| Nathan |
Hello dear friends!
I have some exciting news that some but not all of you are aware of. It looks like Lord willing, I will be traveling to Nigeria on
January 20th and spending about 9 weeks there. In August I was invited by my cousin Sarah Anne Daley to join her and Shana
Kerttula on a trip that they were praying about taking to work at an orphanage this winter. For those of you who know Shana, it
is the same orphanage that she and TJ visited and worked at last winter. I had already been praying about doing some kind of
short term missions this winter and the other options I was looking into had not really opened up yet so I was excited to have
this opportunity. After lots of prayer, we went ahead and applied for visas which came through very quickly and then we got our
tickets a few weeks later. The doors really just flew open and I am excited to see what the Lord has in store! From what I know, it
sounds like there will be no shortage of ministry to keep us busy. I hope to be able to spend some time mentoring and discipling
boys at the orphanage, and I have been told I may be wanted to do some school teaching. I never used to be interested in
teaching, but I’m warming up to it more and more. I think it will be a fun challenge and especially good when it is with kids I can
spend time with in and out of the classroom. It sounds like I will be asked to speak in churches there, A LOT probably, and solid
Bible teaching is desperately needed there. I am going over some notes from Colossians, which I have recently studied through
with youth group, and I will be studying elsewhere as well. Speaking will be an interesting challenge as well, particularly
speaking through translators. :)
So, the point of this letter is not only to inform you of my trip but to invite you to be praying for us during the next several
months, both in preparation, and especially during our time there.
Some things you can be praying for in the coming month:
1) For wisdom as I study the Word and prepare for speaking there. I am going in and speaking to people I don’t know well, so it
is so wonderful to trust the Holy Spirit to speak through me. He knows the needs of the believers there and I am
trusting Him to guide my words.
2) For me to be sensitive to the Lord’s work in my life. I tend to get too focused on what I can do for the Lord, when really He is
doing all of it and just wants me to be a part of it. Often ministry is used as much in the life of the minister as the people he is
reaching, and I want to have a perspective of seeing what the Lord is teaching me through this exciting time.
Thank you so much for your prayers, I know prayer is hard work and I appreciate each time you take time to lift me and this trip
up to the Lord! I would love to hear from you how I can pray for you too. I trust you all have a Merry Christmas praising the Lord
for the gift of His Son!!
By His Grace!
Nathan
I have some exciting news that some but not all of you are aware of. It looks like Lord willing, I will be traveling to Nigeria on
January 20th and spending about 9 weeks there. In August I was invited by my cousin Sarah Anne Daley to join her and Shana
Kerttula on a trip that they were praying about taking to work at an orphanage this winter. For those of you who know Shana, it
is the same orphanage that she and TJ visited and worked at last winter. I had already been praying about doing some kind of
short term missions this winter and the other options I was looking into had not really opened up yet so I was excited to have
this opportunity. After lots of prayer, we went ahead and applied for visas which came through very quickly and then we got our
tickets a few weeks later. The doors really just flew open and I am excited to see what the Lord has in store! From what I know, it
sounds like there will be no shortage of ministry to keep us busy. I hope to be able to spend some time mentoring and discipling
boys at the orphanage, and I have been told I may be wanted to do some school teaching. I never used to be interested in
teaching, but I’m warming up to it more and more. I think it will be a fun challenge and especially good when it is with kids I can
spend time with in and out of the classroom. It sounds like I will be asked to speak in churches there, A LOT probably, and solid
Bible teaching is desperately needed there. I am going over some notes from Colossians, which I have recently studied through
with youth group, and I will be studying elsewhere as well. Speaking will be an interesting challenge as well, particularly
speaking through translators. :)
So, the point of this letter is not only to inform you of my trip but to invite you to be praying for us during the next several
months, both in preparation, and especially during our time there.
Some things you can be praying for in the coming month:
1) For wisdom as I study the Word and prepare for speaking there. I am going in and speaking to people I don’t know well, so it
is so wonderful to trust the Holy Spirit to speak through me. He knows the needs of the believers there and I am
trusting Him to guide my words.
2) For me to be sensitive to the Lord’s work in my life. I tend to get too focused on what I can do for the Lord, when really He is
doing all of it and just wants me to be a part of it. Often ministry is used as much in the life of the minister as the people he is
reaching, and I want to have a perspective of seeing what the Lord is teaching me through this exciting time.
Thank you so much for your prayers, I know prayer is hard work and I appreciate each time you take time to lift me and this trip
up to the Lord! I would love to hear from you how I can pray for you too. I trust you all have a Merry Christmas praising the Lord
for the gift of His Son!!
By His Grace!
Nathan
===========================================================================================================================================
Hello dear friends!
