Guest speakers reflect on conference blessings

Unlike previous years, the list of guest speakers this year consisted only of pastors making their debut appearance at the Scandinavian conference. They left just as blessed as the people they ministered to.

Through his ministry as assistant director at Calvary Chapel (CC) Bible College Europe in Hungary, Pastor Paul Lange has played an important part in sending off workers to the Scandinavian ministry field. This year, he and his wife Jeanette came to the conference to serve and to see for themselves what God is doing up north.

"The conference was such a refreshing time for me and Jeanette. We felt so welcomed and loved. It was apparent that God is moving and laying a firm foundation in Scandinavia in which He can build upon. I was especially blessed to see the quality of the pastors and leaders the Lord is raising up," says Paul Lange. His wife adds:

"I was blessed beyond my imagination. I loved everything about it. It was a thrill seeing so many of our old Bible school students out on the mission field, and also seeing the new faces that are serving in Scandinavia. There was a honest transparency amongst the believers and we all really received from each other. I truly hope that I get to see more of the fruit in the coming months," says Jeanette Lange, who taught the women's workshop this year.

As pastor of CC Macedon in New York state, Cartie Carpenter was the pastor who sent out Bob Pecoraro to Finland several years ago and later ordained Bob as pastor. Thus, it was with great anticipation that Cartie finally arrived at his first Scandinavian conference this year along with his wife Pat.

"Pat and I were exceedingly blessed. We felt very welcomed by our dear brothers and sisters in Scandinavia. The warmth of the people and the great fellowship touched our hearts. We have made some great friends in just a few days. Isn't it amazing how the Holy Spirit can knit us together in such a short time? Our love to you all. We're already looking forward to next year, should the Lord open that door," says Cartie Carpenter.

Through his previous connection to the ministries in Denmark, Pastor Nate Holdridge from Calvary Monterey in Central California had already visited Scandinavia twice prior to this year's conference. However, this was his first time in Sweden and his first encounter with the ministries in the rest of the region.

"To me this year's conference was a wonderful snapshot of the fresh work God is doing in Scandinavia. The hunger for the Word and the passion for fellowship demonstrated there caused me to believe that God is going to do a wonderful work in these decidedly post-Christian nations. I only hope and pray that Calvary Monterey can be a part of it! The saints in Scandinavia are certainly in my prayers," says Nate Holdridge.

When one of the usual speakers had to cancel his participation in this year's conference, Pastor Stefan Höfer from CC Freier Grund in Neunkirchen, Germany was called upon to be a worthy replacement. Much to the blessing of both him and the conference participants.

"When I got the email to come and speak at the conference in Stockholm on a short notice I wasn´t so sure what to expect at first, but the Lord has his ways with us and so I went. And it turned out to be a great joy and blessing for me and hopefully for those who attended. What a great conference with a bunch of great people who have a vision to reach Scandinavia with the Gospel of Jesus Christ! God is doing an awesome work up there. Keep up the good work. May the Lord bless you richly!," says Stefan Höfer.

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For more info about this year's guest speakers, check out these links:

Paul & Jeanette Lange - CCBCE.com

Cartie Carpenter - ccmacedon.com

Nate Holdridge - calvary.com, Twitter, Facebook

Stefan Höfer - CCFG.de + Family Blog