Nelson newsletter

June 2022

“For so the Lord has commanded us, ‘I have appointed You as a light to the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the end of the earth.’” When the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord; and all who had been appointed to eternal life believed.” Acts 5:29-32

 

Dear fellow ambassadors,

God had mercy on us and saved us by His grace so that we could be a light to others in darkness and bring them His salvation. Danelle and I are committed to this mission – loving unbelievers and bringing them the good news of life in Christ. Here are some of our recent opportunities:

Wedding in Pittsburgh There were numerous opportunities to serve and share Christ at our niece’s wedding earlier this month. Emilee and John had a beautiful and fun outdoor wedding at a local park. We are grateful we could help with setting up for the 250 guests and cleaning afterwards. It also made is thankful for our good health to be able to work hard. 😊 God opened doors for many heart-to-heart conversations during our visit. Thank you for praying!

 

Wedding in Wilmington My nephew, Steve Nelson, invited me to perform his wedding to Kelly Daniels on this scenic beach in North Carolina. The gospel was shared, God’s word was preached, and Christ was exalted during the service! It was exciting for me to hear from their friends and family what God has done to bring them together as husband and wife. God still works miracles among us! I have noticed that many miracles occur over long periods of time, as they did with Steve and Kelly. God used their Christian community to help them mature and be ready for this next step of faith - marriage! God has been faithful, kind, and He answered our prayers! His work is people is Beautiful!

 

War In Ukraine While the attention to the war may have faded from the news, fighting continues all over Ukraine. Even in Kiev this week, rockets hit the capital city bringing destruction and death. Putin also targeted civilians in a mall this week in Kremenchuk killing 18 and wounding dozens of others. We hear reports that, even while this is happening, many are coming to saving faith in Christ. Praise God!!

 

Prayer Requests

1.      Emilee & John Pray for this young couple to embrace Christ and His plan for their lives together. Pray too for the many other family members who still need a spiritual birth through Jesus Christ!

2.      Steve & Kelly Pray that their relationship with Jesus would be the foundation for a godly marriage that fulfills His purpose and is marked by love for believers and unbelievers alike.

3.      Ukraine Please don’t forget these freedom-loving people. Ask God to help them persevere and win. Pray for those risking their lives to bring food and medicine, as well as rescuing endangered people.  Pray for Russia to stop the killing. Ask God to bring many on both sides to Jesus Christ.

4.      Family Needs Please pray for our sister-in-law, Pat Nelson, who is at home recovering from head injuries sustained in a fall. After being in an induced coma for two weeks, Danelle’s brother Jack is now at home and in rehab for his head injury. Last of all, pray for my 90-year-old Uncle Dave who is now in a rehab facility. Pray that both Jack and Uncle Dave would both find Christ during these difficult times.

5.      Family Vacation All 36 members of our immediate family will gather at Lake Keowee, SC for a week-long vacation next month! Pray that our time would be tremendous – fun, edifying, safe, and honoring to God! We plan to have a night of worship as well as a baptism.                                       

 

Thank you very much for your prayers!

 

Yours in Christ’s unfailing love,

Steve & Danelle                                  

                                             

 

                                                                                                                                                    

 

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

 

Nelson newsletter

May 2022

“But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you put to death by hanging Him on a cross. He is the one whom God exalted to His right hand as a Prince and a Savior, to grant repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. And we are witnesses of these things; and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him.” Acts 5:29-32

Dear Friends,

Aren’t you glad that the Lord Jesus did not come to condemn the world but to forgive our sins? He still grants repentance freely to all (Jew and Gentile) who are willing to come. He wants us to seek Him and find Him. He promises, “You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13 And, He is seeking us as well! Jesus said it this way, “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” Luke 19:10 I shared this promise with Ken recently…

Atlanta Church Ken is a fellow beekeeper. He came over to our house to buy a hive of bees, and I asked him about his spiritual interests. He said, “I was raised as Buddhist but did not find what I was looking for. My wife is a Christian, so I tried Christianity. But that didn’t work either. Now I am back to Buddhism, but I am still searching.” I said, “That’s great! God promises you will find him if you seek him with all your heart. The other cool thing is, He is searching for you as well! He wants you. He loves you and wants a relationship with you!” I will see Ken again when he returns some beekeeping equipment and I look forward to following up our conversation. He is one of the many people we are sharing the Good News with here in Atlanta.

