It is 60 years since the miracle preacher William Branham visited Oslo. David Forsberg (36) and his team marks the event by showing the film "The Deep Calling to the Deep" in the cinema.
Initiator David Forsberg has with him a team that already has arranged for the film in theaters in Fredrikstad, Halden, and Kristiansand
Initiator David Forsberg heads a team that already has provided and showed the film in the cinema, in Fredrikstad, Halden, and Kristiansand. All places have been full houses and good response to the film also includes a detailed recording of a Branham meeting, and a 15-minute long interview with the legendary preacher in his own home.
On 5 May 1950, Branham was in Oslo in Philadelphia regi. That forms the background that we now show the movie at various cinemas in the country. May's Vika cinema in Oslo is the next tour, and the film will be shown in churches and community centers in the future. There is free entry and people will also pick up free books and materials in connection with the arrangements. This is not about making money, explains Forsberg, before he tells more about the Branham visits the Norwegian capital over 60 years ago," said Forsberg.
Respect: There was a great debate in Norway at the time and Branham was not allowed to lay hands on the sick here. However, there was a Pentecostal group, as the basis in his zeal for God's kingdom of prosperity, said they would ensure that the police did not stop him. They were literally standing around the platform, says Forsberg. He has acquired information through interviewing people who were present when Branham was in Oslo.
The visit of the police in connection Branham with the visit of Oslo, was according to sources, the largest since World War II. Branham himself, however, took it all with peace and showed maturity and respect for Norwegian legislation.
"If you visit America, you respect the U.S. laws, and therefore, I will respect the Norwegian law when I'm here," said Branham from the platform. That made a great impression on both the assembly and the police, who were ready for action," says Forsberg. Branham also expressed that there were people in the congregation who would take part in the healing gift that he, and among those who sat in the assembly, included Aage Samuelsen.
“I am of the conviction that Samuelsen candid-healing campaign was much inspired by Branham’s visit to Norway,” expresses Forsberg.
For inspiration: Branham's life and service was a great inspiration also in Norway, and the author Alfred Marøy sold 34,000 books of the American preacher. The book describes Branham’s Scandinavia visit carefully. Julius Statsklev also wrote a book about Branham with the title, "A Prophet Visits South Africa.” It sold 38,000 copies in Norway, and it was the best-selling Christian book at that time.
“It says something about the kind of impression Branham’s little visit to Oslo did,” reflects Forsberg.
He says that now more will be inspired by William Branham.
“The film gives a very strong impact, and one cannot see it without being affected. In Kristiansand we found the lady who was responsible for film screenings crying in the control room, because the film affected her so strongly. Preaching in itself is strong, but you also get to see the recording from prayer lines where sick people are being healed and Branham’s sharp prophetic gift is in operation. He tells people their names and tells how they live. He explains that a lady has been the victim of a car accident and has cancer as a result of this, without knowing that person. He prays for the woman and the tumor disappears," says Forsberg.
There will also be shown unique movie clips. Visit from Branham in Scandinavia.
“Because he could not pray for sick in Norge, Branham traveled further to Sweden and Finland. In Finland, among other things, a boy raised from the dead and the police carried the sick forward so they could be prayed for. A slightly different mentality than in Norway,” says Forsberg.
“What is the motivation behind this project? We want to spread the cheerful message and share this inspiration with both believers and non-believers. Our motto is Hebrews 13.8: ‘Jesus Christ is the same, yesterday, today, and for ever.’ The Gospel is never old fashioned. In addition, we as Christians can sometimes suffer from spiritual amnesia. so it's good to brush up again what has meant a lot to Norwegian Christian life throughout the years. We hope and believe this will be an encouragement for those who believe in divine healing.” says David Forsberg to the Cross of Victory. (Korsets Seier.)
"The film gives a very strong impression, and one can not see it without being affected."
David Forsberg
WILLIAM BRANHAM
Born 6 April 1909,
Died Dec. 24, 1965.
World renowned American preacher. He did not belong to any established churches, but worked within Pentecostalism and The Full Gospel Business Men.
Branham is considered to be the one who started the charismatic healing revival that began in 1947.
Saturday May 8 at 13:00 you can see the film of William Branham, "The Deep Calleth to The Deep" at Vika Theater in Oslo.
Top: A much discussed photo of William Branham with "Pillar of Fire" over his head. I was present when it was taken, is Branham's only comment to the picture.
Above left: From an outdoor meeting in Durban, South Africa.
Above right: Prays for a young girl.