Leaving from Poland...

Well, we are at the airport in Gdansk now.. leaving in under an hour... or.. about an hour... We have had a fun weekend... I have experienced a few interesting things actually.. I witnessed a man die on the streets and I watched while the paramedics tried to revive him... he slipped away... Andreas, Einar, Arne, and I all were praying, but he was already gone I think... It was quite heavy to watch... later that night us four got a fine on the train for not buying a ticket in the train station.. we did not know we had to do it at the station.. we though we could just do it on the train... so whatever... it was kind of funny to look back on... they first wanted about 80 bucks from all of us together, but we didn't have that much in cash on us, so we got away with paying like 15 dollars instead... It was an intersting weekend for sure... I will be back here in about a month also. We are bring Reboot to Poland for two weeks in October... Well, we are about to go through customs now... until later!
-Jordan

Leaving for Poland...

Well, in about 50 minutes, we will be driving away from the base... We are driving to Örebro, Sverige (Sweden) where we will sleep for the night, then will continue in the morning to Stockholm where we will catch our plane to Gdansk, Poland. Wish us luck!

It's Monday and all's well....

Monday has began, and we are soon starting work for the day. Another day of planning and scheduling the show. We are in the beginnings of getting a plan for the year, and trying to decide which countries to go to. Our first tour will be in October in Poland. We will be two weeks in Poland. The base will also be going to Poland this weekend for a few days of ministry and relaxation. We leave on Friday afternoon for Stockholm, and will fly from there to Gdansk, Poland on Saturday. I may have forgotten to mention this earlier... but yeah... I am going to Poland this weekend... haha... I will write more later today or tomorrow, but for now, I should get to work...

Day 1

It's official. Today at 12:30, we will begin whatever it is our first day back on the job entails. I am looking forward to see what it will be. This is a nice time of the year for the staff, because it is mainly just practical work around the base. After dinner, it is just time off to relax and hang out with each other. It is very nice to be able to just be the staff and relax with each other for a while before things really start getting busy. Now, most of the staff have arrived and are crammed into the base, and we will be getting underway in a matter of a couple hours. I'll let you know when I know what we are going to be doing. Until then!
-Jordan

The end

Full Support is now offically over, and I will be heading back to Skien tomorrow. It has been a great and informative seminar. I really feel that I have come away with a lot of useful knowledge. I am confident that this year will be more financially sound. Aside from that, I have been enjoying being with some firends. Now, I have just spent some hours at Andreas´ place eating Grandiosa, watching CSI, and playing x-box. It was lovely. He beat me pretty bad, but that´s ok... it just shows that I am not an x-box nerd like he is... haha... I am looking forward to getting back to Skien to see what is in store for us. The DTS this year looks to be rather huge... already we have 32 that have taken their place, and we are waiting on 4 more to accept their place... that is a sick record if we get all 36... unbelievable... a real blessing! We don´t know how to fit them all, but we will figure it out. Most all of the staff will have to move out to make room... that is just how it is... That can be a good thing.. I am hoping and praying that God provides a good solution for us.

Anyway, this could get too long if I continue bantering, so I won´t.. I will leave it as is. Until next time!
-Jordan

Full Support

Well, now the worker´s gathering is over, and we have begun a Full Support Seminar. Full Support is what YWAM Norway is now doing, where all staff in YWAM Norway must acheive a minimum monthly goal of about 4,000 Norwegian Crowns. That is approximately 700 US dollars. During this seminar, we are just learning support raising techniques and also learning how to understand our situation better. We are learning about which perspective we need to view our lives from. It is very inspiring and encouraging. I should get back to listening now because it is starting again.. so I will talk to you all later. Until then!
-Jordan

Worker's Gathering Summer 2006

I am now right in the middle of the YWAM Norway staff conference in Hamar; a place north of Oslo. It is over tomorrow, and after that I will continue to be here for financial support seminar. Hopefully I will learn something... I guess we will see. After all the stuff here is over I will be heading back to Skien to get started working on the base. We have a lot to get fixed up before the students start coming in. I am not going to be working with the students directly this year because I am on this traveling evangelism team, but the base still basucally functions around the DTS schedule... I am looking forward to it though. There will probably be a record amount of DTS students this year. It could be around 35. That would be a nice record. Anyway, I guess I will be on my way now.. Talk to y'all later.
-Jordan

The time has come...

Well, here we are. The first day of the Worker´s Gathering in Hamar... I am now getting ready to leave in about a half hour for Hamar. First, we are going to make a stop in Oslo for some hours, then we will be on to Hamar this afternoon. I am a bit tired right now, so I think I will be sleeping in the car.... =) The joys of not driving.... Anyway, that´s about how my day looks at this point. Until next time!
Cheerio!
-Jordan

Soon og skikkelig soon...

yes, soon shall we be on our way to another YWAM Norway Worker´s Gathering. I leave early Thursday morning, and I don´t believe I will be back in Skien until the 16th or 17th or something like that... The past days I have just been hanging out at the base.. relaxing in the sun... getting much needed sleep before work starts up again... hanging out with a few friends... really nice... oh, and I got a great new devotional in the mail today, My Utmost for His Highest. It is one of the most sold books second to the Bible. It is an awesome devotional. I am really looking forward to getting into it. Anyway, I best be going now.. I have to pick up a new staff from Germany at the bus station in a little over an hour. Be blessed everyone!
-Jordan

random thought for the day...

If it takes the light from the stars thousands of years to reach our sight, did Adam and Eve see stars? If the universe was made in six literal days, they wouldn't have seen them. If the universe was made in a figurative six days where a day is as a thousand years and a thousand years is as a day, then they may have. I guess we won't know until we go to Heaven. I thought that was an interesting thing to think about. What do you think? Any thoughts? These are the kinds of things I think about. Is it just me? Anyone else have similar thoughts? Let me know.
-Jordan K. Ernst

yes... well...

I have renewed my visa today... trying to figure out something else to do... sitting on my computer is one option... If I had money, i could go to Oslo or someplace.. but I don't... so that is scratched... If I had creativity, I could figure out something to do in Skien... but I don't.... The weather is not so nice... overcast... so, no sunbathing, or waterbathing for that matter... I could go help old ladies across the street... but they would most likely be more confused and annoyed than anything... my room isn't so dirty, so I don't need to clean it... I don't have enough laundry to do a load of laundry yet... Skien is basically a really boring place to be when there are no people around... hmm... what to do... I've got it.. I can go watch a movie downstairs... that should pass some time at least... Talk to you later!
-Jordan

Is it possible?!

I missed my plane this morning due to two alarms that were not able to wake up Hans and I....... Now, I have had to order a last minute ticket for tonight at ten o'clock which luckily only cost me 418kr/$67.. which was a blessing in the midst of an extremely annoying situation... Aside from all that, I am doing well today... a little bit tired due to lack of sleep... we were at the festival in Stavanger till almost 4 this morning.. very fun.... so yeah... Hans is at work trying to stay awake.. I am at Hans' place just cleaning up a bit... when he gets back we are hopefully going to get some pizza... we'll see... I am praying... =) But yeah... that is me for the time being... Hope you all are well! Me snakkast!
-Jordan

yes, well... sorry...

sorry, I haven't posted anything in a short while... I am in the Stavanger area at present... I have been here for about a week now.. visiting some friends... it has been really nice to be down here.. I like this part of Norway. I fly to Oslo on friday, and will be going from there to Frederikstad for a friend's wedding.. after that, I will either go back to Skien or to Hamar... we will see.. haven't decided.... maybe not Skien.... I dunno... not sure... I will let y'all know when I find out... Until then...
Jordan

Family camp in Hamar...

Yes, I made it to Hamar early Tuesday morning... didn't sleep much... Yesterday was the first day of the camp and it seemed to go rather well. I got to bed late, and now am just waiting for the morning gathering for the group leaders... jippi! haha... I think it should be a fun (tiring) week... i will keep you posted... Until then
Jordan

back in Skien

yes, that's right. I am back in Skien. This is my summer work week at the base, so I am in the office checking DTS Skien and DTS international e-mail, mailing mail that has to go out... listening to wonderful music... chatting with Birgitte while she is at work... it's ok.. not the worst thing I could be doing... The weather is nice.. Should be an ok week... Next week, I will be going some hours north to Hamar where I will be working at a family camp. I will be doing sound for some meetings and also leading a small group. That's basically it for me right now.. Hope you are all doing just super duper! Blessings!
-Jordan

In Tønsberg..

Well, for the next two weeks I will be house-sitting for a friend of mine in Tønsberg. The family is going to California to visit family. I have a house to myself for two weeks! =) Party! haha.. no.. I will be good... of course... it is me we are talking about after all... NO COMMENTS!! =) For those of you who may be wondering, I will be sending out a newsletter here in the near future.. I just have to finish writing it, and get them all sent... so, just keep tight, and hold in there. It is coming. Blessings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ! Love you guys!
-Jordan

Last day of work...

