hearts of generosity, busy hands of love

John Henry and Lizbeth Nøsen are Norwegians with a dedication to self-sacrifice and service to others. Since 1998 they have been involved with YWAM (Youth With A Mission), and since 2010 it’s been a major part of their missions work.

They eventually established their own student training called YWAM GO, teaching the next generation to go and serve, disciple, and minister, focusing on missions to Athens, Greece.

doing what they can, where they can

In 2020, the doors to Greece closed, and they pivoted from their work there to founding and developing home churches in their native country, encouraging local believers and ministering within the local communities.

Who runs toward a war?

Then, when the Russian-Ukrainian war began, their hearts were wrenched and a call placed upon their hearts. They gathered supplies, recruited volunteers, rented a small bus, and drove as far as they could, whilst also bringing back with them Ukrainian refugee women and children into the stability of Norwegian homes and society.

The Nøsens had existing relationships with Ukrainian churches, and were therefore able to act quickly amidst the chaotic situation. Nor do they stop at the relative safety of the border; instead, they plunge as deeply as they are able into dangerous territory, hearing bombs go off around them and seeing first-hand the horrors and destruction of war.

full-time mercy work

Originally planning on a one-time, standalone mission, hearing the stories and seeing first-hand the many needs determined their steps in a decided direction. Although many people may have been content to shrug their shoulders and say that they’d done enough, the Nøsens weren’t content with leaving the work to others; they determined to do as much as they could to relieve the suffering they encountered.

Deciding that the pressing needs in war-torn Ukraine outweighed other possible missions projects, they formed the non-profit Norwegian organization Team GO: representing a small team of individuals with the drive and heart to go and help those in the most dire situations.

unwearying assistance

As of Christmas 2022, Team GO has driven 31,000 miles (50,000 km) to deliver supplies and assist refugees, bringing 100 of them into homes (eventually of their own) and making sure that their needs for food, water, and shelter were covered whilst cooperating with the Norwegian government to help them get jobs, medical services, and their children into school.

Team GO has also worked tirelessly to solicit donations locally and abroad. Physically and emotionally challenging, they continue to look to Jesus for their strength, instructions, and provision. They will continue to GO as long as they possibly can, helping in every way that their hands find to do so.

ongoing needs that you can help with

Not everyone can drive a bus from Norway to Ukraine and back again, but everyone can give! The Nøsens are meticulous about keeping overhead and administrative costs to a minimum, but it takes money to drive supplies out and care for refugees!

Donations would be appreciated for gasoline for the bus, purchases for supplies (not everything can be donated), food and lodging for the travelers, administrative costs, and other necessities for re-location.

As of the beginning of 2023, winter has been hitting this wrecked country. Tens of thousands are without basic necessities such heat and running water, and are living in freezing cold. The infrastructure is destroyed, and your giving now can help with immediate needs, as well as the ongoing ones as they struggle to survive.

easy ways to give

Hope church has a close relationship with John Henry and Lizbeth Nøsen, enabling us to quickly help them handle their U.S.-side donations. All donations that are clearly marked “John Henry”, “JH Ukraine”, or “Team GO” will go directly to assist the Nøsens and their volunteers in Team GO. (please do not select or write missions or general, unless you mean to send to those funds.)

By giving through HOPE church, you are able to make your donation tax-deductible, as well.

thank you!

In deciding to give to our wonderful friends at Team GO, we want to jointly say a very sincere “thank you”. Because of your generous support, hurting and hopeless people are given real, tangible help and hope, as Team GO and their partner churches help them in every way; spiritually, mentally, and physically. By your giving, you, too, are there, handing out tangible hope and help to people in need.

Thank you.

TEAM GO WEBSITE

Checks & Cash
Hope Foursquare Church,
P.O. Box 448,
Snohomish, WA 98291
Earmarked: JH Ukraine