I have some exciting news that some but not all of you are aware of. It looks like Lord willing, I will be traveling to Nigeria on
January 20th and spending about 9 weeks there. In August I was invited by my cousin Sarah Anne Daley to join her and Shana
Kerttula on a trip that they were praying about taking to work at an orphanage this winter. For those of you who know Shana, it
is the same orphanage that she and TJ visited and worked at last winter. I had already been praying about doing some kind of
short term missions this winter and the other options I was looking into had not really opened up yet so I was excited to have
this opportunity. After lots of prayer, we went ahead and applied for visas which came through very quickly and then we got our
tickets a few weeks later. The doors really just flew open and I am excited to see what the Lord has in store! From what I know, it
sounds like there will be no shortage of ministry to keep us busy. I hope to be able to spend some time mentoring and discipling
boys at the orphanage, and I have been told I may be wanted to do some school teaching. I never used to be interested in
teaching, but I’m warming up to it more and more. I think it will be a fun challenge and especially good when it is with kids I can
spend time with in and out of the classroom. It sounds like I will be asked to speak in churches there, A LOT probably, and solid
Bible teaching is desperately needed there. I am going over some notes from Colossians, which I have recently studied through
with youth group, and I will be studying elsewhere as well. Speaking will be an interesting challenge as well, particularly
speaking through translators. :)
So, the point of this letter is not only to inform you of my trip but to invite you to be praying for us during the next several
months, both in preparation, and especially during our time there.
Some things you can be praying for in the coming month:
1) For wisdom as I study the Word and prepare for speaking there. I am going in and speaking to people I don’t know well, so it
is so wonderful to trust the Holy Spirit to speak through me. He knows the needs of the believers there and I am trusting Him to
guide my words.
2) For me to be sensitive to the Lord’s work in my life. I tend to get too focused on what I can do for the Lord, when really He is
doing all of it and just wants me to be a part of it. Often ministry is used as much in the life of the minister as the people he is
reaching, and I want to have a perspective of seeing what the Lord is teaching me through this exciting time.
Thank you so much for your prayers, I know prayer is hard work and I appreciate each time you take time to lift me and this trip
up to the Lord! I would love to hear from you how I can pray for you too. I trust you all have a Merry Christmas praising the Lord
for the gift of His Son!!
By His Grace!
Nathan
I have some exciting news that some but not all of you are aware of. It looks like Lord willing, I will be traveling to Nigeria on
January 20th and spending about 9 weeks there. In August I was invited by my cousin Sarah Anne Daley to join her and Shana
Kerttula on a trip that they were praying about taking to work at an orphanage this winter. For those of you who know Shana, it
is the same orphanage that she and TJ visited and worked at last winter. I had already been praying about doing some kind of
short term missions this winter and the other options I was looking into had not really opened up yet so I was excited to have
this opportunity. After lots of prayer, we went ahead and applied for visas which came through very quickly and then we got our
tickets a few weeks later. The doors really just flew open and I am excited to see what the Lord has in store! From what I know, it
sounds like there will be no shortage of ministry to keep us busy. I hope to be able to spend some time mentoring and discipling
boys at the orphanage, and I have been told I may be wanted to do some school teaching. I never used to be interested in
teaching, but I’m warming up to it more and more. I think it will be a fun challenge and especially good when it is with kids I can
spend time with in and out of the classroom. It sounds like I will be asked to speak in churches there, A LOT probably, and solid
Bible teaching is desperately needed there. I am going over some notes from Colossians, which I have recently studied through
with youth group, and I will be studying elsewhere as well. Speaking will be an interesting challenge as well, particularly
speaking through translators. :)
So, the point of this letter is not only to inform you of my trip but to invite you to be praying for us during the next several
months, both in preparation, and especially during our time there.
Some things you can be praying for in the coming month:
1) For wisdom as I study the Word and prepare for speaking there. I am going in and speaking to people I don’t know well, so it
is so wonderful to trust the Holy Spirit to speak through me. He knows the needs of the believers there and I am trusting Him to
guide my words.
2) For me to be sensitive to the Lord’s work in my life. I tend to get too focused on what I can do for the Lord, when really He is
doing all of it and just wants me to be a part of it. Often ministry is used as much in the life of the minister as the people he is
reaching, and I want to have a perspective of seeing what the Lord is teaching me through this exciting time.
Thank you so much for your prayers, I know prayer is hard work and I appreciate each time you take time to lift me and this trip
up to the Lord! I would love to hear from you how I can pray for you too. I trust you all have a Merry Christmas praising the Lord
for the gift of His Son!!
By His Grace!
Nathan
Hi dear praying friends!
What an exciting week! Lord willing Thursday morning at 6:15 am we fly out of Helena, MT on our way to Nigeria! I'd appreciate
your prayers for safe travel and smooth connections, and especially that we would be a light along the way and take whatever
opportunities the Lord gives to share Him with those around us. Thank you so much for your willingness to be a part of this trip
in prayer. I will let you know how things are going after we arrive as soon as I have a chance with good internet access. Thanks
again dear brothers and sisters!
By His grace,
Nathan
What an exciting week! Lord willing Thursday morning at 6:15 am we fly out of Helena, MT on our way to Nigeria! I'd appreciate
your prayers for safe travel and smooth connections, and especially that we would be a light along the way and take whatever
opportunities the Lord gives to share Him with those around us. Thank you so much for your willingness to be a part of this trip
in prayer. I will let you know how things are going after we arrive as soon as I have a chance with good internet access. Thanks
again dear brothers and sisters!
By His grace,
Nathan
===========================================================================================================================================
===========================================================================================================================================
Hello there dear friends!
