Pray for Denmark

Looking for a quiet revival

2026-02-07T16:44:00.000-08:00

In England and Wales, they’re calling an unprecedented rise in church attendance “The Quiet Revival.” (https://www.biblesociety.org.uk/research/quiet-revival) Attendance among 18- to 24-year-olds has quadrupled since 2018, and overall attendance among all age groups is up 50 percent. Norway, Sweden, and Finland are seeing similar movements.

But what about Denmark?

After a nationwide survey, the Danish TV2 reported that “there is a growing interest among young people in the Christian faith. This applies to your people who come to church events or approach pastors for a personal conversation or with questions about the Bible. But most of all, pastors are saying that more young people are showing up for traditional Sunday services.”

For their report, TV2 spoke with a “long line” of young people with no Christian background, who have in recent years become believers.

Nicolai Røge, a pastor in Odense, is seeing a clear trend. In the TV2 report he said that many more young people are showing up every Sunday. People like 19-year-old Romeo Troelsgaard.

Only a couple years ago, Romeo would have called himself an atheist. “I saw religion as nonsense,” he said, “a good story, a fairy tale or a fable that some crazy people still believed for some reason.”

But then he visited his local church as part of a research project for school. He came away changed. Today he’s reading the scriptures, listening to online preaching, and going to Sunday services. A reporter asked Romeo if he was afraid of missing anything from his old life.

“No,” he replied. “Because what you miss out on worldly things, you get back through the meaning it gives to be in church, or watching videos about the Bible. It’s so much more rewarding.”

PRAY for revival among young college-age students in Denmark.

PRAY that Danish pastors would seize this opportunity to reach out to more young people.

PRAY for Romeo Troelsgaard and others like him, that God would open their eyes and draw them to himself.

Photo: Ansgars Kirke Odense

Webkirke takes faith online--and beyond

2025-11-15T14:00:00.000-08:00

They call it “Webkirke” WebChurch. Webkirke.dk. It’s a three-minute online daily devotional—but more. A Friday night online chapel—but more. And a weekly online service with music, prayer, and a sermon—but more. This online ministry is reaching Danish shut-ins, vacationers, and seekers every day.

No, it’s not a replacement for in-person worship. Rather, Webkirke serves as an entry point for those outside the church. And in Denmark, that’s a hefty percentage of the population. So it makes perfect sense in Scandinavia to reach people where they are—even if it’s through a screen.

According to their website, Webkirke is for those who are curious about the Christian faith, “or who have questions about life, faith, and existence, and who may have difficulty with established church structures.”

Aside from the online worship services, Webkirke offers a variety of other faith-related options. A daily devotional features a variety of speakers, each focused on a Scripture passage. A podcast explores everyday issues and biblical themes in greater depth. And the website (webkirke.dk) offers free literature and encourages prayer requests. A diverse team from around the country handles those requests “anonymously and respectfully.”

PRAY for the Webkirke ministry, that many more curious Danes would be saved through it, and then find their way to local fellowships.

PRAY for the prayer team—Martin, Nana, Laila, and Pia—that God would give them compassion and discernment as they pray for all kinds of needs.

PRAY for the Webkirke leadership team—Peter Larsen and Jan-Gunnar Wold, for wisdom and compassion as they make decisions.

PRAY that God would supply financial needs and touch more and more lives through Webkirke.

PRAY that God would revive Denmark and Danes through this strategic ministry!

New vision in Nakskov

2025-08-09T14:10:00.000-07:00

They’ve caught a vision for reaching the city of Nakskov for Jesus. So Kasper and Mette-Line Thorskov are leaving all their friends and loved ones in Ronne and moving to this Lolland (southern) city to plant a new Vineyard church.

Their plan is to first explore the city through prayer walks, sharing the gospel as they go. From those contacts will form a core group, and ultimately a fellowship that meets, studies, and worships together.

“We believe that the a church will be established through those who come to faith,” said Mette-Line. “And we dream of being able to see many come to faith in Nakskov, just as we have been able to see here in Ronne.”

“For us it’s a giant step of faith,” added Kasper, “but we’ve experienced God’s faithfulness again and again.”

As they begin the work, the Thorskovs are hoping to gather a prayer team, and even ultimately to have others join them there in Nakskov.

Check out this video: https://nakskovvineyard.dk/om-os/ . It’s in Danish, but it’s short and the graphics will help you visualize what’s going on.

PRAY for Kasper and Mette-Line, that God would lead them to just the right people as they establish a new church.

PRAY for those who will soon be saved, that God would guide their steps to encounter Jesus through the witness of the Thorskovs.

PRAY that God would bring revival to this strategic city.

A celebrity comes to Christ

2025-07-05T15:58:00.000-07:00

“I was 52 when I suddenly realized there was something bigger than myself,” said Casper Christensen from the stage at Copenhagen’s Hillsong Church. While you may not immediately recognize the name, nearly everyone in Denmark does. He’s a popular entertainer, known for his comedy. And now his outspoken testimony of faith in Jesus Christ has raised eyebrows and invited an entirely different kind of spotlight.

His public baptism in the evangelical church has also raised eyebrows and stirred up a bit of controversy, since he had earlier been baptized in the state Lutheran church. Even so, Christensen is growing in Christ. Pray for him, and for his high visibility witness.

