Nelson Newsletter - December 2022

 

“She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus,   

for He will save His people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21

 

Dear Friends in Christ,

Have you ever thought about the fact that, if there was no cross, there would have been no need for a cradle? Jesus was prepared from eternity past to be born in Bethlehem so that He could die on the cross at Calvary for our sins. There would be no Christmas celebration without Easter. We were sinners who needed God’s gift of forgiveness. Now we should celebrate Christmas with the cross always in mind. The cross was the ultimate demonstration of love when God died in our place, with our sin, and for our good! Praise God for the birth of His precious son! Praise God for His plan of salvation! Praise God for Jesus who died and rose again and is coming to take us to be with Him forever!!! I pray that you are prepared to meet Him!

Prepared = To get ready, arrange, plan.  God wants us to be prepared for eternity by asking Jesus to forgive our sin and become our Lord and Savior. In the same way that we prepare for a vacation, exam, or surgery by thinking through all we will need, we Christians prepare for Christ’s return by being faithful. We are faithful when we love God and others, read His word and do it, while relying on the Holy Spirit’s power. Preparation is essential to success in whatever endeavor we attempt. Here are some ways we have been preparing in our ministry.

Faithwalkers Conference (December 28-31) Danelle and I are preparing to go to Asheville to join Christians from the Southeast for several days of singing, fellowship, and teaching from God’s word. We are excited about hearing from God and growing in our faith. I am preparing to teach two seminars, one about work using my book, What Is Better Than Free. The other will be, “Relational Leadership.” Julie and her daughters, Jasper and Email, will join us as well. Please pray for God to prepare each heart.

Atlanta House Church We are learning how to better prepare for our gatherings by praying for one another during the week, reading His word with an eye to sharing truth with each other, and thinking of ways to edify one another when we meet. “When you assemble, each one has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has a tongue, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification.” 1 Cor. 14:26

Thanksgiving in NYC Danelle and I prepared for weeks to visit Julie, Jasper, and Emilia in NYC for Thanksgiving! We had a delightful time going on several excursions in the city, taking walks along the river near their apartment, relaxing, and enjoying meals together. Unfortunately, Jasper had the flu for most of our stay, but she was still positive and never complained. Julie prepared an amazing Thanksgiving feast which we enjoyed for days. And we went to Chinatown for dinner one rainy evening. God responded to our preparation (prayers)! Praise Him! We are thankful for all our 7 children, their spouses, and the multitude of grandchildren (21)!

                                                                                                                    

                                            Prayer Requests

1. Faithwalkers. Steve’s preparation for seminars and hearts prepared to hear from God grow in faith.

2. Atlanta House Church Pray that each member would take seriously their responsibility to edify one another and prepare for our meetings during the week.

2. Ministry Support Thank you all very much for supporting our ministry in 2022! If you would like to give a year-end gift, please use this link, https://reliant.org/steve.nelson,  or the mailing address below. Know that your gifts prepare Danelle and I to serve others, make disciples, and share the gospel in 2023!

 

You are God’s gift to us!

Steve & Danelle         

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                       

          wwww.reliant.org 11002 Lake Hart Dr, Suite 100, Orlando, FL 32832    www.gcmnelson.com

Nelson Newsletter - November 2022

 “We give thanks to God always for all of you, continually mentioning you in our prayers; recalling unceasingly before our God and Father your work energized by faith, and your service motivated by love and unwavering hope in [the return of] our Lord Jesus Christ.”1 Thessalonians 1:3-4

Dear Saints,

The devil is continually trying to get us to hope in something other than Jesus Christ. He wants to take us out. He will attempt to discourage us when our team loses, like Clemson did recently, or our candidate underperforms, or our finances take a hit, or we have health problems. If we put too much hope in anything other than Him, we will be disappointed. Be alert dear friend! Be aware of Satan’s tactics. Be armed with truth to defend your mind and protect your heart. Here are some activities we have been involved with because our hope has been in Christ. We want to help others hope in Him as well.

 

Pastors Conference Thank you for praying for our time in Charlotte last weekend! It was tremendous! We sang songs to God with all our hearts. We also shared our personal needs with each other and heard reports from each church. We prayed for these needs as well. We spent significant time praying for our county, as well as the overseas missions that we work with and support. There were several seminars offered, including mine on “Relational Leadership.” My presentation went very well… thanks to your prayers! We were inspired to continue loving people by sharing the Good News. I always come home refreshed in my relationship with Christ and my faith is challenged by my fellow workers and friends!

