Valdosta State University business major Aaron Bell, a Moultrie native, was part of a six-person Send Me Now team from Georgia that recently completed a 10-day mission trip to Oslo, Norway. The trip, which returned on June 6, saw the team work alongside International Mission Board missionaries Zack and Jessica Dove and members of Crosspoint Church in Oslo to share the gospel. Bell's first international journey proved impactful, culminating in a significant encounter where he shared his faith with a local man who subsequently embraced Christianity and began evangelizing in the city.
The mission faced initial challenges, starting with a canceled flight and a day lost at the Atlanta airport. Upon arrival in Oslo, most of the team discovered their luggage had been lost, leaving them in the same clothes for four days. For some, it was their first immersion in a foreign culture, adding to feelings of disorientation. Bell, however, fared better at the outset, having packed a change of clothes in his carry-on at the advice of his fiancée, Joshwelle Dela Rama, now his wife. Despite these early setbacks, the team was determined to press on, finding the effort well worth it.
Each day, the team gathered at 10 a.m. for prayer, Bible study, evangelism training, and worship. Their primary method for outreach involved setting up a bicycle-propelled mobile espresso stand on one of Oslo’s city squares. They served free coffee to crowds, using these opportunities to discuss their faith. Communication was not a significant barrier, as approximately 90% of Oslo's residents speak English. Bell noted the impactful leadership of the Doves, observing their deep commitment to prayer in all activities.
During one outreach session, Bell noticed a man named Toby observing the team and their conversations. Bell approached Toby, explained their mission, and inquired about his faith. Toby shared his religious background, ultimately describing himself as an atheist, but also mentioned his brother had converted from Satanism to Christianity a few years prior. Bell proceeded to share the gospel with Toby, who affirmed understanding and belief piece by piece. When Bell asked if Toby had ever trusted in Jesus, Toby responded, "How do you do that?"
Bell moved Toby away from the noise of the busy square and went over the gospel a second time. Afterward, they prayed together. Bell recounted Toby's joyous reaction, stating Toby "was just smiling so hard" and exclaimed, "I feel like 1,000 kilos just lifted off of my shoulders!" Bell affirmed Toby's experience, explaining it was "the weight of your sin off your back onto Jesus’s," and that he was now a believer.
Toby, eager to understand why this message was shared with him, was told about the importance of spreading truth and the joy received. This resonated with Toby, who attended the team's 10 o'clock meeting for training, Bible study, and worship the very next day. Just two days after his conversion, Toby realized he was called to share his faith and began evangelizing in the same location where he had first encountered the Send Me Now team.
More than two months after the Georgia team returned on June 6, reports from Oslo indicate Toby remains connected to Crosspoint Church and continues to share his faith with others. Bell described the experience as profoundly powerful for both himself and Toby.
Following his return, Aaron Bell was married to Joshwelle Dela Rama on June 20. Less than a week later, his new bride departed on her own Send Me Now trip to Romania. Joshwelle Dela Rama Bell is currently serving as the Baptist Collegiate Ministries campus intern at Valdosta State University. Both Aaron and Joshwelle Bell attend Northside Baptist Church in Valdosta. The mission trip to Oslo was made possible, in part, through the generosity and prayerful support of Georgia Baptists and the Cooperative Program.
