Nelson Newsletter - May 2025

 

 How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher? How will they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news of good things!” Romans 10:14-15

Dear Ministry Friends, 

Who brought you the good news of Jesus? Who explained to you who He was and how to believe in Him? We are deeply grateful for them! However, many people today have not heard the truth. They don’t know how to be forgiven and begin a new life by repenting and trusting in Christ. We can tell them! They desperately need us to tell them! Here are some stories of people hearing the good news!

Carbondale Church, David and Stephanie continue to reach out with the good news. They had a new family join them last Sunday. This Friday they will meet with other like-minded house churches in their city to encourage one another in discipleship and evangelism. Pray for Stephanie’s friend Shaina and her family. They lost their house, cars, and business in a tornado last week. Thank God, the family is safe!

Virginia Church, They have several members or friends with serious health issues – Ellie had a miscarriage, and Jeff has Aphasia after his heart and kidney surgeries. Please pray for them!

An Open Door For The Gospel If a salesman comes to your front door, you might tell him to go away because it can be annoying. Or, you can see the open door as an opportunity to show him care and share Jesus with him. Anthony was trying his best to sell pest control services in our neighborhood. A very difficult job per his admission! I do my own pest control, being careful not to harm my honeybees. Instead of telling him I was not interested, and to buzz off (pun intended), I politely listened to him. I told him that I did all our treatment, and then I asked Anthony where he was from. His accent gave him away. I was surprised when he said he was from Pamplona, Spain! Danelle and I were part of a mission trip to Pamplona years ago to help our missionary friends, Dominic & Damaris Marrone. I shared Jesus with Anthony and gave him a copy of Secure In An Insecure World and Seguro en un Mundo inseguro, the Spanish translation. A lesson to learn: Be ready for the open doors God brings your way! They may not be obvious at first.

Our 50th Anniversary Danelle and I celebrated our 50^th anniversary on May 10^th with all our children and their spouses. We had a delicious dinner at our house. Our daughter, Merry, put together a Power Point with over a hundred old photos of the births of our 7 children, their childhood, and photos up to the present including our 22 grandchildren. We laughed, cried, and had so much fun remembering what God has done in the Nelson family. After that, Danelle and I le d everyone in praying over each couple. Then, they surprised us with tickets to Italy! It was a beautiful time where we felt much love and care! Glory to God!

Prayer & Praise

Atlanta Church Pray for Anthony to read my book and understand the gospel and get saved! Pray for all of our unsaved family members to sincerely turn to Jesus for eternal life.

Virginia Church Pray for their health needs. Pray they would love and support one another.

Carbondale Church Please keep praying for Jeffery’s salvation, for new people to join them, and for unity and encouragement among the local house churches this Friday.

Family Merry’s husband, Nathan, got a job! Pray for Ward, another son-in-law, to get a job. Thanks!

New House Church A close friend believes that God wants her and a few friends to begin functioning as the church in a simple way. She has reached out to us for mentoring. Please pray for them to trust the Lord Jesus to build His church, read and apply His word to their lives, worship Him, love one another, and learn to build up one another in the faith.

Steve & Danelle’s Marriage Pray for us to encourage our adult children and their spouses as they seek to raise godly children. Ask God to save each of our grandchildren. The majority have made professions of faith! Ask God to help them mature as His disciples. Pray for us to keep learning and growing in Christ so we can mentor other disciples and see more healthy church families multiplied with those God has entrusted to our care.

Our Support Thank you very much for giving to our ministry! Please pray for God to supply our financial needs so we can continue the work of evangelism, discipleship, and church planting. If you want to send a special gift, you can use the Reliant website (below) to find us (5951). Thank you!

 

Thank you for your love, support, and friendship!

Steve and Danelle  

 

                 

                                                                                                                                                                      wwww.reliant.org

11002 Lake Hart Dr, Suite 100, Orlando, FL 32832   

www.gcmnelson.com

Nelson Newsletter - April 2025

 

Do you not say, ‘There are yet four months, and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look on the fields, that they are white for harvest. John 4:35

^“Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” Matthew 9:37-38

Dear Saints,   

One does not need to be a farmer to know that when the crops are ripe you must be ready to harvest them before they spoil. If there are not enough workers and equipment ready to harvest, then a lot of work and money will be lost.

In the same way, Jesus tells us that the harvest is ready today and workers are needed. First, the workers need to lift up their eyes. This implies getting our attention off other concerns and noticing the people around us. We all look down and get distracted - even by good things. Then we need to look and see the ripe harvest of lost people all around us. Where are your eyes? Do you see the harvest? Ask God to give you His grace to resist the distractions and the desires of the flesh so you can see those around you who are deceived and need Jesus to be free. Finally, ask God to use you to love them, pray for them, and to boldly tell they the Good News!

