Thank you for your good letter and for the time we had together in Bergen. It was a joy to be able to speak with you in person about the things that pertain to life, things that are eternal. Just think about it: eternal life—what a glorious gift. If, for a short time, we endure sufferings when we are being tempted, God will give us an eternal weight of glory. The flesh wars against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh, so that we do not do the things we want. In my flesh nothing good dwells. Therefore, this middle wall of separation—this enmity which was broken down in Christ—must also be broken down in me. After this is broken down, the new creation comes forth, which is created according to God in truth, righteousness, and holiness. In Christ only a new creation avails anything. Therefore, if we are always delivered to the death of Christ, it is so that the life of Christ may be manifested in our mortal flesh. It depends on our faithfulness in the Spirit. Most men will proclaim each his own goodness. But who can find a faithful man?

We had a blessed time together in Ålesund the day Br. Fuglseth from Molde came to visit us. Greet him warmly from me. Also greet your wife and Sr. Berg. Gunda Willersrud and Jørgine Pettersen have just been in Kristiansand. Br. Birkeland writes that they have been a help and blessing there. Now Willersrud has traveled to Kløften, where she will stay for one month, and Jørgine Pettersen went to see her sister in Bergen. They were in Kristiansand for two weeks.

Br. Risnes and Br. Hågensen are working in Sarpsborg. Br. Ellefsen has gained a brother on board the Viking, up in Norland. Similarly, Br. Birkeland is on board the warship Norge, in Kristiansand. Things aren’t going so quickly, and there aren’t many people, but thanks be to God, there is progress. The word of the cross is the power of God unto salvation for everyone who believes, but unfortunately most people are enemies of the cross of Christ.

Greetings in the love of Christ from your brother in the Lord,