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…