Let me just say, I'm super stoked that you're taking time to read a little bit about how God has worked wonders in my life and how He has brought me to this point! Let's dive right in, shall we?

I have always been a fairly shy guy, but God decided early on, "Nathan, I am gonna give you a heart for people." Once God decides something, you can't wriggle yourself out of it, you just gotta trust Him with all your heart. So that's what I did growing up, which sounds way easier than it actually was. Most of the time, I wanted to sit back and listen when I was in a group, never being the guy to speak up first. What God taught me through that, however, was 1) Being able to listen to what others have to say and genuinely caring about them is wonderful! 2) But if they are the only ones talking, how will anyone be able to hear My voice? How are you showing and telling the amazing things God has shown you over the years?

I LOVE how He works, it gives me major goosebumps just thinking about it. I have come out of that shell that I so desperately wanted to hide in, I've stepped into the light and onto the path He has prepared for me. Let me tell ya, it is the best decision anyone can make!
By doing so, I was able to extend the love, grace, and joy that Jesus has shown me to others, even those outside my own country. As a junior in high school, I went on a week long mission trip with my youth group down to Ensenada, Mexico. Definitely an experience I will hold dearly until I'm an elderly man. It opened up my eyes to a path I didn't expect myself wanting to be on just a year prior. Spreading God's love and joy, His word and truth is what I want to do for the rest of my life.

So you're probably wondering, "Okay, that sounds groovy. So what next?" Well, I'm glad you asked! That is one of the questions I got asked most often during my senior year of high school, and one I asked myself a lot, too. However, when people ask what my plans are for the fall, I soon figured out that they are really asking what college I'm going to. When I tell people I'm not going to college this fall, there's usually an audible "what?" Or "hmm", accompanied by a puzzled look. That's because the world has formed its own ideal pathway that it wants young adults to follow to be "successful" in life. So I prayed and prayed, wondering "Well, what does Jesus define 'success' as?" I found my answer in 1 Kings 2:3, "Do what the Lord your God commands and you will be successful wherever you go and whatever you do". This brought me to my next question, what does God command of us? I flipped through my bible to Matthew 28:18-19, "Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, sharing the Good News of the Death, Burial, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ". In short, tell everyone you know how amazing Jesus truly is and how much He cares for YOU!

That landed me where I am at now. The world can't decide if I'm going through life the right way, only God can do that and He'll be with right by my side when I stumble. I am comforted and filled with TONS of excitement for what God is going to show me through this trip to Africa. 6 months of showing His love to the families of South Africa, Namibia, and Lesotho, and I cannot wait!

From January to June, I will be working alongside local ministries and become a part of a host family, I’ll be challenged to see the world through a new set of lenses. I am going to serve in a variety of ministry opportunities like: teaching at schools in townships and squatter camps, working on the farm, connecting with host families across racial, social and language barriers, or sharing my faith with children and youth.

I can use all the help and prayer I can get from you guys though! Whether it's five dollars here, a word of encouragement there, it all makes a big difference in getting this journey up and running. Don't forget to share the link with everyone you know, let's get the Word out!

Wishing you all the best,
Nathan