life, life, life..

Church of Joy was powerful this week! Samuel preached about having a vision (Proverbs)… in preparation for the launch of our own church vision here in Harar this coming week. We also installed Ashagre and Mohammed as our assistant pastors here in Mission SOS - Africa’s Horn!! Ashagre is one of the greatest teachers I’ve ever known… with the heart of a true shepherd. Mohammed is a dynamic and genuine evangelist inside and out… he breathes, sleeps, eats and dreams evangelism. We are honored and strengthened by the two of you! Thank you for sharing life together with us!!!

“I know some people worshipping together in Harar today!!!”(The globe I painted last week ☺ )

What is life without adventure, risk, taking chances, dreaming up things that are beyond you? What is life without Jesus? I’m madly in love.

What does a typical week in Ethiopia look like?? Rising before the sun to spend time with Holy Spirit… saving your friends (or your friend’s mobile) from being locked in (or falling into) the squatty potty… gnawing on sugarcane… countless kisses with new and old friends on the streets… Amerinja classes (and a final tomorrow)… powerful House Churches… eating enormous bites of injera, rice or spaghetti from your disciple’s bare hand… playing soccer with your life-heroes under the hot sun and distant mountains… carrying a burning passion for the unreached souls on Africa’s Horn every moment of every day… soaking your sand/dirt-stained feet in old baptismal water on your day off… utterly living life to the fullest! A typical week is full of joy, laughter, lessons, excitement, anticipation, dreams…

Now I sit writing and listening to my Samuel teach the Bible School students about the GIFTS of Holy Spirit. Powerful! Today we’ve been married for 7 weeks… the most incredible 7 weeks in life. How amazing it is to wake up every day with your best friend... not quite sure what the day will bring… but knowing that you have each other, Holy Spirit and the same adventurous spirits that are driven to transform a people to the Kingdom of God... together.

Samuel! Thank you for making me laugh until it hurts, for leading me with your wisdom, sharing your heart with me, watching movies with me… you’re the strongest man on the planet. I’ll follow you to the ends of the earth…

My Daddy walking me down the aisle… Thanks for setting the standard for me ☺

The Strandbergs! Best family I could ask for…

Daddy, Mama and the man of my dreams…

Week in review..

Last FRIDAY here on Africa’s Horn… as the sun began to set for the evening, disciples rolled into our compound to the smell of fire and sizzling goat and ox. Church of Joy had a barbeque! Samuel and Philip built the pit and cooked 7 kilos of meat for a traditional dish of Ethiopia “tibs” eaten with injera and dabo (flat, sour, spongy-ish pancakes and bread). Kati made popcorn.. I made the aninas juice.. the big red carpet, mats and pillows were laid out under the stars.. and then we ate to our stomach’s delight while enjoying the sweetest fellowship under heaven.

When our plates were empty once again, Samuel gave a short salvation message and Mohammed shared some scriptures about the promises of God. The night we had been praying and preparing for was a HUGE success! Thanks Jesus!

After our church family returned to their homes, our own family laid out on the popcorn-infested mats and starred at the diamond stars with smiles on our lips, until our eyelids could no longer keep themselves opened. What a night!

Swedes, Ethiopians, Norwegians, American... my family :)

SATURDAY in Shewaber… was remarkable. Maja and I planted a women’s house church last week among our new-saved and not-so-new-saved disciples. We gather in one woman’s house that sits in the heart of the city, feed each other rice and bread with our fingers, sing mesmor to Jesus, read the word, pray.. it’s phenomenal. This week Maja shared an incredible word about being chosen by God. God has created this house church to be such a safe pl

ace for these women. Many are coming from muslim families, are poor, alone, young mothers… but when we gather together as sisters in Christ, there is a strength that manifests in ways we never could have arranged on our own. The freedom of God broke out this week too! We were dancing, jumping, shouting and singing at the top of our lungs… loving on our Jesus together. Wow..

At the same time our church was gathered, the boys were mee

ting on the other side of the city with a men’s house church. It’s amazing to know that Jesus is being preached in many places all at once… Harar is sandwiched with Holy Spirit on Saturday nights!

