Nelson Newsletter February 2014

Clemson Conference Danelle and I taught a conference February 14-15 near Clemson, SC. Thank you very much for asking God to change lives! He did - including ours! What an inspiration for us to see college students give up a Friday night (Valentine’s Day!) and Saturday to hear what God says in His word about relationships and marriage. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.” Matthew 5:6 Our theme, “Finding the Love of Your Life,” was based on material from Secure In An Insecure World. The truth resonated in their hearts, and then we had small group discussions to consider how to apply it to their lives. Brian and Miriam Bridgeman and Jean Wan did an excellent job organizing, recruiting, and preparing for the event. Thank you guys for your hard work! It was a team effort. Praise God! Here is a photo of most of the students.

A Personal Testimony As we stated last month, we are including a personal testimony tract in each of our newsletters for the next few months to inspire you to share yours, and possibly to even write yours. Let us know if we can help with a simple outline and ideas to get you started. It can be so much fun too! Just last week I gave my testimony in Russian to 80 year old Boris at the pool. I keep a copy of my testimony (Russian and English) in my backpack. I also keep copies of them in my wallet and in my car. I would have made a good Boy Scout. “But in your hearts set Christ apart as holy [and acknowledge Him] as Lord. Always be ready to give a logical defense to anyone who asks you to account for the hope that is in you, but do it courteously and respectfully.” 1 Peter 3:15 (The Amplified Bible)

Enjoy reading this abbreviated version of how Danelle came to know Jesus Christ as her Savior and Lord!

A Little Angel?                 

                                              

I grew up going to Catholic school and so I believed in God from a young age.  In school and at home I was taught to be good and to have good morals.  In my early teen years my family went through some difficult financial times and when my mother went to the priest for help, he was unkind to her.  That was the beginning of years of questioning my faith.  It culminated in a history class in college where I learned about man's inhumanity to man in a way that profoundly disturbed me. I began to doubt the goodness and power of God since there were so many evil people.  I decided I didn't know what to believe but that I was going to live a good life and help others.  And that is what I did.  I went to college and studied Psychology.  I worked with at risk children as well as needy elderly people.  I volunteered at our college hot-line, spending sleepless nights talking with fellow students going through a crisis. I thought I was good little angel.  

Interestingly enough, after a while my conscience began to bother me, because I realized that I wasn't doing all these good deeds from a pure heart - I wanted everyone to notice what a good person I was and I knew in my heart that that was wrong.

About that time some people began to talk with me about God and how He is not interested in people being religious.  He is a personal God who wanted a personal relationship with ME!  I had never heard of such a concept before and it was intriguing!  I began to understand Jesus' death on the cross in a whole new light - eternal life isn't dependent upon me believing in God and doing my best. If that were true then there would be no reason for Jesus to die.  Everyone can have eternal life and a relationship with God when they recognize that they have sinned against HIM.  Amazingly, that same God loved each of us so much that He sent His Son to die for everything that we have ever done wrong.  And if we simply confess that we are sinners and yield our life to Him we can have a personal relationship with Him. 

This is so amazing that it sounds too good to be true! It’s also amazing that God knew I would cross paths with you today so that you could hear this. Maybe this is the first time or maybe this reminds you of something you already know.  If you act on these truths you can have eternal life and a personal relationship with the God who created you, actually, who created the whole universe!

Please contact me if you have any questions.

Danelle

Prayer Requests                                                                                                                             

1. Ukraine. As you know, the protests in Kiev, Ukraine recently turned deadly, with the soldiers killing over 80 people. At this point, the president has left Kiev, and the people have new hope. All of our friends are safe too! Pray for the fighting to truly be over, and for Russia to stay out of it. Pray for godly leaders to fill the void. But more than anything, pray that the people of Ukraine would recognize the corruption in their own hearts, and turn to God. Pray for the Christians to share the gospel with courage.                                       

2. Summer Plans. We are going to Pamplona, Spain the last two weeks of May to train college students at LINC. Please pray for our travel expenses, many to be saved, and the local church to be encouraged.

