Nate Evans - January 2008 and 2010 Racer

Aussie Rules Video!

Fri, 5 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A Light-hearted Video

featuring a little recap and some favorite peeps

from the COC in Darwin, Australia!

Enjoy!

Owning Up

Mon, 1 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

One of the best blogs I have ever read was called:

Seven Months In A Mirror

By my teammate in 2008 - Angela Tibbo

The revelation in that blog was that community lived out is like

A Mirror - A perfect reflection back into your life.

Your relationships, interactions and conflicts with the people in your

community reveals things in your heart and life.

A month ago I was talking with Becky Miller and God

Took that revelation further.

In relationships I need to take the responsibility

not only for my impressions but also for the problems as well.

Taking the onus off the others person's faults or need to change

but instead OWNING UP to what I can control:

Myself.

My Thoughts.

My Reactions.

I'm not saying that relationships aren't a give and take.

What I have realized that often in relationships I take a self-centered approach and

put the majority of the focus on the things THEY need to change for our relationship to

improve and change for the better.

I need to instead be looking at myself.

Concentrating on what I can change

and wholeheartedly looking for ways to serve them.

I need to be asking what I can do differently.

Using problems and conflicts as a time for Self-Reflection.

Not as times to analyze their faults in deeper ways.

I need to stop asking them or waiting for them to change.

But instead be proactive on my side.

Not only will this bring about change in my life.

But it also brings a whole new pathway of freedom and grace as well.

I can't change them - Only God Can - The quicker I release control of that

And learn to live with grace and patience - The Better!

What have I done with this new revelation so far?

This past month I have sat down with each teammate one on one.

And asked questions like these:

What was your first impression of me?

What is a weakness you see in my life?

Have I offended you in any way on this trip?

What's something you think needs to change for our relationship to improve?

Not only did I get great feedback and reflection on my life.

But the conversations broke open a lot of stuff that needed to be talked about.

And as I have learned from past experience.

Information like that can come in one of three ways:

1) People never tell you.

(And it forever remains a blind spot and relationship killer.)

2) You find out because it blows up on you.

3) You ask people for it.

Invite people's reflection on your life.

Take the Pressure off of others to change.

And learn to use all relationships as an opportunity for personal growth.

YOUR LIFE WILL BE BETTER FOR IT!!

*****************************************************************************************************************************************

By the way - I arrived in the Phillipines 2 days ago!!! (Saturday the 27th)

We are in debrief for the next 4 days and then we will start our ministry.

The whole squad (All 54 people) will be living and ministering together this month.

I don't what I am doing yet but I will let you all know when I do.

There will be probaly be one more blog on Aussie coming!

Thank you for your prayer and support!

I am at 7,900 now!!!

Outside The Box Kingdom

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Sweat is pouring out of your body in ways you

never thought possible.

You can feel it flowing down your arm like a river.

And drip off your hair into your eyes.

Heck, even your knees are sweating!

As you shovel another load of dirt, you comically

think to yourself, "Am I a walking puddle of sweat or a human being?"

Welcome to Life at the Christian Outreach Center in Darwin.

What does any of this have to do with the Kingdom you ask?

That's exactly what I found myself thinking as we started our time here.

My three weeks here has dramatically changed my perspective though.

More specifically, the PEOPLE have changed the way I think.

In my last blog I mentioned Pastor Merv Westbrook.

The thing is, here at the Christian Outreach Center (C.O.C.), he isn't unique -

His life is the norm for the people here.

Almost everyone here is making less than they would other places.

On any given day you can find these people:

Picking up Trash

Preparing food in the kitchen

Sorting through rotting vegetables

Raking Mulch

Doing Office Work

Feeding the Pigs at the Farm

Or doing WHATEVER needs to be done around the property.

Common Jobs. Repetitive Jobs. Some Jobs that make you SWEAT A LOT.

All done with a smile, a good attitude and humility.

(Left: My good friend Albert in his office and below my friend Mark another one of the many great workers here! Too many to mention!)

You might be thinking that my list doesn't sound like Kingdom Work.

Isn't it supposed to be?

Praying for people.

Preaching the Word.

Physical Healing.

You know, more spiritual stuff?

Welcome to Outside the Box!

The Kingdom needs money. God's servant's around the world need money.

The people at the C.O.C. do whatever needs to be done to make that happen.

Yes, they do the "Spiritual Stuff" in the community around them

too but God has given them a

Big and Broad vision.

And so they Sweat, Serve and

Use all their skills

To get resources flowing to all the

Missionaries, Christian Businessman and Pastors around the World.

I know what they are doing is unique.

But it shouldn't be.

I hope this has helped broaden your VISION of what

Kingdom Work is.

Merv

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

I would like you to meet someone.

He is 62 years old.

He has been a Leader and Pastor for 20 years.

