Eric’s Testimony

(I met Eric when he was a student at the University of Georgia and I was working with our campus ministry. May Eric’s story inspire you to be active in sharing your faith. Maybe you want to write your story some day. They are great tools! Enjoy!)

I grew up in a Presbyterian family, but religion never meant much to me and I became disillusioned with the church as I got older. I went to the University of Georgia and took full advantage of college life - drinking, dating, and debating philosophy and religion with my friends.  I also sought fulfillment through running on the UGA track team.  According to conventional wisdom, this should have been the best time of my life, but I still felt empty and unfulfilled.  I started seeking more extreme pastimes and over-the-top friends, hoping this would help.

Fortunately some of my teammates were believers who realized that I had lost my way.  Two in particular, Adam and Whitney, shared their faith openly and encouraged me to attend a campus Bible study led by a pastor named Steve.  Steve took the time to build a friendship with me, and I came to realize that he had something I hadn't know was possible - a personal relationship with our Creator. 

Being naturally skeptical, it was hard for me to accept Christ "cold turkey".  But eventually I prayed to God, confessing my sins and asking Jesus for a new life. As I studied the Bible, my hope grew that I could be forgiven.  I discovered how faithful God is.  Life didn't always go my way, but He helped me handle my problems with His grace. I began learning to be thankful and joyful in good times.  In turn these spiritual gifts increased my faith.

Later I had the opportunity to teach English and share the gospel in Ukraine. Although I am not outgoing and get very nervous talking in front of groups, God gave me the ability to speak boldly without difficulty in Ukraine.  If that was not enough of a miracle, I also got to know my wife (now of ten years!) on that trip.

Though I still struggle with faith from time to time, my relationship with Christ has been the most liberating experience of my life.  It has given me the fulfillment I was seeking for so many years.  Praise God!

“Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst.  Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” (John 4 13)

Please write if you have any questions.

Thanks,

Eric Morris

eric.al.morris@gmail.com

Nelson Newsletter–December 2015

Merry Christmas!

We pray that you and your family will have a most wonderful Christmas season. May it be filled with good memories, rich times of fellowship, and sincere worship of the Christ child! We pray that you would make time to be alone with Jesus and let him tell you again how much He loves you! Romans 8:32-39.

Danelle and I are most grateful for your support, prayers, and friendship. Some of you have been our partners in evangelism and discipleship for many years! We could not do it, and would not choose to do it, without each of you! Teamwork is always more productive, more fun, and God alone gets the glory!

 

Atlanta House Church

Mason Last month we told you about, Mason, the young man who had a brain tumor removed a few months ago. His wife, Charisa, came to our house church meeting today and was filled with praise to God for His grace that saved her husband’s life. She also expressed heartfelt thanks to us for our prayers and support. She joyfully informed us that Mason has been recovering his mobility, and even this past week he was significantly better. Praise God! Thank you for praying. Please continue to intercede for this young couple as this will take a long time.

Mario Over this past year I have been reaching out to Mario at the car wash - giving him some Steve’s Bee’s honey and a copy of my book. He enthusiastically read it and said how much young people today need the wisdom it contained. This week Danelle and I finally were able to meet with him at his apartment; he works 6 days a week, 12+ hours a day. We used the bridge diagram to share Christ with him and found out that he trusted the Lord Jesus as his Savior about 7 years ago – on his own! Praise God! Mario also explained why he works so hard. His wife, Emilia, had stage 4 breast cancer, and had to be treated with double the chemo therapy in Mexico. Although she is cancer free at the moment, the treatment caused her to lose her teeth, and to have severe arthritis. She will have knee replacement surgery this month. Mario has not seen her in 3 years, but talks to her daily! Now that is true love! We hope to continue to meet with Mario and to reach out to his friends with the gospel together.

Eric This month we included Eric Morris’ recently completed testimony tract. (See Below) It is so encouraging to recall how God used one of our daughters years ago to help Eric find a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. We are thrilled to be reunited this year with Eric and Sarah seeking to reach the people of Atlanta with the good news. Enjoy!

Faithwalkers Conference

Danelle and I will attend our annual Faithwalkers Conference in Asheville, NC from December 30 – January 2, 2016. There will be about 700 people, mostly teenagers and college students. I will be speaking on “How to Win Your Family to Christ.”

2015 Family Highlights

 Ian, Ellsworth, and Ferris Three little grandsons entered our lives this year as tremendous gifts from God! All are growing and doing well. The parents are a different story – they are still sleep deprived.

