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.