International Missions Reports

On the picture: Evangelist Asbjørn Skjortnes preaches the gospel in the Word of Life Church in Split.

Evangelist Asbjørn Skjortnes visited Split in Croatia from the 17th to the19th of February 2017. He was invited by Pastor Drago Zrno in The Word of Life Church to have evangelistic meetings this weekend.

It was in the same area, Dalmatia, that Titus preached. Titus was a close associate of the Apostle Paul and he was sent to this area to preach the gospel (2. Timothy 4:10). Later Titus returned to Crete, where he is honored as the first leader of the church in Crete. Titus died at an advanced age after completing his race for the Lord.

On the photo: Lovely and affectionate praise during the meetings in Split.

On Friday Asbjørn preached from Romans 1:16: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes”, and from Ephesians 6:19: “Pray that the right words must be given to me when I speak, so I can boldly proclaim the mystery of the gospel”.

From these verses Asbjørn explained that Paul’s vocation was constantly preaching the gospel secret both to non-believers and the churches. It is not only the evangelists, who will proclaim the gospel, but all the ministry gifts are intended to illuminate the power of the cross. (1 Corinthians 2: 2)

What is the gospel?

The Gospel means the good news of what Jesus did on the cross. He hung on the cross as our substitute. Jesus took our place so that we would not have to be judged for our sins but be saved.

The Gospel is the power of God. Many people use their entire lives to pray for strength. The good news is that the gospel is already the power of God to everyone who hears it. You do not have to ask for power, accept the good news and you’ve received power. The power is in the Gospel. We believe in the Holy Spirit, but God’s power is released when we preach the gospel. The Gospel is the power of God for salvation and healing right now!

The Gospel is the power of God to everyone who believes! Isaiah 53.1.says: “Who has believed our report? For whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? ”

The arm of the Lord is the Lord of power and it will be obvious to everyone who believes the message. What message should we believe?

Isaiah 43 verses 4-5 says: “Verily, it was our sicknesses He took on Himself our sorrows He carried, while we considered Him stricken, smitten of God and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions. He was crushed for our iniquities. The penalty for that we would get peace struck Him, and by His stripes we are healed. “

The good news is that Jesus took our sins so that we could receive forgiveness and the gift of righteousness. And that Jesus took our sicknesses and pains so we could receive healing and health. Believe the Gospel!

On Saturday Asbjørn preached from Luke. 14. 16-23, the parable of the great feast. The main focus in Asbjørn`s preaching was verse 17 .: “Come, for all things are now ready. “

On the cross, Jesus said, “It is finished!” We do not need to finish something that has already been completed. He atoned all our sins so that we may receive His grace, forgiveness and justice. Christ bore our diseases and pains, so we could receive healing and health.

He took our poverty and need, so we could receive the blessing and abundance. Jesus took our shame and condemnation, so we might be partakers of His glory and dignity. He experienced being abandoned by God, so we should never experience solitude, but rather always live in His presence. Jesus died young so that we might live long. Jesus experienced hells horror that we might experience the glory of heaven. On the cross, He was everything so that we can be sure we will get everything He is now! (1. John. 4:17)

On the picture: Many came with faith and expectation to the meetings.

On Sunday Asbjørn preached from Acts 14: 1-3, 7 and Acts 8:24. Paul and Barnabas preached so that a large amount of both Jews and Greeks believed. What was the secret to having a large amount of people come to faith in Christ?

God’s Word says that the Lord gave of his grace words and pretended signs and wonders be done by their hands. Furthermore, it says that they preached the gospel. The gospel is called the grace of God’s word. Paul received a favor from the Lord Jesus who was to testify of God’s gospel of grace. From these verses Asbjørn tought that when we clearly preach God’s gospel of grace, a large amount of people will be saved and the Lord will vindicate His Word by the sick being healed. The Gospel of Grace is that Jesus has paid the price and made everything done. Salvation, healing, deliverance and the human need to the Lord, received free, as a free gift.

Picture above: The woman boldly testified that she was instantly healed from neck and back pain after a long time of suffering.

In all the meetings several people received the Jesus as their personal Savior and Lord. Sick people also testified instantaneous healings from various diseases and ailments (see photos above).

These include in particular an elderly woman who had been suffering with back pain for 10 years. She managed to bend over for the first time after all these years and boldly testified that all aches and pains were gone after the intercession (see photos above).

Another woman testified that strong muscle pain in the body for several years had disappeared after the prayer. Several others testified instantaneous healings from pain in the neck, back and legs (see photo above).