Well, today ended the last day of work for me here at the base until August.. Now, I have the summer to relax and do the things that need to be done in the summer. For those of you who maybe do not know, I am not going to the States for the summer. I will be residing in Norway straight through. I will spend my time raising support and just relaxing... It has been a busy and fruitful year, so now it is high time for a little break. I will have a work week here at the base the first week of July, but aside from that I will not be working again until August. very nice... So, I hope all is well with you... Have a great summer!!
In Christ, Jordan

ok... Done with REBOOT for a while...

Back from Denmark.... It was awesome. God is so good. This trip went really well. We saw people touched by God, and our team had a healthy time together for one last tour together. The DTS is finishing this week, and after that I will be on the base doing some practical clean up and some staff meetings and such. After all that is done, I will be off for the summer. I will be staying in Norway, as it is too expensive to fly back in the Summer, and will be spending time raising support and putting together a good support system for my ministry. I hope you all are doing well! Be blessed!
-Jordan

Denmark...

Well, I have arrived safe and sound back in Norway, but don't let that make you think I am done working and able to relax... =) I am now actually leaving for Denmark for one week. I will be doing REBOOT again. We are sending REBOOT to Denmark to see people saved! I will be doing sound, as usual. I am looking forward to what God will do down there. As may seem natural, I am rather tired physically from being on outreach in Thailand for two months, but I am going despit that. =) I will be there until Sunday and then will be back in Norway for the last days of this DTS. Your prayers and support are greatly desired. Thanks for all you have already done! Be blessed!
-Jordan Ernst

Koh Tao! Turtle Island!

Well, today we arrived on Koh Tao, which means Turtle Island. It is beautiful here, and I am definitely enjoying the sun. We will also be balancing debreifing and evaluation alongside our relaxing.We will be going back to Bangkok on the 19th and will sleep one night in YWAM Bangkok before we fly out on the 20th back to Norway. It will be lovely to arrive back home in Norway, but will be literally right off for Denmark the day after my return.... crazy... we will be going with Reboot to Denmark for a week.. Your prayers and support are greatly coveted! Thanks again! Be blessed!
-Jordan K. Ernst

Hello again from Pattaya!

I have now been here a little over two weeks. It has been really good, and we have seen many saved! We have had a bit of prison ministry, and practical work, and a lot of work with the prostitutes in this area. We have personally led several to Jesus, and just the other day one of the prostitutes gave her life to Christ in full surrender. Truly awesome! God is so good! Please continue to pray for us as we are finishing up this week, and then will be off to an island in the southern part of the Thailand gulf. After that, we will be off back to Norway. Thanks for all your prayers and support! Be blessed!

Also, if you feel like supporting ministry ministry financially, you can look to the right of this page and find contact information. Thanks! God bless!

Pattaya....

Well, we have now been in Pattaya for some days working with various things... The girls having been working a lot with the prostitutes and the guys have been working a lot with practical duties... i.e. painting the team houses exterior... really cool actually... some prison ministry where we hand out food and pray for the prisoners... prayer walks through the main part of the city... hanging out with youth in a local youth center focused on skaters.... going very well here... lots to do, and not a lot of time to cool down... it is so hot and humid here... my goodness... Sweat is involved with everything here.. even cooling down makes you sweat.... Pray for us!
-Jordan K. Ernst

ok, back from the jungle...

I have been translating everything into English on our outreach blog, so just go to the link above and you can read about how we ar doing. Personally, I am doing quite well. God is good, and I am enjoying myself. Please feel free to read the outreach page for more info. Be blessed!!
-Jordan

That Jordan is so hot right now... Jordan..

yeah, it is warm... I am always sweating... it is crazy, but I like it... These days in Mae Sot have been really nice and enjoyable. The food here is amazing! I love it! On Monday, we are off to the jungle for two straight weeks, so the living conditions will be quite primative.... we will be working with the Karen people right near the Burmese border. I am really looking forward to it. It should prove to be a little challenging though.... we will be living on their staple food.. rice.... I might lose some weight... but that is ok.. I just weighed in at 88.6 kg today!! I hope that scale was wrong.. I am not fat, but that is heavy! haha... but yeah, we have awesome ministry opportunities here in Thailand, and I am looking forward to each of them. They may prove to be new and chellenging experiences, but I am ready to go for it... plus, I am the leader, so I kind of have to... =) Be blessed everyone!
-Jordan

I arrived!

Well, we have now arrived in Mae Sot,Thailand! Finally! It is so cool to be here! It is a beautiful country, and it is warm as well... that is a good thing.. I just wanted to let you guys know that I arrived.. I will be off to the jungle for two weeks on Monday, so I will try to post again after that. Until then, keep us in your prayers!! We will be working with buddhists and such in the jungle villages. Burmese refugees... God bless!

hours.....

Well, i am off for Thailand in 7 hours from now... but now I must sleep a little..... Blessings upon you all!

Been a while....

Well, I have now for the past week or so been in Oregon enjoying family and friends. I have been very blessed and encouraged, and am now preparing frantically preparing for my two months in Thailand.. I leave on the 22nd of this month.. very soon... I know... I covet your prayers and support!!!!! Please, if you ever feel like you have a word for me or an encouragement or anything, please please please e-mail me!! jordan.ernst@gmail.com I will be going on a team week with my team this next Tuesday and then it is only one week to go when I get back... I have many things to do and lots of money to raise, so if you can help me by giving money and/or praying for me, that would be incredible! I need to raise about 3,000 dollars for this trip. Thank you all for caring! You have played a huge role in my ministry here. Blessings on you all! Until next time!
-Jordan

From Pennsylvania to North Carolina and soon back again...

Well, sorry that I haven't posted until now... been a bit crazy with all the traveling. So far, we have had 3 shows in Pennsylvania that were quite successful. Many youth responded to the gospel and were inspired. Now, we are in North Carolina where we have only seen the same awesome results. Not only have there been youth saved, but youth have been inspired in their Christian lives and also inspired to do something more with their lives. It is truly God working through us here. Tomorrow, we will be leaving back to Pennsylvania for the remainder of our trip. On the 27th of this month, I will be on a plane to Oregon for one week. I hope you all are doing well. No matter how crappy things seem, God is still there.. That is something that I am realizing in my life right now. When I get down and really bummed, I have to come back to the truth that God has not left me and He is still just as much there for me as when I was feeling good. Be blessed!
-Jordan

Lufthansa...

Well, at the very moment I am on my way to JFK. I am sitting in the butt of the plane, and surfing the internet on my laptop. Yes, that is right. I am on the plane. Lufthansa now has wireless. It has a base fee, but it isn't too bad... It is very nice being able to still be connected while mid-flight. It helps with the boredom... =) I am really looking forward to see what God is going to do these next 3 weeks on Tour in the States. I am also looking forward to the week following, where I will be stopping home for a week. That should be nice. I am really enjoying what I do, even though it can be extremely hard and chellenging sometimes, it is sooooo worth it. God is good, and it is so good to know that I am doing what he has asked me to do. That is the best feeling. Being in God's plan is absolutely incredible. Now the screen is telling me we are flying right over Cork, Ireland... and we are at 10,972 meters... that is basically telling me that we have quite a few hours to go.... boring.... I love flying, but I hate it at the same time... I get soooo bored... and I can't sleep on planes... I am fairly tall, so space is a bit of an issue... but for some reason, I continue to do it... =) The ironies in life.... =) Random thought... Has anyone else ever wondered why there are ash trays on planes when smoking is always prohibited?? I mean, even on the new planes... they still put in ash trays, but they don't allow smoking... is there such thing as smoking flights? if there are, i have never heard of them... ok, I need to make one small correction... i discovered just now that there isn't actually an ash tray on this sit I am in... but there was on the last one I was on from Oslo to Frankfurt! Seems like a waste of material and logic to me... oh well... not my problem... just one of those things I guess... it will be so nice to be in the States for a short while because it is sooooooooooo much cheaper than Norway... I can't get over how expensive things are in Norway.... I lived there for a few years now, and still it amazes me... I mean, I just bought a bottle of water and a time magazine and calculated out that it was almost 10 US dollars!! That is insane! Oi..... I don't know how much a time magazine is in the States, but i am sure it is nothing like that... Well... the food is coming down the aisle now, so I am going to finish this up.. I am quite hungry. God Bless!
-Jordan (airborne)

Back from Estonia and Sweden! And still alive!

Well, I arrived back home this morning at 3.... That was a long two weeks of traveling and doing the show... But well worth it. Not only did we see people saved and take steps they have never done before, I also had huge breakthrougs! I feel like a new person! It is soooo cool how god works, and at the most opportune times! He is so good. I am still in a process, but it is going to prove to be the best. I am now getting all my things together to leave for the States in two days. I leave from here on Tuesday afternoon and fly out at 6:40 Wednesday morning. I will be in the Eastern United States for 3 weeks doing the same show I have been working on for the past wo weeks, then I will be off to Oregon for a friend's wedding. I will be in Oregon for only a week and then fly back to Norway only two weeks before I go to Thailand for two months... wow... I have exactly no time of recovering from any of these trips... haha... God is my strength... So yes, that is me for now.. I will write more later. Take care!
-Jordan

snow, snow, and more snow...