Yours in Christ’s unfailing love,

Steve and Danelle

Don’t Fret Part 2

“Cease from anger and forsake wrath; do not fret, it leads only to evildoing.” Psalm 37:8

We read yesterday that God does not want us to envy evildoers because they will wither like the grass, they have no real future. What they have obtained through their sinful actions is not worth having. Do you believe that? Sometimes I find myself getting angry at people who try to get ahead illegally or at other’s expense. I want them to stop. I want them to pay for their selfishness –now! When these anxious thoughts come into my mind I am tempted to do evil myself, to say or do something Jesus would not be proud of.

I faced such a temptation recently. We were waiting in line to board our flight from Kiev, Ukraine to New York along with 300 other people. The line was moving so slowly it seemed like I was going backwards and may end up back in the seat I had left thirty minutes ago! Then a man came from behind us and subtly slipped in front of us. Nobody noticed, except me. I was tempted to be angry! But, I did not say anything to him. I did mention it to my wife and we discussed his selfish actions. Later, as the line crawled along at the speed of a glacier, he impatiently slipped out of his place and attempted to go through another check point to board. My wife and I both laughed to ourselves when he returned to his place in front of us because it was a plane bound to another destination! He could have ended up in Egypt!

We finally arrived at the gate to board and our daughter noticed that her teacher, who was on our flight, had been assigned the same seat as me. The 10 hour flight is hard enough with only one person in the cramped seat. How would this work? We asked the flight attendant and she said the three of us had been moved up to business class. We were pleasantly surprised and thanked God. My faith was reinforced as I sat in the spacious leather seat and our selfish “friend” walked by. Justice was served for this man and grace was extended to us.

No, we may not see the results while living here on earth of not fretting because of evildoers. I have flown over 40 times across the Atlantic to the former Soviet Union and only twice have I been bumped to business class. I think this time God was trying to teach me to rest in Him and not envy the evildoers. He wanted me to learn a lesson - He is here, He loves me and everything is okay. “Thank you Marie.” “Thank you Jesus!” I will remember your words and try not to fret.

Don’t Fret Because of Evil People

“Do not fret because of evildoers, be not envious toward wrongdoers. For they will wither quickly like the grass.” Psalm 37:1-2

Don’t fret! You won’t hear these words used very often today. I remember my dear grandmother, Marie Turnage, saying those words to me as a child. Maybe my mother was leaving me to go to the store, or I had fallen down and cut my knee on the street. She was communicating, “Don’t worry my child because I am here. I love you and everything will be okay.” I was upset about something and she was trying to calm my anxious little heart. Her words and her peaceful disposition had a profound impact on me, even to this day. Isn’t it amazing how that works?

What was King David so worried about that God had to tell him, “Don’t fret?” We read that evil people were profiting from their wicked schemes and David was tempted to be envious. He was tempted to want what they had obtained (illegally, immorally and at other’s expense). We call it envy. The dictionary defines envy as, “a feeling of discontent and resentment aroused by and in conjunction with desire for the possessions or qualities of another.” God went on to say in verse seven, “Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him, do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who carries our wicked schemes.” God tells us to rest in Him, to be still in our hearts. How do we do that? Prayer! Only by giving our anxiety, envy and jealousy to God in prayer and receiving His love and strength through His word and by His Spirit, can we resist the temptation to fret. We will rest and not fret when we learn to trust God more and recognize that He is in control and He only has the best for us.

God shows us in His word that the wicked will get what is coming to them. Justice will be served. God tells the wicked, “be sure your sins will found you out,” Numbers 32:23. They will reap what they have sown. It is just a matter of time. It may appear like they will get away with the evil they have done. But God says they won’t. The score will be settled, either here on earth or in heaven. He promises. Do you believe Him? “For evildoers will be cut off, but those who wait for the Lord, they will inherit the land.” Psalm 37:8 “Thank you Jesus, and thank you Marie, for teaching me not to fret!”