When we returned home again, Samuel led the team in a time of prayer, blessing and communion together. What a special kiss from God this night turned out to be for us all. I’m madly in love with my Harar family. Thank you Jesus for putting me here. We are pioneers, warriors, brothers and sisters… sharing life together with Holy Spirit as we usher the Kingdom of God to Africa, “experience” fikas, play soccer, lay under stars, study Amheric.. wow wow..

SUNDAY morning in Church of Joy… was indescribable! There was such a spirit of excitement and anticipation before the service started. We are an international church-- which proved itself true this week as we gathered Ethiopians, Somalis, Swedish, Dutch, Indian and an American(ME)! Kati and Maja opened the morning with a dance, then we worshiped.. Kati also created a new drama about the battle for our souls between satan and God. Every arm was filled with goose bumps when the music ended… Holy Spirit was speaking strongly to our hearts… the stage was set for Samuel to share a salvation message. One man responded with the most genuine of hearts.. receiving the gift of Jesus for the first time!!! Then Ashagre preached about Holy Spirit!

POWERFUL! At the end we received the third offering toward our first keyboard in Church of Joy! The spirit of poverty is being broken in this region!!! We are proclaiming the standard of God’s kingdom over our Ethiopian kingdom.. one of blessing and abundance!! Hallelujah!

MONDAY… was our free day. Free days are simply adventure days in disguise. During breakfast, the guys and I decided that we would go to Jijiga. Within the hour we were packed into a minibus and on our way through the mountains and dusty streets.. headed toward Somali’s border.

Erik and Philip.. by minibus..

Somali hut

What a special land I’m living in.. here in the Eastern part of Africa. The people are stunning, the strongholds are thick, but the breakthrough anointing of the cross is invincible. We ALWAYS have the VICTORY!

TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY and FRIDAY morning this week all began with team prayer and strategic vision planning… we are getting ready for a big reveal this Sunday in Church of Joy! Log on soon to hear more…

Me and Samuel in Jijiga

Baptism!

It's been another fantastic week in Ethiopia! Many have received Jesus for the first time.. and we even planted a new women's house church! Holy Spirit is up to some big things here on Africa's Horn.

Me and Philip at Diana's baptism!

I'm melting

The sky was a deep, dramatic gray yesterday afternoon. Actually, it’s been deep, dramatic grays at some point every day this week. I’m enjoying the rain. It’s soothing and refreshing… the air is cooler, the sandy streets are muddier and the dripping on our metal roof is like music at night. Two days ago, Samuel and I were taking a Bajaj (tiny cart/taxis that are opened on the sides) through the city and a fellow Bajaj passing on the left side splashed a muddy title wave all over Samuel’s body! (Just 10 seconds earlier he was bragging about how dry he was sitting between me and another girl.. haha) We felt like we were on a rollercoaster, knowing the water is about to drench us, but the slow motion of it all made it feel surreal. Mmm.. rainy days..

Sunday morning in Church of Joy was spectacular! Samuel preached about Holy Spirit, our Best Friend and Helper. Men gathered at the stage for the alter call with tears sneaking down their cheeks, experiencing the peaceful yet powerful presence of God. I cried too. There’s no greater gift than to witness someone having an encounter with the Savior.

After the service, Samuel surprised me with a trip to Dire Dawa for two nights. We stayed at a nice hotel, soaked up a little African sun by the pool, ate yummy food, watched “Remember the Titans” and “Diary of a Mad Black Woman” (strange combination I know.. but entertaining nonetheless) and then came home to Harar early yesterday morning. The team had already begun prayer together when we arrived… the perfect sound to come home to… shouts and cries in Holy Spirit! I’m excited for this new week!

The greatest people on the planet are living here at the base.. Maja, Kati, Phillip, Erik, Mohammed, Ashagre… Life’s Heroes!!!!!!

Maja in the walled city

Gorgeous Kati and the most precious boy

Erik and Phillip.. such big brothers to the nation of Ethiopia

My one and only…

Due to the lovely combination of gray clouds and water droplets, I’ve found myself obliged to study my Amheric as often as possible. The team has begun 3-4 months of language classes.. which upon completion.. will enable us to preach a basic salvation/baptism message and talk with people more sufficiently on the streets. I can’t wait! Pray for grace..

