Nelson Newsletter - August 2019

Dear Partners,

Secure In China! A Chinese friend of ours, who was in grad school at Clemson University for a few years, moved back home last year. Recently, she contacted me requesting a copy of Secure In An Insecure World in Russian. Yes, Russian! (It’s also in Spanish!) She met Andrey and wants him to hear the good news of life in Christ in his own language. She thought my book would help him understand that life is in Jesus, not in a woman/wife. We prayed for a way to get the book to him and God provided. She got it a week ago and plans to give it to Andrey soon, if she hasn’t already. Pray for his salvation and for our friend and her fellow Christians to continue spreading the good news!

St. Pete Conference Danelle and I will be leading a conference August 16-18 in St. Petersburg for the church as they seek the Lord and His plan for them. We will look at what the Word of God says about change, Christ’s headship of church, what the church is, discipleship, leadership, and being on mission together. Your prayers will make all the difference in our time!

Atlanta House Church The summer has been busy for our church members with vacations, Grace & Ward fostering twins, and­­­ speaking engagements. Danelle and I visited her family in Pittsburgh where we enjoyed meaningful times of sweet fellowship and ate too much. Then we drove to see our daughter, Stephanie, and her family in Virginia. Julie, Jasper, and Emilia Dewey came down from NYC to join us. We all worked hard for several days getting them settled in their new place. We installed ceiling fans, hung window treatments, repaired items broken from the move, and even built a chicken coop for David’s aunt! Yes, we did relax and have fun together at the beach with the 6 grandchildren the last day. 😊 Our church is still adjusting to several precious single ladies leaving. The good news is that they all seem to be doing well in the Lord and connecting with Christians in their new cities. Pray for ATC members to be moved by Christ’s love to build quality friendships and share the gospel with unbelievers. Thank you!

                                     Prayer & Praise

1. Virginia Ask God to give David & Stephanie people with hearts for God who ­­­are humble and gather as a house church in Portsmouth. Pray for opportunities to share the gospel with unbelievers and for the Spirit of God to touch hearts and change lives!

2. St. Petersburg Church. Danelle and I are returning August 16-18 to teach the church and discuss God’s purpose, the church, and how they can follow Christ together. Pray for teachable hearts and a willingness to change & make disciples in simple, organic ways.

3. Grace & Ward Pray for them as they foster the twin boys! They need strength & sleep!

We appreciate your prayers,        

    Steve & Danelle   

    

 wwww.reliant.org (Please visit this website if you wish to support our work. Thank you!)

11002 Lake Hart Dr, Suite 100, Orlando, FL 32832   

www.gcmnelson.com

Love & Discipline

For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you with many tears; not so that you would be made sorrowful, but that you might know the love which I have especially for you. - 2 Corinthians 2:4

My friend seemed resigned to the students constantly using their cell phones in the high school classroom as the new normal. I was shocked to hear about the pandemonium and lack of discipline. He was doing his best to teach. He said he had given up on many of his pupils and was simply trying to help those who wanted to learn amidst the chaos. It was truly sad and heartbreaking. Discipline had left the building . . . and it didn’t seem like it was ever coming back!

Some of us equate discipline with inhibiting someone’s freedom of expression or infringing on their rights. But as in the situation in this classroom, some may have felt free to text, while the rights of the other students to learn were ignored! Funny how it works that way, isn’t it? Those who complain the loudest about discipline are usually the most inconsiderate of other’s rights.

My mother, brother, and myself

The apostle Paul had a similar situation where discipline was difficult, but necessary. You see, he loved the Corinthians enough to correct them. Discipline done properly is just that—love! It is not meant to be hateful or disrespectful of anyone’s rights. It is for the good of all! Discipline done God’s way is always a win—win for all. It worked in Corinth, and it can work with you.

Follow God’s loving way of discipline next time you face a trial: receive it with joy and thankfulness because His purpose is always for your good. Ask Him for gentleness and kindness when you need to correct your children for misbehaving, or a friend who has sinned, and for an open and teachable heart when you are corrected as well.