Nelson Newsletter - July 2024

 “Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears our burden, the God who is our salvation.” Psalm 68:19

“Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.”      Galatians 6:2

Dear Saints, 

Burdens Have you ever lifted ceramic tile? It’s heavy!  Danelle and I purchased boxes of tile for our home. It was laying in the back of my truck all night while I tried to sleep - dreading the task of unloading it the next day. I prayed and asked God to help me. He sent a group of four men “to help” me carry it into the house. They actually carried all the tiles into the house! They saved my back! They bore my burden! These men were my team that day. Praise the Lord!

What heavy burdens do you dread lifting? Your burdens may be financial, health, a strained relationship, or a lost friend’s soul weighing on your heart. Are you trying to carry this burden alone? Do you have a team to bear your burden like the four men who rescued me?

Teamwork Our team is the church! God commands us to bear one another’s burdens in the same way that Jesus bore our burdens. He died for our sin burden,  which we created, and we could not bear. Jesus modeled the church for us.  For us to be the church, we must be with others who care about our burdens and want to help us. Then we must openly share our burdens if others are going to be able to help us.

“Teamwork Makes The Dream Work”

Jesus built a team. He was a team-player, even though He could do everything perfectly on His own. His goal was to make disciples - disciples who were team players like Him. He worked with the Holy Spirit and the Father in perfect unity. Teamwork! The church, which is His body (you and I) is to work together as well. Unity. Teamwork! We practice teamwork when we bear one another’s burdens. This requires each of us to continually making Jesus Lord of our lives. We must trust and obey Him by relying on the Holy Spirit’s power. Are you part of a team? I pray that you have a church family where you are bearing one another’s burdens.

                                      The Morris family @ our recent church gathering

 

Prayer & Praise

Atlanta Church Ask God to increase our compassion for one another to bear one another’s burdens when together and in prayer when apart. Pray for us to prayerfully bear the burdens of others - including our lost family, friends, and co-workers who need God’s salvation.

Carbondale & Portsmouth Churches A new believer in David and Stephanie’s church in Carbondale plans to be baptized soon! Pray for her growth. One couple in Portsmouth has returned to fellowship recently. Pray for each person to grow in their relationship with God, to build into one another, and to be confident without having a pastor to preach to them every week.

Our Family We had Julie, Jasper, and Emilia come stay with us last week. Jasper still has several good options for college. Please pray for God’s leading. Pray for our 7 children, their spouses, and our 22 grandchildren to be on mission with Christ and as team of believers!

          

Emilia & Emilia both share the same birthday - as well as the same name!                                                                    

                        The Newtons, Evans, Danelle & I  celebrating a few birthdays  

America Pray for revival in our nation! Our church has been studying Hosea together. It reminds us that any nation that lives in rebellion against God, even Israel, will suffer the consequences of their sin. Our country needs the salvation that Christ died and rose again to give us!

Yours in God’s grace,

  Steve & Danelle          

       

                                                                                                                                      

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Orlando, FL 32832                                                         

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Nelson Newsletter - June 2024

 

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations” Matthew 28:18

 “We proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete in Christ.” Colossians 1:28

Dear Saints,  

Granddaughter’s Graduation Jasper Newton is our oldest grandchild. After many years of hard work and faithfulness, she graduated from a prestigious high school in New York! Danelle and I were able to go up and participate in the graduation last week. We enjoyed celebrating her achievement after years of hard work. Have you noticed how our faith gets stronger after years of prayer and faithfulness we see something come to fruition? Graduation was the culmination of a long-term goal!

Great Commission In a similar way, our Lord gave His disciples a huge goal. He commissioned them to go love lost people and proclaim the gospel to the entire world. He said, “teach them to observe all that I commanded you.” Go make disciples who will make disciples. Multiply! The scope of the mission – the entire world! Wow!

That seems like an overwhelming goal - until we break it down, divide it up, and trust God. I heard this once regarding how to reach a daunting goal. “The only way to eat an elephant, is one bite at a time.” In the same way, “The only way to reach a world with the gospel is one soul at a time.” We can only accomplish this goal if all of us pitch in, trust God to love through us, and boldly share Christ in word and deed by the power of the Holy Spirit. Evangelism is more than a simple message. It is a life to live. Jesus said, “Be holy even as I am holy.” It is being Christ-like.  We can eat that elephant if we are controlled by the Holy Spirit! We are eating that elephant! Success requires each of us being committed, patience, perseverance, living godly lives, and seeking God in prayer!

   Prayer and Praise

Atlanta Church Ask God to continue to motivate us with His love to courageously love unbelievers, to develop close relationships, and to engage them in gospel conversations. Pray too for us to have godly marriages and Christ-honoring families to impact our culture.  