Well, as of right now, there is probably over half a meter of snow outside.... it has been snowing constantly for the past couple days.... I love it when it snows like this... I have had to do a lot of snow shoveling though...Anyway, just thought I would let you know.... oh, and when I go to Estonia it will be around -2 farenheit... crazy cold.....

Woot Woot!

Well, we are in the middle of a week of teaching on Spiritual Warefare with Wilkin Van De Kamp from the Netherlands. We always tend to notice a lot of spiritual attacks during these weeks on DTS... It is a subject that Satan reallllllllly does not want us to understand and work on. He starts wetting his pants whenever Christians start working in Spiritual Warefare. So of course he will do whatever he can to confuse us and make us distracted.... but he is a loser, and losers lose... as long as we are aware of him, and ask God for protection and keep our focus on Him, we will be fine! Amen! =)

On another note, Monday I will be heading to Sweden and Estonia for an evangelistic dance, singing, and preaching tour. I am the head sound technician for this little tour... It is a very outgoing evangelistic tool. We have already see hundreds saved in the last year and a half, and we are looking forward to even more in the future. It will be going full time next year, so that should be awesome.

So, that is me at the moment... Hope all is well with y'all!

Jostein and I in the TV Norge studio

It was really cool to be in the studio and then watch tv later and see that I had been standing right there! haha

In the elevator on the Radisson Hotel in Oslo

Jostein and I enjoying one of the tallest buildings in Oslo... Jostein is a friend of Ingvar's, and also a journalist with TV Norge (TV Norway).

Me and Ingvar at the Christmas service in his church

Christmas break in Østfold

Well, I am now in the middle of enjoying the relaxing christmas break. I eat incredibally good food, and don't have to do anything. Just relax. It is a blessing from God I tell you. I was in Oslo last night with some friends of my friend and that was quite nice as well. The friend is a journalist for TV Norge (TV Norway). On Thursday he arrived back from doing a story in Malawi. He is a Christian who wants to help give more accurate news. Norway is famous for having extremely bias and self-centered news. It is good to know Christians who are trying to make a difference. We need to be thinking in that way and not just sitting and pointing fingers. We need to do something.

On a more personal note, I am doing well and will be soon on my way to the States for three weeks. Two of which will be work, and the last one week for Travis' wedding!! Travis Cibolski is a friend of mine for those of you who don't know him... That will be a very nice time. Anyway, I am going to get back to relaxing here. Hope you are all doing the same! Merry Christmas!!
-Jordan

Christmas time again!!

That's correct! It's Christmas time again!! I love this time of year! Especially in Norway, because it is often white. But anyway, last night the base had a Christmas party that went quite well, and was a good time for people to fellowship with each other in a more relaxed setting. Plus great food! =) Aside from that, I will be starting my Christmas break here on Sunday and will be with a friend of mine for the holi-days. He was a staff on my DTS, but is now a missionary in Ethiopia. He is doing an incredible job with a certain people group down there, and on top of that he is alone! He had a team of 5 with him last year, but not he is the only one... a real man of God. I am really looking forward to relaxing with him, and spending time away from the base for a while.. you just have to get away every now and then.... So yeah, you can keep me in your prayers and be blessed! merry Christmas!
-Jordan

The Tour!

Well, early tomorrow morning I will be heading to Bergen on the west coast. There we will perform a few different shows that have an evangelistic approach. We have dances and special songs and preaching. Our goal is to present the gospel in a way that is received by the youth of today. I am in charge of the sound and I very likely will also perform the song, Salvation is Here by Hillsong United... That will be a bit of a stretch for me... Please pray for me to be able to relax and do it for God. I want to have the right focus while I am singing and mixing. This tour is to reach lost souls, and I want to remember that constantly. God is the focus. Please also pray that it is successful. Pray that we reach people. Last year it was really successful, and we hope for it to be even better this year. We will be in the Bergen area for one week performing at various locations. This is only one of six weeks that we will be sending this tour around northern Europe. We will also be in Finland and Sweden on top of all our performances in Norway. Lots of opportunities to preach the gospel. Please be a part in whatever way you can, whether it be in prayer or finances. I will appreciate it and so will the rest of the team. Join me in my ministry here in Norway!

Fall Break!

We are now finishing out or last days of our fall break. I have been staying with my student, Eirik, for the weekend with his family. It has been an incredibally nice time. They have been very welcoming and relaxing to be around. Eirik and I will head back to Skien tomorrow afternoon so we can get ready for the team week that we have this week. I will be staying in Skien with the team there. Right now, at this very moment, I am sitting upstairs on the couch with my laptop and just existing... it is nice.. if I were at the base now, i would not be relaxing... It is a blessing to be able to go to people's homes and to just get away. I think I should take advantage of it more often. I really don't get away enough, and I really should. It is amazing just how much more relaxing it is to be in an actual home. Anyway, I am doing quite well. I am loving life, and God is faithful... Even if I tend to forget that sometimes... Until next time!
-Jordan K. Ernst

First snow of winter!

yes, it is snowing today... I have a feeling it will be a cold winter....

The first team week!!

Well, the teams are made and the destinations are set. There will be one team going to a place called Nærbø in the west of Norway, and another team that will be going only an hour away to a place called Bø. And then, of course, the team that stays here in Skien. I, however, will not be joining the DTS this week. I am just working with my other duty of being handyman for the entire week. It is a good thing, because I have so many things to do, and such little time to do it in otherwise. This is a good opportunity to catch up a bit. I have already had a successful first day of putting up nice and new shelving in the walk-in cooler. A day well spent is a day to be proud of. It is also nice because I don't have to wake up quite so early.... =)

Aside from that, I am doing much better. God has blessed quite a bit over these last days. He truly has not forgotten me here in Norway... =) Until next time, be blessed!
-Jordan

Another week already!

This previous week's teaching was on creative ministry. During this week, the students learned ways of doing dramas and dances and other techniques that they can use. It went surprisingly well. I didn't expect the students to like it as much as they did, but they seemed to get into it. That was cool. Now, the present teaching is on Team life and also Relationships. The first three days are on Team Life and the last two are on Relationships. Both are very interesting topics. It should prove to be a good week for everyone I think.

As far as I am personally, I am doing.... I have had some stressful days this week, and that makes things hard. I have also had some internal things that have been occupying my time that aren't so fun. I know God is good, and I know He is in control, but sometimes things just seem to be so down.... Next week is the first team week where the students split up into 3 teams, two of them being out for a week, and the other being in Skien. They will work with schools and churches and other various things for one week in a hands on setting. The team weeks are awesome. They add so much to a DTS. They really do. I will not be joining this week, however, because we have more than enough staff for that, so I will be focusing on my other duties. I am the handyman here on the base, and I have plenty of things to work on...

Anyway, I hope all is going well with you guys! Until next time!
-Jordan K. Ernst

Two weeks down; 34 to go... =)

Well, we have now finished the first two weeks of DTS! Without disappointment, everyone has gotten through the beginning and are ready to tackle the next step. This week in front of us is a week of creative teaching. Creative teaching isn't just drama and dance and things like that, but it is actually just more ways of presenting the gospel. It is just a way of making you think outside the box. How can I communicate what I want to say in a better way? That is basically what it is. This week tends not to be the favortie among most, but it is a good week just the same.

On a more personal note, I am doing well. I have my up and down moments, but I guess they come with the territory. On days that I am really down I tend to feel that it is more of an attack of the enemy, rather then just being down for no apparent reason. I have to remind myself that Satan doesn't like what I do here, so it is in fact a good sign when I am under attack! =) So yeah, please keep praying for me, and I will keep you updated as best I can! Until next time!
-Jordan K. Ernst

The DTS is now officially started!

