About

“Building Kingdom Bridges: from Hospitality to Fellowship Conference will take place in Bergen – Norway in September 2025. The purpose of the conference is to network and get informed in the latest advancement in the field of refugee ministry. The intention behind the conference is to expand our network in the nordic countries as we encounter similar experiences and challenges.

Meet the organising team!

Behind the conference is a group of Nordic churches and organizations that all have an active commitment to integration. We have a joint Nordic programme committee and a local organiser group. The planning of this year’s conference is led by John Fredrik Wallace, churchwarden of the Church of Norway in Alver municipality. In the local group are also representatives from the Salvation Army and Christian Intercultural Work (KIA).”

John Fredrik Wallace – Church of Norway

“The Church in Alver, north of Bergen, is an Evangelical Lutheran fellowship. Most residents of the municipality belong to this church, which is split into five parishes. We have diaconal projects in several parishes, one of which is also home to a regional reception centre. Current work includes language cafés and various cultural activities. We wish to develop this work further and expand our networks.”

Atle Eikeland – Church of Norway 

Working as a deacon in Søndre Follo prosti (Deanery), about 3o km south of Oslo.  The deanery contains three municipalities and 10 congregations and is quite diverse with both urban and rural districts. Ås, where my office is located, is the site of Norwegian Agricultural Univerisity and have an international flavour. Many refugees have settled in the area. I`m married, have two children and three grandchildren.

Thomas Høyer – Internationalt Kristent Center Denmark 

Married and dad to two high-schoolers. Though my academic qualifications reflect those of a pastor, my ministry focuses on legal counseling and (to the extent I can be of any help) personal counseling, marriage counseling, career counseling, etc. plus preaching and disciplemaking.

Enok Sørensen – Luthersk Mission Denmark

Married, 3 children, 5 grandchildren. I have lived and ministered as a missionary in Tanzania. Since 2002 ministered as a cross-cultural consultant, employed by DLM, which e.g. includes the following: 
– Inspire to and support volunteers to receive new arrivals well to Denmark, -on a human and spiritual level.
– Leading Bible study groups, including Al Massira groups.

Juan Castillo – Petra 31 – Pentecostal Church of Finland

I am one the pastors of the Pentecostal Church of Oulu, a member of the committee for multiculturality of the Finnish Pentecostal Church and a board member of the cooperative Petra31 that is actively working to help asylum seekers in different matters relating their faith. I’m married and a dad to four kids.

Anniina Rautalahti – Petra 31 – Kylväjä Missions Agency Finland 

I am dedicated to advocating for the development of more humane and solidarity-based refugee policies within the EU, emphasizing the fundamental importance of treating refugees with respect and dignity. I am currently pursuing a PhD at Tampere University in Finland. I am married to Mikko and am a mother of four.

Taneli Skyttä – Petra 31 – Kylväjä Missions Agency – Finland 

Jarkko Willman – Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland

I am a Pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Finland since 1997. I work with asylum seekers from the beginning of my ministry. During the last eight years I have been privileged to see many asylum seekers coming to Christ. It’s amazing how God works in our time! I believe that the Nordic connection in this ministry is very essential.

Kjartan Jónsson – Iceland 

I am a retired pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Iceland. Served as a missionary  in Kenya for 12 years and have a Ph.D. in anthropology. Have organized language courses for foreigners in Iceland for several years and ongoing workshops with others about the life and situation of refugees and immigrants in the country. Have also written a book about refugees. Am a part of the Icelandic Lutheran Mission which has been offering very well attended language courses for refugees and foreigners for many years. I am married, a father of three and have five grandchildren.

Few reasons why this conference is important:

1.⁠ ⁠Shared Values: The Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden) share similar social, political, and cultural values such as democracy, human rights, equality, and sustainability. These shared values provide a strong foundation for cooperation. Not to forget the Christian principles of hospitality and justice. The aim of this conference is to expand our networks so we can help each other as we minister those in need.

2.⁠ ⁠Trust: There is a high level of trust among the Nordic countries, built over centuries of cooperation and mutual respect. Trust is essential for effective collaboration as it fosters open communication and the willingness to work together towards clear goals in relation to social justice, migration, evangelisation, and discipleship.

3.⁠ ⁠Similar Socio-Economic Models: Nordic countries have similar socio-economic models characterized by high levels of welfare, strong social safety nets, and progressive taxation systems. This similarity in approach makes it easier for us to understand each other’s perspectives and find common ground. Local churches and Christian national movements can benefit from networking and inspirational as well as informational events. We also experience fellowship that is comforting and encouraging.

4.⁠ ⁠Pragmatism: Our Nordic collaboration is pragmatic, focusing on concrete issues where cooperation can bring tangible benefits to asylum seekers, converted Christians, local churches and their leadership as well as Christian institutions and political bodies.

6.⁠ ⁠Size and Proximity: The relatively small size and geographic proximity of the Nordic countries make collaboration more manageable. It’s easier for us to coordinate policies, share best practices, and implement joint initiatives.

Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Proverbs 31:8