“Because even when I speak in Danish,” he told the Hillsong crowd (in English), “I find it hard to learn the language… talking about your faith… I feel childish, because it came so late in life. I didn’t grow up talking about Jesus…. But suddenly, at the age of 52, I have to talk about it. I believe in it… So bear with me if I sometimes struggle to find the right words to express my inner feelings, my hope, my joy in finding Jesus. Will you do that for me, please?”

The crowd listening to him applauded at that time, offering support for a new believer, a high-profile Danish celebrity. It’s not often people like this come to faith in Jesus, especially not at this age. And it’s unclear what advantages his platform may offer him. But pray that Casper may be given grace to grow as a new believer, that he will not fall into the trap of being seen as an instant Christian leader. He is not. Even so, he has people’s attention, and much good can come of that.

Watch Casper’s testimony (in English) here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xXK5SPaWG1s

PRAY for protection for Casper Christensen, that he would grow in faith as a new believer should, in God’s timing.

PRAY that he would see the need to be discipled by mature believers, and that God would open the right doors for him.

PRAY that people who have enjoyed him as an entertainer would also now consider for themselves the faith that he has embraced.

PRAY that Casper would find favor in both the Lutheran and other evangelical churches, that God would use him to unite Danish believers more and more.

PRAY that God would revive Denmark using the bold testimonies of celebrities like Casper Christiansen and non-celebrities like taxi drivers, farmers, beauticians, and so many others.

Freefall, or change?

2025-03-19T11:13:00.000-07:00

Is the venerable Inner Mission (IM) renewal movement in “a freefall,” as Danish state media reported recently? Depends on who you ask.

“Time has run out for the Inner Mission,” claimed Brian Arly Jacobsen, a professor of religious sociology at Copenhagen University. “The Inner Mission is having a hard time because it is a movement that arose in the 1800s, when church services were a certain way. (But) they haven’t stood the test of time, to remain attractive to young people.”

The same report pointed out that demographics are also a factor. Young families have moved away from many of the rural areas and small towns where the Inner Mission movement was particularly strong, and where mission houses were once built to hold revival meetings. The hair color of those who still visit many mission houses for meetings is often predominantly gray.

In the town of Kloster, for example (pop. 634), Inner Mission revival meetings once attracted standing-room-only crowds. But that was 125 years ago. Today they’re wondering if the mission house will close, as others have.

But that’s not the whole story, says Asbjørn Asmussen, communications director for the IM movement. He points to the growth of IM-affiliated alternative Lutheran churches, many of which have been planted in recent years. IM-sponsored family camps are also going strong, and attracted just as many participants this past summer as in 2019. What’s more, giving to IM ministries has remained steady over the past five years.

So Asmussen sees the IM movement changing, not necessarily retreating. “In the past, the vast majority of IM activities were carried by over 1,000 local IM communities. Today, it is to a greater extent the nationwide events and activities that bring IM friends together and carry IM's mission.”

Not that he doesn’t notice when a local mission house declines or closes. “It's good that we can still gather in large groups for things like Bible camping and festivals,” said Asmussen, “but the less contact we have with local communities and neighborhoods, the less Christian mission comes out of IM. And that's the real threat for the future. Fewer people come to know Jesus and find peace and salvation in him.”

What’s left to do? Asmussen is still optimistic. “We have to ask God to intervene and create new revival,” he said. “We’ve seen it before in history. We believe it can happen again.”

PRAY for the hundreds of IM mission houses still open, that God would touch lives across generations.

PRAY that the national IM outreach would continue to grow, that many would come to Christ through them.

PRAY for IM-affiliated churches to thrive and grow.

PRAY for God to intervene and bring new revival through a reinvigorated Inner Mission movement.

Anatomy of a Church Plant

2024-12-21T11:58:00.000-08:00

It started out around 2001, when several families in northwest Sjælland started to gather around a vision to build a local, living fellowship.

Without a church building, they met where they could, usually every other week. And they agreed that the best way forward would be to associate as an Evangelical Lutheran Free Fellowship, connected with the DanskOase (Danish Oasis) movement.

At first the Oasis movement helped supply visiting preachers and other resources. But this group needed their own pastor. Finances were, and have been, tight. And their first pastors were volunteers. But with a new church’s eye on outreach, the “Fårevejle Frimenighed” grew steadily.

Within four or five years, the group was meeting every Sunday. Today Jørgen Lund is their pastor, and the church’s website highlights a full leadership team, along with prayer, family, grief support, and children’s ministries. They meet in a beautiful brick church building in the town of Fårevejle.

Here's what sets them apart: Small groups have focused on bringing up “home-grown” leadership. The crucial decision to sponsor Alpha Bible studies has brought in more new believers. And that’s just the way this church wants it.

According to an Oasis website, “Many new people have met Jesus through Alpha. And many now faithfully attend church. Fårvejle Free Church would have been completely different without Alpha, and all the wonderful dynamics that come with new friends who are not born into and raised in the church. How good it would be if more of us were disciples of Jesus, who tell about him and teach others to be his disciple.”

PRAY that Fårvejle Free Church would continue to reach the unreached, and grow new disciples.

PRAY for Fårvejle Free Church leadership in the coming year, that they would be sensitive to the Spirit’s leading as they face new challenges in 2025.