Eye Surgery I am happy to report that I am typing this letter without glasses. Thank you for praying for my cataract surgery. God answered our prayers as we put our hope in Him! My second eye now has a new lens as of this Tuesday. I give God thanks and praise!

Thanksgiving in NYC Danelle and I are excited to be going to NYC to visit Julie and her daughters over Thanksgiving. It is our prayer to strengthen their relationship with the Lord and be encouraged by their faith as well. Their lives in NYC are very demanding and busy. Therefore, we want to encourage them to put their hope in God more than everything.

The War In Ukraine Nobody predicted Ukraine would win this war that Russia brought to their country. Nobody thought it would still be going on. The war drags on, but the resolve of the Ukrainian people has surprised the world and earned them great respect. It has also cost them dearly. Currently the Russian army has destroyed much of the power grid causing blackouts and heating problems all over the country. Putin, as we all know by now, is ruthless and cares nothing about human life, including his own soldiers who are often left without food and ammunition. They are being pushed out, albeit slowly, but steadily. It will be a difficult winter for the people of Ukraine. Please consider a gift of any size to help our partners who work tirelessly and in dangerous situations to get food, clothing, heaters, and medicine to the suffering. You can help meet these needs by giving to: https://reliant.org/ukraine.relief.fund  Thank you for giving them Jesus - the hope of the gospel!                                     

                                           

                                          Prayer Requests

1. Pray for fresh grace for everyone who attended our pastors conference to continue to be faithful.

2. Pray for our Thanksgiving with Julie, Jasper, and Emilia to strengthen their relationship with Jesus.

3. Pray for our church to be more committed to the Great Commission - starting here in Atlanta.  

4. Please continue to pray for an end to the war Ukraine. to end in victory soon. Pray for revival in Russia and Ukraine!

 

We thank God for YOU!!!!

Steve & Danelle         

 

 

Happy Thanksgiving!

 

 

                 

                                                                                                                                                                                          

            wwww.reliant.org 11002 Lake Hart Dr, Suite 100, Orlando, FL 32832    www.gcmnelson.com

Nelson Newsletter - October 2022

 

 “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the Lord, O y soul, and forget none of His benefits; who pardons all your iniquities, who heals all your diseases. Who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion, who satisfies your years with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle.” Psalm 103:1-5

 Dear Saints,

Have you noticed that God has designed us to worship Him before we work for Him? As a matter of fact, our work for Him should be an act of worship. Worship is not confined to a certain place or time or singing. God created us to bless Him continually! Here are some recent acts of worship through our ministry…

House Church Conference Thank you for praying! God showed up at house church conference last weekend in Sophia, North Carolina in many ways! He showed up before we even got to the conference. The words to a song that we sing, “You never stop, You never stop working,” are so true! God is always working in our hearts to grow our relationship with Him. One couple drove through a lot of traffic and they said that God used that difficulty to prepare their hearts for our time. Funny how that works! Whether it was burned lasagna or kids smearing hair gel all over each other, the unexpected trials are all part of His training and can strengthen our faith if we embrace them. The food turned out to be delicious, the kids got cleaned up, the fellowship was rich, the camp facilities and scenery were amazing, the worship heartfelt, and the teaching and discussions from God’s word were inspiring. Praise Jesus!   

 

                                                                               

                                               Prayer Requests

1. Pray for everyone who attended our conference to rely on God to apply the truth He taught them.

2. Pray for my second cataract surgery November 8th. The first surgery was a success and I’m healing.

3. Pray for our Pastors Conference (Nov. 4-6) with the southeast pastors. Pray for me as I teach a seminar, “Relational Leadership” to be Spirit-filled and for the content to inspire and edify.

4. Please continue to pray for the war Ukraine to end in victory soon. Pray for revival in Russia and Ukraine! If you wish to give to Ukrainians impacted by this tragedy, we recommend using the Reliant Ukraine Relief Fund. 100% of the gifts go to the needs of the Ukrainians we know and to those they minister to. Know that your gifts are making a huge difference! Here is the link if you wish to contribute: https://reliant.org/ukraine.relief.fund Thank you!

 

Thank you for interceding!