Merry and Nathan. Our last child, Merry, married Nathan Evans in August. They live in Americus, Georgia and work for Habitat for Humanity. They are still enjoying their “honeymoon” and love being together, serving the Lord Jesus and His people. They will go to Thailand in March with Habitat to build homes. Then they will go to Taiwan to visit Nathan’s family who are serving there as missionaries.

Stephanie’s Expecting David and Stephanie are expecting their third child next July. (15^th grandchild!) Maybe this one’s a girl? The granddaughters are way behind 5 to 9! Come on girls!

Our Financial Support

We are so grateful for your financial support all year! We have seen God do some amazing things through our ministry in 2015, but our finances for the year are short by $4,500. Please consider an additional gift by December 31, 2015, it would really make a difference on meeting our shortfall, and would be encouraging as we focus on the coming new year of ministry. Thank You! To give, please go to www.Reliant.org/Steve.Nelson . Of course you can always mail your gift to the address below if you wish. Thank you very much!

Prayer Requests

1) Mason - Pray for his continued healing, as well as peace & strength for his wife Carissa.

2) Mario – Pray for Emilia’s health and salvation. Mario just sent their son an English copy of my book. Pray for him to have an open heart as he hears the good news!

3) Faithwalkers Conference – Pray for Steve and all who teach to be Spirit-filled. Pray for all who attend to grow in their relationship with Jesus.

4) Finances For God to provide for our financial needs and for Danelle and I to trust Him.

5) Atlanta House Church - Pray for 2016 to be a year of salvations and multiplication of disciples and churches.

Yours in Christ’s love,

Steve and Danelle

Ministries www.gcmweb.org 11002 Lake Hart Drive, Suite 100, Orlando, FL 32832 www.gcmnelson.com

Effective Evangelism

It’s true that some are preaching out of jealousy and rivalry. But others preach about Christ with pure motives. Philippians 1:15 NLT

 

Danelle meeting her distant relative, Tom Cahill, (his mother was an O’Toole) in Ireland. We shared Christ with many while we were there celebrating our 40th anniversary! Pray especially for Karolina, a young mother, to come to know the Lord Jesus, She read 100 pages of my book in one night!

 

When we live for Jesus Christ and others, instead of ourselves, unbelievers will see Him alive in us! “For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake.”

It’s easier to communicate a message than it is to communicate by our actions isn’t it? Paul reminded the Thessalonians who he was, “you know what kind of men we proved to be among you.” 1 Thessalonians 1:5. And Jesus told His disciples they would BE witnesses, “but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.” Acts 1:8.

Ultimately, we trust God to use us to develop men and women of character - witnesses of the life- transforming power of Christ in them. Your message should flow from His life in you. It must! Unbelievers want to see the love of Christ for them. They want to see specifically how your life has changed.

I am not saying that a new Christian must reach maturity before they can share Christ. The message is always greater than the messenger. I am saying that the more God transforms your character, the more evidence the lost person will see that He is alive. Heed Paul’s admonition to Timothy, “Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching.” Then you will be an effective evangelist!

Nelson Newsletter–November 2015

Dear Teammates,

It has been an exciting month since we last reported. Here are a few highlights of what God has done…

Atlanta House Church One of our members has a son-in law, Mason, who had a brain tumor removed recently. His headaches got so bad that they performed emergency surgery. God answered prayers and it was successful! Afterwards though, Mason suffered from a condition called ataxia that inhibited control of his muscles, including his eyes and mouth. But, God answered our prayers as his father-in law wrote recently, “His left side continues to have ataxia, so it's a little harder to control his movements. All this said, they are still confident in a 100% recovery and the doctor said that he will get most of it back within the first few months but it could also take a year . God is awesome and we are thankful for His healing hand! Isaiah 41:10.” Pray too for Mason and his wife Carissa to keep trusting God and experience His peace during this long process.

Nathan Langley, who was baptized recently, enlisted in Coast Guard and begins training in January in Maine.

Virginia Tech Danelle and I had a refreshing time with the Ablaze Church in Blacksburg, Virginia last weekend. It built our faith to see what God has done through Tony and Desire’ Pierson and the church. We spoke and led a discussion about marriage Saturday night, and Sunday Steve spoke on “The Life Transformation of God’s Love”.