"If I take the wings of the dawn, and settle on the far side of the sea, even there Your hand will guide me, Your right hand shall
hold me fast." Meaningful words from Psalm 139 that were a great encouragment this week as Sarahanne, Shana and I set off on
our adventure. Thank you very much for your prayers, our trip went well and we arrived safely Friday afternoon Nigeria time, (we
are 8 hours ahead of Mt time). Yesterday was spent mostly in crazy Nigeria traffic and on a few African dirt roads :) and then we
arrived at the orphanage last night. Wow, what excitement, it was a total riot of excited children shouting and singing and asking
our names, and of course yelling out Shana's since she has been here before. Today we were blessed to meet and sing and
break bread with the believers here in the village and I was asked to speak, which was a bit of an adventure, since I have never
spoken through an interpreter before. But the Lord is faithful and it went well :).
I'd appreciate prayer for the following things this coming week:
1) Travel to and from a conference and for the Lord's guidance as I will probably speak there.
2) I will be helping teach a young people's Bible study the next couple weeks, pray for words and wisdom from the Lord for that
as well.
3) I realize more and more my need to be walking in the Spirit and not according to the flesh, pray for disciplined and daily time
apart with the Lord and for spiritual armor each day as Satan does not want us here and will use all sorts of means to seek to get
us off track.
Thank you again for your prayers! You are part of this trip in a vital way! Let me know how I can pray for you as well.
By His grace!
Nathan
"If I take the wings of the dawn, and settle on the far side of the sea, even there Your hand will guide me, Your right hand shall
hold me fast." Meaningful words from Psalm 139 that were a great encouragment this week as Sarahanne, Shana and I set off on
our adventure. Thank you very much for your prayers, our trip went well and we arrived safely Friday afternoon Nigeria time, (we
are 8 hours ahead of Mt time). Yesterday was spent mostly in crazy Nigeria traffic and on a few African dirt roads :) and then we
arrived at the orphanage last night. Wow, what excitement, it was a total riot of excited children shouting and singing and asking
our names, and of course yelling out Shana's since she has been here before. Today we were blessed to meet and sing and
break bread with the believers here in the village and I was asked to speak, which was a bit of an adventure, since I have never
spoken through an interpreter before. But the Lord is faithful and it went well :).
I'd appreciate prayer for the following things this coming week:
1) Travel to and from a conference and for the Lord's guidance as I will probably speak there.
2) I will be helping teach a young people's Bible study the next couple weeks, pray for words and wisdom from the Lord for that
as well.
3) I realize more and more my need to be walking in the Spirit and not according to the flesh, pray for disciplined and daily time
apart with the Lord and for spiritual armor each day as Satan does not want us here and will use all sorts of means to seek to get
us off track.
Thank you again for your prayers! You are part of this trip in a vital way! Let me know how I can pray for you as well.
By His grace!
Nathan
===========================================================================================================================================
Hello dear friends!
When I say bush, I mean village after village of mud brick houses, goats, pigs and chickens, no running water, and lots of people
hungry for God's Word. I joined Alvin Shawver and Spencer Dibble on a trip to a 3 day Bible conference in one of these villages.
It was a 4+ hour drive, mostly on a slow bumpy African road. :) We enjoyed wonderful hospitality, the people are so friendly! One
of my biggest frustrations is the language barrier, particularly with older ones who don't know much English. But it was so
encouraging to see the hunger for God's Word there. Roughly 400 - 500 people from 4 different tribes came to spend 2 and half
days hearing Bible teaching. Their conferences here usually involve 2 3 hour sessions a day, 3 speakers with 1 hour each
session. So that means sitting and hearing the Word 3 hours at a time with no breaks! I went expecting to speak one time and it
turned out I spoke 5 times! Thank you so much for your prayers this past week, the Lord was gracious and gave the strength
and the words to say. I was very thankful that I was already mostly prepared to teach through Colossians, so I didn't have to
improvise! :)
I am not sure what to expect in the coming week. We are heading back to the orphanage now and will be busy there all week as
far as I know. I would appreciate prayer again for continued reliance on the Lord and good time in His presence every day. Also
for strength and energy in the heat and often lack of sleep. And for a sensitive heart to the Spirit's guidance in all that happens
this week and the door He opens. Thank you again so much, praying friends! Keep serving Him where He has you each day!
By His grace!
Nathan
When I say bush, I mean village after village of mud brick houses, goats, pigs and chickens, no running water, and lots of people
hungry for God's Word. I joined Alvin Shawver and Spencer Dibble on a trip to a 3 day Bible conference in one of these villages.
It was a 4+ hour drive, mostly on a slow bumpy African road. :) We enjoyed wonderful hospitality, the people are so friendly! One
of my biggest frustrations is the language barrier, particularly with older ones who don't know much English. But it was so
encouraging to see the hunger for God's Word there. Roughly 400 - 500 people from 4 different tribes came to spend 2 and half
days hearing Bible teaching. Their conferences here usually involve 2 3 hour sessions a day, 3 speakers with 1 hour each
session. So that means sitting and hearing the Word 3 hours at a time with no breaks! I went expecting to speak one time and it
turned out I spoke 5 times! Thank you so much for your prayers this past week, the Lord was gracious and gave the strength
and the words to say. I was very thankful that I was already mostly prepared to teach through Colossians, so I didn't have to
improvise! :)
I am not sure what to expect in the coming week. We are heading back to the orphanage now and will be busy there all week as
far as I know. I would appreciate prayer again for continued reliance on the Lord and good time in His presence every day. Also
for strength and energy in the heat and often lack of sleep. And for a sensitive heart to the Spirit's guidance in all that happens
this week and the door He opens. Thank you again so much, praying friends! Keep serving Him where He has you each day!
