The hall is packed when the lights are dimmed, and the music starts playing. Bjørn Schinnes comes up on stage, and with empathy he reads from Psalm 78: “That the generation to come might know them, the children who would be born, that they may arise and declare them to their children, that they may set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep His commandments …”
And it is precisely the handing down of these commandments and this faith that is emphasized throughout the festive gathering.
A film about the spies who had faith
It is clear that the local church has put a lot of effort into directing, music and films. The theme film “Israel as an example” takes us back over 3000 years in time. It follows the history of the Israelites from their liberation from slavery in Egypt and shows how God performed great signs and wonders for the people all the way through the wilderness.
Despite situations that seemed impossible, God showed time and time again that he kept His promises when they chose to be true to His word and trust Him.
When the Israelites finally took the land that was promised to them, we see how Joshua and Caleb’s faith was crucial to Israel’s future: These two were the only ones among the 12 spies who trusted the promises God had given them. Their example of faithfulness becomes a central theme throughout the feast.
Faithfulness = action
The theme of the film is continued in a panel discussion on stage, where the importance of faithfulness and obedience to the commandments is highlighted for us who are alive today, and especially the significance of this for the next generation. We hear that faith and obedience are connected.
Faith is for those who want to do God’s good will. If you live according to His commandments in your own life, this will also affect the next generation, who will experience the effect of the gospel in their surroundings.
Another point brought out is that faith is a gift from God to all people. Those who choose to be obedient in the trials and situations of life will come to know God and the wonders He can do in a person. Through the work of Jesus, we have also been given the opportunity to share in God’s promises in our time:
“Just think how great it is to live in the time when Jesus has paved a new and living way – a way back to the Father,” says Bjørn Nilsen and continues enthusiastically: “By believing in Him, that He is the Son of God, we can enter into the life He has revealed to us. We can get to know Him and partake in the divine nature.”
Helen Johnsen (43) from BCC Eiker volunteered with rigging as well as in the choir on stage during the conference weekend and the festive gathering:
“It was very interesting and instructive to be behind the scenes of the conference,” she says.
“After the feast, the main thing I’m left with is a huge sense of gratitude. And faith in God’s power, and what it can help me with in everyday life. That faith has been strengthened.”
Journeys of faith today
Towards the end of the feast, we get a look back at some of the things we have experienced in the church over the past 15 years. Many witnesses talk about experiences with God, how getting involved in purposeful work with God-fearing people has led them to become disciples of Jesus themselves.
The statement from Elisabeth Reiersrud (74) is a good example of how faith is passed on to new generations. She says with power and dignity:
“My best advice is to present your body, walk by faith, and give by faith. Then you will know that here the Lord has commanded the blessing.”
It is appropriate to thank BCC Eiker for a fantastic fall weekend, with this missions feast being a great experience and an incentive to live our lives in faith in God.
The missions collection that has been running digitally in the months leading up to the feast ended with a fantastic result of NOK 25 million.