One of the students wrote this thank you note to the church after the weekend. “Thank you to all who have touched my heart…I was blessed numerous times over the past week as I attended a worship night and I was honored to meet Mr. Nelson who wrote "Secure in an Insecure World". This book, which I have been reading for the past 24 hours, has greatly impacted my life for the better. And for those who know me well, Ya’ll know I do not read for fun!” Praise God for how He answered your prayers! Thank you so much!

Prayer Requests

 1) Nathan – leaves in January to serve in the Coast Guard. Pray for his growth & good fellowship.

2) Mason - Pray for his continued healing, as well as peace & strength for his wife Carissa.

3) VT Conference - For God to continue His life-transforming work in those who attended our meetings and more students would turn to Christ.

4) Thanksgiving - Pray for all the Nelsons who will gather over the holidays to edify one another.

Yours in Christ’s unfailing love,

Steve and Danelle

Go Tigers!

Hope Is A Choice

O Israel, hope in the Lord; for with the Lord there is loving-kindness, and with Him is abundant redemption. And He will redeem Israel from all his iniquities. Psalm 130:7-8

God commanded Israel to hope in the Lord, where they would find love and forgiveness for all their sins. Wow! It doesn't get any better than that! Knowing they were loved by the Holy One, and totally forgiven would make anyone shout for joy! Notice that hope is a choice.

Hope is not something that happens to us, like circumstances. It is independent of all circumstances. Our hope is Jesus Christ! We must choose to hope in Him day by day, moment by moment. It is not automatic. It is like the command, "Walk in the Spirit and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh," which is also a choice. So too hoping in Jesus Christ is a constant choice.

Choosing to hope in Christ also means choosing not to put our hope in other people, things, events, or outcomes we desire. It doesn't mean you can't cheer for your team to win, or expect a raise at work, or to look forward to a relaxing family vacation. It is a matter of perspective. God, "richly supplies us with all things to enjoy" (1 Timothy 6:17). But we must to be careful not to put our hope in these things ahead of God. He must be our main hope and source of joy and peace. Otherwise, we will be tossed around by our emotions and circumstances, instead of hoping in the Lord who is solid and unchanging. God's Word helps us choose wisely. Real fellowship with other Spirit-filled Christians will also motivate us to choose to hope in Christ. What are you choosing to hope in?

Nelson Newsletter–October 2015

Dear Friends and Partners, We praise God for each of you! Here are some recent activities and answers to your prayers.

Atlanta House Church Baptism Last Sunday we celebrated Nathan Langley and Eric Morris’s eternal life in Christ with their baptism in the Chattahoochee. The water was cold but our spirits warmed by their obedience and love for the Lord Jesus. We celebrated with a cookout afterwards. My mother, Alice Nelson, graced us with her presence too! She’s on the far left of the group photo.

Riverbend Community Church Danelle and I had a delightful time in Columbia, SC a few weeks ago. We spoke to Riverbend about our ministry highlights, the most recent being our fantastic regional house church conference, and then Mike Bledsoe & the church prayed for us. We enjoyed meeting new friends and catching up with many others we have known since our years in Clemson. It was encouraging to see them faithfully following Christ after all these years. Praise God! We love you all!

Word Play (for Jerald Rush and all who like clean humor!) The Bible says, “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.” Proverbs 17:22 May these help you smile today…

1. A dog gave birth to puppies near the road and was cited for littering.                                                                     2. No matter how much you push the envelope, it'll still be stationery.                                                                      3. She was only a whiskey maker, but he loved her still.

Virginia Tech Conference Tony and Desire’ Pierson invited Danelle and I to speak to the students and the church November 7-8 about relationships. Please pray for us to rely on the Spirit to prepare. Pray for everyone to have teachable hearts and act on the truth they hear – to become more secure in Christ.

Prayer Requests

1) For Nathan and Eric to continue to obey Christ and for God to use them to make other disciples.

2) VT Conference – For God to use Danelle and I to meet the needs of all who attend the conference.

Your friendship and support bring us great joy!

Steve and Danelle

Yes, GCM is still becoming…  

 

Great Commission Ministries www.gcmweb.org 11002 Lake Hart Drive, Suite 100, Orlando, FL 32832 www.gcmnelson.com

Whose Story Would You Tell?

I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and putting both men and women into prisons. Acts 22:4 The people rushed together, and taking hold of Paul they dragged him out of the temple; and immediately the doors were shut. And while they were seeking to kill him . . . .Acts 21:30-31

We are fascinated by Paul courageously explaining to a hostile crowd of Jews how he came to faith in Christ. One could conclude that Paul was insane. Who in his right mind would ask to speak to this group after they displayed such hatred? Paul did: "I am a Jew of Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no insignificant city; and I beg you, allow me to speak to the people." He was compelled by the love of Christ to speak to them. He told them his story.