His life is about making disciples around the world.

A pretty basic profile I know. In fact you are probably thinking,

"I know someone like that."

Trust me though - YOU DON'T.

I'll get to more of that later.

First, let me properly introduce you to:

Pastor Merv Westbrook.

Merv thinks and talks at a thousand miles an hour.
And he seems to have a never ending array of stories and wisdom to offer.

It's also common to see him running heavy machinery or butchering a cow.

He is an extremely smart business man overflowing with ways to make money.

And he is gifted strong enough spiritually to be able to lead a large congregation somewhere.

But he takes seriously the Great Commission and
everything in his life proves that.

He is one of the few people I have ever met that has

truly given all his talents and abilities for the furthering of the Kingdom of God.

The businesses that he and his organization
the Christian Outreach Center run are numerous:

A Furniture Warehouse.

A Hostel for the Aboriginal community.

A Farm that raises pigs and cows that he plans on selling to a meat company

These are just a few and there are even more ideas

once the money increases.

The Catch:

He doesn't live off of support.

Nor does he live off the tithes of the Christian Outreach Center (COC) church.

He doesn't have a big house or a retirement plan.

He doesn't own a lot of nice things.

He only takes enough money for basic lodging and food.

The rest of it goes outward.

He is the real deal.

He and his wife live very simply.

And in the early days of the ministry they lived even simpler.

He has the leadership and business skills to be
making a lot of money and to be living a lot better.

But he is neither a rich businessman nor a well paid pastor.

He is a Kingdom Bringing leader

That is creatively and passionately making money

And pouring out business and spiritual wisdom

To support Pastor's, Businessmen and Missionaries around the world.

What are you doing with the skills and abilities God has given you?

(My next blog will me more specifically about the Unique Mission of

The Christian Outreach Center here in Darwin. And the other amazing people that

are giving their lives to it.)

Like Sweet Videos?

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

So, this might be a Tramping overload.

But this video is amazing!!!

In fact, it is featured on the World Race website right now.

And is made my teammate Keturah Weathers.

Aussie Blogs Coming Soon!

Tramping - Was There Any People?

Tue, 9 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Editor's Note: My teammate Erin Crain actually wrote this.

I'm posting it so you all can get an idea of the

people we came across.
And a broader picture of what we did in New Zealand.

Enjoy!!!!

Some of us expected to meet up with 20, 30, even 50 people during our 2 weeks of tramping.

Some of us expected to make relationships with people so deep that it would be unbearable to leave them.

Some of us expected many to come to Christ through our prayers while we hiked.

Some of us expected to start a revival on the Hillary Trail.

None of us expected what God actually did.

God repeatedly said to us, "I don't think the way you think.
The way you work isn't the way I work." Isaiah 55:9

Amy and Erin with their sheep friend and Carl.

It only took us a few days to realize that God didn't think we should meet 50 people while we tramped. He didn't think we should start a crazy revival among the hikers and campers of NZ. He didn't think we needed to see these things in order to see Him. And He was right.

We met Rika and Rupert, a couple from Germany, who blessed our hearts with great conversation and great food for 2 days.

We met Estella, a young girl from Spain, who brought light to Kristen's eyes while they spoke Spanish to each other all afternoon.

We met Peter and his family who allowed us to pray for the healing of his knee.

We met the Ryan family, NZ residents, who provided us with clean water to drink and welcomed us into their home.

We met Tom and Ruthie who treated us as family and overwhelmed us with blessings as we played with their children.

We met David and Robin who let us stay in their home and take our first great shower in weeks.

We met Carl who made us laugh and made us promise to remember NZ when we became U.S. Senators.

Estella, our friend from Spain.

We will probably never see any of these people again. Chances are we won't even hear from most of them again.
Despite that, we will never forget our time in NZ.
Although we are just a spec in these peoples' lives,
They have all had a huge impact on our lives and we will never forget them.

God doesn't care about numbers.
He doesn't care about our expectations.
He sure doesn't care about how we think He should work through us.
God cares about loving people where they are.
I want to do the same.

Govna' Hipsack (Tramping Video)

Wed, 3 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Okay, so there's not really point to the title of this blog except:

To get your attention

And because it's a team joke. (Message me if you're interested!)

2 More Things You Need To Know

1) We are in Australia!!! We are currently in Darwin serving with

a place called the Christian Outreach Center. (Can't wait to tell you more about it later)

2) Support is improving. Thank you so much. Please click here if

there is anything you can give.

Also, there will be at least one more blog about my time in New Zealand.

Love You Guys!

Tramping - Embrace It!

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Have you ever begged God for something?

And then found yourself complaining when He gave it to you?

Drew and Erin ascending one of our many tough climbs with their packs.