Feels more and more like I’m melting into this land and culture. Who knows.. maybe I’ll have a nice Ethiopian glow when I get back to America. That’s my prayer. To think, speak, walk and smell like the people groups we’re reaching out to here on Africa’s Horn.. while of course mirroring all I’ve seen in my Jesus.

Last night the Bibleschool students learned about evangelism with Mohammed while Ashagre taught a followup class of about 10 new believers down in the city. There is nothing like spending all your life on the work of the Kingdom! Maja and I will also be starting a new women's house church Saturday night!!!

This morning after Samuel led the team in an incredible time of prayer, we went out for a game of soccer.. despite Ashagre's viscious attempt to knock me out.. my team won!!! Woohoo! Life on Africa's Horn is the beeeest!

So.. as my body, speech and mind continues to melt into the Ethiopian way of life... my heart is melting as well. I'm utterly in love.

Miss you all in America and Sweden! Thank you for your prayers... you are treasures! Samuel and I love you with all our hearts!!!

Through my lense..

Strandbergs!


Precious kids in the walled city of Harar

Yesterday I met a new disciple in the city with one of our Biblestudents.. she was saved almost 2 weeks ago, baptized in water and is now just hungry for the things of God! We brought her to our compound and shared the gift of Holy Spirit with her! Hallelujah!

The weekend has begun here in Harar.. time for house churches, hanging out with the team, climbing mountains and gathering people for Church of Joy on Sunday!!

Two photos for now.. Ciao!

Greatest City on the Planet

Me and Samuel "In the beginning"... last year in Ethiopia :)

Harar, Ethiopia is the greatest city on the planet.. Im in love. The team here is breathtaking, the disciples priceless, the people groups stunning, the presence of Jesus is thick, Holy Spirit's sweet voice is constant and my husband is truly a prince..

Nothing compares to the life we get to live when we become consumed with chasing the Kingdom of Heaven on this earth. Nothing compares to the unconditional love we find in Jesus. Im madly in love with Him..

Sorry I haven't had any photos posted, it's hard to upload things on this African internet :) But believe me... my camera has hardly left my face! Coming soon...

I had an incredible week here on Africa's Horn. On Friday night we had a house church like none other I've ever experienced! 13 of us were squeezed together in a house the size of my closet in America! It was amazing!! We sang worship together, prayed in the Spirit and received an amazing word from Erik about the Word of God and the power it has to break condemnation over our lives. What an honor it is to live in the greatest city on the planet..

What a life!

Last night was amaaaaaazing!! I got to baptize my first Ethiopian disciple who was saved last weekend at the festival with Johannes. We built a baptismal tank inside our “Church of Joy” out of benches, a tarp and bricks. (Five people were baptized!)

Afterwards, I followed her home to meet her husband. As I walked the dusty red path, ducking beneath laundry that hung drying in the cool night air, to their one-room home.. I sensed the heavy spirits of violence, rage, addiction and fear. Her husband, who is muslim, sat on the floor drinking alcohol and chewing kat(the drug of Ethiopia). I was praying all night long for her protection. It’s such a challenge sometimes when women make the decision to follow Jesus and then have to face the possible abuse of their husbands.

The power of the cross breaks the darkness of the world every time we call upon the name of Jesus. What a promise!

After the baptism I left the team to go sit on the dusty road with two girls in the market. They were roasting corn over a little fire for 2 birr each(only a few cents)… we laughed, taught each other English/amheric, I invited them to church, told them stories… I left there late in the night smelling like sweat and smoke, completely eaten by flies with my clothes full of fire ants from sitting on the ground.. but I had the biggest smile on my face! I love being with the people and learning the culture.. hope I start looking a little bit more Ethiopian soon!

This morning the team gathered with our friend Jonatan Kvist for a time of sweet worship and refreshing from Holy Spirit. I am living together with the greatest people on the planet!!

Tonight Samuel will complete his teaching on Faith for the Bibleschool students. He is the greatest teacher in the world!!! (Puss Älskling!) There is such an electric anticipation in the air... for the Kingdom of Heaven to utterly invade this stunning land!

The Strandbergs go home!

Breathtaking. Remarkable. Flawless. Powerful. The last two weeks of my life have truly blown my mind! Thanks Jesus!!!

