He who lives in us is running the show!

On Thursday evening we came together all who were going to be serving on the festival for worship and prayer. It was also my first contact with the brothers and sisters from the band Next Exit from USA. The evening we ended with communion and it was such a holy moment.

It was wonderful to sit down and share experiences with our new American friends. As many of you know my heart used to be in America for many years but after the pandemic I fell in love with my home country Finland and God opened new doors in Finland, Sweden, Germany and The Netherlands. I am very happy where we are today.

On Friday we started on the ”blues street”. This was our third year here in a row and the Åmål Bluesfestival is counted the biggest blues festival in Sweden. People from all over the country come to this small town and people even come from other countries. Can there be a better place to share the good news at?

The morning started really good and I did a good one hour set with music and my life story. I think we handed out between 50-60 books that morning.

We continued on the main stage on the main square in the evening and this was also the first time I heard Next Exit live. A group with very talented musicians and very nice people.

We shared the stage so I did two sets that evening and we had a very good crowd. It was such a wonderful Friday night when I could feel that the message we all shared landed in good soil. We pray for the Holy Spirit to water the seeds that were planted last weekend.

On Saturday we continued with a good one hour set on the ”blues street” and it was crowded. I had a good time and I am so thankful for the response from the audience. Many times when you sit and play on the street people just walk by and give you that funny look but these people were actually listening and applauding.

In the evening we did the same thing as the night before and again the weather was on our side. It has been raining for days and days but during these two days we did not have rain until after we all were done on the main stage.

Saturday evening was also a wonderful evening and the different teams who were there got to talk with people, give out books and pray for people. It is amazing what we can do when we come together as one body, the body of Christ. Together we ARE strong and HE who lives in us is running the show.

I have not counted the books that were given away during these two days but based on what was left at the church Sunday morning I think we handed out at least 400 books. Now we just need to pray that those who read the book will realize what we share fromt the stage, that there is only one way to eternal life and that is through Jesus Christ.

What a blessing it was to be out there amongst thousands of people who came to the town for the blues festival. Many of them got to hear the best news ever. I have to say it again and I felt it strongly that HE who lives in us was running the show. So many divine appointments and broken people who received new hope in their situations.

Sunday morning we ended with a church service in Kungsbergskyrkan in Åmål. The church we parked outside during our days in Åmål. The whole thing was organized by them and Equmeniakyrkan with some help from the Pentecostal church. A work with many churches involved. What a wonderful team.

I shared about my encounter with Jesus 18 years ago and played some songs. I actually did a couple of songs in Swedish from the upcoming Swedish Rockabilly album and it felt good to have the church sing with me. I ended the set with the acoustic version of Amazing Grace, a song I always do. I was lost but now I am found. I was blind but now I see. I am just remembering my past when I was blind and did not see other people. I did not even see my own family.

Today I am such a blessed man and I can see. I can see clearly. It is such an honor to be able to do this together with my son, Sebastian who did not have a good father when he grew up. His father was a heavy alcoholic and that father was nobodye else than me. I am so thankful that God has forgiven me so I have also been able to forgive myself. Again, HE who lives in me is running the show.

Next Exit continued the Sunday service and it was just a wonderful time together. We already spoke about next summer and as long as they want be back we are there. The Blues festival in Åmål has become one of the highlights during our summer tour.

Now we have today off and tomorrow we plan on being outside ICA Kvantum here in Säffle. On Wednesday we are going to be at Gamla bruket in Munkfors. Thursday we are visiting our brothers and sisters in Network MC in Odensbacken outside Örebro. Friday and Saturday we are on a festival at the ski stadium in Falun together with a bunch of other artists. Doug Seegers will also be there and I am looking forward to hear him live. Another man that was homeless but someone found him on the street and today he is a touring musician and he has his faith in Jesus Christ. Another life story that is worth to listen to.

So far it was been good and my health is getting better. It has not been easy but we have survived. We have two more weeks to go before we return home and we can count on HIM who lives in us. He is running the show. Thank you all for your prayers and support. We love you!