War In Ukraine This war is personal for us. Bogdan is a friend of ours who is fighting the Russians on the Eastern front. For more than 20 years, he and his wife Anya, have run a ministry for teenagers who were in state orphanages. Orphans must leave the state-run orphanage at sixteen, and they often turn to prostitution, drugs, and alcohol because they can’t cope with life. Bogdan, and Anya invite some of them to live with them at Safe Haven where they help them transition and introduce them to Jesus Christ. Anya, their children, and most of the orphans, fled the country after the war began, while Bogdan had to stay and fight in the army. Last week, two friends in his group were killed. He went back to Kiev to bury his two friends. One of the teenage orphans, also in his group, was wounded. Bogdan took him the hospital where he is recovering. It is a real war with real casualties! Thank you for praying!!

Family Wedding This week Danelle and I are going to Pittsburgh to attend our niece’s wedding. It will be bittersweet, as her brother, Jack, fell and hit his head a few weeks ago. He was put into an induced coma for a few weeks. He is conscious now but still has several serious issues.

Prayer

1.      Ken Pray for his salvation, along with the others we share Christ with here in Atlanta.

2.      Ukraine For God to protect Bogdan, Genady, and others we know, who are defending their country. Pray for the families who are separated. Ask God to give Ukraine the victory soon.

3.      Family Needs For my Uncle Dave, Sister-in-law Pat, Brother-in-law Jack, who all have serious health issues and need our prayers. Pray for Danelle and me to be an encouragement to her family this week as well. Pray for our niece, Emilee, to have a great celebration and marriage too!

4.      The Gospel to spread in Ukraine, Russia, all of Europe, and the world because of the war.

5.      Ukraine Relief Fund If you still wish to help with the humanitarian needs, please give here: https://reliant.org/ukraine.relief.fund 100% of your gift goes directly to meet the needs of specific Ukrainian refugees we know and to those people who are still in Ukraine. We have heard numerous stories of gratitude from those who have been helped by your gifts! Thank you!

 

Yours in Christ’s unfailing love,

Steve & Danelle            

                                                                                                                                                         

                                                                

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

 

 

 

NELSON NEWSLETTER - April 2022

 

“For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus, so that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 15:4-6

Dear Ministry Partners,

I love these promises! We all need encouragement and perseverance, especially when the tough times drag on.

Ukraine The war in Ukraine drags on with the Russians pulling out of Kiev and northern Ukraine to concentrate on the south and east of Ukraine. A land bridge to Crimea would cripple the Ukrainian economy. The Ukrainians have lasted longer than anyone thought, except them! God is answering our prayers. Praise Him!! As the war continues we need to not give up, but persevere in prayer against the spiritual forces of darkness behind this atrocity.

Pastors & Wives Conference Danelle and I attended this annual conference early this month. The emphasis was on how to strengthen our marriages – how to improve our communication, respectfully express our hearts to each other, and to lay down our lives. It was a good time as always. The highlight was connecting with our friends.

Chicago Memorial Service Our good friend, Marilyn Brown, asked me to lead a memorial service for her late husband, Richard Brown, in Chicago where they were married. It was a small gathering of family and friends, but big on special memories and encouragement from the Scripture. It helped to bring closure for Marilyn and her family.

Florida State University We got home from Chicago and immediately took off to Tallahassee to work with college students. We spoke about Ukraine one evening, had personal time with some of the leaders, and spoke about the value of work at their Sunday morning meeting. I was encouraged by their hearts to learn revealed by their questions and interactions. Praise God!!