By His grace!
Nathan
===========================================================================================================================================
Hi dear praying friends!
"For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died; and He died for all, so that they
who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf." (2 Corinthians 5:14-15) May
this be the prayer for all of us this week, that Christ's love would control us, so that we would not live for ourselves but for Him,
living in the reality of Christ's death for us.
This past week has been mostly spent studying and preparing for the coming weeks of teaching and village outreach, and of
course playing with kids in spare time :). This coming week Shana and I will start teaching several kids that need focused
attention to help them learn to read and write. I will also be teaching Bible stories with pictures in the evenings, and going into
villages one night a week to do the same with a clear gospel presentation. I may be attending (and most likely speaking) at a
conference an hour or 2 away on Saturday. I would appreciate prayer for total dependence on the Lord in all of this, and for
strength as it will be a tiring week. He has shown Himself so faithful to provide everytime, and I know this week will be no
different. Thank you for praying for us, brothers and sisters. Satan is battling for souls here, and often seems he is winning, but
we know Who is greater! It's exciting to be His tools and see how He is working. Please pray for the staff and leadership of
Ministry of Mercy (the orphanage), as Satan always seeks to cause division and distraction from the great purpose of saving
these kids! Pray that they would all catch the vision and be unified more and more in reaching these kids and the community
with the gospel.
Thank you again for praying! You are a blessing! Let me know what is happening in your life and how I can pray this week. Let
Christ's love be in control!
By His grace!
Nathan
"For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died; and He died for all, so that they
who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf." (2 Corinthians 5:14-15) May
this be the prayer for all of us this week, that Christ's love would control us, so that we would not live for ourselves but for Him,
living in the reality of Christ's death for us.
This past week has been mostly spent studying and preparing for the coming weeks of teaching and village outreach, and of
course playing with kids in spare time :). This coming week Shana and I will start teaching several kids that need focused
attention to help them learn to read and write. I will also be teaching Bible stories with pictures in the evenings, and going into
villages one night a week to do the same with a clear gospel presentation. I may be attending (and most likely speaking) at a
conference an hour or 2 away on Saturday. I would appreciate prayer for total dependence on the Lord in all of this, and for
strength as it will be a tiring week. He has shown Himself so faithful to provide everytime, and I know this week will be no
different. Thank you for praying for us, brothers and sisters. Satan is battling for souls here, and often seems he is winning, but
we know Who is greater! It's exciting to be His tools and see how He is working. Please pray for the staff and leadership of
Ministry of Mercy (the orphanage), as Satan always seeks to cause division and distraction from the great purpose of saving
these kids! Pray that they would all catch the vision and be unified more and more in reaching these kids and the community
with the gospel.
Thank you again for praying! You are a blessing! Let me know what is happening in your life and how I can pray this week. Let
Christ's love be in control!
By His grace!
Nathan
===========================================================================================================================================
Hello praying friends!
Well, another week has flown by and it has been a busy one. I have been teaching school every day and doing Bible stories with
pictures 4 of the nights. The school teaching has definitely been a challenge, for several reasons. The language barrier is one,
partly because of the difficulty in communicating clearly with them so they can understand and learn, and partly because a lot of
the time I don't really know what is going on. Also, the reason I am teaching these three students is because they are behind the
rest of their grade, mostly in reading and writing. So I need wisdom and patience in teaching them and trying to help them learn
these vital skills so that they can move on in school. I'd appreciate prayer for this and for good attitudes and motivation for
Joshua, Matthew, and Abel, and most of all, that I can be a good example to them and help them see their need of salvation in
this time. Pray for Shana and Sarah Anne in the same ways as they are both teaching as well, and Shana's students are very
similar to mine.
Alvin Shawver and I went to a small conference yesterday and both spoke twice there. It was good to see again a hunger for the
Word, and to see quite a few young people there. Mr. Shawver went back today and spoke again and then answered questions
for an hour after, so the Lord was definitely working in hearts through His Word. Thanks for praying.
I hope to show pictures and tell a story with the gospel message in the village here some night this week. Please pray for the
unsaved of Otutulu to come and have open hearts to hear the gospel.
Thank you again so much for praying. We are doing well, but tired and exhausted a lot in this heat, and always in need of the
Lord's strength to carry on. You are a vital part of this trip as you lift us up in prayer. Thank you, and as always, I would love to
hear from you and how you need prayer this week. Keep seeking the things above!
By His Grace!
Nathan
Well, another week has flown by and it has been a busy one. I have been teaching school every day and doing Bible stories with
pictures 4 of the nights. The school teaching has definitely been a challenge, for several reasons. The language barrier is one,
partly because of the difficulty in communicating clearly with them so they can understand and learn, and partly because a lot of
the time I don't really know what is going on. Also, the reason I am teaching these three students is because they are behind the
rest of their grade, mostly in reading and writing. So I need wisdom and patience in teaching them and trying to help them learn
these vital skills so that they can move on in school. I'd appreciate prayer for this and for good attitudes and motivation for
Joshua, Matthew, and Abel, and most of all, that I can be a good example to them and help them see their need of salvation in
this time. Pray for Shana and Sarah Anne in the same ways as they are both teaching as well, and Shana's students are very
similar to mine.
