As Zack and Jennifer Dove work
to encourage church plants in their part of Norway, their boys are adept at
opening doors to relationships. Prayer, though, is the real key.
The Dove Family Story
Sharing the gospel isn’t a one-time deal for IMB church
planters Zack and Jennifer Dove. It’s an everyday part of their lives as they
deepen relationships and bridge conversations toward gospel truths in
Sandefjord, Norway.
“Zack will say often…We don’t need to let cultural norms be
the filter,” Jennifer explains. “We need to let the gospel be the filter and so
just share a little bit and see where it lands and plant that seed.”
Though Norway has been a Christian nation for a thousand
years, in recent decades spiritual life has withered and church buildings often
stand empty. Only 2 percent of Norwegians regularly attend services—one of the
lowest attendance figures in Europe. The Doves encourage existing believers and
share with others who live without hope. Southern Baptists can join their work
through prayer.
“Just knowing that people are praying is such an awesome
thing, and then just knowing that people are giving to the Lottie Moon
[Christmas Offering®], that’s such an encouragement.”
PRAYER
POINTS
- PRAY for the new church plant in Sandefjord, as believers there reach out to the community and draw seekers into something fresh.
- PRAY for the house church in nearby Tønsberg as believers there boldly share their faith and for a multiplying movement to take hold.
- PRAY for an awakening and revival among existing believers: that they would see fruit through sharing their faith and seeing people follow Jesus.
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20
