Thu 23 Feb 2006
“Following Jesus means complete abandonment- it’s all or nothing…. Jesus is looking for more than just warm bodies, He desires disciples” This was one of the many statements I made during my first sermon to our chapel here at the college. I will admit that i find it hard to preach through a translator. When I preach, I preach with the passion that burns within me and it’s hard to communicate that through someone else. One thing is has done, is that it has made me be completely depended on HIM. I know that if anything happens through my preaching it’s Him. The truth is that any time something happens through me it’s all Him, but this is a great reminder. God blessed during our chapel time and I am excited to see in years to come if the message of abandoning all to Christ really sank in. Pray for my students. They are simple men and women of God, but in them lies the hope of a nation.
Some of you have asked me why I haven’t been posting pictures lately. Well, my nice big camera that takes great pictures broke. What a pain. I sent the camera back with Dave and now all I can do is paint pictures with words. The good thing is Jenn is on her way with a new camera. Lord willing I will post some new pictures next week.
As far as language study goes, I now know just enough to get really frustrated. When someone talks to me I can make out some words, but it takes me 10 min. to translate them in my head. O well, I keep reminding myself that if I can just learn a little each day I am doing ok. With that in mind…. pheri bheTowlaa l
February 23rd, 2006 at 4:03 pm
HEY Nathan,
?Following Jesus means complete abandonment- it?s all or nothing”..and u r right..i am learning this now..and it is very real to me the options at hand..i have either to live for Christ or to not..and we talked about this..i have chosen Jesus..i need Him now more than ever..i can’t make without Him in this trying time..i never can but i need Him now more than ever..i thank u for ur prayers and for all the advise that i am now slowly taking…i love ya nathan and be a light to the people there as u have been and still are here..
love,steph.l.
p.s. pray for my daddy now..the doc says he is slowly dying..
February 23rd, 2006 at 7:49 pm
Hey bro,
Sounds like you are doing great. I know the journey can be lonely, but hey man God is with you.God’s going to order your steps so that the right people (and person…if you know what I mean) can come along side you to be helpers in the high calling. I’m so impressed and jealous and in admiration of the Spirit’s labor of love in you. I’ll continue praying. As far as the language man, you can do it. Don’t be discouraged, God is maker of man’s tongue (ex. 3-4 moses’s comment). He’s with you.
God’s raising up people who will declare His truth and the nations will sing together on the highest of all the mountains (Is. 1). There is (and will be) a people who will be bearers of light to those groups and disclose the mystery that has been hidden from them. May the veil be removed by Spirit and truth. You are counted among the faithful. Praise the Lord for the desire and strength in you, He has “wrought.” Your pretty much the man! hahaha.
And Nathan don’t be afraid to act on faith when God prompts.
“By faith Abel OFFERED…by faith Noah…PREPARED…by faith Abraham…OBEYED…by faith Jacob..BLESSED…” Hebrews 11
By faith you (and we) will live (Rom 1:17; Hab. 2:4); I am certain.
Love in +,
th