Remembering with the Heart

"And do you not remember, when I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces you picked up?" They said to Him, "Twelve." Mark 8:18-19

Remembering something intellectually is a far cry from remembering with the heart. The disciples had witnessed Jesus’ miraculous feeding of the 4,000 and the 5,000. They remembered these events in detail, but their hearts were hardened with unbelief. They recalled intellectually, but that is as far as it went.

How often do we all fall into the trap of remembering what God did in the past, while thinking it makes no difference in our current situation? Have you seen someone come to Christ for salvation, or a marriage on the rocks restored, or a drug addict freed by the power of God? We saw God do specific miracles in the past, but we fail to believe He can do similar deeds in the present.

We must have fresh faith for every situation. "And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him" (Hebrews 11:6). Yesterday's miracles and victories don't automatically translate into today's divine intervention. Yesterday's faith is like the manna the Jews collected in the wilderness. What they gathered would last for one day, and the leftovers spoiled; it was worthless the next day. They had to gather fresh manna each day. We too must gather fresh faith each day. Therefore we must read God's Word daily because "Faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ" (Romans 10:17). Then we must unite it with faith from our heart!

Steve’s Testimony

                                 Great Expectations

Have you ever gone down a path only to find out later on it was not what you expected?                                                                                                      

I lived to play soccer! It was an exciting, non-stop, action sport that I was good at! I followed several of my high school teammates from Atlanta, Georgia to play at Clemson University back in the 70’s. My best friends were on the team. I was living my dream, but something was missing in my life, and I couldn’t identify it.

I began the year with high expectations. It didn’t take long before my expectations crashed and burned as I sat on the bench, week after week, and watched my friends play. Little did I know God was using this to get my attention. I was surprised at how angry I was at the coach and jealous of my teammates. Conversely, when I got to play, which only happened once in my freshman year, I was happy. Why were my emotions tossed up and down by my circumstances? Because I was my own god! When I got what I wanted, when I wanted it, and how I wanted it, then I was happy. If I didn’t get my way, then I was angry, depressed, or jealous. This self-centeredness is what the Bible calls sin. This sin separated me from God and real life. I discovered that freedom from this selfishness and resulting guilt only came through Jesus Christ.

Some students explained to me that God loved me so much that Jesus died on a cross for all of my sins, which were many. Then to prove He was God, he miraculously rose from the dead, and now lives in heaven. The Bible says, “For by grace you are saved through faith, and that not of yourself, it is the gift of God, not as a result of works, that no man should boast.” I received the free gift and gave Him complete control of my life when I was nineteen years old.

Jesus Christ has far exceeded my expectations for over 40 years! He has given me the strength to love others more than myself, and I know I am going to heaven when I die!

Would you like to know God personally and know you are going to heaven? Please contact me if you have any questions.

Steve S. Nelson steve.nelson@gcmweb.org

Nelson Newsletter - January 2014

Faithwalkers December 27-31 Danelle & I went to Asheville, NC to participate in the annual Great Commission conference with 800 students (photo below). Our marriage seminar went well, with many deep questions at the end. Brian Bridgeman had asked Steve to assist him with teaching, “How To Avoid The Comparison Trap.” At the last minute, Brian’s little girl got sick, and he and his wife had to take her home. God gave Steve much grace to teach the entire seminar to an enthusiastic overflow crowd. Praise God! Thank you for praying!

A Personal Testimony Have you ever noticed how personal testimonies are constantly used on the radio and television to sell products from dog food to diets, from cars to dating services? People testify as to the effectiveness of a product or service. Hard to beat that! We listen. We remember. Often, we buy!