Steve & Danelle         

More photos from our conference:

David & Barry Enjoying Fellowship

Bonfire with singing, Smores & testimonies

Children at the bonfire

Everyone loved the paddle boats!

The kids, including Barrie, liked the firetruck!

Discussion about God's heart for people

A serious discussion over breakfast

       

                                                                                                                                                                               wwww.reliant.org 11002 Lake Hart Dr, Suite 100, Orlando, FL 32832    www.gcmnelson.com

 

September 2022

“Teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12

Dear Saints,

As time passes, we are asking God to help us number our days so that we will live wisely before Him.

Danelle’s Knee Surgery Since our last communication, Danelle had knee replacement surgery in August. She had a few minor challenges during recovery but continues to heal and work on strengthening her leg muscles. We praise God for giving her a skilled surgeon, caring and qualified nurses, and strong faith for a successful surgery! Thank you for praying for her!

Steve’s 70^th Birthday I had a delightful 70^th birthday celebration on September 7th with most of my family along with many notes and calls from dear friends around the world. I feel so unworthy of the love God has shown me the past 51 years as His child and 47 years of marriage to Danelle. Our 7 amazing children and the 21 beautiful grandchildren are grace upon grace! 

I share my birthday with my grandson Isaac (second child from left), who turned 8. Danelle and I are convinced that a Christ-centered marriages and families are the most powerful evidence for the existence of God -outside of Jesus Himself. Loving others, including your spouse and children, proves that Jesus Christ is alive and worth following! He said, “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:35

House Church Conference It We have not had our annual house church conference for several years, so we are excited about gathering October 14-16 in Sophia, North Carolina to worship God, hear from Him, and build one another’s faith! As the Apostle Paul said in Romans 15, “…that I may be encouraged together with you while among you, each of us by the other’s faith, both yours and mine.”

                                                          Prayer Requests                                                                                                                              

1. Pray for Danelle’s recovery from her knee surgery.

2. Pray for my 2 cataract surgeries in November. They will be one month apart. Aging! 😊

3. Pray for our Conference (Oct 14-16) with the churches from Virginia and Atlanta. Our theme is, “God Has Made Each Person Adequate.” Pray for Spirit-led Participation, Worship, Prayer, and Fellowship!

4. Please continue to pray for Ukraine to defeat the Russian army soon. Pray for revival in both nations!

 

Thank you for being our prayer partners,

Steve & Danelle                          

            
                                                                                                                                                                                  

            wwww.reliant.org 11002 Lake Hart Dr, Suite 100, Orlando, FL 32832    www.gcmnelson.com

               Nelson newsletter

August 2022

“But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God.” Acts 5:29-32

Dear Saints,

We all want to hear the Lord Jesus tell us, “Well done good and faithful servant,” when we see Him. I turn 70 next month, causing me to reflect on finishing the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus. I want to be like the apostle Paul and finish well. Danelle and I are still passionately committed to testifying of the gospel of the grace of God. Here is someone who finished well…

Herschel’s Legacy “Our good friend and mentor, Herschel Martindale, went home to be with the Lord Jesus last month. Herschel lived a life totally committed to the Lord and the great commission- to make disciples of all the nations. We met Herschel during an outreach at Clemson in August of 1973. He and his wife, Mardean (both on the right in the photo) invited us to live with them in Houston, Texas during the summer of 1974 for training and evangelism. They inspired us to start a church in Clemson, from which other churches were birthed in the Carolinas, Georgia, and throughout Ukraine. God used Herschel to impact the world, including Danelle and me! I’m in the dark blue shirt! 😊

Herschel was a great friend who believed in us from the day we met on the campus, even though we were young and immature. He even drove all the way from Houston to marry Danelle and I on May 10^th, 1975. These verses describe his life, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8 “We love you Herschel! Your example inspires us every day!”

Michelle’s Story, I met Michelle when she came to buy my bees for part of her Lyme’s disease recovery program with Emory University. She uses the bees for “bee sting therapy” and she told me it is working. Last week I was able to share the gospel with her. She said, “I have never heard that before.” Please ask God to heal her physically and spiritually through Christ as her Savior.