On September 12, my Samuel arrived from Ethiopia at Pittsburgh International Airport. We hadn’t seen each other for three months since I was on the west coast of Sweden with him and his family in June. I thought I could have screamed when I saw him! It’s been a crazy fun ride.. meeting your life-love in cities all over the world, emailing almost every day (when Harar has electricity of course), Facebook dates..

On Sunday morning we were blessed and sent out from the most incredible church in the world.. Victory Christian Center with Pastor David and Kathie Thomas. WOW WOW! Talk about a commissioning Sunday! Thank you to the greatest people in America… Samuel and I are mirroring all we’ve learned in you.. “Loving God Completely, Loving People Unconditionally and Loving Life Enthusiastically!!”

The rest of the week was full of Redmond-Strandberg family dinners, picking wedding rings, Wedding rehearsal, last-minute fikas with friends and an incredibly powerful night at Arise youth with Pr Lucas where Samuel preached on the Holy Spirit!!

On September 17^th, I got to walk the aisle. The aisle that would lead me to love, destiny and an abundant life of adventure in Jesus with the man I love. What a beautiful wedding it was. We basked in the presence of our honored Guest, Holy Spirit, the entire time. Thank you mom, dad, my amazing American and Swedish family and friends, Joelle and Lauren.. who helped set up and decorate the Worship and Life Center. It was breathtaking! Thank you Ross and Steve for setting up the live-feed of the ceremony for people to watch all over the world! Thank you Marianna and Katrine for flying to America to celebrate with us.. you’re treasures. Thank you Pastor Thomas for sealing the evening with your blessings, wisdom and joy. Thank you Pastor Mickey for taking our photos. Thank you Strandbergs for flying in from Sweden and Thailand.. love you! Thank you Pastor Ben, Allison and Asia for playing the most spectacular song I’ve ever heard.. what an honor it was to enter the room to the sounds of you. Thank you Lauren for worshiping during communion.. it was beautiful. Thank you daddy and Ove for your Father’s blessing. Thank you to our guests who gathered to share tears, hugs and priceless gifts with us! We looove you all!

Although this was the happiest day of my life, I don’t think I’ve ever cried so much. Tears of joy flooded my eyes and filled my heart with an overwhelming awe at what God had created and established in His history books and all that I know is to come. Our receiving line even turned into a fire-tunnel of commissioning and blessing!

On Saturday, Samuel and I (Did I happen to mention we’re Samuel and Gabrielle Strandberg??) spent time with my mom, dad, little brother, Pernilla, Joelle and Lauren and then took that final drive to Pittsburgh where we boarded our plane for Sweden and then Ethiopia. I was created for this life, created to be a missionary to the unreached people of the world, but it was still heart wrenching to leave the people I love… please come stay with us in Africa soon!!

On Sunday we went to SOS church in Stockholm!! We were received with countless hugs and cheers from even more people we love. Johannes preached part 3 of 11 about Holy Spirit. It was an amazingly powerful time. Many were saved and 3 baptized! SOS also blessed me and Samuel with a night at a 5-star hotel in the old city of Stockholm right next to the castle, overlooking the harbor. It was the most beautiful place I’ve seen… thank you thank you!!! After enjoying a fancy and delicious breakfast in the morning, we once again went to the airport.. bound for Istanbul and Addis Ababa! There’s nothing like diving straight into the life of ministry after being married. It’s the best! After a few hours of sleep, we headed back to the airport again where we picked up one of the world’s heroes, our dad, Johannes Amritzer! He flew in to Ethiopia to work on His new book, spend time with the team and preach for a mini-festival we will have this weekend. Johannes, thank you for pouring your heart and life out to us all those hours gathered around Injera and Bona.. mmm.. we love you!

At 3:45 Tuesday morning, we Strandbergs were up and our way to the bus station for a day of driving to our home sweet home.. Harar. I sat, trying to type this blog on my bouncing laptop with blaring Ethiopian music in the background. Dusty mountains and flat-topped trees are running past my window, children, women and men wrapped in scarves were herding camels and goats along the bumpy African road, and my husband was sleeping next to me. Thanks God.. I have the best life! It feels amazing to be home.