PRAY that believers in other parts of the country might be inspired by the example of Fårvejle Free Church—to reach out in their own neighborhoods and see others come to Jesus Christ.

THANK GOD for young Danish churches like this, and pray for many more in the year to come.

"Han Lever!" ("He Lives!")

2024-11-09T13:56:00.001-08:00

A new national campaign is taking shape in Denmark, leveraging two special days when ordinary Danes show up in church—Easter and Christmas. It’s called “Han Lever,” or “He Lives,” and it’s bringing together a number of different Christian groups who are excited to see lives changed and people reached for Christ.

Though it’s still in the planning stages, we can pray even now for what’s going to happen. Here’s what they’re saying in a video on the movement’s website, hanlever.dk—

“Yes! Jesus Christ lives. That is my hope. It is my only hope. Also for my friends and fellow Danes. We want to testify about him. We long to tell Danes that Jesus still lives. Because Jesus is the best thing that has ever happened to humanity.

“So we’ve got an idea—for Easter and Christmas 2025 we want to shed extra light and focus on our hope for even more Danes. We want to do this through testimony and videos that can be shared. Through flyers, songs, and a logo that will come to life, though worship services where we invite the entire city.

“And most importantly, we will encourage each other, and pray for God’s Spirit to intervene and transform hearts in Denmark. Working together and with renewed boldness, we wish, so to speak, to knock on the windows, and demonstrate a life for Jesus. Because he lives! And because Jesus still transforms life and gives hope.”

Let’s pray!

PRAY that God will bring together the right people, even now, to be a part of the movement.

PRAY for unity across many different Christian groups, that the Spirit of God would move as never before to bring salvation to the lost.

PRAY, as the video mentioned, for renewed boldness among believers to share the message of hope in Jesus Christ.

PRAY, even now, that God will start to prepare hearts for many to come to know him in the “He Lives” outreach movement.

PRAY that God will surprise the organizers of “He Lives” with much more than just a two-day holiday outreach. (Ephesians 3:20)

Let's visit the living room!

2024-08-19T16:39:00.000-07:00

Here’s a new and typically Danish approach to supporting young families: A “play living room” in the Danish city of Rønde, where stressed-out parents are invited to bring their young children for a relaxing afternoon of songs, play, and Bible stories.

It’s the brainchild of Cecilia Tjørnemark and her mother Anette—both of them active believers who want to serve local kids and their families. It’s intended for babies and toddlers up to four years old, and is scheduled for every Wednesday afternoon.

Mother and daughter have launched into this outreach with the full support of their local Inner Mission and the DFS—Denmark’s Folkekirkelige Søndagsskoler—the Sunday school arm of their local Lutheran church. A representative from the DFS even helped them launch the first several gatherings, with tips and training.

The Danish difference in this case is that parents don’t drop their kids off, but are encouraged to join right in! It’s a ministry to the entire family, and not a daycare.

“Children are a good entry point to also get in touch with the parents,” said Cecilia Tjørnemark. “Because children tell and ask their parents about what they’ve heard. People want to sing with their children, and here we have a good opportunity to help them. But primarily we’re addressing the children, and we hope they’ll learn that God loves them.”

Rønde, in an area of central Denmark called the Djursland peninsula, has a population of about 3,300. Since the opening of the outreach, word has spread—but there’s always room for more.

“Djursland is a bit of a dead area,” said Cecilia, “so we have a great desire for more people to come to faith here.”

PRAY for the outreach of Cecilia and Anette—that many families would drop by.

PRAY that mother and daughter would be encouraged in their weekly outreach.

PRAY that young families and their children would come to faith in Christ through the ministry.

THANK the LORD for faithful believers like Cecilia and Anette.

Why so many people in the warehouse?

2024-06-02T19:59:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the “Valgmenighed” church in Kolding, a city of about 95,000—eleventh largest in Denmark. You might know that the Valgmenighed movement within the Danish Lutheran church offers congregations a bit of latitude in worship style and structure. (In Danish, “valg” means “choice” or “vote” and “menighed” means “fellowship” or “congregation.”) And there’s a lot about Kolding Valgmenighed that’s atypical.

The building, for instance. Rather than a usual Danish-style church structure, this fellowship meets in a large warehouse-type building. But that gives them plenty of room to grow.

The church started meeting in 2003, with a vision to reach their city. For the first ten years, they met in various rented church buildings, then grew into their industrial building starting in 2014. They bought the entire building in 2018 and remodeled to accommodate the growing fellowship. But there’s much more to this church than the building—and that’s another unique aspect of the Kolding church.

House churches, or small groups, are an integral part of the Kolding fellowship, and part of the reason the church is growing. People make connections and are equipped for ministry in these small neighborhood groups—and that’s not always typical in all Danish churches.

And then there’s “Elsk Kolding” (“Love Kolding”). Through this service/outreach program, the fellowship is committed to helping neighbors with practical needs, from house cleaning and yard work to moving and painting. It’s one way to show the love of Christ for their neighbors.

“If you want to pray for us,” says the church’s website, “please pray that we may always be kept humble in the midst of everything we’re allowed to experience. Pray that our efforts may be an overflow of gratitude to Him who has given everything for us. He is worth it!”

