Nelson Newsletter March 2016

An Effective Prayer 

Recently I read this prayer, “Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, “Oh that You would bless me indeed and enlarge my border, and that Your hand might be with me, and that You would keep me from harm that it may not pain me!” And God granted him what he requested.” 1 Chronicles 4:10 God wants to enlarge your border too – to use you to influence others (believers and unbelievers) for Christ, to be light to a dark world broken by sin and selfishness. He wants to grant all of us this request if we will simply ask. Of course part of His answer to our prayer is to transform our selfish lives through faith in Christ into ones characterized by selflessness, humility, and compassion. There is no shortcut. There is no magic formula to success or fruitful ministry. Praying the prayer without life-transformation will never enlarge your border. Would you please pray that prayer for Danelle and I as we seek to enlarge our borders for Christ?

Atlanta House Church 

Last Friday I shared Christ with Alfonso after he finished pressure washing our house. We had a great discussion for almost an hour. He is very open and asked many good questions. Pray for an opportunity to follow up with him and to meet his wife, Diana. He took a copy of Secure In An Insecure World to read, which will help him understand more about salvation. We have some new people meeting with us too. Please pray for God to keep us inspired and continue to enlarge our borders here in Atlanta!

Sanctuary Baptist Church 

Pastor Rodney Hall (on far left in photo) invited Danelle and I to speak with their high school students last Sunday about how to be prepared for the challenges of college life. Then Steve spoke to the entire congregation on “Are You a Sinner or a Saint?” He encouraged everyone to know who they are “in Christ” – a saint, a holy one, and one who is always loved by God! The saints at Sanctuary are always warm and welcoming to us. Jesus Christ can be seen in them!

Mother’s 90th Birthday Party! 

Our family gathered in Atlanta on  March 12^th to celebrate Alice Marie Turnage Nelson’s 90^th birthday. We thank God for her life and impact she has had on so many (God enlarged her border!). Mother’s kindness, generosity, hospitality, and cheerful compassion for all will continue to influence our family and her friends for decades to come. Praise God! We love you mother! 

Pictured below are my mother with my brother Kurt, and my sister Patty. Then Scott, Sophie, and Maria. Next - Olya, Gavin, Hanna, Merry and Nathan. Last are- Briscoe & Seth with Great Grandmother (GG to them).

                

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

                                                                 

                                             Prayer Requests   

1. Conference Pray for our regional Pastors/wives conference April 8-9 to be encouraging for all. Dave and Dawn Bovenmyer will speak. The leaders will also discuss the Ephesians 4:11-16 gifts together.                                                                             

2. Atlanta House Church Pray for God’s love to grow in us so that we care more about others. Pray for God to save Alfonso, Diana, Jairo, Michael, Edwardo, Carolina and others.

3. Mother Pray for God to continue to bless her and enlarge her borders for Christ!

We thank God for you!                                             

Steve and Danelle  

America's Desperate Need

Only give heed to yourself and keep your soul diligently, so that you do not forget the things which your eyes have seen and they do not depart from your heart all the days of your life; but make them known to your sons and your grandsons.  – Deuteronomy 4:9

Some days it seems like there is an increase in violence, hatred, murder, racism, stealing, and divorce in our beloved America. Do you wonder why? I do!

I was challenged by the Lord’s words to Israel right before they were to enter the promised land. Notice that the first instructions God gave His people were to “give heed to yourself and keep your soul diligently.” The foremost concern was to be their life; next was their family’s. Jesus Christ emphasized the same priority when He said, “You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye” (Matthew 7:5). Paul highlighted the same value to Timothy: “Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you” (1 Timothy 4:16). God instructed the Jewish parents to pass on to their children and grandchildren what their eyes had seen. The order was essential!

Ask God to help you live a humble, holy life of love for God and others, so that you will be able to impart a living example and genuine faith to your children, grandchildren, and other disciples. Solving America’s desperate need begins in each life, then in our families, and finally out to our neighbors and coworkers. Change one life—your life, and (together) we can change a country!