Please continue to pray for Danelle and I to be active in God’s harvest. Ask Him to use us and our church to be faithful workers in the gospel in Atlanta, in Georgia, and in the Southeast.

Pastors - Wives Retreat (April 3-4) Our annual gathering at St. Simons Island was refreshening to our faith and friendships. Danelle and I drove to the coast to meet with fellow pastors and their wives for a rich time of fellowship, teaching, and prayer. The openness and honesty among my fellow leaders made us feel safe to share our burdens - needs that we may not share as freely with other believers. Our marriage was strengthened as we evaluated and sought God in prayer.

  Our Anniversary Danelle and I will celebrate 50 years of marital bliss on May 10^th! Well, it has not always been blissful, but there is no doubt God has been gracious to us! We sincerely love one another more than ever!!! The Holy Spirit, the love and prayers of the saints, and God’s grace, have enabled us to weather the storms and brought us closer together. After raising 7 amazing children, we are helping our 22 grandchildren have a relationship with Jesus Christ and grow in their faith.

We continue to love the lost, share the gospel, train disciples, and long for Christ’s return! All the glory goes to Jesus! (We found this old photo of a young couple - but we don’t recognize them!)

 

 Prayer & Praise

Atlanta Church Pray for Lydia to grow. She is a Ukrainian believer I met last week. We had a serious conversation about Ukraine and the gospel. She was very thankful to get a copy of Finding God to read.  Pray too for her husband, Mason, to come to know the Lord.

Portsmouth Church Please pray for one of the men who had stoke recently. Pray for closer relationships where openness and constructive criticism is welcomed.

Carbondale Church Ask God to help David reach Koffe, a guy at work. Pray for the unbelievers at the gym that he and Stephanie are befriending. Pray too for stronger relationships in their church that aid in spiritual growth.

Danelle’s Family Danelle said her time with her family was one of her best visits! Please continue to pray for those who are not saved yet, and for the health problems several have.

Nathan Our son-in-law was laid off and is still looking for employment to support Merry and their three children.

Steve & Danelle’s Marriage Pray for us to stay humble, keep trusting God, and remain united in love as husband and wife.  Ask God to empower us to be role models of a Christ-centered marriage to our family, our disciples, and to the lost. Pray too for us to remain healthy to be able to serve others. 

Thank you for praying!

Steve and Danelle  

 

                

wwww.reliant.org 

11002 Lake Hart Dr, Suite 100, Orlando, FL 32832    

www.gcmnelson.com

Nelson Newsletter - March 2025

 

“What do you think? If any man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains, and go and search for the one that is lost? And if it turns out that he finds it, truly I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that have not gone astray. So it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven for one of these little ones to perish. Matthew 18

 

Dear Saints,    

Jesus was passionate about finding lost people. He came “to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 19:10) He went from city to city preaching the gospel to rescue lost souls. Jesus left heaven to find you and I! He died on the cross and rose from the dead to offer sinners eternal life! He saved us to be like Him, and to seek lost people and help them find Him. That is His mission for us today!

Jason I met Jason Saturday morning after my run by the river. He and his dog were getting into his vehicle to leave when we began to talk. He moved from Connecticut only a month ago. The Spirit of God guided our conversation to the gospel when he said he had attended a church service with neighbors and was searching for his purpose.  I told Jason how I came to Christ. I asked him a few questions to find out what he understood about God and the gospel.

One was, “Jason, if you were to stand before God and He were to ask you, “Why should I let you into heaven,” what would you say?” His answer was perfect! Many times I hear, “I’m not that bad.” or “I have tried to be good,” or, “I go to church and help others.” In contrast to these self-efforts, Jason replied, “I don’t deserve it.” I replied, “You are exactly right! That is why Jesus came and died for you, because you can not earn eternal life.” We walked to my truck so I could give him my testimony tract with my email address. He expressed his appreciation for my time.

I asked, “May I pray for you?” He said he would like that. I prayed, “God, I ask You to help Jason know that You love him and that someday he would ask Jesus to forgive his sin and make him Your child.” When I finished praying and looked up, there were tears running down his cheeks. I said, “I hope that someday you will give your life to Christ.” He confidently responded, “I just did!” I was surprised! I was convinced of his sincerity. I hugged him and welcomed him to the family of God. Jesus said, “I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” Luke 5:32

Mother We celebrated mother’s 99th birthday all week! Sunday afternoon we had a party with all of our out of town children and grandchildren – over 30 people! My brother, Kurt, and my sister, Patty, also came to celebrate mom. She received many cards, gifts, visits and phone calls. She is much loved by so many! God has blessed her, and us!

