We hope that this letter finds you encouraged in God’s goodness and unfailing love. Maybe your faith has taken a hit. It is our prayer that God will use these words to build your faith and strengthen your resolve. I recently read where Paul said to his young disciple Timothy, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful.” All of us are in a fight, a daily struggle of faith. Will we trust God or not? One thing that motivated Paul was the reward Jesus would give him in heaven. “And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8 Keep your eyes on Jesus and the prize He has for you - that will strengthen your faith! He is worthy of our all!
Sports School Our ministry at the local sports school continues to grow. Thank you for praying! I am convinced that is the reason we are seeing the openness to Christ. We have shared the gospel with several trainers (coaches). Vladimir (below) and his wife Elena visited Danelle and I last week and said they want to study the Bible together! Praise God! Please ask God to continue this work of grace in them. Watch my very unprofessional videos of the sports school ministry on our web site at www.gcmnelson.com. Thank you to those of you who made it financially possible for Maxim to work with me. Some of the athletes we are working with will compete in the Olympics this summer in Beijing. Serge Demiduk is the best hurdler in Europe at this time.
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| Serge, Steve, Dmitri, Vladimir | Steve and Maxim | Steve & Coach Vladimir |
English Club The eagerness to learn English and study the Bible makes our weekly time something Danelle and I anticipate. Please continue to ask God to save these dear friends.
Family Our family received some tragic news recently. Our daughter Julie was 6 ½ months pregnant with her second child, Flannery Meredith Newton. Her baby died and went to be with the Lord on March 2nd. It has been very difficult for Julie and Matthew. We appreciate the prayers and support that so many of you have shown them. We all look forward to seeing Flannery when we see the Lord Jesus. “Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.” 1 Thessalonians 4:17-18
Love from your fellow sojourners,
Steve and Danelle