We are grateful to the Lord for His great mercy and faithfulness!

Mission Trips Ahead:

From the 19th to the 21st of May Asbjørn will have meetings in Dubrovnik in Croatia.

Pray with us that many people will hear God’s Gospel of grace, salvation and healing and that God’s kingdom will grow and that the churches are strengthened in their faith. Thank you for your faithful support and your prayers!

Become a partner to Follow Jesus Ministries!

Jesus says: Use the money, that there is so much injustice connected with, to win you friends who may receive you into the everlasting habitations when the money runs out. (Luke 16: 9)

We need your help to finance Gospel campaigns! God`s number one priority is to reach the unreached people with the Gospel. Give your gift to the mission to day and invest for heaven in people’s salvation!

Bank Account Number : 2220 0850258

May the Lord bless you richly in return!

In Christ for the unreached!

Asbjørn and Gunlaug Skjortnes

On the picture above – from left: Andrejs and Irina Konovalovs, both officers and leaders for the Salvation Army in Riga and Jelgava, and evangelist Asbjørn Skjortnes.

In the recent years, meetings around Christmas time in The Salvation Army in Riga, have been a tradition for Evangelist Asbjørn Skjortnes. In 2016, Asbjørn continued this tradition by visiting The Salvation Army in Riga and Jelgava again from the 17th -18th of December. Andrejs og Irina Konovalovs are officers and leaders for The Salvation Army in Riga and Jelgava, and their tasks are to serve and lead. The local leader in The Salvation Army in Jelgava is Jelena Veselova.

On the picture above: The local leader in The Salvation Army in Jelgava, Jelena Veselova.

The parole of the Salvation Army is: «Soap, soup and salvation». Their work is wonderful, and they save many homeless people with food, clothes, and the gospel. The Salvation Army in Riga is also in charge of a rehabilitation center for drug addicts.

On the picture above: Evangelist Asbjørn Skjortnes preaching the gospel

The main massage in Asbjørns` sermon this time, was from Romans 1:16:

« For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believe; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. »

Asbjørn preached about what the gospel really is :

The Gospel means the good news about what Jesus did on the cross. He dies on the cross instead of us. He was our substitute and took our place. This means that we do not need to be judged for our sins, but can receive free salvation. The gospel is the power of God. Some people use their entire life to pray about power. The good news is that the Gospel is already power to every single people who hear it. You do not need to pray for power. Receive the good news, and you have received power! The power is in the Gospel. We believe in the Holy Spirit, but the power of God is redeemed when we preach the gospel. The gospel is the power of God to healing and Salvation, right now!

The Gospel is the power of God to all those who believe.

Isaiah 53.1. «Who that believed our report? And whom is the arm of the Lord revealed? »

Isiah 53, 4-5: «Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, mitten of God, and afflicted. Burt he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.»

The good news is that Jesus took our transgressions and sins so that we can receive the gift of forgiveness. Jesus took our diseases and pain so that we can receive healing and live a life in health. Believe in the gospel!

The response from the meeting has been overwhelming

On the pictures above: The benches were filled up by homeless and people in need in Riga and Jelgava.

The response from the meeting has been overwhelming. About 150 drug addicts and homeless repented to the lord in these meetings. Several people experienced healings from different diseases and illnesses in all of the meetings. The compassion of Christ, and his love was revealed for many of the people and they received salvation and healing. We are truly thankful to Jesus for his endless faithfulness and grace.

Asbjørn will continue his meetings in 2017

Asbjørn will travel to Split in Croatia from the 17th -19th of February, and to Syktyvkar in Russia the 30th of March to the 2nd of April 2017.

He will also continue his meetings in Russia, Latvia and Croatia during 2017.

Pray for a continued harvest and growing churches for a great growth in the kingdom of God. Thank you very much for your economical support and prayer. We wish our dear partners and prayers a great Christmas holiday and a happy new year.

In Christ – for those who not yet believe.

Asbjørn, Gunlaug and Victoria Skjortnes

Picture above: Evangelist Asbjørn Skjortnes is preaching the Gospel in “God is Love Pentecostal Church” in Birzai, Lithuania.

Blessed „Follow Jesus Ministries“

As Pastor of Birzai pentecostal church I want to say big thanks for Asbjørn Skjortnes‘s ministry in our church meetings. We praise God for everything, what He has done through this wonderful man of God. We are excited when we see his dedication to God, to preaching the Gospel around the world. He inspires us by his faith, energy, life style, love to sinners, simple way to share the Good News about Salvation. We had an opportunity to see how Asbjørn Skjortnes was leading healing service.

