God is Everywhere: Salvationist Service Corps
I had the amazing opportunity to be part of the 2024 Salvationist Service Corps team in Norway and Iceland. From the moment I applied, I felt certain that this was what God wanted me to do this summer. I was so confident in His plan that I thought had it all figured out: “I’m going to Singapore and Malaysia with my best friend, Caleb, and we’re going to spread God’s word to everyone we meet.”
But when I received the acceptance email to join the team in Norway and Iceland, I was shocked. “This can’t be right,” I thought. “God, how can You use me here? It’s too cold! They’ve probably never seen anyone like me before. They don’t even speak English.” Doubts and worries began to take over. However, as the process continued, I reminded myself, “If this is really what God wants for me, He will provide.” And He did—through the support of my friends, family, and teammates.
As we prepared to leave for Norway, the reality of it all began to hit me. The worries returned, and I couldn’t turn back. But as the plane descended into Norway, I looked out the window and saw the mountains and forests below. It was so beautiful, and a sense of calm washed over me.
Throughout the trip, God continuously proved my doubts wrong. I worried it would be too cold, but the weather was perfect—even too hot on some days! I thought the people would have never seen anyone like me, but Norway is incredibly diverse, with people from all over the world. The language barrier I feared was also not an issue—most people spoke English, and some even spoke Spanish, which was a pleasant surprise.
One of the most significant moments of the trip was at a youth festival camp in Drammen. It was our first time working with teens and young adults, and it felt familiar, like being at camp back home. We spent time leading and assisting in different classes and electives, building relationships, playing games, and getting to know the kids. On the second night, we had a message about being connected to the true vine. Afterward, there was an altar call, which isn’t a common practice there. They had several different stations, and one was a candle station. I lit a candle and prayed, “Lord, I don’t know how you’re going to use me right now or what you’re telling me, but if you show me, I’ll do it.”
The service lasted a long time, with many people staying to pray together. After lighting the candle, I returned to my seat, feeling unsure of what more I could do. I was about to leave when one of the boys I had been talking to—a happy, outgoing kid—asked me to pray for him. I asked what he wanted prayer for, and he said, “My mom; she’s really sick.” I was shocked because he had been so cheerful this entire time, and he just had this peace over him that I couldn’t understand. We prayed together and talked for a while, and then I left to change for supper.
When I returned, the service was still going on, many people still lingering in prayer. I felt God calling me back, so I went back into the service. I saw some of my teammates praying at the altar, so I joined them, praying with each one individually. Afterward, we gathered as a group, and we all felt that God had moved powerfully during that time. It brought us closer as a team, and I saw how God was working through the prayers of everyone there.
Much of our time was spent assisting with end-of-year parties for the kids, helping at camps, and participating in corps activities— whether it was playing in the praise band or helping with cleaning. I learned that being on a mission isn’t just about reading scriptures or evangelizing in that way, but we can minister even through the way we present ourselves, the things we do and say. That is exactly what The Salvation Army in Norway and Iceland does.
I saw God moving through these large, tightly knit communities. Although the people seemed reserved, they valued helping each other and being there for one another. They were inclusive and believed that their different walks of life—whether they believed in different religions or were from different places—could connect and help each other. This was a powerful reminder to me that we are all God’s children and that He uses our diverse experiences to bring us closer to one another. I challenge all of us to do more here: show God to everyone you meet. We don’t necessarily have to tell them— just show Him through what you do and say and how you treat others.
This summer taught me so much. It taught me to trust God with everything and never to question what He places before us. It reminded me that God is everywhere, working in ways we might not always understand. In Norway and Iceland, He repeatedly showed me that He is present, that He is the same mighty God that He was back then and will always be.
