The Norwegian Mission Society (NMS) and the Church of Norway (DNK) signed a historic cooperation agreement on Friday in Norway. The deal follows a general assembly vote on Thursday that approved the partnership. Representatives from both organizations participated in the formal signing ceremony. For the Church of Norway, Preses Olav Fykse Tveit and Harald Hegstad, leader of the Church Council, signed the document. NMS was represented by General Secretary Helge Gaard and Board Chair Bjørg Tysdal Moe. Additionally, members of the NMS Youth organization, including Bjørn Inge Hauge and Elise Slettebø Melhus, attended the event. This agreement marks a significant step in the institutional relationship between the two bodies.
The Ufestivalen youth festival is celebrating its 50th anniversary in Hamar, Norway. Organized by the Pentecostal movement, the event takes place at Hedmarkstoppen. Mari Bøhlerengen serves as the festival director, noting that young attendees take their faith seriously rather than treating it as a passing trend. The current theme is 'Fullbrakt'. Founders Egil and Aril Svartdahl, along with Einar Nymoen, who helped launch the festival in 1976, will return to mark the milestone. They plan to reminisce about the early years and celebrate with activities this coming Saturday.
A Norwegian parliament member from the Christian Democratic Party claims that FactCheck.no spread misinformation regarding allegations of genocide against Christians in Nigeria. The controversy arose after US President Donald Trump threatened Nigerian authorities over the persecution of Christians. FactCheck.no consulted an expert who argued that while Christians face severe persecution, the term genocide is inaccurate. The MP disputes this assessment, calling the claims serious and unsupported. The dispute highlights ongoing debates about violence and religious persecution in Nigeria, a country plagued by kidnapping and terror.
The Refresh Christian camp in Norway has seen its attendance increase sixfold over the past three years. Organized by Ungdom i Oppdrag, the event took place at Grimerud gård this week. Participation rose from approximately 80 attendees in 2023 to 485 this year. Camp director Karen Senumstad expressed a desire to gather even more young adults, though finding adequate space remains a challenge. The four-day program included meetings, seminars, and activities for the large group of young participants.
A Russian missile attack struck the Grotto Monastery in Kyiv, Ukraine, on June 15, damaging the historic Assumption Cathedral. The article argues the strike targeted Ukrainian identity rather than military objectives, as no military sites are nearby. Although the Russian regime denies responsibility, the author asserts the order came from Vladimir Putin to destroy a sacred site important to the Ukrainian church and people. This event is presented as part of a broader pattern of tyrants targeting religious and cultural monuments.
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Almost 1000 participants attended the KRIK Action camp in Norway, marking the largest gathering in the organization's history. To manage the event, 220 volunteers were required to keep operations running smoothly. The primary goal of the camp is for every young person to be recognized by name by a leader. This significant turnout highlights the strong engagement of youth within the KRIK community in Norway.
Dina Anjara, a 27-year-old from Madagascar who has lived in Norway for eight years, attended the General Assembly of the Norwegian Mission Society in Bergen. The event featured 900 participants, mostly older Norwegians, alongside partners from 18 countries. Anjara represents the diversity of the organization's work, contrasting with the traditional demographic. The assembly highlighted a shift in Christian demographics, noting that the center of gravity is no longer in the West. The society plans to continue sending missionaries while emphasizing contributions from the Global South to Norwegian church life.
Approximately 485 young people are attending the Refresh camp at the Ungdom i Oppdrag base on Grimerud, near Hamar, Norway. The event is organized by the youth ministry Ungdom i Oppdrag. Camp director Karen Senumstad stated that a significant delegation of 70 participants traveled from the Netherlands to join the gathering. The article highlights several Dutch attendees, including Lisanne van Woudenberg, Noa Tjeertes, Jessica Joy Voorwinden, and Chiara Frelink, who are participating in the activities alongside Norwegian youth.
Jan Hanvold, founder and TV director of TV Visjon Norge, warns against overemphasizing demons in the podcast 'Demonutdriveren'. The podcast, launched in May by Dagen and NRK, recounts the 2024 conviction of a Christian couple. They were sentenced for physical and psychological abuse and deprivation of liberty after attempting to exorcise a mentally ill woman who lived with them for nine months. Hanvold states that the couple themselves were the problem rather than demonic forces.
Linda and Jan Ivar Andresen have spent six years living and working in Papua New Guinea with the missionary aviation group MAF. The couple, now back in Norway, describes life in one of the world's most isolated countries where over 80 percent of the population resides in remote jungle areas. Jan Ivar works as a pilot and instructor, navigating difficult airstrips, while Linda manages a children's home and trains new staff. They emphasize the practical nature of their faith and the critical need for medical and logistical support in the region. The article highlights their dedication to serving vulnerable communities despite the challenging infrastructure and long travel times involved in their mission work.
A mobilization campaign titled 'Together as Church in the Whole World' has concluded in congregations across the Church of Norway. The initiative, which began on Ascension Day, involved the majority of parishes collaborating with SMM, a partnership between seven mission organizations and the national church. Activities included preaching perspectives, creative fundraising, and intercessory prayer. Einar Tjelle highlighted the collective effort of mission organizations, local staff, and volunteers. The campaign emphasized the spread of the gospel through open doors and windows, reflecting a spirit reminiscent of Pentecost.
Medical Air Lift and Ministry (MAF) provides critical air transport for women in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo who have survived sexual violence. In a village near a major city, the organization flies severely injured patients to a specialized hospital for surgical care. The article highlights the case of a mother who was transported after suffering catastrophic injuries. Despite ongoing conflict and displacement in the region, MAF continues to bridge the gap in healthcare access for victims of gender-based violence, offering hope for recovery and dignity to those who have been abandoned by local facilities. (Source: Dagen)
In Papua New Guinea, MAF pilot Jan Ivar evacuated eight-year-old Margaret from Waiki after she suffered severe burns from a fire. Local agent John explained the child fell into a fire and boiling water. The remote location lacks roads, making air transport vital. The flight to Oksapmin took only ten minutes, whereas walking would require over two days. A local health worker treated the injuries at the clinic. The pilot plans to return with supplies to check on her condition. This mission highlights how MAF provides essential medical access in isolated regions.
Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) is celebrating its 80th anniversary as the world's largest humanitarian aviation organization. Founded in Britain by pioneers including Stuart King and Jack Hemmings, the group began operations in 1948 to reach isolated communities in Africa. The article highlights early expeditions in Burundi and the establishment of a base in Malakal, now South Sudan. MAF transports missionaries, medical staff, and supplies to remote regions. According to the outlet, the organization continues to save lives in some of the most inaccessible areas globally, fulfilling its original mission of bringing aid where others cannot reach.
Norwegian author Maria Solheim traveled to Madagascar to witness the work of Medical Air Rescue (MAF). She visited the village of Ankavandra, where volunteers provide medical care to isolated communities. Solheim described seeing doctors and nurses treating patients in a dilapidated building with limited resources. The trip included a flight from Antananarivo in a single-engine plane. Solheim noted the strong emotional impact of seeing local families and children receiving essential health services. The visit highlighted how MAF uses aviation to deliver aid to remote areas in Madagascar.
Marit Delin, a 23-year-old teacher student from Grimstad, Norway, has moved to the Czech Republic to serve as a missionary for one year. The article, published in September 2025, notes that Delin has visited the country five times previously and has developed a strong affection for its people and culture. Upon her arrival, she initially lacked permanent housing but attended two camps. She describes the assignment as the fulfillment of a dream to work in what is considered one of the most secular nations in the world.
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