Family Vacation It is a challenge to get 36 Nelson’s to gather for vacation. It made me wonder how did Moses lead 2-3 million Jews in the desert. God gave our entire family, including all 21 grands, a rich time together! We swam, went for boat rides, hiked, went for runs, played games,

 

Jasper being baptized by Julie

Briscoe with his parents and grandparents

had a night of worship, and enjoyed delicious meals and sweet fellowship together. One of the highlights was when Jasper  and Briscoe were baptized by their parents.

The verse printed on the back of our shirts says it all, "I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth. But watch out! The Nelsons like to run!" ” 3 John 1:4

 Prayer Requests

1.      Pray for Michelle and all our grandchildren to choose Jesus and then grow as His disciples.

2.      Pray for Danelle’s total knee replacement surgery, August 18^th, and for a quick recovery.

3.      Pray for Ukraine to defeat the Russians so the war can end. Pray for revival in both nations.

 

Your prayers and financial support are essential in our ministry. Thank you for being our partners!

Steve & Danelle                          

                                      

                                                                                                                                                        

 

            wwww.reliant.org 11002 Lake Hart Dr, Suite 100, Orlando, FL 32832    www.gcmnelson.com

 

Nelson newsletter

June 2022

“For so the Lord has commanded us, ‘I have appointed You as a light to the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the end of the earth.’” When the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord; and all who had been appointed to eternal life believed.” Acts 5:29-32

 

Dear fellow ambassadors,

God had mercy on us and saved us by His grace so that we could be a light to others in darkness and bring them His salvation. Danelle and I are committed to this mission – loving unbelievers and bringing them the good news of life in Christ. Here are some of our recent opportunities:

Wedding in Pittsburgh There were numerous opportunities to serve and share Christ at our niece’s wedding earlier this month. Emilee and John had a beautiful and fun outdoor wedding at a local park. We are grateful we could help with setting up for the 250 guests and cleaning afterwards. It also made is thankful for our good health to be able to work hard. 😊 God opened doors for many heart-to-heart conversations during our visit. Thank you for praying!

 

Wedding in Wilmington My nephew, Steve Nelson, invited me to perform his wedding to Kelly Daniels on this scenic beach in North Carolina. The gospel was shared, God’s word was preached, and Christ was exalted during the service! It was exciting for me to hear from their friends and family what God has done to bring them together as husband and wife. God still works miracles among us! I have noticed that many miracles occur over long periods of time, as they did with Steve and Kelly. God used their Christian community to help them mature and be ready for this next step of faith - marriage! God has been faithful, kind, and He answered our prayers! His work is people is Beautiful!

 

War In Ukraine While the attention to the war may have faded from the news, fighting continues all over Ukraine. Even in Kiev this week, rockets hit the capital city bringing destruction and death. Putin also targeted civilians in a mall this week in Kremenchuk killing 18 and wounding dozens of others. We hear reports that, even while this is happening, many are coming to saving faith in Christ. Praise God!!

 

Prayer Requests

1.      Emilee & John Pray for this young couple to embrace Christ and His plan for their lives together. Pray too for the many other family members who still need a spiritual birth through Jesus Christ!

2.      Steve & Kelly Pray that their relationship with Jesus would be the foundation for a godly marriage that fulfills His purpose and is marked by love for believers and unbelievers alike.

3.      Ukraine Please don’t forget these freedom-loving people. Ask God to help them persevere and win. Pray for those risking their lives to bring food and medicine, as well as rescuing endangered people.  Pray for Russia to stop the killing. Ask God to bring many on both sides to Jesus Christ.

4.      Family Needs Please pray for our sister-in-law, Pat Nelson, who is at home recovering from head injuries sustained in a fall. After being in an induced coma for two weeks, Danelle’s brother Jack is now at home and in rehab for his head injury. Last of all, pray for my 90-year-old Uncle Dave who is now in a rehab facility. Pray that both Jack and Uncle Dave would both find Christ during these difficult times.

5.      Family Vacation All 36 members of our immediate family will gather at Lake Keowee, SC for a week-long vacation next month! Pray that our time would be tremendous – fun, edifying, safe, and honoring to God! We plan to have a night of worship as well as a baptism.                                       

 

Thank you very much for your prayers!

 

Yours in Christ’s unfailing love,

Steve & Danelle                                  

                                             

 

                                                                                                                                                    

 

            wwww.reliant.org 11002 Lake Hart Dr, Suite 100, Orlando, FL 32832    www.gcmnelson.com