PRAY for this growing church, that God would continue to give them a vision to reach out to Kolding in the name of Jesus.

PRAY for the youth of this church, that they would remain true to their faith, and that many more would be reached.

PRAY for the Kolding church leadership, for protection and wisdom as they continue to grow. Pray especially for lead pastor Mads Peter Kruse.

PRAISE God for this bright shining light!

A new kind of mission house for Agger Strand

2024-05-05T16:00:00.000-07:00

The traditional mission house is being reimagined today in out-of-the-way Danish towns like Thisted and Lemvig, in the north part of the country—and believers there are hopeful they’ll regain a more prominent role in community life. In the town of Thy, that means rebuilding their old building from the ground up, and looking for new ways to reach out.

Brian Christensen, a local pastor and leader in the Lutheran renewal movement, says the goal is to “reach out to a larger portion of the community with the gospel.”

In Thy, the old building is being physically rebuilt, but Christians there are also dreaming of rebuilding the programs that building can offer. Children’s festivals. Café evenings. Casual men’s gatherings. And much more.

“We’re trying different things to see what works,” said Christensen.

The renovated building will also play a larger role as a community center. And that’s especially important in this more rural area of the country where young families are known to leave—sometimes for lack of job opportunities, but also for lack of social opportunities. What is there for kids and families to do here? The new community center renovation aims to help fill some of those gaps, and will hopefully give Christians a new kind of venue to reach their community for Christ.

PRAY for the new community center in Agger Strand, slated to reopen this summer.

PRAY that believers from different churches will come together in this new venue and use it creatively for outreach events.

PRAY that the new center will help draw young families and others back into the community.

PRAY that the new center’s owner, Lars Møller, will continue to see the vision of a cooperative private/church use of the building.

PRAY that all ages will meet Jesus Christ at this new place.

Welcome, King Frederik

2024-02-25T17:34:00.000-08:00

Pray for the country’s new king, Frederik the Tenth, who took the throne last month after his mother, Queen Margrethe, abdicated.

Some Christians were initially concerned that the incoming king failed to mention God in his acceptance speech to the nation from the Christiansborg Castle balcony. His mother had set an example as an outspoken Christian.

However, a slim volume published just days after King Frederik succeeded his mother explained his views more clearly, beyond the earlier pomp and circumstance.

In the book, called Kongeord (Words of the King), he said that he and the new queen, Mary, recite evening prayers with their children, and that he enjoys attending church. He also says that the Christian faith is “an important part of who we are.”

Perhaps that’s a good start. The King also maintained that he and Mary want to encourage fellow Danes to remember the needs of the most vulnerable in their society, to volunteer and to care for those less fortunate.

“People need people,” he said, “and in many Western societies the most important question is ‘What can you do for me?’ Too rarely it is the other way around: ‘What can I do for you?’ ”

PRAY that Frederik and Mary will grow in faith as they lead their family—and serve their country—in the coming years.

PRAY that God will touch the new king and queen’s hearts and keep them receptive toward things of true faith.

PRAY for the royal couple’s children: Crown Prince Christian (18), Princess Isabella (16), Prince Vincent (13), and Princess Josephine (13). And yes, the two youngest are twins.

PRAY for revival in the royal house of Denmark, and for faith in Jesus Christ to spread throughout this beautiful land.

PRAY that the now former queen, Frederik’s mother, would still have a godly influence, and that God would work through her to bring others to faith in Christ.

A new Danish Bible?

2023-12-30T13:54:00.000-08:00

This is no small project. Completion date isn’t set until 2036. And for the Danish church, nothing could be more important than the start of a brand-new Danish-language Bible translation. This project needs our prayers.

And so does the newly formed six-member leadership team. They’re recognized scholars and experts in the Old or New Testament, language, theology, biblical interpretation, or… the list goes on. But success doesn’t depend on their skills alone.

From left (photo by Bibelselskabet):

Iben Gjesing is an editorial assistant.

Eva Skafte Jensen is a Danish language expert.

Jette Bendixen Rønkilde is a practical theology expert.

Morten Hørning Jensen leads the New Testament translation.

Søren Holst heads up the Old Testament translation.

Johannes Baun leads the task as general secretary.

Keep in mind that this group anticipates working on a new translation for the next decade—actually longer. Perhaps up to 12 years. That tells us something of the enormity of the project. But when they’re done, they will have in hand a contemporary version of the Bible—for churches, evangelism, and personal use.

Did we mention this is no small task?

“I have sometimes compared the translation project to the temple building in the Old Testament,” said Johannes Baun. “Despite all the differences, both then and now it was about producing something where you can meet God in a significant way. We look forward to using the most talented people for the work. And I want to encourage friends of the Bible Society to take the work into the evening prayers. As it says in the Book of Psalms, ‘If the Lord does not build the house, the builders work in vain.’ ”

PRAY for the steering committee as they meet in the coming year. They need a very large dose of God’s wisdom as they set the direction for this new Bible translation.

PRAY that truth would prevail in this project. God’s truth, and not the world’s. Pray that fallible human scholarship would give way to God’s Holy Spirit in every aspect of the work.

PRAY that trendy trends would play no part in this new translation, that it would be faithful to God’s word in the original languages, translated into a Danish language that is fully understood by those who will read it.