The Apostle Paul shared his personal testimony of his conversion with everyone who would listen. It was often the starting point for preaching the good news of the gospel to Jews, Gentiles, prisoners, Kings, and everyone he met. “But when Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul began devoting himself completely to the word, solemnly testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ.” Acts 18:5

We are going to include a testimony tract in each newsletter for the next few months, for your edification and inspiration. Maybe you want to write yours? Let us know if we can help.

Secure In An Insecure World Do you know any Hispanic folks that need to find a personal relationship with Jesus, or any that could benefit from understanding Biblical principles for marriage and relationships? The Spanish edition of Steve’s book fits that bill, and it is now available on Amazon! It is a great tool to give to your unbelieving friends, as it contains Steve’s testimony and a clear presentation of the gospel. The book is useful to those who are dating or considering getting married.

Clemson Danelle and I will teach a seminar for students at Clemson and   Southern Wesleyan over Valentines weekend, February 14-15. Pray for God to change lives!

Prayer Requests

1. Valentines Conference. Pray for many college students to come and invite their unbelieving friends. Pray for Danelle and I to be empowered by the Spirit, for needs to be met, and relationships transformed.

2. Secure In An Insecure World. Ask God to use the new Spanish and English versions to change lives around the world!

3. House Church Ask God to use our house church to lead many to Jesus in Atlanta, including internationals – Hispanic, Russian, etc. Pray for our faith to be strengthened. Hebrews 11:6.

4. Ukraine. You may have heard about the ongoing political upheaval in Ukraine and the protests in the streets. Timmy Powers is presently in Ukraine until February 12^th. Pray for his ministry to be effective and for his safety and health. Our friends there tell us that God is using this bad situation to bring people to Him. Pray for true peace through people turning to Christ.

5. Summer Plans. Please pray for clear direction, the finances, and God’s grace for us as we plan to go to Spain and Orlando this summer to teach students at LINC (Labors Impacting Nations for Christ) in both of these locations.

Yours in Christ’s love,

Steve and Danelle

Nelson Newsletter December 2013

“She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”

Dear Friends,

We pray that you are doing well and that your soul prospers because of our Lord Jesus. He came to rescue us! Aren’t you eternally grateful for His love? “We love, because He first loved us.” He loved us beginning with His humble birth and ending with laying down His life on the cross to save us from our sins. Hallelujah! We pray that you and your family will enjoy our Savior, each other, and your friends during this holiday season and all year long. Here are some of our family highlights from this year

Our Family

Scott and Maria were blessed with the birth of their daughter Sophie this year. Her two older brothers, James (5) and Seth (2) adore her. The boys were active in soccer and gymnastics, as much as their attention spans would allow. God prospered Scott’s business, now called Nelson Exteriors, this year. Maria enjoys the fellowship of the women in her book club, and she is an avid novice gardener. Recently they have been attending Johnson Ferry Baptist Church.    

Whitney and Micah thank God for their sweet red haired daughter Corabelle who was born last December. Ezra (3) loves to read, play golf, and baseball, just like his daddy. This year Micah has exhibited work in New York, Atlanta, and Miami and continues to expand his company with an aerial photography helicopter. Whitney loves teaching art at a Christian school.  Micah and Whitney also recently competed in a national art competition creating a zoetrope and were awarded first prize!    

Julie and Matthew live in New York City where Matthew works for an art gallery and continues to paint his own pieces. Julie has grown her sewing business, Curtains for You, this year. She does quality work with a cheerful attitude which places her in demand all over the city. Jasper (7) is an excellent student known for her kindness. She dearly loves her little sister Dewey (1). Dewey climbs on everything, is very bright and interactive, and she is finally getting some hair! We are looking forward to their visit.                                                                                                                                                                              

Matt and Amanda Matt’s business, Crux Retail, has expanded into a new office with a large warehouse. He and his partner thank God for helping their business grow. Matt and Amanda lead a home group and Matt leads a men’s group. Amanda continues to work for Jack Cooper where she is able to be with both of their children, Briscoe (4) and Wilhelmina (1). Briscoe can really smack a baseball and loves superheroes. Whereas, his sister can hold her own around someone who is 100% boy!                                                                                                                                                                        