                                                    (Photo of Danelle & I with Lee & Hannalee Gordon's family)

                                                                                                 

A few more verses about endurance to help you persevere in prayer:

“For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised.” Hebrews 10:36

“Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us…” Hebrews 12:1

“…knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.” James 1:3

“We count those blessed who endured. You have heard of the endurance of Job and have seen the outcome of the Lord’s dealings, that the Lord is full of compassion and is merciful.” James 5:11

Please Pray For:

1.      Ukraine to endure and win the war. To retake all their sovereign lands. God to end this soon.

2.      The Russian Army to be convicted of their evil acts, listen to their conscience (the Holy Spirit), and turn to Christ for forgiveness and eternal life.  

3.      Putin Pray for him to be removed from office. He is the main cause of this ongoing tragedy.

4.      The Gospel to spread in Ukraine, Russia, all of Europe, and the world as a result! John 3:16

5.      The Refugee’s their continuing need for housing, food, clothing, and most of all, for healing that comes from their relationship with Christ. If they don’t know Him yet, that they would soon.

6.      Refugee Support Pray for those in America and Europe who provide housing, transportation, food, clothing, and medicine, to the refugees & those still in Ukraine. They need endurance.

7.      Give If you wish to help with the continuing needs mentioned above, please give to the Ukraine Relief Fund that Reliant set up. These funds help meet the needs of the 2,000+ Christians in our network. You can give here: https://reliant.org/ukraine.relief.fund You can also mail your gift to Reliant at the address below. God bless you for making a difference in these precious lives!

8.      FSU Pray for the students to grow in Christ-likeness with love for each other & the lost. Pray for them to be motivated by God’s love to embrace God’s work ethic now as a witness for Christ.

 

Yours in Christ’s unfailing love,

Steve & Danelle                                                                                 

                                                                                                                                                         

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

                Nelson newsletter

March 2022

“Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.” Galatians 6:9

Dear Praying Friends,

As the war in Ukraine continues, we are amazed and thankful that the Russian army has not defeated the much smaller and less sophisticated Ukrainian army. David is holding his own against Goliath! It is far from over. We don’t know where it will end. The devastation and loss of life is a nightmare. Like many of you, we never expected war to return to Europe in our generation after the two horrific World Wars that began there. But the nightmare is a reality for the millions of refugees fleeing for their lives to Poland, Moldova, Romania, and to many other countries. It is a reality for those who stayed to fight bravely in Chernigov, Kharkov, Mariupol, and Kiev, to mention just a few of the cities under siege. 

Danelle and I have been following closely the events, especially since we spent 6 years in Kiev, and took countless mission trips all over Ukraine. Our heart is there with our friends. Our hearts break every day. But we continue to ask God to intervene. As the verse above admonishes us, let us not lose heart in doing good. Don’t give up fighting on your knees dear brothers and sisters!

Sonich and Vera were trapped in their apartment near Kiev when we Skyped last week. They sat in the dark for fear of being a target for Russian bombing. It made the nightmare more real for us as we spoke and exchanged love and affection for one another. It was sobering. We all cried.

We met Sonich years ago when he drove Grace and Merry to Kiev International School. After a few years of hearing the gospel from our missionary friends, he came to faith in Christ. Later, his son, Sasha repented as well! Sonich had to have his foot amputated a few years ago because of his diabetes, making it difficult for him to travel. He and his wife live in Brovary. You may have seen photos of the tank battles near their home. Good news!! This week they were moved to safety (for the moment) in Kiev.

Another friend recently wrote, “Steve, thank you so much for your prayers for remembering us. My family is now safe in Poland. We help here with refugees; we also fight Russian propaganda with our professional methods.” Most families are separated because the men are fighting while their families fled. Most of these men have no military training, but they are committed and courageous. Genady in Odessa and Sasha and Dima in Kiev are a few friends to pray for.

