Not really waiting... because God is moving.

So, my last post was about how I was going to have to wait a little longer for the application process to move along. Instead, the past two and a half weeks have been some of the most stressful days of this entire process. It actually started the very next day. On wed the ninth, I was off from work so I got to sleep in a little. I woke up and got dressed and ready before sitting down to do any work. After sleeping in late, showering and taking my time to get started, it was about 11 am est. That is when I checked my email and first got the news.

I woke up and had an email, facebook message and skype message about "something important" from a friend in Venezuela.  The "something important" was about Chris Nelson, the AG Missionary I will be serving under in Venezuela. I haven't really posted much about him yet but let me tell you a little about him.

I met Chris a few years ago when he was a youth pastor in North Carolina. He was invited to preach at Elevate (then Impact), the youth ministry I served in. One of my favorite sermons I have heard about being "moved in your bowels" for people, was a message he preached. I knew his family and him for a few years before getting the news that they would be moving to Venezuela to become missionaries. At that point, I had helped lead a few youth missions trips but at this time really didn't have a grasp on everything they were about to do. My admiration and respect in this regard, has grown tremendously over the last few years as I have become more missions focused.

We talked about how long the process would be for him and his family (wife Angela and three young boys) to get established and ready to host a team. It was going to be a few years so we let them know that as soon as they were ready, we would look into bringing a youth team to assist in whatever he needed. Eventually a time was set, July 2010. Up until this point, Chris had been like a relative that I would see every once and a while (I usually don't get to see my natural relatives often). We would see each other maybe a few times a year, bond instantly and catch up, maybe have a meal and have a good time, but most of the year we would wouldn't really talk. We weren't best friends by any means but he was someone I respected, and cared for. The trip in 2010 changed all of that in many ways.

Scott, Chris and I

The preparation for the trip involved them being on my mind more often then before. I of course prayed more often for the family and their ministry. After going on the trip and being in the field with them and the conversations we had during and since the trip, I can say that I feel a lot closer to him. Chris is as close as a brother to me and I know that I can count on him. He is never the one to back down to a challenge and it will be both a pleasure and an honor to do the Lord's work along side of he and Angela. 

On March 9th  Chris Nelson, and two of his staff members were in a serious accident. This accident destroyed his Speed The Light provided Vehicle. (Thank you to all of the youth who donate to STL and provide the much needed vehicles and audio gear for our missionaries. With the quality resources you provide, people are able to hear about the love of our savior!) The accident occurred when a bus apparently lost its brakes and then lost control. The bus swerved off of the road to it's right and then apparently over corrected and crossed the median and struck his vehicle.

The initial report said that 1 person had died in this accident and that 10 others were hospitalized. In the video below you can see the aftermath of the accident. Fortunately the initial report was incorrect. The Lord was with Chris Nelson and all who were injured in the accident. I can say with certainty that God was protecting him on that day. At the end of this post you will see some photos of the Land Cruiser with the entire driver side ripped off. Over the summer Scott Smith (a mechanic), Chris and I (both manly men... stop laughing) attempted to fix the window, which had come off track. This was not possible for us because that thing is built like a tank. Without the tools to fully disassemble a car, we were not getting to the inside of that door. When you look at the photos, you will be able to guess at the amount of force it would have taken to do that much damage to that tank of a car.

The Video (the video does get dark midway through)

Lets just say that the accident led to a very exciting few weeks. Including flights back and forth to Venezuela, getting stuck in Miami (twice) and being stuck in an elevator. Those are stories for another time. I am happy to report that Chris is doing well and is getting the medical care that he needs. He has successfully undergone a few surgeries to repair multiple breaks and fractures. I ask that you continue to pray for his complete and swift healing. Also pray for peace for Angela and the boys. I will give you some good news in the midst of this. There are at least 6 confirmed salvation decisions that are a result of a conversation had by the ever vigilant missionary Chris, with another patient while in the ICU. This conversation got to the patient's family and they came to visit Chris as a result of this. The Holy Spirit did His work and now there are six more names in the Book of Life.

On a side note, one of my green lights has gone yellow again. I was assured that it is not a bad thing and more of a reminder but it has added to my stress level over the past few weeks. Today I am laughing about it but two days ago I was not. I have learned to trust in God's sovereignty and timing in everything but sometimes I need a little help. Somehow though all of this he has working on me and how much I trust Him and His timing. Trust how He will work all things out for His purpose. Oh, that and I have 8 less months to raise my funds. :) Thank you for partnering with me and continuing to pray for me and the Nelsons. Thank you for helping to send me and encourage me throughout this time of preparation.  


14 But how can they call on someone if they haven't trusted in him? And how can they trust in someone if they haven't heard about him? And how can they hear about someone if no one is proclaiming him? 15a And how can people proclaim him unless God sends them?
Romans 10:14-15a
(CJB, Complete Jewish Bible)