Saturday, August 6, 2022

               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 10th, 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 18th, 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

 

Nelson newsletter

May 2022

“But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you put to death by hanging Him on a cross. He is the one whom God exalted to His right hand as a Prince and a Savior, to grant repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. And we are witnesses of these things; and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him.” Acts 5:29-32

Dear Friends,

Aren’t you glad that the Lord Jesus did not come to condemn the world but to forgive our sins? He still grants repentance freely to all (Jew and Gentile) who are willing to come. He wants us to seek Him and find Him. He promises, “You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13 And, He is seeking us as well! Jesus said it this way, “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” Luke 19:10 I shared this promise with Ken recently…

Atlanta Church Ken is a fellow beekeeper. He came over to our house to buy a hive of bees, and I asked him about his spiritual interests. He said, “I was raised as Buddhist but did not find what I was looking for. My wife is a Christian, so I tried Christianity. But that didn’t work either. Now I am back to Buddhism, but I am still searching.” I said, “That’s great! God promises you will find him if you seek him with all your heart. The other cool thing is, He is searching for you as well! He wants you. He loves you and wants a relationship with you!” I will see Ken again when he returns some beekeeping equipment and I look forward to following up our conversation. He is one of the many people we are sharing the Good News with here in Atlanta.



War In Ukraine This war is personal for us. Bogdan is a friend of ours who is fighting the Russians on the Eastern front. For more than 20 years, he and his wife Anya, have run a ministry for teenagers who were in state orphanages. Orphans must leave the state-run orphanage at sixteen, and they often turn to prostitution, drugs, and alcohol because they can’t cope with life. Bogdan, and Anya invite some of them to live with them at Safe Haven where they help them transition and introduce them to Jesus Christ. Anya, their children, and most of the orphans, fled the country after the war began, while Bogdan had to stay and fight in the army. Last week, two friends in his group were killed. He went back to Kiev to bury his two friends. One of the teenage orphans, also in his group, was wounded. Bogdan took him the hospital where he is recovering. It is a real war with real casualties! Thank you for praying!!

Family Wedding This week Danelle and I are going to Pittsburgh to attend our niece’s wedding. It will be bittersweet, as her brother, Jack, fell and hit his head a few weeks ago. He was put into an induced coma for a few weeks. He is conscious now but still has several serious issues.

Prayer

1.      Ken Pray for his salvation, along with the others we share Christ with here in Atlanta.

2.      Ukraine For God to protect Bogdan, Genady, and others we know, who are defending their country. Pray for the families who are separated. Ask God to give Ukraine the victory soon.

3.      Family Needs For my Uncle Dave, Sister-in-law Pat, Brother-in-law Jack, who all have serious health issues and need our prayers. Pray for Danelle and me to be an encouragement to her family this week as well. Pray for our niece, Emilee, to have a great celebration and marriage too!

4.      The Gospel to spread in Ukraine, Russia, all of Europe, and the world because of the war.

5.      Ukraine Relief Fund If you still wish to help with the humanitarian needs, please give here: https://reliant.org/ukraine.relief.fund 100% of your gift goes directly to meet the needs of specific Ukrainian refugees we know and to those people who are still in Ukraine. We have heard numerous stories of gratitude from those who have been helped by your gifts! Thank you!

 

Yours in Christ’s unfailing love,

Steve & Danelle            

                                                                                                                                                         

                                                                

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