The students have come. We have welcomed them in to the base. We leave in the morning for an overnight cabin trip. We get to know each other a bit better. DTS life is good. I am really really excited about these guys. They really seem awesome. I really mean it. They are all cool people. Really onfire group. Anyway, just wanted to let you know that it is official now. Talk to you later!
-Ernst, Jordan Kenneth

Søndag-Sunday

It is Sunday afternoon, and I haven´t really done anything all day.... I am going to church in an hour.... That will be the most excitement I will probably have all day.. We have a student coming today, so that will be cool..... sorry, I am trying to think of things that I can talk about that are interesting to write about often, but I seem to be a very boring person... or I just suck at remembering the things that are interesting to you guys reading this... I am going to be mentoring 3 guys this year, so tomorrow I need to turn in my choices for the guys I want. I am praying that God gives me some guys that I can really work with. I think I know who I want, but I will have to wait and see who I get... I trust that God will give me the guys he wants me to have.... =) Always fun with new challenges! =/ =) So, anyway.... I will get the pictures updated as soon as I finish making the student welcome folder and when I have some time this week... I know I keep promising them, but I will get them up very soon! Thanks for holding in there! Until then! Peace out!
-Ernst, Jordan Kenneth

Lørdag-Saturday

Well, it is another Saturday afternoon, and I am just relaxing a bit to gain some more energy for the coming week. The students are now starting to trickle in one by one... so far it is only one, but there is another one coming tomorrow. By Thursday they will all be here. We are still waiting on the student from India... we don´t know if he even has a plane ticket yet, but we will see I guess... With him it will be 27 students.. if he doesn´t show up, then it is obviously 26... =) still a good number! We are practically ready for the arrival of this DTS. Things are coming together very well practically, and the staff are doing very well emotionally and mentally. I am also very ready for this DTS. It'll be a good one.

It is nice to hear from you all every now and then! Please feel free to e-mail me! jordan.ernst@gmail.com

If you write me, I will write you back... As soon as I can.... I am usually really good at e-mailing...

Also, keep checking the other places on this blog. The pictures, I'm sorry, will be up soon... I haven't had too much time to do that yet... Also, the Prayer Request page is also updated every now and again... I will really try to use it more this year, so please check that one as well. That is a very important part of this page. thanks for reading! Talk to you later!
-Ernst, Jordan Kenneth

Well, I am back from Italia!!

Italy was very very cool. Such an awesome country! I got to see Bergamo and Milano while I was there. I lived in Bergamo, but I took a day trip to Milano, which was very worth it. Milano is an incredible city. I only got to see ONE city block! It was amazing... so much to see, and only one day to see it... At any rate, it was worth it.

Now that I am back in Skien, I will be starting on preparing for the students to come in just over a week.... The school will start on the 21st of this month, so the students should start coming just some days prior to that date. I have received my two positions aside from being DTS staff now. I will continue to be the base handyman and will also now be the guy in charge of worship here on the base. I will pick out the worship teams and make sure all the songs are in a good system and so on.... I´m the boss... =) kind of... It could be a bit of work at first, but I will hopefully make a good system that will work for itself after some time... it should be a good job. I am thankful for it. Oh, and by the way, we now have 27 students coming! That ties the record for YWAM Skien! That is a good number. I am really glad we have so many. They all have really positive applications and I am looking forward to working with them.

Soon I will have new pictures up from Italy and from around the base here, but until then keep checking back and God bless!
-Jordan Ernst

Days of preparation

Well, these past several days have been spent fixing up the base. We have done sooo much now already! It is incredible! I can´t even write down everything we have fixed because it is so much... I now have my own room! Instead of moving out into an apt., I have transformed the old kitchen in to a bedroom! It is awesome! I will try to get a picture up here soon so you can see it. It is a blessing.

I will soon be taking off for Italy! I leave on the 5th and come back on the 8th. I am really looking forward to spending so quality time with my fellow staff. They are a great bunch of people that I am blessed to be working and living with.

As far as I am doing personally, I am in high spirits these days. I am really anticipating this DTS (Discipleship Training School). I know God will do great things. I feel so much more prepared this time. I have learned so much over the past year here, and I know it will pay off. I´ll write again soon when something interesting happens! =)
-Jordan

YWAM Norway Worker's Gathering

Now, for the past days, I have been at a YWAM Norway staff conference at the main base north of Oslo. I will be here until Tuesday and then head back to Skien to begin preparing for the upcoming school. The nice thing about these staff conferences is I get to see friends from all around YWAM Norway... other than that the meetings get kind of boring... =) I was just not built or designed for long meetings... I get too restless. =)

The first days that I have spent in Norway were filled with work on the base cars and getting my visa renewed and so on... The not so fun thing about arriving back to Norway like this is all the things I have to pay for right off the bat... I feel like a bank... Other than all that, I have been greeting people as they arrive back to the base, and reaquainting myself with them. We are all looking forward to the coming year. We have at least 25 students coming, and they look like they will be a great group of people.

The meeting we had last night was powerful. Our speaker, Leif Braathen, had a really good message, and afterwards he had an altercall for those who were feeling like their fire was dwindling. I was one of many that went up, and I had an awesome time with God... I feel I have a renewed flame in my heart now, and I was also convincted of many things that I was able to straighten out. But anyway, I should get going now... I have kitchen duty soon.... =(... not so fun... haha... ok... talk to you all later!

Arrived safe and sound...

Well, after a long time on a plane, I have arrived. I am here, and it feels good. I just found out when i got here, that all the staff here are going to be going on a little staff trip to a vacation-like spot in Europe on the 6th of September... It will cost around $100 pr. person, but I think it is going to be worth it for all the staff. We will only be gone for a couple days, but I think they will be fruitful. I will write more later when I know more of what is going on... Love you all!
-Jordan K. Ernst

Sorry, it's been a little while for these...

Well, I am still alive and well... I am in my last week of my time here in the States. It has been good and replenishing for me. I am really ready and looking forward to getting back to Skien, Norway. It is going to be an awesome year!

Also, go check out my vacation pics! They are from my week on a house boat in Lake Shasta, California with my family and three other families. It is always an awesome time!

Talk to you all again really soon!
-Jordan

Time is really passing....

It still doesn't feel like a month since I have been in the United States of America, but it has been none the less. It hasn't been the most successful as far as making money is concerned, but I have made a little and it has been nice to be with people here. I am hoping to get some sort of work this week, but I am going to have to trust that God will help me find one... I have been trying with no luck... I think should have at least enough money to buy a plane ticket really soon, but I still have to talk to the travel agent... I think I will get that all covered this week. I'm praying I get it all taken care of soon. So yeah, that is a quick update about me... not really a whole lot new here... I will write more when there is something to tell... Until then!
-Jordan

Recent happenings...

well, lately I have been with my family, but have also been able to do a little work with a friend of mine. Today, I have been working with that friend loading up some gear for a festival this weekend. I will be helping him do sound for a festival in Salem this weekend called The World Beat Festival. We are bringing a big setup for the weekend. It isn't necessary to bring as much as we are, but it is more fun with a nice setup... haha... I will be able to make a few bucks this weekend, which will hopefully get me up to enough money to buy a plane ticket back to Norway.. I need to buy that as soon as possible. I am also waiting to hear on a possible job with a concrete company... if I were to get that job, i would be set. But it all depends on whether or not I get it. If I don't get that one, then I might work at Fred Meyer Jewelers again. I would rather work at the concrete place, but I would be thankful for the jewelry job. your prayers for the job that God wants me to have would be much appreciated. Thanks again for all your prayer and support.
-Jordan

Back in Salem

I cannot possibly describe to you how incredible it was to drive home yesterday. Literally on the border of Oregon and Washington there was also the border of an incredible storm in Oregon. It was seriously a line drawn from nice beautiful weather to absolutely not nice weather. It was almost like a storm you get in the mid-west... brown cloud-covered sky with rain lightning and two really cool rainbows... on top of all that we also had driven by Mt. St. Helens which was definitely showing that it was still active. There was a huge cloud of steam and smoke coming out of it. I mean huge. Yeah, it was a fun trip home. Now, it is a beautiful day with sun and warmth... Thank God for that.

I'm in Canada....

Well, I am now on a short trip with my family in Victoria, BC, Canada. Victoria is a really cool city. It is very European in many ways. That is one reason I like it... We are staying the Hotel Grand Pacific. It is a really nice hotel, but everything costs money... Which doesn't make so much sense... You pay more for the room in a nice hotel, but for what? So you can pay even more for everything you do there? I don't understand it, but I guess I just have to accept that they just want to make money in whatever way possible.... Oh well, it is still nice to be here. We go back to Salem, Oregon on Sunday.. tomorrow...

I am hoping to find a job as soon as I get home.... I have some possibilities, but I am hoping for the best one. That can be prayed for if you wouldn't mind.... Well, anyway, I am going to get going now.
-Jordan K. Ernst

Well, I have been able to secure at least a couple money making opportunities...

Early tomorrow morning, I will be working with a guy I know setting up a sound system for a local highschool graduation. Should be fun. It will be a good size system, as there will be probably a few thousand people.... In the evening we will tear the system down again.... Not a ton of money made, but it is something. The day after, I will be helping another guy I know rip out some carpet from a house. that should be a little more money.... not much more, but something. At this point, I am taking almost everything I can get. I really need help with my finances. I have to make enough to buy a plane ticket back to Norway, and hopefully a bit to help me through this next year. If I am going to be making my roots a little bit deeper in Norway, I am going to need to figure out a more consistent support method. I have strongly considered getting a part time job, but it would not be very east when I am almost always busy with other responsibilities. If you don't mind praying for possible opportunities, that would be very welcome. Well, I am getting tired and hungry, so I am going to go now... Take care! Hademmmm....
-Jordan K. Ernst

Alright!!!!!