Our Family Please pray for our children and their spouses as they seek to raise godly children. Being a godly example of Jesus to our children, as you know, is challenging. They need God's grace!

Carbondale Church David and Stephanie continue to reach out to people in Carbondale. Stephanie recently gave Secure In An Insecure World to a young lady deeply hurt by her parents.  Stephanie said, “She absolutely loves it! Your book has been super encouraging in helping her deal with her pain.” Please pray for healing for this young lady. Pray too for more people to come to Jesus through this church!

Ukraine Our church continues to pray for the war to end in Ukraine with a victory for the defenders fighting for their freedom. As the war drags on, and Russia causes more tragedy and suffering for Ukrainians, it is vital that we stay on our knees and intercede for them. Pray too for the Christians to continue to have faith in God, love others, and share the gospel. Pray for Valarie and Misha, who are leading ministries to wounded soldiers, the widows and children of fallen heroes, and for the gospel to spread in both countries. Thank you!

Yours in God’s grace,

  Steve & Danelle               

 

 

                                                                                                                                                                                  wwww.reliant.org 11002 Lake Hart Dr, Suite 100, Orlando, FL 32832    www.gcmnelson.com

Nelson Newsletter - May 2024

 

“When You said, “Seek My face,” My heart said to You, “Your face, Lord, I will seek.”            Psalm 27:8

“And you will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.”           Jeremiah 29:13

 

Dear Saints,

Atlanta House Church Our church has been seeking to know the Lord and deepen our relationship with Him through reading His word and acting on it. We are asking God to help us grow in our love for Him and people. We celebrate each person’s unique part in our seeking God. Barrie turned 71 this month! Recently, members have chosen verses about seeking God for us to read during the week. Then they lead our discussion on Sunday. We also seek the Lord through singing, the Lord’s supper, and praying for one another and unbelievers.

Three Hispanic men worked for us this week. Fernando (photo below), Saul, and little Fernando (that is what they called him), all wanted to read the Spanish version of my book, Secure In An Insecure World. Seguro en un mundo inseguro: cómo encontrar el amor de su vida. The next day, during lunch, we had a deep discussion about how to be saved and why we are eternally secure. It was refreshing to witness them seeking to know the Lord by asking sincere questions!

I also had an amazing conversation with Carter one day. He is a 17-year-old young man who is working for a lumber company. I told him how that I was proud of how hard he was working. Then I mentioned, What Is Better Than Free? Restoring the Lost Work Ethic. He said, “You wrote a book?” I went to my truck to give him a copy, but only had, Granddad’s Animal Adventures. I showed it to him and said, “This book is about how God is seeking to us. He wants a relationship with us.” Carter replied excitedly, “That gives me goosebumps! I have been seeking God! I left my friends who were a bad influence, and now I have four or five good friends who are helping me find God.” After glancing over the book he said, “My nine-year-old sister would love this book!” I said, “Here, please give it to her.” Pray for them to come to Jesus!

 

   Prayer & Praise

Fernando, Saul, Little Fernando, and Carter Ask God to speak to these young people as they read my book. Ask God to help them understand that salvation by grace and not by works.

Illinois & Virginia Churches David and Stephanie asked that we pray for Jeff, a member of the church in Portsmouth, who has some heart problems. They also asked that members of both churches consistently walk with God during the inconsistent summer schedules - consistently read the Word & be in fellowship.

 Our 49^th Anniversary Danelle and I celebrated by going for a walk, going to the movies, and out to dinner. We needed to stay close to home so that Danelle could assist in the birth of Merry’s baby.

Merry & Nathan’s Baby Praise God for a healthy baby girl! Thank you for praying for Merry and her baby, Emilia Alice Evans, who was born May 17^th. Emilia shares a birthday with her 12-year-old cousin, Emilia Dewey Newton! Please pray for the Evans to seek God for grace to adjust to having a new-born along with their two young boys.  Thank you for praying for all these needs!

Seeking Jesus with you,

  Steve & Danelle            

     

 

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Nelson Newsletter - April 2024

 

“I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all, in view of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now.”   Philippians 1:3-5

Dear Saints,

For the same reason that Paul was thankful for the Christians in Philippi, we thank God with joy for you – our fellow participants in the gospel! Following Christ, fishing for men, and making disciples is a team activity! We are all essential parts of the body of Christ! God wants each of us to grow and mature in our faith so that we can build up the other members. Nobody should sit on the sidelines and watch the rest of us participate because we need your wholehearted participation in the gospel of Christ!

   We Need YOU!

Atlanta House Church Our church has been participating in the gospel by praying for family, friends, and co-workers to come to Christ. We engage them in gospel conversations as well. Here is a recent opportunity that will encourage you.