Alvin Shawver and I went to a small conference yesterday and both spoke twice there. It was good to see again a hunger for the
Word, and to see quite a few young people there. Mr. Shawver went back today and spoke again and then answered questions
for an hour after, so the Lord was definitely working in hearts through His Word. Thanks for praying.
I hope to show pictures and tell a story with the gospel message in the village here some night this week. Please pray for the
unsaved of Otutulu to come and have open hearts to hear the gospel.
Thank you again so much for praying. We are doing well, but tired and exhausted a lot in this heat, and always in need of the
Lord's strength to carry on. You are a vital part of this trip as you lift us up in prayer. Thank you, and as always, I would love to
hear from you and how you need prayer this week. Keep seeking the things above!
By His Grace!
Nathan
===========================================================================================================================================
Hello dear friends!
Another busy week has come and gone and I realize I have been in Nigeria for a month! The Lord has been so faithful and has
continued to bless for another week. The school teaching has continued to be a challenge but the discipline and respect issues
have improved some now. Please pray that I can continue to have good spiritual input into the lives of Matthew, Joshua and
Abel and that they see their need of salvation. Please pray for the kids here in general to take God and His Word seriously, and
that the staff would have wisdom in making it real and practical to the kids.
Praise the Lord for 2 new believers from the village that joined us for services this morning! I don't know their names, but pray
for their growth. One of the ladies was a idol worshipper whom people would come to for rituals and various things, so she is
leaving behind a very dark past. Another praise today was a baptism we had the privilege of witnessing this afternoon. Daniel
Edeh, the one in charge of the orphanage here, has had his niece living with his family for a while. Her father is a muslim but she
put her trust in Jesus some time ago, which angered her father a lot. She was baptized this afternoon, and she and Daniel are
expecting to undergo a lot of anger and problems from her father now. Pray for Rabi to remain steadfast in her faith, and praise
for her courageous step today.
Thank you so much friends for your prayers! They are much needed as Satan has much interest in destroying and getting in the
way of this ministry. Let me know how I can pray for you this week. Keep serving our Savior and King!
By His GRACE!
Nathan
Another busy week has come and gone and I realize I have been in Nigeria for a month! The Lord has been so faithful and has
continued to bless for another week. The school teaching has continued to be a challenge but the discipline and respect issues
have improved some now. Please pray that I can continue to have good spiritual input into the lives of Matthew, Joshua and
Abel and that they see their need of salvation. Please pray for the kids here in general to take God and His Word seriously, and
that the staff would have wisdom in making it real and practical to the kids.
Praise the Lord for 2 new believers from the village that joined us for services this morning! I don't know their names, but pray
for their growth. One of the ladies was a idol worshipper whom people would come to for rituals and various things, so she is
leaving behind a very dark past. Another praise today was a baptism we had the privilege of witnessing this afternoon. Daniel
Edeh, the one in charge of the orphanage here, has had his niece living with his family for a while. Her father is a muslim but she
put her trust in Jesus some time ago, which angered her father a lot. She was baptized this afternoon, and she and Daniel are
expecting to undergo a lot of anger and problems from her father now. Pray for Rabi to remain steadfast in her faith, and praise
for her courageous step today.
Thank you so much friends for your prayers! They are much needed as Satan has much interest in destroying and getting in the
way of this ministry. Let me know how I can pray for you this week. Keep serving our Savior and King!
By His GRACE!
Nathan
===========================================================================================================================================
===========================================================================================================================================
Hello dear friends!
Another week has flown by and my time here is over half gone! Wow, four weeks left to make the most of. It has been another
good but challenging week. School has gone pretty well but continues to be a challenge. My biggest burden is still to see
transformation in the lives of these kids through a personal relationship with Christ. I realize that my role may simply be planting
and watering seeds here, so please pray for diligence and wisdom to display Christ to these kids on a daily basis and be able to
share His love in a way they can understand. And pray that they will have conviction of sin and the reality of their need of
salvation, many are not taking God and His Word seriously at all and are headed on a path to destruction.
We were able to spend some time in Ika today with Spencer and Phyllis Dibble and their son-in-law Tom Wheeler, some full time
missionaries here in Nigeria. Please pray for these families as they are facing a lot of health needs and discouragment right now.
Spencer is recovering from a fall and some other complications and spent 6 days in ICU last week. Pray for strength for him to
recover if the Lord has more work for him here, and also for the rest of the family, as his daughter Lois Wheeler (Tom's wife) is in
the States with her 2 daughters who are also recovering from serious health problems.