 

 

 Prayer & Praise

Atlanta Church Pray for our church to imitate Jesus by caring deeply about unbelievers. Pray for us to love them, get to know them, and boldly share Christ with them. Pray for Jason to grow!

Portsmouth Church Praise! Kirk and Caroline, former members of the Portsmouth church, are moving from Alaska to Louisville, KY. They will be closer to David and Stephanie, and may even be able to attend our fall house church conference!  

Carbondale Church    Praise! Jeffrey and Kerianna moved into a new house, and he has job stability! Pray for Ellie, a young lady Stephanie is befriending and hopes to share Jesus with.

Pastors -Wives Conference (April 4-5) Danelle and I will join pastors and their wives from our region. Pray for us to seek God, build one another’s faith, and enjoy rich fellowship together.

Danelle’s Family Danelle is excited about visiting her family in Pittsburgh (March 27-31). Pray for her to be filled with God’s love and wisdom.

Ward and Nathan Our sons-in-laws finished working on the TV show they were on. Now they need to find new employment in the movie industry. Ask God to provide for these families.

Thank you for praying!

Steve and Danelle

             

  

   

                                                                                                                                                                   

 wwww.reliant.org 

11002 Lake Hart Dr, Suite 100, Orlando, FL 32832  

 www.gcmnelson.com

Nelson Newsletter - February 2025

 

Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And after He had fasted forty days and forty nights, He then became hungry. And the tempter came and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.’” Matthew 4:1-4

 

Dear Prayer Partners,

Paul warned the Corinthians about Satan, “So that no advantage would be taken of us by Satan, for we are not ignorant of his schemes.” 2 Corinthians 2:11 Paul understood Satan’s scheme was to keep people separated from God.  If we do become a child of God, then Satan will tempt us to sin and live defeated lives. Then others will not see Jesus in us and turn to Him for eternal life. Are you ignorant of Satan’s schemes? Matthew 4 (see above) shows us how Jesus handled Satan’s lies, and how we too can resist temptation. Here is how you can avoid Satan’s “Big IF!”

1.     Jesus knew He was not alone. The Spirit was with Him. The Spirit is with you too!

2.     Know your weaknesses. Jesus was hungry. Identify your weaknesses to be prepared.  

3.     Satan wants us to doubt our identity. “IF You are the Son of God.” You are God’s child!

4.     Satan wants us to doubt God’s love. He lies, “God will not provide for your needs.”

5.     Jesus resisted the lies with truth! Read, memorize, and use Scripture to refute the lies.

 

Gustavo He is a young man from Brazil. We needed a plumber, and he came over to fix our dripping tub. He needed Jesus, so I shared Christ with him while he worked. He is getting married in June, so he was excited about reading my book about marriage, Secure In An Insecure World. He will hear my testimony and the gospel. I hope to meet with him again to follow up.

 

Mother Alice just had her pacemaker successfully replaced yesterday. She will be 99 next month! She is doing well and still enjoys chocolate, Costco hotdogs, and her weekly Bible study with Danelle and a friend. We praise God for His goodness to her and to her huge family!

Luke’s Surgery Eric and Sarah are members of Atlanta House Church. Their son, Luke, had an appendectomy this week. He is doing well. P raise God! We were reminded again of the value of the church in action – prayer, love, and support! Thank you for asking God to help us as imitate Christ!

 

 

 Prayer & Praise

Atlanta Church Grace & Ward’s neighbor, Kevin (42), was being evicted along with his mother and brother. His brother died during this time. Suddenly his mother died a few weeks later. He really needs Jesus! Please pray for him to find Christ as he grieves and tries to move forward alone. Pray too for Gustavo, John, Bryce, Pam, and other friends to come to know Christ.

Portsmouth Church Surprisingly, one of the couples are now coming to our conference! The husband is not a believer – not yet. He did not want his wife to attend the local church gatherings. But recently he changed his mind and even agreed to come to our church conference in October! Miraculous! God answers prayer! Pray for him and others in Portsmouth to be saved!

Carbondale Church    Please keep praying for Jeffrey and Kerianna. They have problems with their extended family. Pray for Jeffrey to come to Christ along with others they have befriended.

Thank you for loving people!

Steve and Danelle

             

 

   

                                                                                                                                                                                    

wwww.reliant.org  

11002 Lake Hart Dr, Suite 100, Orlando, FL 32832    

 www.gcmnelson.com