Ricky is a local carpenter who is doing some work for us. Yesterday, after we had spoken for a while, He said to me, “I have two young girls, eight and ten, but now I am divorced.” I responded, “I wrote a book about how to have a good marriage. There is even a chapter about how to heal after divorce. Would you like a copy?” He responded enthusiastically, “I would! I really like to read.” I went to my truck and gave him the Spanish version of my book, Secure In An Insecure World. Seguro en un mundo inseguro: cómo encontrar el amor de su vida. He was surprised to receive it and to have it in his own language. Please pray for Ricky and his crew to come to Christ.

You may want to order several copies to have on hand to give away to Hispanics you meet or already know. It is a great tool as it has a clear presentation of the gospel, as well as practical, Biblical help for singles, or single again folks. Here is a link for the Spanish translation: https://tinyurl.com/vaw5yzd8 The English version can also be found on Amazon. Be ready to give an account for the hope that is within you by your participation in the gospel!

Prayer & Praise

Ricky Ask God to speak to him as he reads my book, to save him, his daughters, and to restore his marriage. Pray for his crew to come to Jesus as well.

Ukraine. Please ask God to give the soldiers, their families, the citizens, and the leaders fresh courage and resolve as they fight for freedom against the Russian invaders.  Pray for victory.

Illinois & Virginia Churches David and Stephanie asked that we pray for these two churches:

Portsmouth Pray for health needs that interfere with gathering. More participation (ownership) by meeting in different homes. Pray they would read God’s Word regularly. Finally, ask God to motivate them to look for ways   with their community.

Carbondale Pray they would: 1. stay focused in conversations, 2. think about, “whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things.” Phil 4:4 & 3. Be humble.

Church in Richmond   Pray for the families to make close friends. Bryan Rock and Nick Scott and their wives are seeking God for encouraging fellowship and direction for their lives.

Jasper. Our oldest granddaughter, Jasper, will be attending the University of Georgia this fall! God has answered our many prayers!

Merry’s Baby Our youngest daughter, Merry, is due May 12^th. She and Nathan have two sons, Elijah and Caleb, so having a little girl around will be awesome! This little girl was breech, up until yesterday, when she was turned head down in the doctor’s office. Please pray she would stay this way so they can go to the birthing center and have a natural birth. Pray they would have peace through trusting God. Thank you!  

Yours in Jesus,

  Steve & Danelle  

   

                                 Corabelle’s Play     

   

                     Jasper’s visit to UGA campus  

       

              Wilhelmina & Matt - Easter   

      

 

                              

                                                                                                                                     

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Our Blog: www.gcmnelson.com

Nelson Newsletter - March 2024

 

“But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds will be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ.”  2 Corinthians 11:3 NASB

 

Dear Fellow Believers,

Following Jesus Christ should be a simple and enjoyable experience. But, like so many things in our lives, we tend to complicate them. This will rob us of the enjoyment of our relationship.

 

Atlanta House Church As a church in Atlanta, we are learning how to improve our simple and pure devotion to Christ. During the week we seek to worship the Lord personally and with our families and to bring the knowledge of Christ to our communities. This devotion to God and His word overflows in our love for others. Here are two recent examples of this overflow.

This week we had a load of mulch delivered to our house by Shabazz (in the photo). Yes, that really is his name. 😉 When I offered him a copy of Secure In An Insecure World, “Finding The Love Of Your Life,” he responded with, “That’s perfect. I will read it! I have been dating a lady for four months now. Maybe we will read it together.” I replied, “Excellent! I think you will enjoy it. I think it can help your relationship.” He went on to tell me that he was 50 years old and was not interested in typical dating like when he was young. He said he was more serious and looking for a more meaningful relationship. When he drove off, I asked God to use my book to help him find “The Love Of His Life” – Jesus!

Three days later I met Rasheed at L A Fitness as he was riding the stationary bike. For the next thirty minutes we had a heart- to- heart conversation. We both shared our stories. He graduated from Vanderbilt where he had a scholarship to play football. Now he is working as a pharmaceutical salesperson in the Atlanta area. I thoroughly shared the gospel with him. Rasheed listened intently and responded sincerely. I’m not sure if he is a believer or not, but he heard the truth and was appreciative of our time. He said he too would read, Secure In An Insecure World.

                                              Prayer & Praise

Shabazz & Rashad Ask God to open their hearts and bring them to Christ! Pray for God to speak to them through my book. Pray for more opportunities for interaction with these two. Ask God to motivate our church with His love to share Christ with those around us and save them.   

Ukraine. The war is now into the third year with no end of the killing and destruction in sight. Please remember these courageous people, both the soldiers and the families, in your prayers to God. Pray for God to bring spiritual awakening in Ukraine and Russia as well.                                                                    

Illinois & Virginia Churches David and Stephanie will be meeting Josh and Sarah, from the church in Virginia, at the Ark in Kentucky. Their families will enjoy their time there and then thew will all return to Carbondale for more fellowship. Mariella and Will, another couple from the church in Virginia, will come visit April 9-15. Please pray for quality fellowship for all!