I just had the coolest prayer answer from God! Last week I prayed, "God, could you give me an Apple G4 Laptop this summer?", and not actually having so much faith that I would.... The night I arrived back to the States(last night), my mom tells me that someone is giving me a new Apple G4 laptop! That is crazy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! No way!!!!! Is it possible?!?!?! I couldn't believe it at first! God is so freaking amazing!

So anyway, yeah, that is cool....

I arrived safe and sound back here in the States.... now, I will be working on relaxing a bit, and trying to find some work.... I really need to earn some money this summer, as I am returning to Norway in August to start on the next Discipleship Training school. I am really looking forward to what God is going to do this year. He is already bringing students... we are near 30 now! That is awesome! God is teaching me and using me so much in Norway, and that is so cool. It is so awesome to know that you are in the right place. I can't tell you how good it is. I just have this piece that I am where God wants me and He is using me to expand His Kingdom. Well, I am at Starbucks now and am going to go visit a friend of mine, so I will write more later to ya'll. Take care! Gud velsigne dere!! Hademmmmm
-Jordan K. Ernst

On my way...

Well, I am now in Gardermoen Lufthavn in Oslo,Norway... I fly out in just some hours, and will be making my way to the States. I don`t look forward to the flights, as I am a bit tired of flying around this globe, but it should go fairly quick.... I just need to endure a little longer.... pray for me that it goes quick and that I don`t get too bored.... =) Be blessed everyone!
-Jordan K. Ernst

Today is DTS graduation!

Well, the day has finally arrived. This DTS is over. Tonight is their graduation ceremony, and for most of them, their last night living together. I pray that God will keep His hands around them as they go their separate ways, and also that they would be able to keep walking in His ways.

On Thursday night, I will be off to the airport and I will spend the night there and fly out early the next morning. I will arrive @ PDX around 9:45 pm... Many of you will be able to see me at church on Sunday, and if not then, some other time... Uncle Frank and Auntie Lauren, I will see you on Saturday night! Mom, Kenneth, David, Daniel, Micah, Sarah, and whoever else comes, I will see at the airport! It will be good to see all of you! Until then, be blessed!
-Jordan K. Ernst

Monday the 30th!

What is special about today? I don't know.... maybe it's MY BIRTHDAY!!!!!???? Woohooo!!! I am 21 years old now!

So yeah, the DTS is very soon finished now. Wednesday is graduation. I leave late thursday night to stay in the airport because my flight to the States is early on Friday morning. It will be nice to see people again, but I am really not looking forward to the traveling... I am a bit sick of traveling to say it like that.... oh well... it will be over before I know it... hopefully...

Also, if any of you know of any good opportunities for me to make some money this summer, please let me know. I have tried to contact my old work, but have had no responses... I don't know if God is trying to do something else, but I still think I should make the attempt to find a job... I just have to trust that He is in control. He knows I need money for next year... and I know He will provide.

Also, I have good news about next year! We have almost 10 more students coming that we had this year! That is great, but we want more! Pray for that. Which reminds me, I know I haven't been very good at updating my prayer request page, but I am going to update it now, so check it out. And please feel free to keep checking it out regularly.

Be blessed everyone!
-Jordan K. Ernst

Go Check out the pictures!

Just click on the link on the right side....

Back in Norway!!!!!!!

It is soooo good to be back in Norway!!! I had such a good time in Ecuador, but it is also sooo good to be back home again..... Thank God that I am back safe and sound. This last week and a half that I am here, the students will be going on one final trip around Norway to tell about outreach and then they graduate. I will be quite busy probably.... It has been a blessed year for DTS. It had plenty of hard times, but God really used it for good in the end. Thank you, Jesus.

As most of you know, I have financial needs. As a missionary with YWAM, I am 100 percent responsible for raising my own support, and I truly feel that God has called me to Norway for a time. Being in Norway is not cheap. That is the easiest way to put it. Hopefully I will be able to get enough work this summer to make some money for next year, but I only have a month of summer to work before I am back here to Norway. I want to ask that you pray and ask God if you are to support me either regularly or with a one time gift. Either way, it is a blessing to me and those I work with. So far, I am only one of three guy DTS staff for next year, and there will be at least 10 more students than there were this year... That means there aren't so many guy staff.... My point is, I am one more guy.... That is a large percentage.... Anyway, please just ask God and be obedient. I am blessed by you all. Be blessed back!
-Jordan K. Ernst

Back from the beach...

It was a very nice time at the coast here in Ecuador! Very relaxing! I really needed it.... Today, it is Saturday, and early tomorrow morning I fly back to Norway!! I am very ready to get back.... It has been a great time here, but it is very good that it is over... I am literally exhausted.... God has used me and the team so much here, and He has taught us all very much. I thank God for this outreach. It was a success.

On a not so happy note, I have some really disappointing news.... On my way to the coast both of my cameras were stolen... yeah... it really sucks... I was so disappointed and frustrated... but I have given it to God... He will provide... Hopefully it can be covered by my travel insurance.... Pray that it does!

See you all soon! Please don´t forget to keep me in your prayers! Financially, I am still needing... Be blessed!
-Jordan K. Ernst

The last week....

Today is the start of our last real week of outreach! The team will be working some more with kids, and I believe it will be in a similar focus and age group. I won´t be able to join today as I didn´t sleep almost at all last night due to an annoying and painful cough that kept me awake. I am sick and tired of being sick and tired..... Tomorrow, I really want to try to join.. Please pray with me that I can.

Another thing that I ask you to be in prayer about is my finances. I still owe money for my outreach, and I will need to pay it as soon as I get back to Norway. Including my rent and the remainder of the outreach fee, it will be right around 750 USD. I only ask that you ask God if you have a part in this. Thank you so much for all your previous support! May God bless you! I will also be continuing to raise support through the summer for next year as well. Thanks to everyone who has been a support to me both financially and in their prayers. Both are equally important and appreciated. Until next time!
-Jordan K. Ernst

Sunday....

The team has today off. The last few days they have been working a lot with kids. I believe they have worked with over 500 kids now in the last 3 days.... I am very proud of the team. They are doing very well, and are also in very good spirits considering 2 of their leaders are sick and out of ministry and one of the students is sick... God is using this team and it is awesome. The team is going to go out for dinner tonight, so that will be good for everyone. I have now taken some aspirin so I am feeling a little better. I am not getting as light headed and dizzy as earlier... I still have a bad cough and sore throat, but I think I will be better soon. There are 3 more days of ministry this week, so please pray that the team is healthy and that it all goes well. God bless you all!
-Jordan

En solskinnsdag......liksom

Javel.... idag er det en solskinnsdag......igjen.... og jeg har ingenting aa gjoere...igjen... jeg hater aa vaere syk og svak.... kjedelig... jeg tror at jeg gjerne vil ha mye tid med Gud... har du noen tanker? Karin? Hvorfor er det saa inni haeljeroa kjedelig aa vaere syk?! Jeg vet at du vet... javel, jeg maa gaa naa.... snakkes!

Well, wasn´t expecting this...

I have some not so fun news. Since I have been back from the jungle, I have not been feeling so super. Our contact person had her doctor come do a house visit to check me and the two other leaders out. As it turns out, he said my bloodpressure is higher than it should be and the symptoms I told him about tell him that my body is just totally worn out. He said it appears as if I am rather stressed out, so he told me that I can´t do any work for some days until I get a little better. On top of that, my left eye has started to swell a little bit shut for some reason. I am not having so much fun... I covet your prayers, and I hope all is going well with you. Over these last weeks, I have had a ton of things going through my mind, and it all came crashing down on me yesterday. I had a bit of a breakdown last night. I am grateful for my fellow leaders, because they were there for me. They really helped me last night. They are a blessing.
Since I have not been able to join the ministry since we have been back here, and I won´t be able to for some days, it might be a lack of detailed information on what God is doing through our team. I will do my best to keep you updated. I can really see God working with our team, and it is awesome. He is really working with me too. He is so good. Well, this could go on and on, but it would get too long to read then. Be blessed!
-Jordan K. Ernst

Sunday

Well, today is off. It is good to relax. I really need it as I am not feeling so good. I have a headache and my stomach hurts. I think I will pull through alright. I just hope it is soon. Now, I am going to go lay on the roof in the sun with two of the team. I need to just relax, so I am going to do just that. Also, I have a small prayer request. For some reason unkown to me, there has been some magazine that I haven´t signed up for taking money out of my account in the amount of about 100 dollars now. I have talked with my bank and they are working on it, but it is a little frustrating as I am not at all made of money. They said it can take some weeks to a couple months, but she seemed to think it would just take calling the magazine company. Pray that I am able to get my money back. Thank you so much!!
-Jordan K. Ernst

Back from the Jungle!!!!!

