Nathan Goes To Africa

As I mentioned earlier,I was in Atlanta for a couple weeks for meetings. The first morning I looked at the people who were coming in,and I couldn’t believe it. In walked a family I had stayed in South Africa with for a couple months back in 2004. I hadn’t seen them for five years! I of course ran up and gave them hugs and was amazed at the memories that came flooding back.

The one thing that I thought of the most was just how this family took me under their wing and mentored me. I didn’t realize it at the time much,but they taught me soo much that I have used in my present ministry and also will use later. For 2 months,whether it was on the road going places,sitting around talking,or whatever,I learned so much. Last week I was able to share with them some of things I learned from them but knew I wouldn’t be able to adequately express my gratitude for what they did.

Uncle Dale,Aunt Av,Kerri and Britt, THANKYOU for all you did for me!   

I say all that to say this. Take time today to say thank you to someone who has meant something to you in your life. We always wait til it’s too late to say thanks. Plus it will be a great encouragement to the people you thank,even if it is for something you may think is small.

Starting yesterday through next Wednesday,I am in Atlanta for meetings with my mission board. I am in “field preparation seminar” which is for the missionaries on deputation that are planning on going to their respective fields within the next year.  Yesterday,it was great being able to see some friends I haven’t seen in years. Also,I have already begun making new friends and also getting to know some of the people I will be working with while I am in South Africa. No matter how long it’s been,it’s amazing how you can pick up where you left off with friends,no matter how long it has been.

This week in our meetings,it seems as if there has been one thread connecting them all. That thread has been prayer.  I have heard alot of sermons and devotionals on it,but something has happened this week where I have seen prayer in a new light. Prayer is soo important in the Christian life and I am hoping to be a better prayer warrior.

 The greatest prayer warrior I ever knew was my dad.  Each morning when I got up,I walked by his room and the majority of the time,he was praying. He knew he couldn’t do much physically but he could pray!

I am going to try to update this a couple times during the week and let you know what’s going on. Thank you to all of you who are praying for me and my ministry. I really appreciate all of it!