I might be speaking tomorrow at a small fellowship in Ayangba, so I'd appreciate pray for that if you read this before then. I was
excited to be able to present the gospel through the story of Noah illustrated with pictures, once in Otutulu last week, and once a
few nights ago in a village down the road, Odolo. Pray for any seeds that were planted, and for more to hear as I have more
opportunities to share in the coming weeks. The picture I've attached shows a view of the orphanage compound and some of
the village from above. Sarah Anne and I climbed a hill behind the orphanage early this morning and enjoyed the quiet and a
beautiful view of jungle all around. :)
Thank you again for your prayers, you are a blessing and encouragment and we feel that the Lord is answering as you are
faithful to bring these requests before Him. As always, let me know how I can be praying for you this week. Keep serving our
Savior and Lord, and rejoicing in our great salvation!
By His GRACE!
Nathan
Another week has flown by and my time here is over half gone! Wow, four weeks left to make the most of. It has been another
good but challenging week. School has gone pretty well but continues to be a challenge. My biggest burden is still to see
transformation in the lives of these kids through a personal relationship with Christ. I realize that my role may simply be planting
and watering seeds here, so please pray for diligence and wisdom to display Christ to these kids on a daily basis and be able to
share His love in a way they can understand. And pray that they will have conviction of sin and the reality of their need of
salvation, many are not taking God and His Word seriously at all and are headed on a path to destruction.
We were able to spend some time in Ika today with Spencer and Phyllis Dibble and their son-in-law Tom Wheeler, some full time
missionaries here in Nigeria. Please pray for these families as they are facing a lot of health needs and discouragment right now.
Spencer is recovering from a fall and some other complications and spent 6 days in ICU last week. Pray for strength for him to
recover if the Lord has more work for him here, and also for the rest of the family, as his daughter Lois Wheeler (Tom's wife) is in
the States with her 2 daughters who are also recovering from serious health problems.
I might be speaking tomorrow at a small fellowship in Ayangba, so I'd appreciate pray for that if you read this before then. I was
excited to be able to present the gospel through the story of Noah illustrated with pictures, once in Otutulu last week, and once a
few nights ago in a village down the road, Odolo. Pray for any seeds that were planted, and for more to hear as I have more
opportunities to share in the coming weeks. The picture I've attached shows a view of the orphanage compound and some of
the village from above. Sarah Anne and I climbed a hill behind the orphanage early this morning and enjoyed the quiet and a
beautiful view of jungle all around. :)
Thank you again for your prayers, you are a blessing and encouragment and we feel that the Lord is answering as you are
faithful to bring these requests before Him. As always, let me know how I can be praying for you this week. Keep serving our
Savior and Lord, and rejoicing in our great salvation!
By His GRACE!
Nathan
Dear praying friends,
Wolane. (Good Evening) J It’s been another busy week but I haven’t gone anywhere this weekend so I’ve had some time to relax
and prepare for the coming week. School has been difficult this past week but I just keep plugging away every day knowing that
the Lord has a purpose for each day that I’m here, even when things don’t go as I would like. I would appreciate continued
prayer for patience as I work with my students, they are really good at getting me frustrated some days, but I want to show them
an example that they can follow, something of what Christ would be like in dealing with them. I am struck every day more and
more with the need for Jesus here, it is more and more apparent that the majority of the kids are not saved. Continue to pray for
the Holy Spirit to convict them more and more as they hear God’s Word, that they would take God seriously, and that we would
be good seed planters and waterers here.
As far as teaching, I continue to do Bible stories and pictures with the kids several nights a week and sometimes in a village with
the gospel. I will probably be speaking at a conference this weekend in a nearby village so I’d appreciate your prayers on Friday
for me speaking on Saturday.
Thank you so much for your prayers for us. Let me know this week what I can pray for you. Keep running with your eyes on the
goal this week!
By His grace,
Nathan
Wolane. (Good Evening) J It’s been another busy week but I haven’t gone anywhere this weekend so I’ve had some time to relax
and prepare for the coming week. School has been difficult this past week but I just keep plugging away every day knowing that
the Lord has a purpose for each day that I’m here, even when things don’t go as I would like. I would appreciate continued
prayer for patience as I work with my students, they are really good at getting me frustrated some days, but I want to show them
an example that they can follow, something of what Christ would be like in dealing with them. I am struck every day more and
more with the need for Jesus here, it is more and more apparent that the majority of the kids are not saved. Continue to pray for
the Holy Spirit to convict them more and more as they hear God’s Word, that they would take God seriously, and that we would
be good seed planters and waterers here.
As far as teaching, I continue to do Bible stories and pictures with the kids several nights a week and sometimes in a village with
the gospel. I will probably be speaking at a conference this weekend in a nearby village so I’d appreciate your prayers on Friday
for me speaking on Saturday.
Thank you so much for your prayers for us. Let me know this week what I can pray for you. Keep running with your eyes on the
goal this week!
By His grace,
Nathan
===========================================================================================================================================
Hello praying friends!
Wow, only 2 weeks left of my time here! Seems like the days are going by faster and faster! It has been another good week.
School was difficult at times but I saw some encouraging signs of learning this week too, which is always exciting. My biggest
burden continues to be their spiritual needs. Friday I was able to give the gospel clearly and in detail, pray for the seeds that
keep being planted in Matthew, Abel, and Joshua's hearts. I did 4 more Bible stories with the kids too and always bring out a
challenge to have faith and follow the Lord, so pray for all these seeds. I am hoping to go into a couple of villages in this coming
week to do pictures and share the gospel, pray for open hearts to come and hear.