We are back safe and sound! It was an awesome 10 days! There were 21 saved!!! 3 Healed!! and 6 baptized!!!! Praise God!!! I was also able to aid in the saving of a little baby! I was able to buy some things it needed to survive. The father was soo thankful that he made me a necklace and two other decorative things. I was very touched... We were working with the Shuar indians. two tribes over from where Jim Elliot was killed. We worked with the same flying mission as was started by those missionaries. I saw Jim and Elizabeth´s old house and everything. It was soo cool to be able to be there. I would like to hear from you all! Until next time!
-Jordan K. Ernst

Back from Puerto Quito!

We got back yesterday from Puerto Quito! It was an awesome time! We really helped the DTS (discipleship training school) get on it's feet. It just started the day we got there, so we were able to help the students adjust a little bit. We also helped the base with lots of practical ministry. We worked on the appearance of the base, and set up a better rain water collection system, and I also had some of the teaching for the DTS!! Jordan, that DTS teacher!! =) haha... On Tuesady morning at 1 o'clock, we leave for the Amazon jungle for 10 days! We will be working with the same people group as Jim and Elizabeth Elliot worked with!!! I don't think it is the same village, but it is at least the same people group... I will let you all know more about the details when I find them out... Please keep us in your prayers! We have to take a bus for 5 hours towards the jungle, then take some small prop planes over the mountains to the small landing strip near the village... It should be really exciting, but also a bit challenging... I feel ready for it! It sounds like really good ministry opportunities in the jungle... I feel so blessed... Thank you, Jesus!

-Jordan K. Ernst

This will most likely be the last one for two weeks...

I leave for Puerto Quito tomorrow. Today, I am just packing my stuff, and also have been in a team gathering to work on our various ministry tools... I am looking forward to the challenges that I will face these next weeks. I appreciate challenges, because through them we grow. I haven´t always looked at them like that, but I am learning to.

This outreach, I feel, will fly by. It is separated into three parts, so I think that will help it to feel much quicker. I am anxious to see how God will use us here in Ecuador. It will be very interesting... =) I have been encouraged a lot by the team as a leader, so that is really cool. It is good to hear when you are respected and looked up to as a leader. My co-leader´s are also incredible. They compliment me very well. As a leader team of 3, I think we work well together. It isn´t always easy having that many leaders of one team, but we have decided to make it work. I don´t know if I have said it before, but I was originally supposed to be leading the team to India with one other leader, but they felt for some reason that God wanted me here. That is cool to see that God wanted me somewhere. I think I know why He wanted me here now, and I am thankful that I was put here. It is also cool, because God actually told me to go here anyway. God is cool how he works... It´s not always how you think. It is always better. =) I think that I will very likely go to Asia next year, and that will be an awesome opportunity. After that, I will only need to go to Oceania, then I will have made it to all the continents. That´s cool for a guy only 21! =) Ok, I will let you all go now... This is getting long... Talk to you later!
-Jordan K. Ernst

First sunburn....

Well, I got a little pink on the face and neck today during our team gathering on the roof.... I wasn´t thinking we would be out so long.... stupid me.... It´s not that bad though... It will tan over... We will be going to church in the morning and then will have the remainder of the day off. Today, we have just been working on team things like dramas and dances and such. We are trying to prepare for our time in Puerto Quito. I am looking forward to it. It looks like very promising program.

I will be out of reach of computer for about two weeks when in Puerto Quito, but I will write on Monday, and more when I get back. Miss you guys!

Also, finances are better but still not all worked out... Thanks to all of you for your support!
-Jordan K. Ernst

Now in Quito, Ecuador!

Well, I have to be quick, but I wanted to let you all know that I have arrived safe and sound in Ecuador! It is really cool here, and we are soon heading out to a place called Puerto Quito for our first weeks of ministry! It will be so cool! Please keep the team in your prayers. Be blessed everyone! Write more later!
-Jordan K. Ernst

Praise be to God!

Guess what! Today we had the team sending out, and right before we took up an offering for those who didn't have all the money they needed to go. Now, I only need about 700 USD more! That is pretty cool I think. I am thankful at least...

It is extremely close now. I leave on Monday morning at 6 am from Skien now. We have to be a little earlier than previously planned. That is so soon. I am still not completely realizing that it is so close. I can't wait though. It will be soo good.

Today we had a team day where we took our team out on a bit of a hike. It was such a gorgeous day. Not a cloud in the sky, and it as so good to breathe fresh air. There was a layer of snow on the ground still, and the lake we hiked to was frozen over. We walked across it until we found a place on the shore that looked nice to make a fire. We found an unbeatable spot. It was such a good time of fellowship and fun. The weather was absolutely perfect for such a trip. Thank You, Jesus! Well, I should start finishing my last few tasks before I leave on outreach, so I will leave you with this. Be blessed beyond imagination!
-Jordan K. Ernst

Clock keeps ticking...

It is Tuesday. Tomorrow is our last day of actual teaching, and after that the students have off for the weekend..... My team leaves on Monday at noon from the base, and flies out at 7:30 in the evening. Please keep us in your prayers this week. Also, my financial situation is still the same, and I need about 1,500 USD. Be blessed!

Still hasn't hit me....

It is now Monday. We have begun our last week before we leave for our separate countries, and I still haven't really come to realize what is happening... =) In exactly one week, I will be on my way to Ecuador. First, I have a 25 hour layover in New York, where I will be staying with my cousin for one night, then we are off to Quito, Ecuador. I guess I won't really realize what is happening until I get there... I can't believe it is here already... I almost feel as if I just got to Norway. I know it probably feels like longer for you, since you have missed me so much =), but it doesn't feel like so long since I left the States... And now I will fly through the States and see my cousin! I'm sorry, but that is the last thing I expected to be doing in a week... I am really looking forward to this next week and the next, but I am still a little anxious... I am still needing to figure out the financial side of this trip, so that plays a role, but I am still doing rather well considering. God is good, and I am not worrying.

I have just come back from an encouraging week with my team and I feel ready to leave for outreach with them. I think it is a really good team that is able to work well together. There is the chance of a few spats every now and then, but I am prepared to handle it. It is mostly with one person, but I am not worrying. I will be strict. But pray for me none the less.

I guess I will be able to update this while I am down there as well, but it is possible that it won't be as often. There will be one period of about two weeks where I am in the jungle, so I probably won't have access to a computer there... =) I will do the best I can! god bless!

Ja, HALLO!!! Hva for NÅ?!

So far, it has been a really good team week. We have been at two meetings with very very positive responses. We were in a youth club last night at a local Prayerhouse church, and today in a Christian gathering in a highschool. Both went really really well. Today, I spoke about the different masks people wear, and how Christians often where the most. We often have a different mask for every person we are around. It had such a good response from the students. I think we may have gained at least one student for next year's DTS. But that isn't for sure.... just hopeful... =) God is really helping me with my motivation and joy about the coming outreach to Ecuador. I am really looking forward to it, and not worrying at all. That is such a blessing. God is so good!

Man oh man....so soon....

I am now in Randaberg! It is a small place north of Stavanger on the west coast. It was a bit of a long day on the road again. I drove straight the whole time in a Mercedes mini-bus. The trip was about 7 hours long. I'm glad to be at our destination now..... This is our last team week in Norway! After this week, we just have one more week in Skien and then we are off to Ecuador! I am really looking forward to it! God is going to do awesome things! I can't believe that outreach is here already. In one way, it feels like I just got here. It is psycho crazy weird.... It's been good though. I have learned a lot. I have really seen growth in my own life....That is so cool. It is so cool when you can see it in yourself. Sometimes it is so hard to see change in your own life. I have seen that I have grown in many different areas. Including the practical sides of things as well. i.e. driving in snow, working on cars, getting out of crisis' when you are the leader in another country....and so on.... =) God is good all the time! That is so true. My spirits are high. Praise God for that!
-Jordan K. Ernst

What to say....

Well, I am still in the progress of fixing the rest of outreach. I am waiting for a response from Ecuador on the budget. There was a big problem with the budget that I am now having to fix, so that is a bit time consuming. I need to call Ecuador as soon as they e-mail me now. Waiting is the worst when you need to get things done.... Other than that, I am doing well in my heart. Feeling healthy and ready for outreach! I hope I can get everything in order before I leave! Pray for that!

Is it possible?

Well, as you know, I am soon and very soon leaving for the country of Ecuador. I will be there for two months, and working a bit with children, a little construction, and a lot of evangelizing. I will be leading a team of seven people including myself, and can't wait to get there. I really am praying that it is a successful time for my team and I. I want to grow with God more, and I also want to be able to start a process in some people there. I want to plant the seed. I don't have to see it grow in front of my own eyes, but I do want to know that I planted it in good soil. That is my goal; to plant the seed in good soil. You can pray for me that I will be able to do that. I fly out of Norway on the 29th of this month, and will arrive in Quito, Ecuador sometime on the 30th. I have a 25 hour layover in New York, where I will be staying with my cousin, Jennifer. I really look forward to that. Man, and after outreach I am only in Norway for some days until I fly back to the States. That is so crazy. Has the time already gone by? It feels like I just left. I guess that it is different from my perspective than yours though...

