“Be inclusive, say something good, have love in your heart,” says BCC’s leader, Kåre J. Smith at a special meeting for youth over the age of 18 from BCC Oslo/Follo.
This is clearly something he has on his heart. “It means so much for people to feel included. It is not good when people end up feeling as if they are on the outside. In this, we need the mind of a shepherd, a heart full of care. If you have that, then you truly are worker!”
Around 100 young adults listen attentively. They are seated at round banquet tables. The topic of the evening is to inspire people to be workers.
“It means so much for people to feel included. It is not good when people end up feeling as if they are on the outside. In this, we need the mind of a shepherd, a heart full of care. If you have that, then you truly are worker!”
Kristian Smith (26) is one of the people responsible for the event. He says that BCC Oslo/Follo has an especially large youth group, including many who are under 18. “Therefore, we are in need of young adults who can help pull the load.” He continues by saying there are already many who are involved in important tasks; nevertheless, it is important to get together and be reminded about how important it is to be involved and be someone who contributes, not least by setting a good example with your life.
A group of chairs is set up on the stage, and in a short while, the roundtable/panel discussion is underway. First, the young people discuss questions at their tables; then the panel answers them.
During the conversation, one of the brothers puts it this way, “There are many workers gathered here today, and we are very thankful for you! But throughout time, there have always been few workers, perhaps not too few, but few nonetheless. It is on our hearts that we need more workers. (“The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few.” Matthew 9:37)
In Brunstad Christian Church, there are many good activities with the focus on taking good care of the children and youth. One of the most important is the for ages 7 to 16. Most of the young adults here are Activity Club leaders. Some of the questions that came up during the panel discussion and group discussions were about how the youth can fulfill their ministries as Activity Club leaders in the best possible way.
Vibeke Bratlie (20) is one who is especially interested in this. “The most important thing for me as an Activity Club leader is that I faithfully live my daily life according to God’s will. This is unbelievably important in regards to the example I am for the younger ones. When I come to Activity Club or the youth meeting, they quickly notice whether I am in a pure spirit, or if I am full of myself and my ego,” Vibeke says with a tone of seriousness.
“The most important thing for me is that I faithfully live my daily life according to God’s will.
Toward the end of the feast, Maria Skogsrud (29) expresses that the evening has quickened a longing in her to develop even more in a true and genuine life before God. “I sense the tendencies which dwell in me and which stand in the way of me doing what is good,” she says earnestly, before quickly adding, “I must find these tendencies and be free of them and cleansed from them. That was the effect the evening had on me.”
“I sense the tendencies which dwell in me and which stand in the way of me doing what is good,”
Short speeches and eager conversations around the tables showed that this was an engaging theme. Most people probably would agree with Kristian Smith as he concluded, “I am, in any case, left with a true desire to stop thinking about myself and my own issues, and instead be more of a blessing and help for others.”
“I am left with a true desire to stop thinking about myself and my own issues, and instead be more of a blessing and help for others.”