The name of a popular TV series where scientists use calculations to solve crimes, the fourth book of the Old Testament, containing the census of the Israelites after the Exodus from Egypt, the sum, total, count, or aggregate of a collection of units, or the like: The number of students who now attend the Christian college group called Lucas, on the campus of Lulea Technical University, TWELVE!That’s right; we have grown by three people since last year when we started with nine students. This partnership is one I am working on with a church from South Carolina and two churches in Lulea Sweden. After several pre-partnership surveys we found that with five thousand students there were only seven Christians attending this university. The partnership’s goal is to develop new believers that will fuel new churches throughout the country of Sweden.
By now you are wondering, Sweden? You might have thought that this nation is a Christian nation but this is far from the facts. The truth is that less than one percent of the nation calls themselves evangelical. That’s right, less than one percent. “Though Sweden has a deep historical Christian experience the last several generations have lost the story and today’s population know virtually nothing about the living God,” says Richard Hultmar, church planter in northern Sweden.
With some of the highest suicide, abortion and singleness rates relationships are hard. People tend to congregate in pubs and clubs from Friday evening to Sunday. This is an enlightened population who pride themselves in knowledge and independence. “Life is good here so why would any intelligent person believe in or need something called God,” said Lars. I had a long conversation with him in a bar one night and found he never heard of the Christmas story or Easter. He knew of St. Nicholas and heard of Jesus but didn’t know what He was all about.
These last two years this North American partnership church sent teams to Lulea to perform research, encourage believers in two local churches, gave confidence to this fledgling campus ministry and their leaders, as well as helped with outreach activities. Our prayer is that we can double the size of the group this year.
Please pray with us and maybe your church would consider this partnership.
This is your investment. This is your joy.
Mark Szymanski
mski1957@gmail.com
www.mszymanski.com
If you would like to join our financial support team you can send contributions to: United World Mission, PO Box 602002, Charlotte NC 28260-2002 and write ACCT# 11013 in the memo line. Further info about on-line giving and other programs see UWM.