Please pray for:

1. Ukraine to win the war, no more civilian deaths. and for it to end soon.

2. Putin to be removed from office.

3. The Gospel to spread in Ukraine, Russia, all of Europe, and the world! John 3:16

4. The Refugee’s needs - housing, food, clothing, and most of all, for healing that comes from their relationship with Christ. If they don’t know Him yet, that they would soon.

5. For all those assisting with the refugee crisis here in America and in Europe to have wisdom, strength, and compassion. We anticipate short-term teams going to serve.

      6. Giving. If you wish to help with the overwhelming needs, you can give to the Ukraine Relief Fund that Reliant set up for this purpose. 100% of these funds will be used for relief. The money goes to meet the needs of the Christians we know and worked with in the gospel. You can give here: https://reliant.org/ukraine.relief.fund You can also mail your gift to Reliant at the address below. Thank you so much! We hear daily reports about how your gifts are making  a difference for refugees and those who are still in Ukraine.

 Yours in Christ’s unfailing love,

         Steve & Danelle   

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

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

 

Nelson newsletter

February 2021

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” John 10:10

 

Dear Praying Friends,

Like many of you, we have been watching the horrifying news coming out of Ukraine and praying for God to intervene. Our hearts are broken as many of our dear Ukrainian friends suffer. The invasion of this sovereign nation by Russia is not only a breach of international law but has brought about the death of many innocent lives and the destruction of their economy. The goal of the Russian president is to bring Ukraine, kicking and screaming, back into the Russian fold – under his maniacal control. His actions remind me of the verse above where Jesus spoke about Satan as the thief who comes to steal, kill, and destroy. Make no mistake, that is exactly what is going on to the Ukrainian people! Satan is at work.

There are moments where we may feel powerless to do anything to help this desperate situation. Don’t! You and I have the Almighty God living in us, listening to our cries, and acting on behalf of His people everywhere! Please intercede for Ukraine and Russia - for repentance, peace, and revival. There is a desperate need for Jesus Christ, but this war instigated by the narcissist Russian leader, seems to make the spiritual battle more real. God is on His throne! “The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.” James 5:16

 Virginia House Church – Danelle and I recently visited the church David and Stephanie lead in Portsmouth, Virginia. It was refreshing to our faith to see their faith in God making a difference in their families and giving them a heart for the lost. They have seen people saved and baptized! “Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.” Acts 2:46-47 Ask God to continue to use them to bring others to Christ and grow in their relationship with Him and love for one another.

House Church Conference Danelle and I visited Victory Mountain Camp in North Carolina where we plan to have our fall retreat, October 14-16. It was a beautiful camp located in the Piedmont with a lake and fine facilities. We expect people from several churches to attend.  Please pray for God to lead this time, to unite our hearts to follow Christ, and to transform lives.

 

Yours, Secure In Christ,

Steve & Danelle                       

  

                                                                         

                                                                                                                                                         

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

Nelson Newsletter - January 2022

 

“The mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.” Proverbs 16:9

 

Happy New Year Dear Friends!

A new year often brings reflection, evaluation, and resolutions. We may resolve to exercise more, improve our diet, and spend our money more wisely. We may especially want our relationships to be healthier and invest our time with a more eternal perspective. These are all good things. God encourages us in 1 Thessalonians 5:21 to, “examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good.” Every successful business, government, and organization periodically evaluates itself. Of course, following through to change is another thing altogether.

Change can be difficult. As Christians, we have a tremendous advantage! We have the Holy Spirit living in us to give us the motivation and power to change. “For God did not give us a Spirit of fear but of power and love and self-control.” 1 Timothy 1:7 We also have the benefit of the church family for support and role models. “Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Our plans must also be surrendered to the Lord and open to change. If He is truly our Lord, then we will entrust all that we are to Him and allow Him to intervene any time. I encourage you to give all your plans, possessions, relationships, and desires to Him daily. Surrender yourself fully to His loving care and leadership. “Into your hand I entrust my life; you will rescue me, O Lord, the faithful God.” Psalm 31:5

Here are some of our plans that came to fruition, others that changed, and how we are listening to Him and following His leading.

