Month: April 2010

Tentmaker training comes to Germany!

/ Ari Rocklin

http://globalopps.org/tmbriefs/boys_small.jpg

Ari Rocklin

Back in the fall of 1998, during a flight from Helsinki Finland to Göteborg Sweden, to attend the Onådda Folk Conference I felt God challenging me to develop tentmaking mobilization and training in Europe. This seemed like an impossibility and I felt overwhelmed at the scope such a task. With some hesitation, I agreed to do my part. 

Since then, I have worked tirelessly toward this goal, often with setbacks and disappointments. So many trans-Atlantic flights in the hopes of finding people…having initial consultations with various mission agencies and groups…though exciting and promising at first, simply fizzled to nothing. Every now and then, the vision seemed to take off and incremental successes were attained, but always, the going was slow and often seemed hopeless.

Looking at the map of Europe while praying became a habit. Asking God for direction and connections. Always, when looking at the map, my eyes fell on Germany simply due to it’s central geographical location in Europe. 

Then out of nowhere, an email came from someone from Germany who contacted usthrough the website, interested in learning more about tentmaking. After some dialogue this led to an invitation to consider running our tentmaking business as mission course in Germany.

After almost two years of emails and consultations, it was finally time to fly to meet the people at AWM Korntal Germany. One big step toward the goal of tentmaker training in central Europe had been reached. Not only that, but we met with like minded, like visioned people excited at having this course at their excellent facility. 
The director of AWM, said it best in his invitation to over one hundred mission agencies in Europe:

(Ari Rocklin, Traugott Hopp & Steinar Opheim at AWM Korntal Germany 2010)

Word from the President of AWM

Dear colleagues working in an intercultural setting!

Has it ever happened to you after meeting a person whom you did not know formerly – that you soon discover that you share a common vision with that person?!

That was my experience a couple weeks ago when I met with representatives from Global Opportunities and Tent. God was at work. It didn’t take us long to see that we both desired to support God’s people looking to serve the nations.

Serving with you,

Traugott Hopp
President

The story of TENT Norway

/ Ari Rocklin

http://globalopps.org/tmbriefs/Tent%20meeting%20room2_small.jpg

TENT of Norway was founded in 2001 by a team of dedicated people, a strong board and effective former tentmaker, Steinar Opheim. Instead of figuring it out alone, they invited Global Opportunities to help them with resources and teachers for their courses.

An early indication of God’s favour was made evident when TENT was able to purchase a historical prayer house building right in downtown Bergen for one dollar. These historical prayer houses were built  using volunteer labor by everyday workers who needed a place to worship. Thus the location in the port area where most work activity took place in the early days of this prayer house movement.


Although the cost of the building was one dollar, the renovations that were needed were more than even the highest estimates. This being a historical building meant that the exterior could not be changed and had to remain original. The interior was completely redesigned with the addition of offices in the loft area and converting the open basement into a rental unit and kitchen. The general meeting room is large and bright, with excellent air circulation and comfortable seating. Wireless internet is available to all as well.
 

TENT is able to rent this facility when not being used for tentmaking events, which helps in making payments on the renovation costs. After the renovations loan is paid off, this income will go a long way toward adding much needed staff to this growing organization.

Why not join us for the next tentmaking business as mission course at this beautiful location? You will be housed for free in local Christians homes, all meals and snacks are included in the low course fee.

TENT is also looking for donations toward the renovation loan, if you are able to help or know someone with Norwegian genes who might want to support this work in a meaningful way, please contact Steinar Opheim directly by sending him an email at: steinar@tent.no