Hi friends!
We are nearing the end of another busy week here at Intermission Hostel, and we feel so fortunate to be a small part of how God is moving through people in this hostel. The first week of business was pretty slow, with only about 10-15 guests every night, but we had a whole crew of French folk walk through the doors yesterday, so we had a great night of free waffles and conversation last night with the guests. The four of us Americans had the responsibility of the hostel all to ourselves yesterday, which made for an interesting afternoon when the fire alarm went off, and we hadn't a clue how to turn it off. Luckily, two students living upstairs were able to figure out the switch, and pride wasn't too badly damaged. Later that night we blew the fuse in the kitchen, but the friendly French guys cooking themselves duck and potatoes fixed it for us. The best thing about working in a hostel is being able to build relationships with people who stay for more than just one or two nights. We have especially been able to see God's hand at work in the life of Marcello, a young guy from Italy. For about five nights in a row, we have each been able to spend time with him, singing and playing guitar and piano, and sharing our faith with him. He has so many questions and curiosities about who we are and why we are so passionate about spiritual things. The other night, Joy and I went out with him to watch the EuroCup soccer match, Italy against France. Italy won! So we celebrated back at the hostel and eventually stayed up until 4 am. Joy was able to share the entire gospel with him. Two nights ago, he told us he was sad to know that we'd be leaving in two weeks, as he is planning on staying in Norway for two months. Please pray for his salvation! God is at work, but so is Satan, and Marcello is so open right now to accepting God's love.
I must admit, the adrenaline rush that kept us going for the first week is definitely slipping from us. I now feel the effects of staying up late and waking up too early. Pray that God will replenish our energy as a team and that we will have discernment about staying up to talk to people. Some of the best conversations and connections have happened past 12 midnight and later, but it is important for us to get sleep so that our ministry during the day may also be effective.
In some ways, running this place kind of feels like we're "playing hostel," and although it's a good thing that we're having so much fun welcoming guests, putting out breakfast, washing bed sheets, and cleaning bathrooms, it's also important that we continue to take our responsibilities seriously. As more guests continue to fill this place, it could be harder to keep our attitudes and positive and our energy levels high. The Lord has been so good to us, just pray that we would show that love from Christ to the people we meet! It's hard sometimes to know how to show Christ's love, whether it's through sharing dinner with travelers, loving people through actions and smiles, or directly confronting people's need for God. There is a time and a place for each kind of expression of love. Pray that we would be open to the Holy Spirit's guiding for which expression is most effective for each situation.
Thanks again for your prayers. Know that God is here in Bergen working! Love you all and hope your summer is full of God's presence.
In Him
Amy
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