PRAY for strength, day after day. This project is a marathon, not a sprint.

PRAY for the protection of each person working on this Bible translation: Søren, Morten, Jette, Eva, Iben, Johannes, and others.

It's a family affair

2023-09-21T15:48:00.000-07:00

Pray for a new outreach to families in southeast Copenhagen called, appropriately enough, the “Family Network.”

In an environment sometimes plagued by loneliness, divorce, economic worries, and health challenges, the Network offers free evening sessions featuring encouragement for kids and their parents, workshops, a chance to meet other families, and of course good food.

The special events are co-sponsored by the Amagerbro Free Church and Blue Cross Denmark.

“For a long time we’ve very much wanted to start a Family Network,” explained the church’s project leader, Vibeke Kelway. “That’s what the church should do—reach out and help people around us. We’ve found there are many families in the local area who don’t have too much money, and need help and support in everyday life.”

So Kelway and her team have opened the church every other Thursday evening for fun themed activities, support, and a free meal. They’re hoping to create a place where memories are made.

“It’s a place where we’ll be there for others and care for each other,” said Kelway. “A place where people feel like they are seen, and where they can talk to another person while their kids are loved. Kids and parents will meet good role models, and they’ll be able to build relationships and friendships across the board.”

Blue Cross Denmark is a Christian social outreach organization. Currently they’re partnering with more than 40 other churches across the country to offer Family Network evenings.

PRAY for the Amagerbro Family Network events this fall, that God would draw those families who need support and hope.

PRAY for changed lives and healing for families in Amagerbro.

PRAY for Vibeke Kelway and her team, for compassion and courage to share God’s love and hope of salvation with needy families.

After a decade, what's next?

2023-07-16T16:19:00.000-07:00

Let’s visit another Danish church fellowship that is making a difference in their community—and that could use our prayers. The “Borgerkirken” (Citizen’s Church) in the central Jylland city of Silkeborg.

This city of some 50,000 people contains a number of evangelical churches, but the challenge remains. And as a free (not a state Lutheran) church, Borgerkirken has been in the news recently for two reasons: They just celebrated their tenth anniversary, and they just hired a new lead pastor. Bent Skovhus began serving in April.

Borgerkirken tackles head-on the fact that only two or three percent of Danes regularly attend church services on any given Sunday. “That’s far too few!” says the church’s website. “But the church has unfortunately become distant, and not very relevant in the lives of Danes.”

Under Pastor Skovhus’s leadership, Borgerkirken members are working to build new bridges, not only with relevant Bible preaching on Sundays, but also with an inviting meal after services. It’s a great place to connect. They also promote small groups for discussion and personal connection—men’s groups and women’s groups.

“We want to transform Denmark,” says the church’s vision statement, “by freshly communicating the gospel, living the gospel ourselves, and reestablishing the worth of all.”

Let’s join in prayer for Silkeborg and the Borgerkirken!

PRAY for Pastor Bent Skovhus in his new position as lead pastor. Pray for energy and vision as he settles into the community.

PRAY for Borgerkirken’s small groups. These are the front lines. Pray that believers would be built up and that not-yet believers would be drawn to attend, and that the groups would flourish and multiply.

PRAY that faith would grow anew in Silkeborg and that revival in Denmark might spread from this strategic city.

Because good questions deserve answers

2023-05-05T16:13:00.002-07:00

They’re doing a quiet, scholarly work… testifying truth about the gospel on the college campus and all across Denmark. The “Center for Kristen Apologetik” (Center for Christian Apologetics) needs our prayers.

For volunteers with the CKA, it’s all about truth—in all God’s world. So they’re organizing public forums and webinars, training believers to share their faith, and sharing biblical perspectives with anyone who will listen.

They’ve also pulled together a “dream team” speakers’ bureau of leading Danish Christian thinkers. These professors and students are ready to tackle a variety of questions, including:

Did Jesus really rise from the dead? How do science and faith work together? What prevents us from sharing our faith? What about evolution? How reliable is the gospel? How do beauty and art point to a creator? What is a Christian worldview?

Good questions! So CKA staff and speakers are training the Danish church to provide answers. Pray that God would touch hearts and minds through this vital ministry.

PRAY for the center’s leader, Emil Børly Nielsen. For wisdom and vision to equip more Danish believers with truth from the scriptures.

PRAY for the CKA speakers bureau. These eight CKA experts are prepared to speak on how to share our faith in a winsome, intelligent way.

PRAY that more Danish believers would catch the CKA vision and would be able to ably share the good news of Jesus in their workplaces and homes.

PRAY that God would continue to bless the work of the CKA!

A new day for Oase

2023-02-12T13:49:00.002-08:00

Pray for the new general secretary of the “Dansk Oase” movement, Keld Dahlmann. He comes to the critical leadership position after serving as a pastor in Aarhus since 2002.

In his new role, Dahlmann oversees a country-wide network of some 21 churches, including many of the larger churches in the country. (Dahlmann’s church in Aarhus, for example, has around 800 members—which is quite large for a Danish church.) Churches in the movement, while still retaining their Lutheran identity, also enjoy a bit more autonomy than mainline Lutheran fellowships, and typically take an evangelical perspective.