Are you prepared to share with unbelievers when opportunities arise? Do you look for these opportunities like Paul did? What would you say? Would you rather tell Paul's story than your own? His was dramatic indeed. But who knows your story better than you do? You lived it! You were there. Tell your story with confidence, my friend! Of course, you can tell Paul's story, or anyone else's testimony of salvation. But you alone can share your story with conviction and passion.

Others may question the validity of God, the Bible, and the deity of Christ. One thing they can't deny is your story. You are standing there in front of them as living proof that God is alive, the Bible is true, and that Jesus forgives sins. He brings new life to a lost sinner. Your life is undeniable evidence that Jesus Christ changes people!

Nelson Newsletter–September 2015

Dear Friends and Partners,

Danelle and I thank God for your faithful support of our work. It has been a very busy August for us personally with the highlights being our last child getting married and our house church conference. Here is a brief report. Enjoy!

Atlanta House Church I meet during the week for Bible Study and prayer with several men. One of them wants to get baptized soon! He is also facing some major life decisions, and could use your intercessory prayers to have wisdom and a willingness to do whatever God shows him.

Last weekend we held our second regional Organic Church Conference near Savannah. Folks from Gainesville, Clemson, Atlanta, and Raleigh came for the teaching, fellowship, relaxation, and worship. Our speaker was Ed Waken from Phoenix, Arizona (front left). Ed showed us how evangelism should be an overflow of our relationship with Christ, and not cause us to be anxious or uptight. He read the Scriptures where the Father, Jesus, and the Spirit each said they would give us the words to say when we need them. He helped us understand how each situation and each person is unique and requires us trusting God and not in a packaged presentation. Of course it is good to know different gospel presentations, have gospel tools ready, and use illustrations, but not to feel trapped by them. God wants us to be free to be ourselves, be sensitive the Spirit’s leading, and simply show sincere love for those who don’t know Him yet.

Wedding - Child #7 Our baby girl, Meredith, married the man of her dreams, Nathan Evans, on August 23^rd. We praise God for Nathan, and the entire Evans family! They are wonderful people who love Jesus. The wedding was at Redtop Mountain State Park on beautiful Lake Allatoona - and the rain stopped in time! It was a joy to celebrate their union with many friends and family. Praise God for His love and grace!

Prayer Requests

 1) The men I meet with each week to be teachable and faithful to God.

2) House Church Conference – We would all apply what God taught us.

3) Meredith and Nathan Evans to have a Christ-centered marriage.

4) Our speaking @ Riverbend Community Church Sept. 13^th to be edifying.

5) Pray for our support. We still have significant back pay for travel expenses. If you wish to give a special gift, please go to www.gcmweb.org, or use the address below. Thank you!

Deeply grateful for each of you,

Steve and Danelle

Great Commission Ministries www.gcmweb.org 11002 Lake Hart Drive, Suite 100, Orlando, FL 32832 www.gcmnelson.com

Soon to Be…

Working For Salvation

Work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure. Philippians 2:12-13

Referring to verse 12 above, the young missionary who sat in front of me in my apartment insisted that we must work for our salvation. I was a young college student at the time and would have been caught by his reasoning had I not known the rest of the verse. You see, he stopped short of reading the entire sentence, "for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure." The context tells us that Paul was writing to those who were already saved, not unbelievers, but people who had God living in them! Paul wanted the Christians to "work out" what was already in them, to allow God in them to live His live through them. He was not saying one needed to work to earn his salvation or to save one's self. What a relief!

I think we Christians forget who lives in us. We get back on the treadmill of performance for God, trying to maintain His love, trying to prove we are worthy of His love, and also to impress others. Remember, we were saved by His grace. We did nothing to earn eternal life, and we can do nothing to maintain it! God is alive in you.
Do you know the truth when it comes to salvation? Do you know what the Scriptures teach about how to work for God, empowered by His grace and strength, and not your own wisdom and power? Simply ask the Holy Spirit to control, empower, and freely live through you today. "It is God who is at work in you!"

