Thank you very much for your good letter, which I read to the friends here, and also for Br. Madsen’s letter. He writes very clearly. Kleppe, from Bergen, has written derogatory things in both Det Gode Budskap and in Missionæren about the doctrines God has revealed to us. He writes in Det Gode Budskap about his visit to Ålesund, how the friends have gone through a time of intense upheaval and how a number have been entangled in the web of doctrine that Jesus had a sinful flesh, etc.

I have written a short article to Skjulte Skatter about Ålesund in order to refute some of this. I assume this will be published in the April issue. We are now anchored here in Ålesund for eight days and will then be in Haugsholmen for eight days. Yesterday (Sunday) I was ashore all day. We had two meetings at Br. Brune’s place. Several of the friends here are experiencing a time of tremendous conflict. A sister was sobbing during the morning meeting and testified about her battles, saying her whole nature resists God’s will. She understood clearly that she has to humble herself under God’s will. Berg and his wife are no longer with us, but their daughters are continuing faithfully. Risnes says repeatedly that he has never been as happy as he is now, but, no doubt, he is often tired after all the meetings since he has to go to work during the day. But he is so zealous that he can’t just stay home. Sr. Willersrud fights faithfully and says she is doing better than ever before.

We call Br. Brune the church host, which he certainly is. He also understands that he has a responsibility in that area. I haven’t heard from Moldøen in a while, but I hope they are doing well. It appears that you have quite a mission field up there in Finnmark. Please greet these dear friends warmly from me. By reading the letters, I have the sense that they are beloved in the spirit. Greet Br. Madsen on board the Finmarken; he has a very good, clear understanding. I read his letter to the friends. God-fearing people understand everything, but the ungodly understand nothing.

There has been unrest in Eastern Norway. Thorleif Hansen has written to me, asking what should be done. Br. Aslaksen has been blamed for bringing people into bondage, and Aksel, in particular, has criticized him for the same thing. I have responded to Thorleif Hansen and said that I can in no way receive an accusation against Br. Aslaksen for the work which he has done until now in the service of the Lord. The ones complaining are a number of women who find it difficult to let go of their vanity, so they consider these teachings to be bondage. I have written to Br. Hansen and instructed him to let those who want to dress up, doll themselves up as much as they like, because God does not want anyone to serve Him out of compulsion. It’s good for you to know about this. It is sad that they can’t stay on track on their own, without constantly checking and conferring. It’s incredible that such vain women could get so much power. If they were in charge, they would happily break down everything we have built up. They have come by it easily and sell it for nothing. I have advised Hansen to lead things with a firm hand. Aksel’s weakness causes a lot of confusion. Don’t let anyone read this; but you should know what is going on for the sake of the ministry.

Greet Br. Lohne.

Warm greetings from your brother,

I’m hoping that the difficulties will be resolved.