Oase churches are also the source of some of the most dynamic praise music artists in the country. And the movement maintains a strong emphasis on youth outreach. And these churches also participate in a large yearly family camp called “SommerOase,” featuring praise concerts, seminars, and activities for all ages. It’s a highlight of the year.

Dahlmann brings not only his experience as a preaching and lead pastor, but also a passion for international outreach and ministry. The result is what he calls a more “welcoming culture” for those normally outside the church.

“We’re never done,” he told his church in a recent blog. “And that’s fantastic. I have my time, where I contribute something, and there was someone here before me, and someone follows me. That’s the nature of God’s kingdom—we never finish.”

PRAY for Keld Dahlmann, that he would be inspired to lead the Dansk Oase movement church network in God’s direction.

PRAY for the Dansk Oase movement, with churches scatted all over the country. Pray for God-honoring growth in each of the 21 churches, and that many would be saved and discipled.

PRAY for God’s protection of the movement, and for wisdom in its leadership. Pray that they would keep God’s priorities amidst all the world’s craziness.

Revival in 2023?

2022-12-20T08:42:00.000-08:00

So now we stand on the verge of yet another year. What lies ahead for the Danish church in 2023? What lies ahead for Denmark?

If you’ve been following the past year’s prayer requests in the Pray For Denmark blog, you’ll notice one word that stands out.

Revival.

We pray for revival, that God would renew his church in this small land. That he would draw believers closer, and that he would draw unbelievers to a saving faith in Jesus Christ.

But let’s be clear about our definition of true revival. As pastor and Christian commentator Tim Challies recently wrote, true revival is “supernatural, unexpected, deeply desired work of the Holy Spirit in which God’s people hunger for his Word and long for his glory. It is accompanied by an unusual sense of the presence of God, a deep awareness of sin, an overwhelming joy at forgiveness, and a passion to reach the lost.”

And revivals happen, as Challies reminded us, “when God deems them good and necessary, not when humans do.”

So this is what we pray for in Denmark. Not a human-manufactured version leveraged by technique or entertainment, but God-breathed and orchestrated. In every country village church, in every big-city gathering. In the schools and youth groups. In the places where a half-dozen faithful old people still gather, and the gyms where junior high kids laugh. Among recent immigrants, and among those who trace their Danish heritage back a thousand years. From the summer camps to the candles lit to the hygge of warm living rooms. From the tip of Skagen to the hundreds of islands to the cobblestone streets of market cities.

In the year to come we pray for nothing less than revival in God’s country of Denmark. We pray for revival among all 5,882,261 souls who make this lovely place their home.

Revival.

Pray with us.

A Christmas Challenge

2022-11-20T13:45:00.000-08:00

Pray for the upcoming annual evangelistic outreach through the “Julens Udfordring” (“Christmas Challenge”) news publication. Filled with stories and articles, the special tabloid is designed to reach Christians but especially the unchurched in Denmark with the good news of Jesus—during a time of year when Danes are perhaps more open to hearing the gospel.

A few articles from this year’s edition: Why Christmas is Something Special. Bob Dylan Found the Answer in the Wind. A Father and Son Help in Ukraine. The Story of “O Holy Night.” And more…

Christians in churches, small groups, families, or just individually may order as many copies as they can, and distribution is up to them. Else Ruhe Ludvigsen started with 10 copies four years ago, and has passed along more and more copies each year. This year she’s hoping to give away 1,000 copies in her hometown of Rødekro.

“I go from mailbox to mailbox,” she said, “as I pray to the Lord that I will meet those who live in the houses. As many as possible should hear about Jesus, so they’ll each receive a Christmas newspaper, in order to read about the King of kings.”

So Else shares her joy each year, and she has big plans to reach even more homes with the gospel. “Christmas is about Jesus,” she said, “and people need to know! Jesus has a birthday, and it’s us who receive presents. For me, being a Christian isn’t about being religious, but about having a personal relationship with Jesus. I want to offer that to others through the Christmas paper. Next year I want to distribute 2,000 papers, not just in Rødekro, but also in Aabenraa.”

PRAY for this year’s “Julens Udfordring” outreach, that God will reach many with the good news, and that many would turn to Christ this Christmas season as a result.

PRAY that Christians will find new and creative ways to distribute even more copies this year.

PRAY for revival in Denmark through the “Julens Udfordring” outreach.

We all do Laundry

2022-10-23T13:08:00.000-07:00

A new podcast in Denmark is tackling faith topics in a creative new way, bringing the conversation to a place where everyday Danes can learn and discuss more about what faith in Christ could mean in their lives.

It’s called “Laundry” (laundry.dk) and is produced by Camilla Engrob under the Youth for Christ umbrella. Through interviews, podcasts, music, art, and short films, it’s designed to work around the culturally Danish tendency to shy away from talk about spiritual things.

“Sharing about faith in our society has largely been in the hands of a very few,” she said, “in very specific platforms: the pulpit, speeches, or theological books. I’ve had a growing desire to give a platform to other forms of expression.”

For Camilla, that means bringing in creative people and interesting interviews for her podcasts. After all, she said, “God is the greatest artist and creative creator—and we’re made in His image.”

Camilla herself is a trained graphic artist and architect, and has a background in book design. She’s especially excited to share people’s stories.

Why call it “Laundry”? Camilla says it’s because we all have it, but few want to talk about it, or even show it to others.

