Hey Guys
Since I havent written since before Christmas and the turn of the New Year, allow me to express how much I hope it was a meaningful time for you. Were you able to relax, enjoy the close company of many loved ones? Did you experience the blessings of a truly Wonderful Savior? I know I did. I was able to take 10 days off from the Ranch and travel to North Carolina and enjoyed a reunion with my close family. I was able to meet my 11 month old niece for the first time and was delighted by her. She is the cutest, happiest baby I’ve ever met (but, considering she is my first niece, I believe I’m partial).
I’d like to ask you to pray for a couple things….
1. Saturday night I received word that a very good friend of mine from my Bible Institute years passed away. Josh Ewing was 23 years old and almost a year ago to the day he was diagnosed with a rare and very aggressive form of leukemia. I knew Josh well and had benefitted from his life and ministry while I was at Word of Life. Please pray for his family, and especially for his fiance, Jenn, that he left behind. The funeral is in Pennsylvania at 10 this coming Saturday. I know the Ewing family would appreciate knowing so many they dont even know are praying for them, as I would, as his home going is both sorrowful, yet joyous.
2. Due to dire financial straights, I have found it necessary to assume a second, part time job for a while. Last week I was hired at Subway, working for the same owner I worked for last year, working at a different store. In a matter of weeks, the current night shift supervisor will be leaving and I will be assuming her responsibilities. Currently, the crew suffers from a lack of good leadership and work ethic and it has been laid on me to teach both. Please pray for me in this added work load and stress. Pray that I will be encouraged as I didnt want to have to get another job, as it takes me away from the work and ministry at the Ranch.
3. I praise God for one new supporter this month!!! Pray for my continued support raising efforts. I really believe this is the direction my Lord wants me to take; those who have ever raised support before know that it is a wearisome task that requires a tireless effort. Please pray for me as I establish and build relationships with individuals and churches.
4. This weekend coming up is Wrangler Training weekend out at the Ranch. Please pray for Tim, Vicki, and myself as we train our crew in preparation for the upcoming Spring Retreat Season out here, that will begin in about 2 weeks. Also, horsemanship lessons begin on February 16th.
5. Please pray for me and Tim in particular as we strive to reach and minister to the middle school youth at church, in particular, the guys. We’ve got about 6 guys that come each Wednesday night and it is our burden and desire to see these young boys begin to grow into men of God. We’ve begun on series entitled “Transformers”, showing them the importance of being transformed by God.
Guys, thanks so much for uplifting me in prayer. We are enjoying some slow times out here at the Ranch, yet, at the same time, there is much going on. I am blessed to be part of such great ministries out here at Triple-R Ranch and with my church, Hickory Ridge Community Church. Thank you so much for the role YOU play in my life. Truly, nothing I do could be done, except that God is behind me! To God be the glory, great things HE is doing!
For God’s glory,
nate