Honestly, I felt like an Israelite during my two week tramping adventure. I had begged to be taken out of Egypt and then began complaining as soon as I was taken through the wilderness.

Tramping wasn't just a denial of food (Which is a big deal to me!!!) but a denial of all the comforts I hold dear.

My body full of bug bites itched constantly.

There was little opportunity to shower or stay clean.

Alone time was very hard to come by.

No T.V. and No Internet (Which means no sports scores or facebook)

No cell phone, No IPod ,No books to read and No laptop to watch movies on.

Okay, so this isn't one of us. But our legs and feet did look like this!

Now I love some separation from society as much as the next guy but I had never done anything this lengthy before.

It was an immediate wake up call to the new reality I live in now that I am back on the World Race.

It was a tough wakeup call

It's funny though

I was restless this past year.

My heart cried out for more adventure and brokenness.

And I yearned to be back out doing missions.

And the reality is

If I was home

I would be Well Fed, Well Entertained, and Comfortable

And BORED.

God is giving me what my heart desires

I need to Remember that and

EMBRACE IT

So, remember God knows what you really want.

What your heart really desires.

And He will do whatever He has to give it to you.

Even if that looks like being in The Wilderness " Stripped of everything you thought you needed.

Tramping Reflections

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

I'm Back.

8 Pound Lighter. Body Full of Mosquito Bites. Clean Shaven Once Again.

And A Little Bit Wiser.

Sunset in Piha, New Zealand (Plenty more of this to come!)

The last two weeks have been spent TRAMPING (New Zealand Term for hiking/camping) a popular route called the Hilary Trail. (Named after Sir Edmund Hilary)

During this trip I had a lot of time to think, there were a lot of tough times, we met some random people and saw some breathtaking and beautiful things.

Let's Start With a Few Reflections (With a few tantalizing pictures thrown in because blogs without pics are boring!)

These past two weeks have contained some moments that I will never forget.

Picture this: You have just hiked for almost two hours up and down through a valley on a hot day (With 30 pounds strapped to your back) and you are dripping with sweat. All you had for a breakfast was a cup of oatmeal with a few raisins and now your lunch was a single tortilla with some peanut butter and honey.

You have shared a very small bag of craisins with the rest of the team and as you leave to start the rest of a tough hike, you spot a craisin that had fallen out and was buried in the dirt and you exclaim, "Craisin!" and immediately grab it and throw it in your mouth with much joy.

This was our lovely instant mash, burrito seasoning , salsa with corn dinner.

These were the situations we had these last two weeks.

Picking up grains of rice that had fallen out, splitting the smallest things seven ways and some of us eating things we would never eat " just because we were hungry.

It had me thinking about how the rest of the world lives.

They eat this little of food every day

and work just as hard or harder.

They value each grain

and deal with hunger pains all the time.

They live day to day and scrounge for each little bit.

And They Don't Have an Out.

We had a 3 day break in a beach town called Piha.

And filled our days with ice cream and meat pies.

And 6 days after that we are eating

to our heart's desire again.

When I live in such meager circumstances it's because I choose to be there.

And when I desire I can choose not be there.

I keep wrestling with how to reconcile the life I have been given as a Westerner with

the lives of the majority of the rest of the world.

How do I stay in contentment whether well fed or hungry, living in plenty or want'?

When because of my status in life, I get to choose what I want to be.

And how do I stay grateful for what I have been given while not losing sight of the fact that my calling is to be generous and willing to share' and to stay in close relationship with those in need?

I often feel torn between these two realties

And I struggle to find the Balance or an Answer.

New Zealand Adventures Coming!

Fri, 8 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

This will be a quick one.

(Yay for people with short attention spans!)

Our week of launch and preparation just ended.

And it was amazing!

Both January Squads are so open and hungry.

I am very excited to see what God will do through us.

Personally, God is expanding my heart to see past people's junk and

See their heart and destiny instead.

Taking me back to basics of actually preferring others over myself.

And preparing my heart to receive all new things this next year.

My team will need your covering and protection this month.

New Zealand is a beautiful and wealthy country that has grown apathetic to

to the things of God.

For those of you who didn't read my last blog, my team is hiking and camping along a very popular trail this next two weeks.

There will be tons of people from around New Zealand and the world doing this with us.

Please Pray:

For us to be able to hear what God is saying and speak it out!

Traditional evangelistic techniques don't work here " Pray for God to show up in big and unique ways!

Diving Appointments.

Protection and safety as we hike and camp.

Thank you so much for your prayer and support.

My support has grown to 6,350! - So thank you so much!

Keep praying it in and if you can give " please do!

Also, I will be without internet for 2 weeks.

So, no more blogs or emails until then!

Let The Journey Begin!

Sun, 3 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

I'm Here!!!!!!

After a 12 hour flight , no sleep for about 30 hours and losing

a whole day on what is now a 17 hour time difference.....