Two of the young adults that work here have left on their year of service for the government that is required of everyone who
finishes University. Pray for Unekwu and Ojima as they are far from their families and friends and in new cultures and languages.
To go to another part of the country is much different here than it is for us in America, more like us going to another country.
Pray that they will be a light for Jesus and have some good fellowship with other believers in the places they live for this year.
I have been blessed with some good fellowship with some of the University students who are home this week because their
school is on strike. I am also thankful more and more in the realization that God knows the plans He has for each day here and
even when things don't go how I want or expect them to go, it is ok, God knows what He is doing! So praise the Lord with me for
these things!
Thank you friends for your prayers! You are a blessing and a big part of what the Lord is doing here. Please share how I can
pray for you this week. Keep looking for the Day and serving Him until then!
By His Grace!!
Nathan
Wow, only 2 weeks left of my time here! Seems like the days are going by faster and faster! It has been another good week.
School was difficult at times but I saw some encouraging signs of learning this week too, which is always exciting. My biggest
burden continues to be their spiritual needs. Friday I was able to give the gospel clearly and in detail, pray for the seeds that
keep being planted in Matthew, Abel, and Joshua's hearts. I did 4 more Bible stories with the kids too and always bring out a
challenge to have faith and follow the Lord, so pray for all these seeds. I am hoping to go into a couple of villages in this coming
week to do pictures and share the gospel, pray for open hearts to come and hear.
Two of the young adults that work here have left on their year of service for the government that is required of everyone who
finishes University. Pray for Unekwu and Ojima as they are far from their families and friends and in new cultures and languages.
To go to another part of the country is much different here than it is for us in America, more like us going to another country.
Pray that they will be a light for Jesus and have some good fellowship with other believers in the places they live for this year.
I have been blessed with some good fellowship with some of the University students who are home this week because their
school is on strike. I am also thankful more and more in the realization that God knows the plans He has for each day here and
even when things don't go how I want or expect them to go, it is ok, God knows what He is doing! So praise the Lord with me for
these things!
Thank you friends for your prayers! You are a blessing and a big part of what the Lord is doing here. Please share how I can
pray for you this week. Keep looking for the Day and serving Him until then!
By His Grace!!
Nathan
===========================================================================================================================================
Hello dear praying friends,
If you’re ever in Africa and looking for and exciting way to spend your evening, try going to a nearby village with a few Nigerian
friends and starting a small riot! Haha, I’d better explain now J. I wanted to go into a couple more villages this week to share a
Bible story with pictures and share the gospel. Well, on Tuesday evening I went with 3 young guys from here to the first village
to the north of Otutulu. The audience was a bit more vocal than the other places I’ve been. I obviously couldn’t understand any
of what was going on but the guys with me said later that there was a lot of mocking and foolish talk going on. But some of them
were genuinely interested and listening. Well, I had a lot of tracts and gospels of John that I hadn’t given out yet and I took them
along that night. At the end of the story I said I had some booklets in English if anyone wanted to read more about the gospel. Of
course, there was immediate chaos as everyone wanted one! The guys I had with me were a big help, I wouldn’t repeat that
again without a couple locals to help mob control, not that we controlled them or anything, just tried to make sure that no one
made off with more than one. Wow, it is amazing the hunger and interest in the printed page here. Pray that these people will
read and understand more fully the gospel they heard that night, I know many of them were not saved. I went into another village
Wednesday where it was much more quiet and the people were very appreciative of us coming. I think more of them were
believers there, but I’m sure some unbelievers heard the gospel that night too. Pray for the Lord to work in all of their hearts.
As far as the rest of the week, it has been another busy but good week. School has been about the same, some very good days
and some discouraging days, but it is overall encouraging as I see them learning things. Keep praying for their spiritual needs. I
have one more week here and really hope to spend some good quality time with the kids here. Pray that I am useful and
available each day for what the Lord wants me to do this final week.
Thank you so much, it is such a great encouragement every time I remember that I am being lifted up in prayer by so many dear
friends. As always, let me know how you need prayer this week.
By His Grace!
Nathan
If you’re ever in Africa and looking for and exciting way to spend your evening, try going to a nearby village with a few Nigerian
friends and starting a small riot! Haha, I’d better explain now J. I wanted to go into a couple more villages this week to share a
Bible story with pictures and share the gospel. Well, on Tuesday evening I went with 3 young guys from here to the first village
to the north of Otutulu. The audience was a bit more vocal than the other places I’ve been. I obviously couldn’t understand any
of what was going on but the guys with me said later that there was a lot of mocking and foolish talk going on. But some of them
were genuinely interested and listening. Well, I had a lot of tracts and gospels of John that I hadn’t given out yet and I took them
along that night. At the end of the story I said I had some booklets in English if anyone wanted to read more about the gospel. Of
course, there was immediate chaos as everyone wanted one! The guys I had with me were a big help, I wouldn’t repeat that
again without a couple locals to help mob control, not that we controlled them or anything, just tried to make sure that no one
made off with more than one. Wow, it is amazing the hunger and interest in the printed page here. Pray that these people will
read and understand more fully the gospel they heard that night, I know many of them were not saved. I went into another village
Wednesday where it was much more quiet and the people were very appreciative of us coming. I think more of them were
believers there, but I’m sure some unbelievers heard the gospel that night too. Pray for the Lord to work in all of their hearts.
