23 July 2011, Norway [Tor Tjeransen/BUC News] Pastor Reidar Kvinge, President of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Norway, stated on Friday that “Our thoughts are with relatives and friends of those who have been injured and killed on Utøya.” At least 80 people died when a gunman opened fire at a youth camp on the island on Friday, 22 July and a 32 year old Norwegian man has been arrested. The Adventist Church has its headquarters and its Junior College just a few miles from the island in Lake Tyrifjord and Norwegian Communication Director, Torre Tjeransen states that while everyone is safe that “we have been emotionally affected by the national tragedy”. A further seven people died in the bomb attack in the capital, Oslo. Pastor Kvinge adds, “The grave tragedy that has affected young, enthusiastic people gathered at Utøya must not lead us in Norway to let hatred prevail. We are appalled by the cruel disregard for human life these actions show.”
While the bomb attack in the government building on Friday afternoon did not cause damage to the nearby Adventist Church’s property in Akersgt, there will be no service this weekend, reports Oslo Pastor, Reidar Olsen. He took the decision to cancel the service on the advice of the police.
We would ask our members and communities to remember those suffering hurt, loss and pain in our prayers this weekend. In a world that is hurting, Adventists need to even more strongly share the hope that is in Jesus Christ. [tedNEWS]
tedNEWS Staff: Miroslav Pujic, director; Deana Stojkovic, editor
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