Leaders Lead–Even Under Pressure

"So they gave it to me, and I threw it into the fire, and out came this calf." Now when Moses saw that the people were out of control-for Aaron had let them get out of control. . . . Exodus 32:25

Leaders lead and don't make excuses or blame others when they fail to be responsible. Moses left Aaron in charge of the people while he went up on the mountain to be with the Lord. He was gone for forty days, during which time he received the Ten Commandments engraved by God on stone tablets. The Israelites figured that Moses was not coming back since he had been absent so long. They decided to rebel and turn away from the Lord, soliciting Aaron to make a new god for them to worship and follow. That is when Aaron failed to "man up" and lead with integrity. Instead, he caved to the pressure.

Not only did Aaron cave to the people's demands, but afterwards, instead of accepting responsibility for his sin, Aaron attempted to shift all the blame to the people. "Then Moses said to Aaron, "What did this people do to you, that you have brought such great sin upon them?" Aaron responded, "Do not let the anger of my lord burn; you know the people yourself, that they are prone to evil" (32:21-22). Real leaders lead because of their personal convictions which they received from God. Real leaders will also sin at times and may give in to peer pressure. When they do, they own up to their mistakes. They confess instead of concealing. They repent.

What kind of leader do you seek to be at home, at work, in your neighborhood, or among Christians when the pressure is on?

Nelson Newsletter–July 2015

Danelle and I appreciate your prayers for us and we see the results daily! Here are a few of them…

Orlando LINC We just returned from two days of teaching college students at LINC (Laborers Impacting Nations for Christ) in Orlando. God did some amazing things! Steve taught on one of his passions, Every Member A Minister, on Monday night. The message seemed to stir their hearts and minds to consider how we can function as the church by understanding who we are as ministers – all of us, all the time, and all full time!

(In front: Mateo- left & Cassandra –center)

The next day Cassandra Burt, from Woodstock, GA, led the morning devotional. She did an amazing job sharing with the team. Afterwards, Steve taught on Guidance- how to hear from God through His word, counsel, and prayer. He emphasized the importance of being willing (John 7:17-19) to do whatever God asks of us, so that we can hear His voice. He also spoke about hindrances to hearing from God, such as peer pressure, anxiety, financial stress, and insecurity. During this time, Danelle and several of the wives met for a few hours of rich fellowship, encouragement, and ministering to one another in prayer. We enjoyed lunch with Mateo Echeverry and long-time friends, Joe and Peggy Dunn, before we returned to Atlanta.

Atlanta House Church God continues to grow our church. Nathan, our lifeguard, recently attended our meeting, and said he plans to return this Sunday. He also came to our house last week to enjoy one of Danelle’s delicious meals, and the two of us have met several times during the week for Bible study and fellowship. Praise God! Please pray for God to continue to capture his heart with Himself.

We are also excited about Ed Waken coming to speak at our Regional House Church Conference August 28-30. Folks from Gainesville, Florida and Raleigh will join us for about 50% increase from last year!

A New Grandson Today (July 24^th), God brought Ferris Barlow Nelson into the world. Amanda gave birth to a healthy boy (9lb. 2oz), and both are doing well. Praise God! Welcome grandchild #14 into the Nelson clan!

Prayer Requests

1) Pray for Ferris, and all of our grandchildren, to give their lives to Jesus Christ and bring many to Him.

2) House Church Conference August 28-30: For God to speak through Ed Waken & change lives.

3) Pray for our daughter, Meredith, who is getting married August 23^rd to Nathan Evans.

4) Pray for our financial support. We have $5,500 in back pay. If you wish to give, please go to www.gcmweb.org. Every gift makes a difference. Thank you to all who give regularly and sacrificially!

With deep appreciation for your partnership,

Steve and Danelle

Great Commission Ministries www.gcmweb.org 11002 Lake Hart Drive, Suite 100, Orlando, FL 32832 www.gcmnelson.com

Soon to Be…

Freedom Comes with Obstacles

As Pharaoh drew near, the sons of Israel looked, and behold, the Egyptians were marching after them, and they became very frightened; so the sons of Israel cried out to the Lord. Then they said to Moses, "Is it because there were no graves in Egypt that you have taken us away to die in the wilderness?" Exodus 14:10-12

God powerfully freed several million Israelites from harsh slavery in Egypt. But, as often happens, there were obstacles to overcome on the road to liberation. Pharaoh changed his mind after he let them go, leading the entire army in pursuit! The Jews feared for their lives! They complained to Moses for bringing them there to die. They said it would have been better to remain slaves in Egypt than to die in the desert.

