Jon Andås, born 1st Sept, 1959 - died 9th Feb, 2008
Jon was born on Andås, a farm in Lindås Community, North Hordaland, north of Bergen. His parents were Bjarne and Torbjørg Andås. Jon was number four of seven siblings. They were four brothers and three sisters. All of his three brothers died at a very early age. Jon grew up and showed great interest in boats and engines. After haveing finished school, he went to Trondheim to study technical engeneering within shipengines at NTH.
Jon came to know the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Saviour at an early age. In Trondheim he became part of a Biblestudy group where he got a real taste for the Word of God. He grew spiritually and became a steadfast follower of the Lord.
While he was in Trondheim he met his dear wife, Hallfrid. They got married in 1979, and after 11 years they had a large family of five sons and two daughters. After having moved a few times, they eventually moved into their own house at Kvassnesveien 22, Knarvik.
Jon was a talented singer and played the guitar. He often sang at meetings. Together with his sister, Bjørg, they even sang in his own wedding! His musical abilities seem to have been passed on to the next generations. Little Emil very much enjoyed himself when grandpa Jon sang and played the guitar for him. Likewise Jon enjoyed being with his two grandchildren, Emil and Emilie.
Jon had many challenges in his everyday life. One of his testimonies is: "I am well known at the Throne of Grace, I have been there many times."
Jon's workplace was at Hordvikneset, now called Rolls-Royce.
Jon kept his boyish mind through all his days. He played football with his sons and their friends, and he loved iceskating and fishing on Austefjorden.
In his speartime Jon was an eager servant within church-life, at Misjonshuset, Eidsvåg Evangelical Churc and ETUF / NTM-Norway. Jon and his wife loved the young ones, and had an open house where young people could come for personal and spiritual encouragement.
The last ten years of his life, Jon has suffered due to health problems. He and his family have felt both discouraged and encouraged during this time. After a surgery at Haukeland Hospital two years ago, Jon felt a lot better. Everybody thought Jon was healed, so the sudden change in his health condition came very unexpected. Again Jon and his family went through a time of hope and disappointments. However, the day he died he said to the nurse on the award where he spant his last days: "May be the Lord will come and take me home to day."
Jon went to be with the Lord on Saturday 9th February, 2008. He filled many functions during his time here on this earth. Now his place is empty. We pray that the Lord will give grace and comfort to his loved ones who suffer the loss of one of their dear ones.
