In the verse above, Peter was instructing fellow
believers to
always be prepared to give an answer
for the hope they had. What did he mean? How do we follow this instruction
today? First and foremost, Christ was to be their hope – their source of life!
When this is true, the believer stands out among those whose hope is in other
things or other people. When we chose to allow Jesus to run our lives, to be
our Lord, then we will care about others and want them to come to know Him as
well. We will be
prepared to explain why we
have peace, joy, and contentment.
It's never about
the _______... tire repair,
groceries, or the dentist. You fill in the blanks for your life. It’s always
about the people! Don’t miss the people!!!
Jose', Tork, & Eugene reading my testimony tract
This week for me,
it was not about the light fixture. I went to Lowes to purchase a $5 light
fixture for our basement. I was checking out and there were three employees
there and no other customers. A few weeks ago, I edited and reprinted my
testimony tract to pass out. Doing this helps me have lost people on my mind (to be prepared) and stay active in sharing the Good News with
them. I offered Jose’ my tract in English or Spanish and explained what it was.
He enthusiastically asked for the English version. I only had a Spanish version
left to give Tork, who could not read Spanish. So, I asked Jose’ if he would
mind if we switched, since he could read the Spanish version. He was fine with
that. As I was walking out to my truck, I remembered that I had more English
copies in the console. I returned with an English copy for Jose’ to see all
three of them huddled around reading it! I was excited that God was speaking to
them! I was thankful that I was
prepared for this
opportunity. Please join me in praying for God to prepare their hearts to come to Christ, and for me to meet
them again. I encourage you to be ready to give an account for the hope you
have in Christ! I would be happy to help you write your testimony and get it
printed.
Maggie
and Ivan Our Ukrainian friends brought their son to go to school in Georgia.
They stayed with us for a few days while they were here. It was a time of mixed
emotions. Hearing about the war in Ukraine, from people living in the middle of
the trauma, was heartbreaking. They continue to hear the air raid sirens and
flee to bomb shelters, sometimes hearing explosions in Kiev where they live. Their
faith in God is real! It was also encouraging to hear about the hunger for the gospel
in Ukraine. God works amid hardship, maybe even more when He has our attention!
Nelson
Thanksgiving We are happy that almost all of our family will be here for
Thanksgiving – 35 in all! At every table, each person will share what they are
thankful for. Thanking God for what He has done, prepares us to trust Him what
He wants to do in the future. Please pray that all of our hearts would be prepared to love and serve one another!
Pastors
& Leaders Conference. Thank you for praying for our leadership meeting
in Charlotte a few weeks ago. We always enjoy catching up with one another
personally, hearing news from each church (both the positive and the challenging),
praying together (photo), doing church business for our region, and hearing
seminars on helpful subjects. My seminar, “Finish the Race,” went well. (Please
send me an email if you want to listen to the audio and watch the Power Point
as well.) The questions at the end of the teaching always let me know that
hearts and minds were touched. We seek to encourage each other in the work of
making disciples in our cities and around the world. Collaborating in the
mission with others of like heart is a blessing!
Prayer & Praise
1. Atlanta Church Ask God to motivate us with His
love to build relationships with unbelievers and to be prepared to share
the gospel of Christ with them. Pray for the Lowes’ employees too.
2. Illinois Church David and
Stephanie asked us to pray for Kofi and his family and Kerianna and Jeffery’s
family. Both families participate in the gatherings, and both need the Lord
Jesus.
3.
Virginia Church There has been some turnover among the believers in Portsmouth,
but there seems to be new life – fresh faith because of the newcomers. Please
pray for love and unity.
4.
Pastors & Leaders Conference Pray for all the people in the Southeast
who are leading the churches we are associated with. They need protection,
encouragement, courage, compassion, wisdom, and faith in God to equip the
saints to do the work of disciple making for God’s glory. Your prayers prepare them to face the challenges with faith in God!
5. Please consider a special year-end gift for our work in the gospel. You may want to become a monthly partner. Either way, please visit: reliant.org/steve.nelson to help us be prepared to make disciples in 2024. Thank you!!
Yours to
be prepared,
Steve & Danelle
