From Pastor Timo Salo
Greetings and blessings to all the saints around the globe and to the faithful in Christ Jesus! Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
First, I am very sorry that this newsletter has been so long overdue. The past year has brought some unexpected challenges for our family, which I will share more about later in this letter.
Three of our church members, myself included, had the opportunity to attend the Pentecostal World Conference 2025 in Helsinki, Finland, and it was an excellent experience. Four of our church members were also able to attend the SEND Conference that followed. We were blessed by the presence of the Holy Spirit and to see Him touching the lives of those who gathered.
As a church, we were also blessed by Brother Endecott’s teaching on the Day of Pentecost, and we were very happy to welcome Sister Wanda for a visit. Our time of fellowship together was truly heartwarming.
A Personal Update
Last fall, I was diagnosed with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF), and in November, Anu received the same diagnosis. There is currently no known cure for this disease, but medications are available that may help slow its progression.
I am also experiencing a sleep disorder that my doctors continue to study. I have struggled with significant fatigue and, because of this, have not been able to drive a bus for more than a year.
Our diagnoses, along with considerable stress from her work, were very difficult for Anu, and she experienced a period of deep depression. These challenges are also part of the reason we have not been able to keep in touch as faithfully as we would have liked, and for that we are very sorry.
The good news is that, with the right medication, Anu has been doing better. We are thankful that we are now able to serve others a little more and continue moving forward in ministry.
Ministry in Finland
In the Church of God of Prophecy in Finland, we continue gathering together in several ways. We hold home meetings in Askola twice each month, meetings in the Helsinki-Kerava-Vantaa area once a month, a monthly ladies’ meeting, and a joint monthly gathering for everyone who is able to attend.
In August 2026, we were also happy to begin our game nights again! In addition, I continue holding Bible studies by phone and Zoom with two church families who are unable to attend our regular church meetings because of the long distances they must travel.
Representing Finland at the International Assembly
We were so happy to send our faithful church couple, Sister Helena and Brother Jukka Astala, to the 103rd International Assembly in the United States in July 2026! They represented the church in Finland wonderfully.
Thank you so much for your prayers, your support, and the warm welcome they received. We especially appreciate Pastor Susan Killen and everyone who helped at the Finland booth, as well as all those who shared their love and greetings during Mission Encounter, the Missions Breakfast, and throughout the Assembly.
When the Astalas returned home, they brought with them your greetings and many encouraging words. It meant so much to us here in Finland to know that our brothers and sisters around the world were thinking of and praying for us.
We were also delighted to hear that Brother Fricke Jr. from Germany carried the Finnish flag during the Parade of Nations. Thank you!
A Personal Prayer Request
I would also appreciate your prayers for me personally as I continue serving as pastor. At times, I still feel overwhelmed by the responsibility of pastoring, and I recognize my need for a mentor, or perhaps mentors, who can encourage and guide me in ministry. Please pray that God will bring the right people into my life. My desire is to be a good shepherd who faithfully follows His will and cares well for the people He has entrusted to me.
There have also been changes at home. Our oldest daughter recently moved out, so I have begun turning her former room into a home office and study. It will take some time to complete, but it is coming along, and I am thankful to have a dedicated space for study and ministry.
Looking Ahead: International Zoom Meetings
We are also hoping to begin our International Zoom meetings again. These gatherings have been a great blessing and encouragement to our church in Finland.
Please pray that God will provide people who are willing to serve by sharing the Word of God in English and encouraging our church family as we continue His work here. We hope to hold these meetings once a month on Thursday evenings at 6:00 p.m. Finland time.
If you, or someone you know, would be willing to serve our church in this way, we would be very grateful to hear from you!
Praying Toward a Women’s Retreat in 2027
During the summer of 2026, we were blessed to welcome church members from Tucson, Arizona, who joined one of our house meetings in Askola. They prayed with us, worshiped with us, and brought wonderful encouragement to our church family.
After returning home, one of the ladies contacted our Women’s Ministries leader, with whom they had stayed during their visit, with an exciting idea: hosting a Ladies Retreat in Finland during the summer of 2027, with several women from Arizona potentially coming to serve alongside us.
We are now praying and beginning to consider what this gathering could look like. Please pray with us for God’s direction and that, if this is His will, He will open the doors and bring all the details together.
There is much to pray about and much to look forward to here in Finland. We are deeply grateful for our brothers and sisters around the world who continue to remember us, encourage us, and stand with us in prayer.
May God richly bless each of you, and thank you for continuing to remember the church and ministry in Finland.
– Pastor Timo & Anu Salo, Finland