Stephanie and David are both very active in their church and lead a home group. David works for Georgia Southern while pursuing his doctorate in higher education administration. Stephanie loves staying at home with active and cheerful Nathaniel (1), leads a mom’s group, and mentors a teenage girl.                                                                                                     

Grace and Ward love being married and just celebrated their 3^rd anniversary! Ward now works for Scott, along with Grace. Ward is learning how to manage a crew of workers and communicate with home owners. Both of them are an integral part of our house church. They continue to reach out to their neighbors as well as to Hispanics in some local apartments with the gospel.                                                                                                                                                                          

Merry continues to work for Habitat for Humanity in Youth Programs. She leads a women’s Bible study and volunteers to tutor at-risk teenagers. Merry gets her “animal fix” by visiting cats at the local shelter, since they don’t allow pets in her apartment. She has enjoyed performing in the local theater with roles in The Crucible, Hairspray and White Christmas.                     

Danelle is working for Scott part time.  She stays very busy with a women’s Bible study, prayer group, and frequently using her gift of serving. This coming year she is going to begin to fulfill a lifelong dream of playing the piano by taking lessons from Grace! More than anything, it has been a year of growing more deeply in love with Jesus Christ and learning what it really means to have a heart full of joy.                                                                                                                                            

Steve’s God-given passion for the lost opened many conversations this past year from the pool to Pizza Hut. He constantly looked for ways to share Christ using his testimony tract or his book, which was recently translated into Spanish! He relished weekly discipleship meetings with Scott and Matthew, praying with Grace three days a week - using running as an excuse, and loves doing ministry side by side with his bride of 38 years! He enjoys keeping bees and was surprised when his honey won first place in the Metro Atlanta Beekeepers Association honey competition this fall.

                                                                                    Ministry

Clemson. The outreach to the students last month was fantastic! Timmy Powers and I joined campus staffer Brian Bridgeman. We teamed up with students in his ministry to share Christ on the campus. Brian and his wife appreciated our coming up, and we were so thankful we did!

Faithwalkers Conference. December 27-31 Danelle and I will again travel to Asheville, NC to participate in the annual Great Commission conference. We will be teaching a seminar on marriage, and Steve will also be co-teaching another seminar with Brian Bridgeman on, “Avoid the Comparison Trap.” Please pray for us and all who attend to meet with God and come down off the mountain changed!

2014 Plans Danelle and I are planning to travel to Pamplona, Spain for several weeks this summer to teach college students with the LINC program. We also plan go to Ukraine and Mexico next year. Our desire is to also serve various churches in the Southeast. Steve will attend the annual pastor’s conference in St. Louis in June. Your gifts now will make it possible for us to make these plans.

Ministry Support First of all a great big “Thank you!” to all of you who have supported us, making it possible for us to proclaim the gospel to many here in Atlanta and all over the world. Please consider a special year end gift. Or, consider starting to support us at $10, $25, or $50 a month. Go to www.gcmweb.org to give and use #5951 to help us this next year. You can always make a check out to Great Commission Ministries and mail it to us using the envelope enclosed, and then we will send it in for you. We are deeply grateful for your gifts. God bless you for your generosity & passion for those in need!                       

Praise and Prayer                             

1. Rocio. She is at home in Mexico! It has been difficult. Pray for her encouragement, and for her family’s salvation. Pray for us to know how to minister to her long distance. 

2. Secure In An Insecure World. Praise God, the Spanish and English versions are now on Amazon! I also have English and Spanish copies here at our house if you need any. Great gifts for all occasions!   

3. Faithwalkers About 800 students will gather Dec. 27-31 for this conference in Asheville, NC. Pray for Danelle and I as we teach a seminar, and for all to have an enhanced knowledge of Jesus and His will.

Yours in Christ’s love,

Steve and Danelle