Since January 1st, 2020, Derrick and Mikaela Shipley have been serving on the mission field in Norway. A calling that has roots all the way back to 2004 in Mikaela’s life (See “Why Norway?”) and then taking hold in Derrick’s life in 2014. Norway is a beautiful small Scandinavian country in northern Europe known for its landscapes, fjords, midnight sun, and vibrant cultural life with a population of 5.6 million people. A first world country that is recognized as one of the most wealthiest countries in the world. Despite all of this, Norway faces a deep spiritual need as less than 3% of the population are practicing evangelical followers of Jesus. Norway is largely secular, atheistic, and shares a common need for the Gospel in relation to western and northern Europe.

We presently live in Stavanger, which is on the southwest coast of the country and is the 4th largest city in Norway with a population of over 150,000 people. Stavanger is home to over 180 different international groups as it is quite a diverse city, partially as a result of the petroleum industry off the coast, being Norway’s largest industry.

Our mission is, To Share The Living Gospel in Norway & Beyond! Our ministry work involves both Norwegians and internationals as we seek to build genuine relationships. We are grateful to walk in faithful obedience to this commission and calling God has placed in our lives with many strong and faithful partners. In spiritual communion we are in partnership with 16 U.S. Churches and 40+ Families/Individuals who through God’s provision makes our mission work possible. In addition to this, we have two key partners logistically and spiritually speaking who help us in carrying out our mission here in Norway & Beyond.

The first is IMI Church (IMI Kirken), who is a Free Independent Church here in Stavanger. We work alongside their leadership and church, To Make Valuable People Conscious Disciples of Jesus. Derrick serves alongside their leadership as the International Pastor and involved with multiple areas of the churches life. Our relationship began with IMI Church in 2017 and officially in January 2020 when we moved to Norway in working alongside the church.

The second is Kontaktmission USA, they are a European based networked missions movement. Lived Called: Send > Plant > Multiply is their cornerstone in helping equip and support missionaries on the mission field. A focus and drive to, “take the Gospel to the least Christian continent.” Our relationship with Kontaktmission USA began in the fall of 2014 at the International Conference on Missions.

We are blessed and grateful to serve here in Norway & Beyond to help further build God’s Kingdom! We are humbly thankful for your prayers, financial support and words of encouragement to go and pursue God’s calling. To walk in faithful obedience with the Father. Blessings