Thank you very much for your good letter that came today. It was a joy to hear about the friends in Vardø and that despite many battles, they believe in and hold fast to the truth. The inner life is vastly different from an outward cleansing of the body with pure water. The enmity in the flesh will constantly resist the work of God’s Spirit, when it concerns pressing into salvation within the body. Therefore, we cannot expect anything other than resistance, even from those who have been cleansed from their sins.

Br. Aslaksen has now sent the songs to the printer; they will be ready in about two months. It will be good to get these books. I think Br. Risnes and Br. Hågensen are doing a good work in Sarpsborg. They’re very happy. Risnes said that several of the friends who left in the beginning have come back, and now they are having very good meetings.

The war has been grueling, but God has also used these two years to work miracles along the coast. Now there are friends from North Cape to Lindesnes, who praise God for His unspeakable gift. Br. Johan Lohne is also making progress. He is unable to forget the conference in Drøbak.

Aksel is now trying to sell his house and his business. He doesn’t want to have so much to deal with. I have often wondered how things will go when the church grows and there are so few workers. It is quite apparent that, in reality, most are actually not equipped to serve, and when they do serve, it is less than perfect. Many difficulties arise within the churches, and they really want help to bring things into order. But everything will end up being stunted if there aren’t selfless and experienced servants who can watch over everything and who can visit the churches from time to time. This inward ministry is not the same as the outward ministry. If a person is to make progress here, continual exhortation and care is needed. You have seen for yourself in Vardø that this is the case. Also, there are not many servants with enough authority that people dare to trust them, especially when people are somewhat more mature. God has worked to bring all of this about, so I believe He will continue to provide solutions; but we understand that there is a need for more mutual help in this area.

I have applied for leave from October 26 to November 5, in order to go home. Br. Lohne is doing well; we are often together. He’s been talking with a man I haven’t met yet; he says that he is quite a good man. I’m happy that it was God who sent you to Finnmark. Otherwise, it would not be very pleasant to be so far up north. God willing, we will sail to Haugsholmen and Ålesund again on November 1. We will stay there for three months. I still haven’t heard about being transferred. A petty officer on the Frithjof has been transferred. Johan Strøm is a boatswain, Lars Eliassen is the chief gunner, and Jens Jensen is the ship’s corporal.

All the best, dear brother. May God abundantly bless your work and give you a rich reward in His time. Karl and the friends in Horten have visited Br. Tjørve. On board the Norge there is a machinist’s mate who is showing interest and who is enthusiastic. Greet the friends in Vardø.

Warm greetings from your brother,