Church in Richmond The leaders of this young church, Bryan Rock and Nick Scott, are persevering in following the Lord Jesus with their young families and a small group of other believers. Recently, illness and health problems have prevented them from getting together and tested their faith. The need one another to grow their simple and pure devotion to Christ!

Nelson Family Needs Mother fell a few weeks ago and cut her leg. The caregiver called us at 2am to come over. Mom and was taken by ambulance to the ER where she received 20 stiches to repair the torn skin on her shin. We thank God that she didn’t break anything!

Alice Marie Turnage Happy 98th birthday mother! God has blessed her with a long and healthy life and a large and growing tribe who love the Lord Jesus! We love you!

 Yours devoted to Jesus,

Steve & Danelle  

                                                                                                                                                                                             

 wwww.reliant.org 11002 Lake Hart Dr, Suite 100, Orlando, FL 32832    www.gcmnelson.com

Nelson Newsletter - February 2024

 (The spies speaking to Moses) “They reported to him and said, “We came into the land where you sent us, and it certainly does flow with milk and honey, and this is its fruit. Nevertheless, the people who live in the land are strong, and the cities are fortified and very large. And indeed, we saw the descendants of Anak (giants) there!” Numbers 13:27-28

Dear Fellow Believers,

Don’t leave God out of your reality! Give Him a chance to show up! The men that Moses sent into the promise land correctly assessed the situation. There were giants and fortified cities! But that is where their reality ended. They forgot God. They forgot the God who miraculously liberated them from cruel slavery to Pharoah in Egypt. Joshua and Calab did not forget God and His promise. They entered the land. The other spies died in the wilderness, along with all the men under 20, for their unbelief.  The rest of the Jews who did not die had to wander in the wilderness for forty years as well. 

A Lesson To Learn: Always remember God, who He is and what He has done for you. Then you will trust Him with your giants. HE is your reality!

 Atlanta House Church We are asking God to help us know Him better - to be our reality and we will trust Him more. We are focusing on our devotional times and how to strengthen our relationship with the Lord. This vital relationship with God  is the key to every human relationship we have - our family, church, people at work, and in our communities. Discipling others begins with us! Mark 1:35 is a verse we are all memorizing, “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where He prayed.” NIV Did you know that Spiderman attends our church? That is our reality! And yes, even Spiderman needs to rest sometime!        

Barrie & Spiderman (Will)

                                               

Illinois & Virginia Churches David and Stephanie continue to bring the reality of Jesus to people in Carbondale. Stephanie has a weekly Bible study in person with Kerianna, while David continues to share the gospel with Jeremy, her husband. Stephanie also studies the Bible with Sarah in Portsmouth by phone. She asked that we pray for both Sara (pancreatitis) and Mariella (foot injury) as well as the growth and spiritual health of their church in Virginia.

Nelson Family Needs Danelle and I seek to make God a reality to our families daily. We often support our grandchildren by attending their events, of which there are many, even though two families live out of town! Here is Ian Nelson, with the ball, during a recent game. Scott coached both Ian and Sophie’s teams.

Taking care of my mother is a way to bring God into her reality. This week she fell and could not get up. Fortunately, she did not break anything. She has had shingles, so that may have weakened her. She is still recovering from both and would appreciate your prayers. She will turn 98 in March. God has been a kind reality to her!

Merry and Nathan are expecting a baby girl in May! Please pray for all 5 of them to bring God into their reality – to raise godly children, for a healthy mother and baby girl, and to effectively disciple other young couples in their church.

 

 Prayer & Praise

1. Atlanta House Church Pray for us to imitate Paul’s passion to know Christ, “that I may know Him and to power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings.” Pray that we would seek Him in His word! Pray for our church to be more effective in building one another’s faith and our love for lost people.

2. Virginia and Illinois Churches Pray for Jeremy to repent and trust Christ, for Kerianna and Sarah to apply truth they learn from studying the Bible, and for Sarah and Mariella’s healing.

3. Family Needs Ask God to comfort Mother as she recovers from shingles and ages. Ask God to help us care for her and her changing needs. Pray for Merry and her baby (due in May) to both be healthy. Finally, praise God that He just gave Nathan a new job! He was out of work only for the weekend! See, God shows up when He is our reality – when we choose to believe in Him!

 May God be your greatest Reality!

Steve & Danelle   

 

                                         

                                                                                                          wwww.reliant.org 11002 Lake Hart Dr, Suite 100, Orlando, FL 32832    www.gcmnelson.com