Picture above: Valdemaras Valkiunas from the Government opens the meetings in “God is Love Pentcostal Church, Birzai, Lithuania.

One man from Goverment (Valdemaras Valkiūnas) came to Saturday meeting. He wanted to stay short time, say some words to people, but he was in meeting till the end. He saw the miracles, saw how the people fell down under the power of Holy Spirit, but it not shocked him very much. He heard the full gospel, and prayed with others, who came infront to pray the prayer of salvation. He said, that his ancestors were the members of pentecostal church, and people in this church are near to his heart. He promissed to come to this church more times.

Next day – Sunday, Asbjørn Skjortnes preached in two services, at 11 and 16 o‘clock. He preached joyfully, with great anointing. We saw happy faces of people, when they were listening this joyful message. Jesus Christ saves and heals people today, like in days of Bible. Two men from Goverment came to the first Sunday meeting, they heard the Gospel.

The pastor from Panevėžys, Ramūnas Kairys was atending in the second Sunday meeting. He wants to invite Asbjørn Skjortnes to his church the next time.

Picture above: The woman had backpain for many years because the one leg was shorter than the other. After prayer the leg grew out and the back was straightened up, she was completely healed.

People were saved and felt the healing power of God in their bodies, during these meetings on the 9th and the 10th of February 2013. The prayer of repentance was prayed by about 20 people over two days, and much more people were healed by the name of Jesus! We are so thankful to God for that! Some people testified about healing, some just thanked Jesus for it. Some of them are talking about healing now, after some days, because they got not instant healing, but now their health condition is much better.

Picture above: We praise the Lord after the woman has been healed from 35 years with strong pain because of arthritis. After prayer she was totally healed.

We had a truly blessed time and we are looking forward to see him again, preaching in other towns of Lithuania (may be Kaunas, Panevėžys) in Autumn or next year. We will pray for this wonderfull man of God – Evangelist Asbjørn Skjortnes.

Pastor Linas Šnaras

Pentecostal church „God is Love“

Biržai, Lithuania

Picture above: Evangelist Asbjørn Skjortnes preaches the gospel in The New Testament Church in Perm.

Evangelist Asbjørn Skjortnes visited Russia from the 19th to the 23rd of September 2012. This time he visited five of The New Testament Chuch`s congregations. Asbjørn visited The New Testament Church in the following locations: Kudymkar where Slava and Natasha Gerasimov are pastors; Urla in Perm region where Alex and Katya Buldakov are pastors; Gainy in Perm region where Igor and Natasha Paiolugulov are pastors; Lysva where Mikhail and Lena Kreydich are pastors and the main church The New Testament Church in Perm where Edward and Larissa Grobovenko are pastors. Edward is also bishop of “The Russian Church of Christians of Evangelical Faith” which consists of 1100 Pentecostal churches in Russia.

The New Testament Church in Perm is one of the largest in Russia with about 4000 members. The church has purchased the large Palace of Culture and on Sundays they have three church services to accommodate all the visitors. The New Testament Church in Perm has founded 250 other churches in their region and has a vision to start many more churches in Russia.

Many people were saved during the meetings.

Picture above: Many people responded to the altar call.

During these meetings, over 200 people made known that they will accept Jesus as their savior. It was also a strong tangible manifestation of God`s presence and healing power, and many testified instaneous healings.

The main focus of the preaching was that the gospel is å great joy for all the people( Luke 2:10-11) . When Philip preached the gospel of Christ in Samaria, and the multitudes saw the signs and wonders that happened, many crippled and lame were healed, so it was a great joy in the city ( Acts 8:5-8).

The opening of a new church building.

The Pictures above: The new church building in the village Urla in the Perm region. Asbjørn preached the Word of God in the solemn opening of the new building.

Asbjørn also attended the opening of a new church building in the village of Urla in the Perm region. The congregation organized a celebration and it was a solemn opening of this new church.

Asbjørn continues his meetings in Russia bimonthly whose focus is to reach new places with the gospel with the intent to plant many new churches.

The needs are great in Russia, pray with us for a continual great harvest so that new churches can be opened and God`s kingdom prosper.

On the picture above: Evangelist Asbjørn Skjortnes and Pastor Volodymyr Ilchuck ( to the right for Asbjørn) with the leadership in “The Full Gospel Church Hosanna” in Rivne.

