Greetings to you all from Northern Sweden. It had been a great weekend. The church leaders here have their own idea of “the Distributed Church” concept. On designated Sundays, they take the whole church into some surrounding village that has a church building but no pastor. There are many of these places in this region of Sweden where only 6 to 8 families are trying to hold things together. I have been making the rounds with them. Sunday, a week ago, we traveled 40 miles to a village called Gargnäs. It was a pretty little village, set amidst rivers and lakes. The little congregation hangs together with about 6 members. All of them are older than time. The Gunnarn Church choir sang and really did a marvelous job. They train a great deal and have beautiful, rich harmony. Then, they let me speak from the Bible. I always like to encourage the elderly people there because they don’t see Floridians very often. After the service they served waffles and jam and cream and hot coffee. Great to be fed like that.

Now, this past Sunday, the church traveled to Åskilje (not to be pronounced) about 10 miles down the road. The church there is very small in structure and has only about 4 official members. There was a time, years ago, when such churches were packed with people. But time and the economy has changed things. A few people from the neighborhood also attended. The elders from Gunnarn arranged and celebrated Communion with these folks. Then, I had a chance to share from the Word and include much encouragement.

I wish to stop right here and express my sincere thanks for the gifts of money that you have sent. I had put my account data in my web site www.georgedwilson.com, as was requested of me. But I am overwhelmed at the amounts that have come in to that account. Unfortunately, the church does not tell me who the individuals are who send. Therefore, I am sending you all this paragraph to let you know that I have been receiving your gifts. As a result of them, I am now paying my translator for her effort and hard work in converting what I say in English to what makes sense in Swedish. Also, I will tell you more as I implement a little plan I have in mind to help poor people here. This money doesn’t go into paying my own basic expenses – my retirement income does that. I use your gifts for special projects. But I must share with you that the dollar has eroded in value to quite a disappointing level. Your gifts have allowed me to do project stuff that I couldn’t normally do. God is great - I turn around and find out that there are those of you who understand what is happening here in Northern Sweden. Your prayers for this ministry have been key in causing me get done what needs doing.

People do a great deal of walking in Northern Sweden. I have been getting to end my day of study by walking through the village or along the highway. It reminds me of the time I was in college. After studying late at night, I would walk in the snow of New York State. I think again of seeing my breath in the cold air and hearing the crunch of snow under my boots. There were stars there, too. But here, as an added plus, we get to see the Northern Lights. There was an unbelievable display the other night. Out under the skies like that, it gives one a great sense of the mightiness of God. Just dress and think warmly and you will be OK.

Snow is on the ground – something like half a foot of it. And it is still coming down. The temperature is cold enough so that it will stay for a while.

Blessings on you all in Christ’s name,

George Wilson