Jesus Christ promised us freedom from sin and a new life. This new life involves change and sometimes seemingly insurmountable obstacles. The obstacles are legitimate reasons to fear. The fear tempts us to look back and think it would have been better not to change in the first place. Of course, that thinking is wrong, but the fears are strong and our emotions take control. The sons of Israel really were facing death in the desert! Moses went on to tell them not to fear because God would powerfully deliver them that day. "When Israel saw the great power which the Lord had used against the Egyptians, the people feared the Lord, and they believed in the Lord and in His servant Moses" (Exodus 14:31).

Ask God to help you focus on the promised land (a life of freedom in Christ), and trust Him with the Egyptians in your life.

Nelson Newsletter–June 2105

Atlanta House Church Our house church continues to learn how to hear from God and build up one another daily. We are also excited about Ed Waken coming to speak at our Regional House Church Conference August 28-30.

Grace leading our church in praise

Father’s Day We celebrated Father’s Day recently, as did many of you, spending time with our dads - reminiscing, sharing stories, laughing, hugging, and enjoying a meal together. Some of your fathers have passed on, like mine, or he’s living in another state and you could not be together. I was reminded by my children of the importance of being a godly father - setting the pace for our children in loving God and others. They are watching and following our example. One of our sons wrote to me, “Thank you for being a great dad and good example of a father.” A daughter wrote, “Happy Father’s Day!! I was listening to someone talk about their mentors - an older couple that had really built into their life and influenced them. He was saying how it had been especially important because he hadn't had his father around much when he was growing up. I couldn't help but think I was blessed to have my father around AND that same father was already such a mentor to me. Mentor really is a silly way to say it - you were a father. A really great picture of what a father should be. As a kid you let me wear your big pink cookie shirt as a nightgown. You took me on dates - special restaurants, just you and me. You prayed for me and talked to me and loved me.” It is completely God’s grace that makes any of us good fathers. It is difficult enough to be a good father, but our world increasingly attacks fatherhood. Ask God to be the father He wants you to be. And, celebrate your father as often as you can! He needs your love, prayers & support.

Grace and I on Father's Day

A New Grandson One of the greatest blessings of being a father is grandchildren. Ellsworth Henry Stansell was born May 19^th into Whitney and Micah’s family. “Welcome to our big family little fella! You have a ton of cousins who look forward to playing with you and growing up together. The rest of us are praying for you to come to know the Lord Jesus and His deep love for you.

Starting Ellsworth off right with the
 virtues of Clemson Football

Prayer Requests

1) Please pray for our children and their spouses to be godly examples of Jesus to our 13 grandchildren.

2) Ask God to bring all those He wants to come to our House Church Conference August 28-30, for God to speak through Ed Waken, and for everyone to have teachable hearts to apply the truths we hear.

3) Pray for Danelle and I as we travel to Orlando, FL to teach at the LINC training program July 20-21.

With deep appreciation for your partnership,

Steve and Danelle 

Incarnation Evangelism Simplified

Today I was in our local coffee shop purchasing some brew before I sat down at home to do some writing. I gave my personal testimony tract to the young man serving me and told him what it was, “This is the story of how God changed my life.”  He said, “That’s cool. I’ll read it.” Then the young man who was making my coffee, Isaiah, smiled and said, “I have one of those. You gave it to me.” I then inquired, “Have you read it?” To which he replied, “Yes. It is a cool way to evangelize.”

Since Isaiah’s response was obviously positive,  I then proceeded to ask him if he would like to write his story and use to help others find Christ. He was very interested, and said he would email me to get the “instructions” about how to write one’s story. I told him I had a paper (file) that I would be happy to send him which would give some good ideas on how to communicate his story.


Have you ever written your personal testimony? People find them interesting. After all, they are Personal! Writing and using your story will keep your mind on the eternal too! 

Please write if you want the same file that Isaiah asked for and I will send it to you. steve.nelson@gcmweb.org

Nelson Newsletter May 2015

Atlanta House Church Here is an encouraging story of devotion to the Lord and His people. Eric Morris is a member of our house church. He and his wife, Sarah, and their three adorable children have been involved since January when Eric and I ran the Hog Pen Hill Climb together. Last Sunday morning Eric went for a run before our meeting and got tripped up by some unseen wire. He took a hard fall, scraping both hands and knees and fracturing his arm. What would you do? I don’t think I would go to the house church meeting. We were meeting 45 minutes away from their home. Eric chose to go to an emergency care facility close to where we met so that he could come to the meeting when they released him. His actions were inspiring to us all! Many powerful teachings have been done without words! “For a righteous man falls seven times, and rises again, But the wicked stumble in time of calamity.” Proverbs 24:16. We all fall, but the righteous get back up!