This week is just about over. Tonight, we will be on the streets evangelizing to the people going clubbing. We start prayer at 11 and will be heading out at 12. In Norway, the weekend is when everyone goes out and gets drunk and goes dancing... That is just how it is everywhere here. We try to use it as an opportunity to share with people. Or even to just have a conversation with a person. We just want to see people where they are at, and show them a bit a Jesus' heart. I must admit that it isn't always easy, but I know that I am not doing for my own benefit, but rather because Jesus wants me to. I want to glorify the Father in everything that I do, and I know one way of doing that is fulfilling the great commission.

Gud er så inn i hæljeroa god! Takk Jesus for at du er god. Takk for at du elsker meg. Hellig er ditt navn! Pris Herren!

Well, the week progresses

It has been a good week so far. I have gotten many practical things done around the base. It feels good to fix things. Really good. Today, I fixed the main door of the base. It was not closing al lthe way by itself for some reason, so I had to grind away some of the bottom of it, and also grind away a little on the steel lip on the floor. I'm not sure how good of a mental picture I just gave you, but I can't think of a better way to explain it... Just know that it works now. =) It was fun, but extremely cold, fixing it. It has been so cold these last days. I think it has been around -10 ºC. That is pretty cold....

I have been working a lot with outreach lately. I am desperately trying to work out all the details with the YWAM base in Equador. I have been going round and round with them trying to figure out the budget, and it has been so difficult. I would actually covet your prayers for it's successful completion. It can be quite the headache. I have never planned an outreach before, so this is a new challenge for me. Luckily, I am not the one actually planning the ministry. I am just okaying it.

Also, there is a new addition to this website! I have added a new picture page with pics from the beginning of this DTS year!! Check it out!

God is so faithful...

You know, it hasn't been at all easy living on only the support of others over these past 6 months... I am one of those people who doesn't like to ask for help financially. It has never really been natural for me. God has really been teaching me a lot about obedience and pride since I have been here. I shouldn't feel bad about asking for financial help, if what I am doing it for is purposed for expanding God's Kingdom. It also requires a ton of faith in God. Man... has that been tough... but God is so faithful. I already have almost half of what I need for outreach. Now, that may sound a little down to the wire, but I really believe God is still working. He already provided the first half. Why would it be so hard to believe for the next half?

As far as what I have been doing lately, I am leading a team week here in Skien. I, personally, have been doing mostly practical work around the base. This morning I was in the team gathering with worship and prayer and talking about the day's schedule. This afternoon I have been working around the base. Fixing this and that. I had to go buy a whole new locking mechanism for one of the fire escape doors because the old one broke. Plus, we had a fire inspection today, and they also said that it needed to be fixed asap. That is now working, and everything else I fixed is still working! Praise God! =) I also had to do a little car work, since I am the only staff here able to do such things. Jay, our car person, is some hours away doing a production that our base travels around doing. It has been a busy but effective day. I like these kinds of days. I feel better after them... So yeah, that is what's going on these days. In no time at all I will be heading off to Equador! I need your prayers for that! Don't forget to check out the rest of the site! i.e. pics and prayer subjects. There aren't any new pics at the moment, but they are coming soon! Until next time!
-Jordan K. Ernst

Mondays...

It is Monday. Tonight we have sending off of the different teams for this team week. We have a time of prayer for each team. It will actually be an interesting week, because we are lacking several of our staff this week. It will be up to 2 1/2 of us... I am leading... It isn't so easy with so few staff, because we are often having to drive up to an hour sometimes to get to where we are having the program. With God's help, it will work fine. And by the way, I am feeling healthy now. Just so you know... =) Have a great day!

Last night before going home to Skien...

I am enjoying my last night of my week off. I am with Solveig and Helene at a friends apartment just hanging out and playing Risk. It has been a nice week. I have been able to relax and get a bit of my energy back. I am feeling nearly 100 percent better in my stomach now. I think I am going to pull through. =) I am glad for that.... YWAM Skien has a reunion tomorrow through Sunday, so that is what I am coming home to. I will be a couple hours late, but I don't really care so much. I won't miss a whole lot. It will be cool to see some people from my DTS. It is also a good weekend of teaching from a couple good teachers. I also want to thank you to those who have checked out the prayer page. I noticed a jump in visits to that page. Please keep it up! Blessings to you all! I will add more tomorrow most likely...

Middle of the week off.....

As some of you know, I am in Krisitansand, which is in southern Norway. A beautiful part of Norway. I love it here. I am staying with two friends of mine who are studying here. They were on my DTS two years ago. Actually, one of them was a staff and one was a fellow student. They are very fun and extremely crazy, but I love 'em. I am having a good time relaxing. I definitely needed it. Especially after visiting the hospital the other day... I hope I don't have to do that again.... I can't really think of much to say... I am enjoying my week off. Oh, I do want to add that it would mean a lot to me if you all would regularly take a look at the prayer subject page, as I have things in there that I would like to be prayed for. I consider that part of the page just as important as this one. Please feel free to check it out regularly. =) Have a blessed day!

-Jordan K. Ernst

That doesn't happen everyday...

Well, you're not going to believe this one.... Yesterday around 4 we went to one of the team's home for dinner, as they live in this area. We had really good homemade pizza and had a good time. I ate as much as I could, and soon regretted it...
I was feeling sooo full afterwards, and knew that I had to get back to the place we were staying fast. I ran into the restroom, but not a whole lot of business went on... A little, but not what I was expecting.. I decided to lay down. I had to miss out on the youth club we were to be a part of, because I did not feel good at all. As the night progressed, it kept getting worse and worse. It got to the point that I couldn't relax in any position. My stomach hurt more than I can explain. I knew there was something wrong. It couldn't be food poisoning because everyone else ate what I ate, and they were all fine... What was different with me? Did I eat way too much? Not likely... After talking with one of the team some hours later, I decided that I should try to throw up to see if it is something in my stomach. So, I did. I threw up about 6 times. Even after all that, I was still hurting, and even a little more than before. I was in pain. I was talking with God in my room for quite some time asking Him to take the pain away... A little later, the team had finished with the youth thing and it was later in the night. Around 11 they gave me a pain killer that didn't do too much. They finally decided to call the doctor and the doctor said to come down to the emergency room. They said since it had been going on for so long that they were a little worried... I got there and had to wait forever, because the emergency doctor had to suddenly make an emergency house call or something. Finally, I got in. They did a urine test, and a blood test, and the doctor did something else which was very uncomfortable, which I will not say on here... He felt that it wasn't the food, but actually was a bit worried that it might be my appendix. He said that the tests didn't show that it was for sure, but he felt like it was a possibility because of the symptoms and the location of the pain. He sent me to the hospital to be looked at more thoroughly, and the doctors there were talking about whether or not I should stay there to be observed or to do surgery then. They weren't completely convinced that it was my appendix, so they just gave me the option of staying there or going home with supervision. They told me to come straight back if it got at all worse. I went home around 5 in the morning, and fell asleep by the help of God. I woke up this morning with a little bit of pain, but was feeling a bit better. I thought about it and realized that because of the throwing up, I hadn't eaten anything in 24 hours, so I ate lunch. I figured that could have been part of the reason I still had some pain in my stomach. It helped, and now the pain is almost gone. I am praying that it continues to go away, and that it isn't my appendix. Even though that would make a great story, I would much rather I didn't have to go through that. I want to leave you with one thing. Even though God did not heal me when I wanted, it doesn't mean that God is not good. God is good all the time. Even through our pain and suffering, He is good. I am on the road to recovery now, and that is a blessing. Thanks be to God that I am as healthy as I am!

Wireless Internet is from God

Well, I didn't think that I would be able to update my page for a while, but I discovered that there is wireless interenet in this church! Cool?! I thought it was handy.... Well, I am in Aalgaard now, and have had a really good time so far. God has been doing things and there were two that got saved last night and 2 that were not Chrisitan, but they had questions! Cool?! God is good! It is so encouraging when these things happen. Well, I gotta go to a team gathering now... ( I am the leader you know... have to be a good example.... ) I will write more tomorrow or something! God Bless your day!
-Jordan

Weekends Weekends Weekends.....

It's always nice when the weekend roles around. Yesterday was the first official day of my weekend, and it was actually quite nice. A couple of the staff that are remaining here for the weekend wanted to go to a movie. I wanted to as well, but didn't exactly have the money. Luckily, I have really cool friends here, and one of them told me that they would help pay for it, so I got to go too! We saw Meet the Fockers! I must say that I thought this was a very funny movie. I thought it was almost funnier than the first one. I really enjoyed it. -Mom, you would like it I think.- It was definitely a good evening. After the movie we went back to the staff girl's apartment and hung out for a bit. I am hoping today can be just as lovely. It has started off well. I placed my laundry in the dryer when I woke up, and then had eggs for breakfast, and then took a nice shower. Now, I am clean and smelling nice, and am at the office updating this lovely site. Until next time, peace out!