“The idea grew over time,” she explained. “But three years ago it became clear to me that if I wanted things to be different, then I would need to do it myself. (So) ‘Laundry’ aims to focus on the Christian faith, and to make it natural to talk about God in the everyday. The starting point is the story about faith, hope, and love—the place where life is lived.”

PRAY for Camilla Engrob as she reaches into her culture with the truth of Jesus, for creativity and strength to present the claims of Christ in a winsome way.

PRAY for listeners, that minds would be opened and hearts would be softened to consider the claims of Christ.

PRAY that many Danes of all ages would discover the podcast.

PRAY for revival in Denmark through creative approaches like “Laundry.”

Young Danes in Israel

2022-09-11T13:49:00.000-07:00

Here’s something a little different: Let’s pray for the young Danes who have just begun a special three-month Bible learning and discipleship course at the School of Discipleship (Discipelskolen) in Israel. It’s run by Danish believers at The Danish House (Det Danske Hus) in Poriya, near the Sea of Galilee.

The new course began last month, with some 20 new learners. Here’s what one of the students, Jacob, had to say:

"Orientation is over, now, and we’ve had a nearly normal week. We’ve had the privilege to hear our own Jakob Ulriksen, who led us through the topic of “Glimpses from the Books of Moses.” We’re learning much more about the creation story, the Fall, and the formation of Israel—how God chose and used Israel in his greater plan of salvation. In addition, we have been exploring the Old Testament to see if we could find Jesus there. Spoiler alert: Jesus is in the Old Testament. The week was crowned with a Friday trip to Dan and Tel Hazor, where we saw some very exciting stones from the old days. We have been fortunate to welcome Hakon Christensen, who will be teaching the Book of Romans this week. We're looking forward to it."

Jacob and the rest of the students are not likely to forget this special hands-on learning time in the Holy Land. It’s a chance to walk where Jesus walked, to breathe biblical history, and to experience the truth of God’s Word in a unique setting.

This experience will change their lives!

PRAY for the 20 Danish students learning right now at The Danish House in Israel, that they would draw closer to the Lord during these three months. Pray for their protection as well.

PRAY that God would touch the Danish church through the experiences of these 20 students when they return to Denmark later this year. Pray that they would inspire others in new and fresh ways.

PRAY for the instructors and staff at The Danish House, that they would be especially blessed and inspired this term.

PRAY for the ministry of The Danish House, Det Danske Hus, that God would protect them and help it to flourish.

Expanding the tent

2022-07-31T12:16:00.001-07:00

They’ve been gathering at a place called Hadsund every summer now for 50 years—young and old, families and small children. Hadsund Bible Camping is typically Danish, and organized and led by volunteers.

There’s room for 60 small RVs and tents, so it’s somewhat smaller than many other family summer camps. But like most other camps, they set up a large main tent for gatherings, as well as a large outdoor eating table. For many Danish believers, this is how they reconnect every year.

“Some people come who aren’t used to being part of this kind of fellowship,” said Cecilie Christensen, who co-organized this year’s gathering. “And I hope there are more who have a chance to be a part. I always dream of bringing in more people from outside.”

She said the camp is “an obvious place to meet the church and hear about Jesus, because we have time to talk about things, and because we can get to know one another. I dream that someone will come each year who isn’t used to hearing about Jesus, and who isn’t used to this kind of fellowship.”

Some of the seniors who attended this year have been a part of the gathering ever since it was established 50 years ago. Others have married into the group, when children have grown up to establish their own families, and then brought more children along. Everyone tends to watch the children, by the way, so it’s a safe place for spiritual growth in a multi-generational atmosphere.

Let’s pray for the families who are meeting all across Denmark this summer in family camps, for the relationships and spiritual growth, as well as for a spirit of revival and healthy outreach—the kind that Cecilie Christiansen dreams about.

PRAY for the families of Hadsund Bible Camping, for growth and nearness to Christ across all generations.

PRAY for the kids of Hadsund, for lasting growth this summer and beyond.

PRAY that new families would be welcomed and drawn into the summer fellowship—especially families who don’t know Christ.

PRAY for revival throughout Denmark, starting in tents and spreading throughout the country, throughout the year.

Pray for the Forest Church

2022-06-17T17:03:00.001-07:00

One of Denmark’s leading praise song writers and performers will soon release a new album, inspired by his new outdoor ministry.

Arvid Asmussen, who recently began serving as pastor and worship leader at the Oasekirke (Oasis Church) in Silkeborg, finds inspiration outdoors—what he calls “the big cathedral.” So the album is appropriately titled “Cathedral (Katedral).”

In addition to his daily duties as a pastor, Asmussen leads a monthly “Forest Church” alternative worship experience. He invites the entire family on a pilgrimage that typically features Bible reflections and communion, and likely a good deal of singing, as well.

“I believe most people can come in contact with the feeling of being a part of something bigger when they’re out in nature—whatever their connection is to the church,” he said. “I hope the Forest Church can be a way for spiritually searching people to meet with God.”

Asmussen’s new album of nature- and psalm-inspired praise songs is scheduled to release in September, but he has already shared and performed much of the music at a praise gathering last April.

Listen to some of Asmussen’s music here. (There are even a couple of songs in English!)