GCM Is Becoming Reliant. In 2015, Great Commission Ministries (GCM) is adopting a new name. Our commitment to Jesus' command to "Go and make disciples..." couldn't be stronger. Reliant will be an independent agency helping numerous missions, not just GCM missionaries. We are becoming Reliant!

Important: If you give automatically via LifeLink (credit card or bank direct debit), you don't need to make any changes to your giving. The ministry account and fund number remain secure and exactly the same. Eventually you will see "Reliant" appear on your bank statement. If you give via paper check or via your own bank billpay, we ask that you start making your gift out to Reliant starting in May. The address remains the same. Check gifts need to be switched over to Reliant by July 31, 2015.

Ministry Card We have new ministry cards with our contact information and how to give to our work. Please contact us if you wish to have one. If you would like to start supporting us, we would be honored by your trust.You can give on line by going to the GCM (soon to be Reliant) website below. For those who have supported us monthly, or with special gifts, we appreciate you and  your investment very much!!!

A New Nelson Ian Stuart Nelson was born May 2^nd into Scott and Maria’s family. Welcome to the world little man! We look forward to getting to know you, and telling you the good news of God’s love in Jesus Christ and about the second birth!

Prayer Requests

1) Please pray for all 12 of our grandchildren to be born again and love Jesus with all their heart.

2) Pray for our house church to show the love of Christ to our community with deeds and the truth.

3) Pray for our financial support to get stronger and for new supporters.

4) Pray for those in the Hispanic apartment complex we have been working with.

 

With heartfelt appreciation,

Steve and Danelle

Great Commission Ministries www.gcmweb.org 11002 Lake Hart Drive, Suite 100, Orlando, FL 32832 Our website: www.gcmnelson.com

A Gospel Story

WHAT Secure In An Insecure World Readers are saying…

Recently I gave two copies of my book, Secure In An Insecure World, to our HVAC installer, who has worked for us many years and is a good friend. He sent me this text a few days ago...

"My wife liked your book. She would read parts out loud that she had heard me say. I've yet to read it, but my wife informed me on most everything. She did not read the entire book to me!

My daughter wants her copy. I keep forgetting to give it to her. They really need to read it. It could save them a lot of problems down the road."

Who do you know that reading Secure In An Insecure World "could save them a lot of problems down the road?" Consider purchasing a few copies to give away now, or to have on hand for later. You can find the book on Amazon in English or Spanish. It is also an e-book for Kindle or I-pad, etc.

English: http://tinyurl.com/oyq233j

Spanish: http://tinyurl.com/pyz8her

April Newsletter

One Encouraging Church. Sanctuary Baptist Church in Atlanta is one of our faithful supporting churches. They baptized 20 people a few weeks ago! I was impressed, so I asked the pastor, Rodney Hall, to tell me how that happened. It is a beautiful story. (Background: I have been friends with Rodney for over 20 years. Our friendship began when our daughter Whitney became friends with his niece April in school in Dacula.) We both concluded that the reason their church has seen so many come to faith in Christ was because 1) they wanted it; 2) they sincerely loved unbelievers; and 3) they shared the gospel whenever possible. We also agreed that the underlying reason was that God loves those who are lost and He puts His love for others in our hearts when we yield to Him. It is believed that Jesus Christ walked 6 miles to be baptized by John the Baptist. Inspired by their Savior’s example, a group of these new believers also walked 6 miles that Sunday morning to get baptized. One of them, Rodney’s son-in-law, Zack, left his house at 6 am and walked 14 miles carrying a pack. Zack arrived shortly after 10 am to make his public declaration of faith in Jesus Christ. Inspiring lives!

                                                                                                                     Zack, Rodney & Others Walking To Baptism

Southeast Pastors and Wives Conference Danelle and I enjoyed sweet fellowship with the pastors and their wives last weekend at our annual conference. John and Sandy Hopler encouraged us about marriage. We also discussed plans, discipleship, and God’s sovereignty and free will.

Prayer Requests

1) Pray for several unbelievers we are sharing the gospel with to get saved.

2) Pray for new groups to be started here in Atlanta.

3) Pray for wisdom to build and train others in the Southeast who are in house churches.

4) Pray for peace in Ukraine as fighting has renewed and people are dying and suffering.

Thank you for your prayers and loving support of our lives and work!