Winter break...

It is now our winter break for the next few days. We have off until Tuesday afternoon. On Tuesday afternoon, I will be leading another team on a team week. This time we will be on the west coast of Norway in a place called Ålgård. We will be there from Tuesday until Sunday. We will be working mostly with teenagers as far as I know. I think it will be a really good opportunity for our team. I am feeling good about this week. I hope that we can have a godly impact on these teenager's lives. As far as this weekend goes.... I am once again in the place of trying to figure out something fun to do with those that are still here... tonight is on the front of my mind right now... think think think.... any ideas? I guess I will figure out something... Wish me luck!

Arriving home is a blessing....

I have arrived home. Thank you, Lord. It was a very long day, but I managed with God's help and His grace. I arrived home around 9:40 in the evening. I am very glad to be home again. It is a good feeling returning home after a long journey. The vehicle seems to be in good working order. That is a blessing. This week we are having extremely good teaching from a man by the name of Ken Helser. He is from North Carolina, and has so much of God in him. you would have to experience him to truly understand what I mean. He is such a man of God. Such an awesome heart. It is truly a gift to be able to hear from him. You all may notice a difference in my updates these days, because my life here is a bit more busy than it was in Denmark... =) I will do my best to do justice to the updates. Glory to God in the Highest! Until next time!

It is down to hours....

It is down to 14 hours and 43 minutes until I am on my way to Norway. I will catch a train from Høje Taastrup at 6:08, and arrive in Århus at 8:44. I will then take a bus from Århus to Skovby to pick up our infamous base car. I will leave there right around 10 o'clock and start driving north to Hirtshals to catch the ferry. I need to be there by 12:45, but I will leave at 1:45. I will arrive in Kristiansand, Norway at 6:15, and then drive to Skien and arrive around 9 or 9:20. That is tomorrow! I look forward to its completion. It will be a long day. Today, I have washed my clothes, watched another movie, and pretty much just hung around. There is a youth club tonight here at the church that I will most likely join, but right after I will try to go to bed. I have enjoyed my time here in Denmark, and thank God for all He has taught me.

Good films....

I must say that no matter how many times I have seen the movie Forrest Gump, it never gets old. It is a quality film. Quality. Every time that I see it, I just get so touched by it. It makes me think of things that have passed. It reminds me very much of my dad, and also of home. I watched that movie several times over the first few years of its release. I don't think there are many movies out there that are the same quality as Forrest Gump. I guess I should say why this topic came up. I just watched it. There. Make more sense now? =) I really admire the person Tom Hanks portrays in this film. He has such strong character, and he holds people so high. He has such respect for people. I think that we could learn something from him actually. Strength of character is something that most people today lack. Especially as Christians we should lead by showing strength of character. If we don't show that, then what is different in the world's eyes. They need to see that we live what we preach. Otherwise, they won't listen to ANYTHING we have to say. I pray that I will be a person that can and will walk what I talk.

The sun sets, and the sun rises once again

Monday has arrived. I find myself once again in a state of cessation. A place that I have not found myself for quite some time now. Over the last months in Norway, I have constantly been surrounded by people. Last year, I was always working. To be in this situation, is quite strange. Neither good nor bad. I do believe that if it were to be for much longer, I would get very restless. In one way it is nice to just be able to relax and hang around, but at the same time, I feel unsettled. Away from home. Out of place. It is a strange feeling to be here. This is a place that was filled with people I knew for the past two weeks, and suddenly, they are all gone. And I'm not even in a place that I really know. That just makes the whole thing even more unfamiliar.

But anyhow, I have figured out when and how I will pick up the vehicle. It will be an early Wednesday morning for me, and a long Wednes DAY. It'll be good to get home. I get a bit tired of just watching movies all the time... It will be better when the guy I am staying with gets back. Then, it's not so strange. Today, I watched a movie that was in Spanish, and I had to use Norwegian subtitles. Never actually done that before. Quite interesting. Now I know how people feel that have to watch a movie that is in a language they either don't know or don't know well and have to use subtitles. Also, a language I am still learning. So yes, that is what's going on today. Hope you're having a good one!

Another passing day..

It is Sunday. So far, I have gone to church and watched a movie. It has been a good day. The movie I watched, Riddick, was interesting, but have to admit that it isn't necessarily one of those movies that I would watch over and over again. It was a good one-timer. I just like Vin Diesel. He's a cool dude. =)

But anyway, as I drink my french pressed coffee, I wonder what to do next. What do I do after I am done writing this? That is the question of the day. The light is dimming, and there is cloud cover. I have green grapes in the freezer waiting until they are hard, but that could take some time till. I must only find an activity in which I can entertain myself till nightfall. The clock is ticking and still, there are no thoughts.

Why must this always be my standstill? I only wish that I was more creative, so it would be no problem to find things to do. When I have money, it is no problem, but without it; I am bored. It shouldn't be that way. Money should not be the thing that keeps me entertained. That brings up another valid point. Why must I always be entertained? Is it truly necessary to my existence? I don't think so. I think it is a thought brought on by an ever-changing society that tells us that our lives are only worth something if they are filled with "interesting" experiences. Now I've gone a little off. Is it always good to analyze? Did I over-analyze? Am I still over-analyzing? Probably. So I'll stop now. I'll go check my grapes.

Yes, first day without the rest of the team...

I am all alone. They all left at 5 this am, and now, I am lonely. The guy that I am staying with is gone for the day, and won't be back until later.... I predict that I will be at this computer quite a bit, as the other room is occupied by some church people in a little meeting... Maybe I will watch a movie on the computer... That sounds like a good idea. =) I only have to do this for a little more than 3 more days. I can handle that. Wish me luck!

So far so good...

Our guy from Norway just arrived with the vehicle to pick up the team. He has been driving literally all day. The team, minus me, will leave bright and early in the morning. Probably around 5 or 5:30 I believe. They will need prayer as their vehicle is actually a little older than the one that broke down, but it doesn't have any problems that I know of... other than it is a bit ugly and I have done a bit of the previous repairs on it... =/ =).... no worries. God is in control. (not me...) I will not be returning home until Wednesday... I am a bit bummed, but I will survive. It is a good thing for me, and I can look back on it positively. I actaully really like the fact that I am growing through all this stuff. I may not notice it right away, but when I reflect on it, I can see that I will be more capable next time if something similar happens. Thank God for that! Blessings to you all!

I got it!

I have been trying to get my hands on this juggling 'toy' since I discovered the joy it brought to me while I was on my outreach two years ago, and finally that journey is over. I was in a Toys'R'us here in Denmark and I got one! I will take a picture of it and post it on the picture page for you to look at if you want. I am so stoked... I love it so much. It is also an awesome thing to take on outreach, because it draws the attention of kids really well. Kids love watching it so much! I hope I will be able to use it as a tool on this next outreach. Talk to you all later!

Another day!

Yes, that is right. It is a new day with new opportunities. Today, a few of us were helping a woman from a nearby apartment complex clean her bathroom and also her'garden' in the front of where she lives. The rest of us either picked up trash or sat and just wrote down things or drew things that we wanted to speak over the apartments. The apartments have a very large percentage of immigrants, mostly muslim, so it is a very drab and depressive place. We have focused a lot on it over the last 2 weeks. We have prayed there several times, and have picked up trash there twice. In general, Muslims have a very fatalistic view on life, so they don't take any pride in there surroundings. You can really see the contrast from the Danish apartment complex not too far away. Everything is in good working order, and is also quite clean. It is almost as if there is this cloud over the one neighborhood that makes it very depressive. Everything looks dead in a way. Lifeless. Sad. We have been praying that there would be a change, and that there would be more Christians coming and living there. I really believe that things would start looking and feeling 100% better. I pray that God's name would just be glorified in that place. It really needs it. As well as Denmark. Denmark is in extreme need of Jesus. Kom Hellig Ånd og ta Danmark tilbake til Deg! De trenger Deg, Jesus. Amen.

Back from the city!

It was a success! We had a great day off in the beautiful city of Copenhagen and were able to see some cool sites, and also take in the city for what it's worth. I was able to take some cool pictures, and also look around in some cool stores. Copenhagen is a wonderful city where one could be entertained for days on end. Many things to do and many things to see.

A Day in the City!

Today, we are having a day off! We are going into downtown Copenhagen for the day, and seeing the sites and doing a little bit of shopping as well. That of course varies from person to person, depending on who has money. So that leaves a couple of the girls to the shopping part.... =) I intend on taking some nice pictures and just having an all around nice time. It is an awesome city, and one would find it rather difficult to get bored there. There are all kinds of things to see. Wish you were here!