House Church – Learning Flexibility & Perseverance Covid-19 continues to make our church plans be flexible. We could not meet in person for weeks now, so we resorted to Zoom – again! It still enables us to find out one another’s needs, pray together, build each other up by both sharing and studying God’s word, and to worship Him. It will make our in-person fellowship sweeter when it happens! “Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” James 1:12 “The precious possession of a man is diligence.” Proverbs 12:27

Speaking at MOPS Danelle and I were invited to speak to a group of 25 mothers of preschoolers (MOPS) recently. God worked and touched hearts! We shared our testimonies, principles about child-raising, and sold copies of Steve’s three of Steve’s. They were an engaged group that asked many heart-felt questions during the meeting and afterwards. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” Matthew 5:6

         (Small group discussions before we spoke)

House Church Conference Plans Change We were planning a regional House Church Conference in North Carolina next month. But, due to the recent spread of Covid, we rescheduled for October 14-16.

“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28

 

Yours In Christ’s Unchanging Love,

Steve & Danelle                      

                                                                      

                                                                                                                                                      

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

 

Nelson Newsletter - December 2021

“For God so loved the world that He gave...” John 3:16

Christmas is a time when we give gifts to family, friends, and others. For those of us who have come to know God, it is a time when we remember His precious gift of the Baby Jesus who came to earth to die on the cross for our sins. We celebrate with songs of praise and prayers of thanks for God’s gift - “The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” The Bible says that God is love. Whereas there can be giving without love (motived by obligation, guilt, or even pride), there cannot be love without. What can we learn about this amazing Giver?

God Is The Ultimate Giver

God gave us LIFE! In the beginning, God created mankind and He gave us life! “Then the Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground. He breathed the breath of life into the man’s nostrils, and the man became a living person.” Genesis 2:7  He wanted people made in His image that He could have an intimate relationship with. He wanted people He could give life to and who would be totally satisfied with Him and His gifts.

God gave us FREE WILL! God gave Adam and Eve a free will. Without a free will, there could be no sincere worship of their Creator. “The Lord God commanded the man, saying, “From any tree of the garden you may eat freely; but from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat from it you will surely die.”” Genesis 2:16-17  As we all know, sadly, they chose to disobey God. The Bible calls this rebellion sin. Sin brought death – physical, spiritual, and eternal. But God did not stop giving!

God gave us SALVATION! God is merciful and gracious to sinners. He wanted to redeem us, to rescue us from sin and death because of His great love. “The free gift of God is eternal life.” Receiving God’s gift of Jesus Christ is not by our works or good deeds. It is free! It cost God everything, but His gift is given freely to everyone.

We love God because He loved us first.  “…Christ also loved us and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.” Ephesians 5:2

 

 God gives each of us the opportunity for NEW LIFE! God wants to give new life to everyone! “Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:13  

It can be difficult to admit, but by nature, we are all takers. Yes, we will give to others, but often expecting something in return. It is totally unnatural to give like God gives – self-sacrificially, forgiving others, and loving our enemies. “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8 Amazing love!

God simply asks us to turn from our sin to Him and receive His gift of eternal life in Christ. “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.” We cannot save ourselves by our good works. God saves us! The blood of Jesus cleanses us from our sin and He makes us a new person in Christ!

God gives the HOLY SPIRIT to make us Givers of the Gospel! Every Christian receives God’s gift of the Holy Spirit when they believe to transform our lives from takers to givers of the gospel. “Peter said to them, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Now we can be God’s instruments of grace and take the GIFT of Jesus to our lost world. Praise God!!!

Thank YOU for demonstrating the love of God to us and a lost world by giving of your finances and prayers in 2021! Thank you again for your generosity! You are God’s gift to us!

We are praying that you will have a wonderful Christmas enjoying our Lord and Savior who loves you so much!

Steve & Danelle                       

 

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