Steve and Danelle

Newsletter–March 2015

Parenting Seminar Danelle and I thoroughly enjoyed teaching a parenting seminar to parents from Florida last month. God definitely answered your prayers for us and all who attended the all-day event in Jacksonville. It was refreshing to Danelle and I to see so many mothers and fathers seeking help in raising their children to know and follow Jesus Christ. We spoke about the importance of our relationship with God, and the need to be role models to our children, since “more is caught than taught.” Our seminar title, “Your Children Are Watching,” emphasized that our children will see Christ in us when we love our spouse.

Here are a few photos of some of the couples who attended.

Meredith and Nathan Our daughter Merry got engaged to Nathan Evans from Americus, Georgia. They will be married August 23rd. We praise God for bringing a godly young man into Merry’s life. We are excited and thankful for what He is doing in their lives to make them even more effective for Jesus Christ and building His kingdom. They both work for Habitat for Humanity and plan to continue living in Americus after they get married. Please pray for their faith in Christ to grow as they take this big step of commitment to Him and one another. They will need the grace of God, as do we all. Thank you!

Yours in Christ’s unfailing love,

Steve and Danelle

FYI……

I Can’t Speak

But Moses said before the LORD, "Behold, I am unskilled in speech; how then will Pharaoh listen to me?" Exodus 6:30

What happened after you heard a well-known speaker? You were amazed at his delivery, the powerful truths, and interesting stories that were spoken in a way that captured your attention and moved your heart. You may have thought, "He is a gifted speaker. God is certainly using him to impact the kingdom!" Then you may have concluded, "I could never speak like that!" You would be in good company. Moses felt the same way. He too felt inadequate and fearful when God asked him to go speak to Pharaoh.

Moses knew that he was unskilled in speech, and his assessment was accurate. His inexperience led him to believe that Pharaoh would not listen to him, and nobody wanted to get on Pharaoh's bad side! God needed to choose someone with oratorical skill to deliver this "life and death message," not Moses! The Lord enlisted Aaron to help, but he was not His first choice.

The devil wants to keep every Christian from speaking the good news to the lost by making us feel inadequate and unskilled. Don't compare yourself to the well-known Bible teacher or radio personality. God is not looking for your skill or abilities, but for your availability. Will you trust Him to speak through you? His power is perfected in our weakness. Paul understood, "And He has said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.' Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me" (2 Corinthians 12:9). Tell God that you are available.

Nelson Newsletter–February 2015

Alexandyr On Super Bowl Sunday I got a call from Alexandyr who told me about his father’s upcoming surgery. I asked how his wife was doing. He said that they were still living separately and it didn’t seem like she would return. I asked him, “What prevents you from giving your life to Christ right now?” He said, “Nothing.” I led him in a prayer of repentance and faith on the phone. You see, we had numerous conversations on the phone about salvation. I had even driven two hours south to Warner Robins, Georgia to share Jesus with him in person a month before, but he was not ready. But, that Sunday evening God forgave his sins and made him a new person! I met him a few days later and he is reading the Word of God and learning to trust Him. Please pray for Alexandry to grow in Christ, and for his wife  (in the photo) to see her need for Jesus too. Thank you!

Rich’s Testimony This month we feature Dr. Richard Suplita’s personal testimony. We have been friends 15 years, ever since we met at UGA when I was doing campus ministry. Enjoy!

Parenting Seminar Danelle and I travel to Jacksonville, Florida this Saturday, February 21^st, to teach an all-day parenting seminar. We are acutely aware of our inadequacy in ourselves, and covet your prayers for us and all those who come.

Mark I met Mark a year ago. He is an entrepreneur who has been developing a defense contract for several years, sinking all his savings into this project. This week he wrote, “Please pray for me. My business has failed and I lost a huge sum of money. I am feeling very depressed. I have not been a religious man but think I must reconsider. Thanks.” I shared the gospel with him on the phone. Afterwards he wrote, “The hole in my heart is soooo deep it will never heal.” Pray that we can meet face to face so that I can share Christ with him again, and for God to save him!

Prayer Requests

1. Parenting Seminar Feb 21. Pray for effective communication, & the parents to be encouraged.

2. Alexandyr. Pray for him to grow and learn to trust God. Pray for his wife’s salvation.

3. Ukraine. Please continue to pray for safety, justice, and peace for Ukraine.

4. Mark. He would see that only Jesus can fill the hole in his heart and remove his depression.

With profound thanksgiving for your partnership,

Steve and Danelle