The team here is incredible. Last night was the first of our festival meetings for this weekend. 250 people gathered in our Church of Joy!!! I love love love the people of Ethiopia and Somalia.. they’re the most beautiful in the world.

Wedding Week

What a fabulous week I'm having here with my Samuel and our families in Youngstown. Samuel arrived from Ethiopia on Saturday, we had the honor of being blessed tremendously and sent out from my home church Victory Christian Center on Sunday (since we will move back to Africa together this Saturday), spent time with our incredible family that evening, picked wedding rings and got our marriage license on Monday, rehearsal and dinner tonight... and the list continues rather intensely for the next 24 hours before it's officially our wedding day! I'm the happiest girl in the universe.. I get to marry my hero and best friend sooo soon.. thanks Jesus :)

Let the countdown begin..

My Labor Day weekend was spent with Joelle and Lauren(loooooove them!!!).. we went swimming by moon light, rode bikes through the hills of New Wilmington on an adventure to buy Amish cabbage, peaches, apples and jam, had delightful fikas, read the Word, took photos at Westminster College, prayed and dreamed of the things that are to come..

Samuel and the Strandergs will be flying in from Sweden and Thailand this weekend.. ahhh!! The Drevon's will also be flying in from Sweden next week! Can you believe the wedding is in 8 days.. and I move to Africa with my hub in 10 days!?!?! (I'm almost counting down the minutes!)

My heart is longing for Harar so deeply that it aches at times. I'm in awe at God's goodness... I loooove being on adventures with Him. It's definitely time to be out amongst the unreached again. The first Mission SOS Bible school/discipleship training program started yesterday on Africa's Horn as well!! Hallelujah! Holy Spirit is on the move!

My hub in EIGHT DAYS!!!

Needless to say, I have a few days of intense packing left to do.. as well as centerpieces to finish for the reception.. fikas to be had with my loved ones.. and all the other miscellaneous things that just so happen to pop up when you decide to move around the world. :)

Russo wedding!

Chris and Amanda Russo were married this weekend!! I had the honor of going through Youngstown Master's Commission with these two incredible warriors and loved every moment.. morning prayer, elder's deep devos, Thailand with my roomie Amanda, refomation Youngstown, Thriller... mmm good times :)

Waiting to walk the aisle..

The ceremony was stunning.. at the gazebos in the morning sun with pond fountains and rolling hills in the background. I sat in awe with tears of joy, soaking up the presence of Holy Spirit.. their honored guest. The reception was incredible as well! I laughed hysterically at the entrance of the dancing bridal party and visited with so many people I love... wow wow!

I'm sooo exceedingly happy for the two of you and know that the blessings, favor and provision of our Jesus rests all over you! Have a good honeymoon! :) Looove you covenant bride!

Also celebrated my little brother's 18th birthday this weekend!! Where did the time go? Seriously! He'll always be like 7 in my eyes ...

Jeffrey is signing up for the Marines and starting bootcamp next year.. he's always wanted nothing more than to stand up for USA. So proud of you!

My diamonds :)

I have the most remarkable friends.. graceful, beautiful, full of life and joy, truly diamonds. Mmm.. I love you all!

I was told to keep Sep 3rd "open".. and to be ready to go out by 5:30... hmmm :) So, my Lauren picked me up with Sunflowers and took me to my favorite middleeastern restaurant where my loves-of-life shared dinner and a night of Bachelorette fun with me! Wow I cherish these moments so much.. the sun was shining warm and golden through the room, we ate hummus and pita, laughed until we cried, shared stories...

Lauren on our way! LOVE you :)

..then we all drove to one of my favorate places on earth, Lauren's house! We walked into the most spectacular ambiance of candles, music and delicious fondou!! (Thanks Pr Mickey!!) I had a blast! Thanks ladies for the skits(hahahahahahaha), the gifts, allowing me to bask in your sweet presence and for the priceless blessings of Holy Spirit that you spoke into my life and future with Samuel. I'm honored and I treasure you <3

My Covenant Brides!!!

I had to wear a sash and crown the whole night! Wohoo!

Less than two weeks to go till the wedding.. and then I'll be on my way to Harar with my hub and the most remarkable team, disciples and Bible students on the planet. Thanks Jesus :) You blow me away..