B is for Betesda

Betesda is our home church in the Faroes.  It is one of the 34 Brethren Assemblies on the islands with a congregation of approximately 500 people.

 Ragnar started going to S.S. there as a small boy and continued until he was a S.S. teacher.  Wanting to get more knowledge of the Bible to be a better S.S. teacher is what took him to NTM Bible School, which started the steps of him being challenged into Missions full time.

Everyone is very friendly and welcoming each time we are in Klaksvik for a few weeks.  Although there are always a few new people attending whom we haven't met, and we couldn't possibly shake hands with everyone each time we are able to be there, many people make an effort to come welcome us home, and bid us farewell.

Men's Quartet

  We know they faithfully pray for us and we sincerely appreciate the way they have stood behind us since 1979.   

Choir singing in the Sports Hall

 I love listening to the astounding choir and we often go a little early on Sunday evenings to listen as they practice for 1/2 hr. before the meeting begins.  (Ragnar was part of the choir during his pre-NTM days.)

The original building was built in 1920.  When the leaders recently realized how much repair work needed to be done as well as how much it was costing to heat the building, plus how a different design would be of better use for smaller groups etc., it was decided that it would be much better to tear the old building down and begin again.

The last service was held in the old building in May 2012.   Even though it was only a building, it was a sentimental meeting for many people who had been faithfully attending there for many years.  

Lots of men showed up the following day to begin the demolition and work soon began on the new building, and has been going steady since then.  

  

 

 
 They are hoping to begin meetings there in September 2013.  Meanwhile they are meeting in a former furniture store which is functioning very well.

The old building held lots of memories for tons of people.  It was the site for countless meetings, kid's clubs, baptisms, ladies meetings, special evangelical meetings and much more.  It is where we celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary.  But it had seen better days and the time had come to say good bye.