Digging up Treasures

with Jenni at Höga Kusten, Sweden

Before I head on to my four-month adventure in Sweden, I believe God showed me a golden shovel to uncover an ancient well in this country, which may not be a literal well. Several days before I got on a 2000 km-drive to Sweden, I was down in Helsinki being prayed for by my Finnish friends. One got an impression that I'm stepping into a fresh start - a discovery of treasures in peoples' lives. I shared that I was going to a conference up in Lapland, and from there drive over to the Swedish Lapland down to Gothenburg. All of us agreed that it was a significant trip; as if bridging two nations and helping heal the rift between Sweden and Finland. However that looks like, I thought it was wonderful and I'm so humbled to be part of it.

I had a month time to help my co-leader prepare for the School of Worship, but before that, I joined a YWAM event for Northern Europe Leaders. I thought the theme of the event (EXPAND) was so neat because it was something I felt God has been showing me. More stories on this later. :)

my notes at the gathering

The last four months had been pretty intense so I will be sharing just a few highlights 
of the highlights. Here we go....

A few days before the school started, I was at the end of my patience and really frustrated for not having a decent computer to work on. I was anxious because the student manual was not even printed out. Meanwhile, little did I know, there was an email waiting for me to read that someone wanted to bless me a brand new laptop, and that I could pick my choice! So right now, I'm writing this update from a macbook air, isn't that cool?!

one of the multicultural worship times

There were 12 of us in the school coming from 9 different nations - Philippines, UK, Brazil, South Korea, France, Japan, Latvia, Cameroon, and Colombia. The fact that we come from different backgrounds was already a huge blessing! Yes, we had challenges but come on, this does not happen everyday does it? One time, I was looking around the room and felt God's heart for each of of my team, and I thought, "how can I not love these people"? They're just too wonderful to get to know! As I peer into their lives, I saw God in different angles. B-E-A-U-tiful!!!

"Coffee with Jesus" fundraising

We did some fundraising for the school fees but it wasn't enough to cover all the cost. At one specific week, one of our guest speakers shared about expressing our worship through giving. Each one gave not just in the form of money but others gave their time to get to know each other, time to teach others of their musical skills, and more. Ask of me, among other things I was prompted to give, I felt to give God the time I'm most active and alive - to have a date with Him an hour or two before I go to bed, instead of spending it over internet or other stuff. It was really good.

We had a weekend in Stockholm. We joined this yearly event called "Jesusmanifestation" hosted by various local churches and YWAM Stockholm. I can't recall how many thousands of people were gathered there, for Jesus to reign in this nation, but I will always remember this Jewish woman who just came to know the Messiah. All I did was smile at her and she came to talk to us. And the next thing that happened was her opening her life up and we ended up blessing each other.


We also had a 24-hour worship time, where everyone was welcomed to join. My team and I agreed that God came with His tangible Presence that week and stirred things up, reconciled hearts, renewed peoples' vision & dreams, more than that, He was glorified. I've heard feedbacks from others that God touched them in the areas they needed Him to come do His work. I believe this school was one significant thing that happened this season for Restenäs. 

Ingelin, my housemate

Sam, me & Monica

Friendship and special connections - these were two other reasons that made me so emotional to leave Sweden. It was a great privilege to get to know the people in the house I shared with. I've gotten more creative in my culinary skills, I must say! But really, 20 minutes before I had to leave for the airport, I was crying my eyes out with my housemates - not because we may not see each other again, but for the reason that we'll miss each other's company. An expression of how we've gotten along well together, more than the meals shared but our lives. The girl on the right, Ingelin, became a very dear friend to me. We both found a sister from each other. I went with her to Germany and Prague. She has blessed me so much, and took me to Oslo for my birthday. 

taken during the spring party

Yes, my friends I'm overwhelmed with God's goodness. These are just a few of the treasures I've dug up in Sweden. Thank you for taking the time to read and share the goodness I've received from God. Blessings to you all! Until then!!!