PRAY for the monthly Forest Church—that unchurched Danes would meet their creator on these monthly praise outings, and that believers would draw closer to the Lord here, as well.

PRAY for Pastor Arvid Asmussen as he inspires other believers to creatively praise God through music.

PRAY for the ongoing ministry of the church in Silkeborg, that many would come to faith in Christ through this ministry.

The bus is ready!

2022-05-07T18:15:00.004-07:00

It’s ready! Pray now for the ministry of the “Børnebussen,” the “Kids’ Bus.” It’s an outreach of Denmark’s Evangelical Free Church Children and Youth ministry—basically a mobile youth group room, complete with everything that many smaller churches and towns don’t have.

The bus is stocked with games, a video screen, a kitchenette, restroom… and ministry leaders are looking to provide a venue for:

• Kid’s festivals and outreach events. Bus ministry leaders are encouraging churches to build outreach around the bus, using it was a way to attract attention for special events.

• Children’s church. There’s plenty of room cleared away inside the bus for kids and young people to sit on couches and gather around a worship experience.

• A rolling kid’s room during church adult weekends. Why not use the bus for a kids’ gathering place while parents are enjoying their own retreat experience?

• Club evenings. Bring in the bus with its resources as a way to anchor a fun event. The bus comes with everything from laser tag equipment and remote control cars to video games and of course Lego.

In the end, it’s a tool for the church, a way of supporting ministry and encouraging (mostly youth) leaders to think creatively about outreach. Bus coordinators hope it will be used as a way for Danish believers to extend their outreach from the buildings and beyond.

And this summer is the perfect time to see what God will do with this bus… all over Denmark. Let’s pray!

PRAY for the ministry of the Kids’ Bus—that churches will catch the vision of how to extend their reach beyond their small buildings.

PRAY that kids and their families will come to know the Lord through this creative support ministry.

PRAY that God will use this bus to spark revival in churches all over Denmark.

Here’s a quick tour of the bus, waiting for youth groups and church groups of all sizes.

Still the hope of the world

2022-03-13T16:12:00.002-07:00

The world has suddenly become a much less safe place, and the future is uncertain. Danes face the conflict that must seem dangerously close to their borders. Are these the last days? Is Jesus coming again soon? What call does that place on Christians? Hans-Ole Bækgaard, the leader of Denmark’s Inner Mission renewal movement, believes the many signs we’re seeing are a call to repent and believe in Jesus as the savior of the world, before it’s too late. Here’s what he said in a recent video blog, translated from the Danish:

“Are these the last days?” asked Bækgaard. “We have just experienced a world-shaking pandemic that has brought unrest to the entire world. And even before we are free of it, a major international conflict takes over.

“The Bible’s description of end time signs have again come close, with warnings of wars, natural disasters, falling away, seductions, and lawlessness. The last days began with Christ’s ascension and are a mission field that lasts until Christ suddenly returns.

“But we have been clearly told about the signs: ‘See to it that no one leads you astray.’ The signs are a call to repent and believe in Jesus as the Savior of the world, before it’s too late.

“We react differently to these situations, just as we have during the Corona crisis. Let’s talk with one another about it. Allow space for concern, one-on-one and in our fellowship. Let us embrace one another, and especially those to whom the war is nearest.

“As Christians we believe that world events are in the hands of God. Therefore we must pray to him—for peace, for his forbearance, for justice, that we would not lose hope, and that more people would turn to him.

“Christ is still the hope of the world,” he concluded, “and he is near to us! Pray for peace and justice.”

PRAY for the Danish church, as they face the prospect of welcoming refugees from the fighting. Pray for unity and a new hope, despite what’s happening in the world.

PRAY that many would turn to Christ during this trying time.

PRAY for peace.

Back to the street!

2022-02-13T13:48:00.001-08:00

Masks, no masks. Vaccinations, no vaccinations. Shutdowns, restrictions, illness... The people of Denmark have been riding this roller coaster for the past couple of years, and the fatigue is showing—also in the lives of street evangelists Bo and Mona Henriksen, and those volunteer with them to share the gospel of Jesus Christ on the streets of several cities across Denmark.

If the names sound familiar, it may be because we featured Bo and Mona and their ministry back in 2017. You can read more about them here. But in a recent email update, Bo shared candidly the very real challenges of the past year: a year filled with challenges, setbacks, and even doubts.

Paradoxically, it has also been a year of victories. The Henriksens have prayed with several people to follow Christ, and they’ve been able to start a home fellowship of Bulgarian immigrants who are growing in their faith. As Bo put it, “we have seen big miracles on the street.”

So Bo shares an optimistic vision for the coming year. He and Mona are ready to see what God will do again on the streets. “Isn’t it also in difficult situations like these,” says Bo, “that God has promised to be God?”

Indeed. And with that in mind, he shares from Paul’s letter to the Corinthian believers that “We have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.” (2 Corinthians 4:7-10)

That’s exactly right, Bo and Mona!

PRAY for renewed vision on the streets of Denmark, that those who share Christ will meet with ready hearts.

PRAY for Bo and Mona and their co-workers, for encouragement, protection, and renewed strength.

PRAY that God would work in creative new ways to reach people with his grace. Our God is a creative God, in no way limited by circumstances!

PRAY for revival on the streets and in the cities of Denmark!