LANYON – Lanyon Covenant Church will host a presentation by missionaries to Sweden Gene and Inga Whitehead at 4 p.m. Jan. 10 at the church, 39115 204th Ave. Lanyon (rural Harcourt).

The evening together will include a presentation by the Whiteheads and a meal of traditional Swedish fare. Gene and Inga will be sharing the vision God has given them of being a part of a new revival in Sweden and also how those in attendance can become involved. A freewill offering will be accepted.

The church is partnering with the Whiteheads in a “here and back there again” sort of ministry.

Central Iowa benefited greatly from immigration from Sweden in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Part of the driving force behind this immigration was a spiritual awakening that had occurred a bit earlier.

Many in Sweden began protesting against the state Lutheran church because it had become so rigid while the pietistic movement had begun to grow rapidly. The reaction of the established church was to ban people from meeting in homes for bible study, worship and sharing communion in 1726. The ban was not lifted until 1858.

From that time until the beginning of the 20th century, it is estimated that one and a half million Swedes immigrated to America. Many settled right here in Iowa.

After three years of ministry in Eastern Europe with Greater Europe Mission, Gene and Inga have been reappointed to Sweden. According to the World Research Center, Swedes are the world’s “least responsive people to the Gospel.”

From Umea, Sweden, Gene and Inga Whitehead will focus on learning the Swedish language while assisting the indigenous church in renewal and in implementing disciple-making efforts.

For more information call (515) 879-2414 or go to www.lanyoncovenant.org.

For more information about Gene and Inga Whitehead or to make direct contact with them go to Greater Europe Mission: gemission.org. Contact them at gene.whitehead@gemission.org, or follow their blog: nordicministries.com.