Evangelist Asbjørn Skjortnes visited several churches in Ukraine from the 9th to the 16th of September 2012. He visited the following churches: “The Rock of Salvation Church” in Krasylik where Yura and Natasha Pasichnik are the pastor couple, “The Grace Church ” in Slavuta where Leonid Pasichnyk is pastor, “Hope Christian Centre” in Gannopil where Sergij Kononchuk is pastor, “Gods Army” in Salvuta where Volodymyr Ilchuck is pastor. The focus of Asbjørn Skjortnes` preaching in the meetings has been on God`s great loveplan and Jesus`s finished work on the cross. The responses in the meetings have been overwhelming.

Many people have experienced salvation and healing

The man on the picture above praises the Lord for complete healing in his right shoulder, after prayer he managed to lift his arm without pain.

In all the meetings, many people have been saved and healed. People have witnessed about strong instantaneous healings. Some blind people have testified that they have been given sight after prayer. Deaf people have testified that they have been hearing again and many have testified to healing from pain in the neck, back, shoulders and legs. Several have testified about healing from arthritis and paralysis. Some testified that one leg that was too short grew out after prayer. One man in the meeting in “The Rock of Salvation Church” in Krasylik had aches and pains in his right shoulder. After prayers, he managed to lift his arm without pain and discomfort ( see photo above).

Healed after a car accident

A woman who came to the meetings in “The Grace Church” in Slavuta had been in a car accident and was seriously injured. She had been suffering from pain in her body for 18 years. Her husband began to cry with tears of joy when he saw his wife`s leg that was about 5 inches shorter than the other grow out and her spine straightened up. All the pain disappeared and she lifted her hands and praised the Lord for healing ( see photo belove).

The woman on the picture above praises the Lord after being healed of the injury from her car accident.

God`s grace and mercy was revealed unto salvation and healing in the meetings in Ukraine and the churches were strengthened in the faith.

Our gratitude goes to the Lord for the miracles He did. In December Evangelist Asbjørn Skjortnes will have meetings in Latvia and in 2013 he will have new meetings in Ukraine, Lithuania and Russia.

Please pray with us for a continuing great harvest so that the churches can grow.

Picture above: From the left deacons Ruta and Virginijus Berlinskiene, evangelist Asbjørn Skjortnes and pastors Linas and Vera Snaras

Dear Follow Jesus Ministries!

In the name of all our church, I am writing you to thank for Asbjørn Skjortnes‘s visit to Lithuania. We feel honoured that we had evangelist who travels all around the world in our small town’s church.

On our Saturday’s service, evangelist Asbjørn Skjortnes told the story, how he was radically saved. He told us about his first trip to India, where he had his first mission and lots of people were healed. It was a first time for him to see how powerful God was using him just by reading the word of God. So, we liked this story very much.

After that, he preached about Jesus Christ, who was the same yesterday, is now and will be that way forever. He is able to do the same miracles today, as He was doing 2000 years ago. Nothing is changed. Jesus saves and heals people today, like in days of Bible. We had an opportunity to see how true this word really is when Asbjørn Skjortnes was leading healing service.

On our Sunday’s service, we heard a message about the origin of gospel – the good news, which brings the joy to everyone. The evangelist Asbjørn Skjortnes told that Jesus was happy because God anointed him with the oil of joy. Nowadays, we tend to forget to be happy when we preach the gospel.

Some of us didn’t even know that Jesus was happy. If we want to be like Jesus, we must be happy too. So, evangelist Asbjørn Skjortnes reminded us that, so that we can preach it with joy from this day on. It was good to see happy faces, when people was listening this joyful message.

Picture above: The woman raises her hands after prayer and thanks the Lord that she has been completely healed from arthritis and pain, that she had in about 11 years.

People were saved and felt the healing power of God in their bodies, during these meetings in August 18–19th 2012. The prayer of repentance prayed about 30-40 people over two days, and much more people was healed by the name of Jesus! We are so thankful God for that! Some people testified about healing, some just thanked Jesus for it. Some of them are talking about healing now, after some days, because they got not instant healing, but now their health condition is much better.

We are very thankful Asbjørn Skjortnes’s for his dedication to the ministry. We had a truly blessed time and we are looking forward to see him again, preaching in Lithuania next year.

Pastor Linas Šnaras

Pentecostal church „God is Love“

Biržai, Lithuania

Picture above: Evangelist Asbjørn Skjortnes, Bishop Nikoli Grib and his wife Tamara Grib from “Word of Truth Church” in Riga.

