless they came.

Br. Thorleif Hansen was here for about a month. He then traveled to the town of Molde, where there are a number of friends who are originally from Ålesund. My hope is that the word of the Lord will spread further in this area, since Sr. Gunda Willersrud will be more free now that Br. Risnes is here.

We can only stand still and see the wondrous salvation of the Lord, that He really wants to show us such goodness. When we simply humble ourselves under His mighty hand, it is up to Him to exalt us in His time. As I was leaving last night, Br. Risnes asked me to send his warmest greetings to you and Br. Lohne. We are departing for Haugsholmen tomorrow and will be there until the 10th or 11th. From there we will sail to Bergen for one or two days and then on to Haugesund. My leave will be over by then, but we still have about fourteen days together in Haugesund.

I received a letter from Br. Birkeland who told me that Berg left with half the flock in Kristiansand and is holding meetings on his own. It is a shame for something like this to happen. But it goes to show that not many are equipped for the work of ministry. It is true now, as always, that when a person seeks their own, things go wrong. You can see that things can cling to a person for many years when they will not bow in humility before truth and righteousness. However, I don’t think any real damage has been done in Kristiansand, because those who are more spiritual seem to understand the situation.

In Sarpsborg, Br. Pettersen has once again begun attending the Mission House, where he says he will preach what he has understood. Br. Andresen, from Sarpsborg, is looking for a job in Rjukan or Notodden. There needs to be someone in Sarpsborg who is able to care for the friends. Br. Andresen has not been able to bring order there. The laborers are few. As far as I can see, Ålesund has workers who are well-suited for this inner work. I hope it all goes well.

Greet Br. Lohne. Warm greetings to you.

Your brother,

Haugsholmen, February 6, 1916

Thank you for your letter, which came after this one was written. I understand from it that you recently attended a meeting in Kristiansand at Marie Gundersen’s place, and that your testimony resulted in the letter you enclosed from Br. Berg. I have read your response to him and found it to be clear and to the point as is fitting in this case. If your involvement in this matter continues, just keep going straight ahead in the same direction as before. God willing, we will meet in Haugesund. I will have three months of duty onboard after my leave, starting on February 12. By that time, I expect to be in Haugesund.

Your brother, united in the Lord,

J. O. S.

I am returning the letters.

I just wrote to Br. Berg and exhorted him to come to terms with Br. Birkeland. I have pointed out to him that he needs to take heed to himself, which is his weak point; he tends not to do that.

I have written to him in love, and I hope it goes well, as he is not as hard and difficult as he seems.