As far as the rest of the week, it has been another busy but good week. School has been about the same, some very good days
and some discouraging days, but it is overall encouraging as I see them learning things. Keep praying for their spiritual needs. I
have one more week here and really hope to spend some good quality time with the kids here. Pray that I am useful and
available each day for what the Lord wants me to do this final week.
Thank you so much, it is such a great encouragement every time I remember that I am being lifted up in prayer by so many dear
friends. As always, let me know how you need prayer this week.
By His Grace!
Nathan
===========================================================================================================================================
Hi dear friends,
What a fast and busy week it has been! I did most of the normal things I have been doing all week. School went pretty well, and I
was able to share a clear gospel message a final time with my students on Friday. Pray for the Lord's work in their hearts again. I
was busy getting review sheets and exams prepared for them the last few days, as this coming week is their last full week of this
school term, but that is all finished now thankfully.
I am speaking tomorrow morning one last time at the chapel here, and then I hope to have one more time with the kids tomorrow
night and share the gospel and Jesus love again with them. They are so precious! Please pray for both of these teaching times. I
am getting sad as I spend my last weekend here, but I am thankful for this time and what the Lord has been teaching me through
it. Your prayers have certainly been answered! I leave here early Monday morning to drive to Abuja, where my plane leaves
Monday evening. Lordwilling I will arrive in Montana late Tuesday night, after being up for about 48 hours. I'll appreciate your
prayers for safe travel, and that I can sleep a bit on the flights.
Thank you again dear friends! Please know that you have been a vital part of this trip, and what the Lord is doing in my life.
Thank you for being willing! And keep serving Him faithfully in the places He has you!!
By His grace!!
Nathan
What a fast and busy week it has been! I did most of the normal things I have been doing all week. School went pretty well, and I
was able to share a clear gospel message a final time with my students on Friday. Pray for the Lord's work in their hearts again. I
was busy getting review sheets and exams prepared for them the last few days, as this coming week is their last full week of this
school term, but that is all finished now thankfully.
I am speaking tomorrow morning one last time at the chapel here, and then I hope to have one more time with the kids tomorrow
night and share the gospel and Jesus love again with them. They are so precious! Please pray for both of these teaching times. I
am getting sad as I spend my last weekend here, but I am thankful for this time and what the Lord has been teaching me through
it. Your prayers have certainly been answered! I leave here early Monday morning to drive to Abuja, where my plane leaves
Monday evening. Lordwilling I will arrive in Montana late Tuesday night, after being up for about 48 hours. I'll appreciate your
prayers for safe travel, and that I can sleep a bit on the flights.
Thank you again dear friends! Please know that you have been a vital part of this trip, and what the Lord is doing in my life.
Thank you for being willing! And keep serving Him faithfully in the places He has you!!
By His grace!!
Nathan
===========================================================================================================================================
Hey dear friends,
Praise the Lord for a safe trip home! I arrived in Helena late Tuesday night, had some good rest at the Kerttulas' house and then
drove home and arrived here yesterday afternoon. I have gotten some good rest and the jet lag is not too bad which is also a
praise. I am preparing a short report for the spring conference in Missoula this Saturday and would appreciate your prayers for
that. I would also love to see some of you there!
Looking back on this 10 weeks many things are going through my mind. I had asked prayer at the beginning that God would
teach me much through this time and I would be teachable. Well I certainly have learned a lot, and now am praying that these
things will change my life more and more like Christ, and that I will not forget the lessons He has taught me but let them affect the
way I live from now on. There is such a deep need for Biblical teaching and living among the churches in Nigeria. Pray for the
faithful few who are teaching the Word there, for perseverance and constant abiding in Christ for His work through them each
day. And there is a continual need for good, hardworking, and godly staff at the orphanage, pray that the Lord will continue to
provide especially in this area for them.
Well, thank you again so much for the part you have played in this trip. Your prayers have made a difference! Thank you! Let's
stay in touch! Hope to see some of you at the conference this weekend.
By His grace!
Nathan
Praise the Lord for a safe trip home! I arrived in Helena late Tuesday night, had some good rest at the Kerttulas' house and then
drove home and arrived here yesterday afternoon. I have gotten some good rest and the jet lag is not too bad which is also a
praise. I am preparing a short report for the spring conference in Missoula this Saturday and would appreciate your prayers for
that. I would also love to see some of you there!
Looking back on this 10 weeks many things are going through my mind. I had asked prayer at the beginning that God would
teach me much through this time and I would be teachable. Well I certainly have learned a lot, and now am praying that these
things will change my life more and more like Christ, and that I will not forget the lessons He has taught me but let them affect the
way I live from now on. There is such a deep need for Biblical teaching and living among the churches in Nigeria. Pray for the
faithful few who are teaching the Word there, for perseverance and constant abiding in Christ for His work through them each
day. And there is a continual need for good, hardworking, and godly staff at the orphanage, pray that the Lord will continue to
provide especially in this area for them.
Well, thank you again so much for the part you have played in this trip. Your prayers have made a difference! Thank you! Let's
stay in touch! Hope to see some of you at the conference this weekend.
By His grace!
Nathan