Evangelist Asbjørn Skjortnes visited again Latvia from the 13th to the 15th of January 2012. He visited the following churches: “Word of Truth Church” in Eleja where Marion and Veronika Chasnovich are the pastor couple, “New Life Christian Centre” in Bauska where Andrey and Rita Zalutsky are the pastor couple, “Living Word Church” in Jurmala where Leonid and Galina Filimonov are the pastor couple and “Word of Truth Church “in Riga where Bishop Nikoai and Tamara Grib are the pastor couple.

Nikolai Grib is Bishop of the Pentecostal Union of Latvia. He is responsible for all the Russian Pentecostal churches in Latvia. These churches focus on reaching new people with the Gospel. In Bishop Grib`s church in Riga they arrange meetings every Saturday where they hand out clothes and food to the needy and give people the Gospel. Through this social commitment , many people have been saved and added to the church. In Filinonov`s church in Jurmala they arranged Christmas pary this weekend for the whole family. The children were given presents and through this event, several of the parents were saved.

Picture above: Asbjørn Skjortnes preaches the Gospel in “Word of Truth Church ” in Riga.

Many were saved and healed.

The focus of Asbjørn`s preaching was that the power of the Gospel unto salvation and healing was completed on the cross. Many received the word of faith and about 75 people said yes to Jesus this weekend.

Several also withessed of immediate healings. Two men and a woman testified that they had received their hearing back after prayer. A woman who could not lift her arm and had had many years with pains , raised her arn after prayer without pain. many also testified that pains in the back, neck and legs disappeared after prayer. Others reported that legs that were too short grew out. God`s mercy and grace was revealed in the meetings. It is wonderful to see that the churches in Latvia are growing and that more new people are being reached with the Gospel and that the churches have their focus on the salvation of souls.

Asbjørn will continue his meetings in Latvia and this spring he will also visit churches in Poland, France and Beligum. Pray for a continued harves in Europa.

Photo above: Gunlaug og Asbjørn Skjortnes.

Evangelist Asbjørn Skjortnes visited again Latvia from the 2nd to the 4th of December 2011. He visited the Evangelical Church in Dobele, The Word Church in Riga and the Living Word Church in Jurmala and Kalnciems. The focus of the preaching was that the Gospel is a great joy which shall be to all people. For today is born unto us a Saviour in the city of David, he is Christ the Lord ( Luke 2: 10-11). As we enter into the Christmas holiday season , it is important to remember that Jesus came to this earth as the Saviour of the world. The Gospel is not just for the Christian, but the message should go out to all people, into all the world.

Many people were saved

The response was positive among the non believers in Latvia. In total about 75 people have been saved this weekend. Many testified about specific healings from pain in back, neck and legs. Soma also saw that legs that were too short grew out. A woman arrived at the meeting with crutches because she had severe pain in her legs and difficulty walking. After prayer, all her pain disappeared and she left the meeting without needing her crutches. Another woman with back and neck pain, which she had been troubled with for many years, was completely healed. God` s grace and mercy of salvation and healing was manifested in these meetings to the glory of God.

Photo above: Christmas in Jurmala, Latvia.

Looking back through the year of 2011

During the year of 2011 Asbjørn has visited both large and small churches in Latvia, Ukraine, Russia, France and Belgium. In total more than 500 people have been saved and many have testified of healings from various diseases and ailments. Also blind people have received their sight, the deaf have received hearing back and people who have been paralyzed have risen. The churches have been strengthened in the faith. All glory to Jesus!

God has opened new doors

During 2012 , we aim to reach even more countries. We will have meetings in cooperation with local churches in Latvia, Ukraine, Russia, Belarus, France, Belgium , Lithuania, Italy and Poland.

We thank you for your faithful prayers and financial support

Without you we would not have been able to reach the people. You have stood with us and invested in the salvation of souls, and thus you will also get your reward in eternity. Although it seems like what we do is just a drop in the vast human sea, we have chosen to give our lives to get as many people as possible with us to heaven.

A great harvest

Time is short and the Second Comming of Jesus is at hand. Let us work while it is still day! We are now seeing the start of a great harvest in the Muslim countries. I believe that the last great harvest before Jesus returns will be in Europe. Therefore pray that God continues to open new doors for the Gospel. Pray also that we get more supporters in 2012, so that we can focus even more and reach more people with the Gospel. We have great expectations for the new year about what the Lord will do!

We wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and a blessed new year.