I have arrived in the BEAUTIFUL country of New Zealand.

It is time to start World Race - Round II.

Thank you all so much for your prayers as I prepared BUT now I need

it even more!

Please Pray For:

*Protection against satan's lies and schemes

*Salvation!!! Pray for evangelism opportunities and boldness.

*Pray about helping me stay on the field! I am currently at about 40% of what I need. Anything would help!

What We Are Doing Next Month :

This month is New Zealand's equivelant of our July in America. A lot of families vacationing and a lot of tourists hitting the popular spots in New Zealand.

This is a largely non-christian atheistic and agnostic culture.

And so my team is heading to a popular hiking trail and looking to start conversations and build relationships as we hike and camp for two weeks with all these other people

Hence why I need you guys praying for opportunities! I really believe God has some huge plans to move in people's heart this month. Be praying for God to move!

My next blog won't be for another couple weeks BUT I will return with some great pictures and some Great God stories.

Thank you all so much!

Get Your Good News!

Thu, 24 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A local entertainment writer just did

a feature story on his website. (www.getyourgoodnews.com)

Click Here to check it out!

Video Update ( I Leave Really Soon!)

Wed, 23 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

CLICK HERE IF YOU WANT TO HELP!

Radio Interview for 2010

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

This is my 3rd interview with WDLM which is a Moody Radio Station.

Click HERE to listen to it.

The link is in the middle column dated 11/17/09 and

you need to click on my name to play the interview.

Happy Holidays!!!!

Where We Have Been (Squad Video)

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Made it back to Illinois safe and sound.

Thank you so much for your prayers!

I officially have 16 days until I leave for my trip.

And I have about 3,600 of the 13,800 in my support account.

Check out this video/picture slide show of my squad and the places we have been already.

World Race in the News

Sun, 6 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Hey all, just a quick one here.

I will be leaving Colorado this Thursday and making a cross country drive.

Please be praying for safe travels.

By the way 25 days and counting till the RACE!!!!

Click HERE to read an article the Christian News Wire did on the January 2010 Race.

Group picture with the Roomies of Mach 1 House.

Hiking with my Brother Josh during his visit to Colorado.

Race Route 2010

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

New Zealand
Everyone who watched the Lord of the Rings is captivated by New Zealand's beauty. In the midst of a paralyzing atheistic culture, the Maori people are still experiencing revival like never before. Ministries and outreaches from those burdened for this island nation are contributing to the reclaiming of this people group for the cause of Christ. The World Race is headed to New Zealand to speak truth and reap a harvest to the glory of God.

Australia
From the Sydney Opera House to the Aboriginal Tribes of the Australian Outback, World Race will seek to partner with ministries, churches and missionaries who are spreading the hope of Christ to the rich and poor alike. While Australia boasts a more westernized culture, the marginalized, impoverished, destitute and lost still exist and live each moment for the hope of hearing the good news.

Malaysia
Enter into Malaysia and walk into a world entrenched in Islam. Although Malaysia is home to one of the most thriving metropolises in the world, the people of this nation still live life with little to no knowledge of the gospel. It's a world much like our own, but much different in the spirit. Delve into this culture of works-based religion, strong self-discipline, and uncanny faith, while delivering hope and pointing the people to their Redeemer.

Thailand
With nearly two million people estimated to be stuck inside of prostitution in Thailand, it has become one of the most popular places for sex tourism. Change lives in the city and rock worlds in the countryside. Thailand's sure to capture your heart.

Cambodia
28 years ago, Cambodia experienced one of the most gruesome genocides known to man where over one third of the country's population was slaughtered. Still in recovery from their past, the people of Cambodia are thirsty for hope.

Kenya
Who hasn't heard of Kenya in their lifetime? The Kenyan people are colorful, musical, artistic and hungry for the love of Christ. The Masai bush, the Nairobi metropolis, the Kiberra slums...comprise a country diverse yet unified in history. As a new era dawns in Kenya, so does the Gospel of truth and faith. By meeting felt needs in the bush and the city, the World Race produces lasting fruit and lasting ministries to carry on even after we leave.

Uganda
From the Ugandan islands to the base of Mount Kilimanjaro, the African people of these nations share a common bond. Through the wild lands, home to Africa's "Big Five" animals coexist people, reached and unreached with the Gospel of Christ. Through evangelism, church planting and discipleship, we will be a part of a movement to further the kingdom of God in this incredible region of the world.

Africa ATL
Twice during your World Race experience, your team will take a month to ATL (ask the Lord) for a new mission field. He may lead you someplace in the middle of a buzzing city or somewhere that can't even be found on a map. Either way, it's a time of listening to the Lord's voice and following him with true abandon.

Romania
The northern regions of Romania are home to the gypsy people. Though strangers in their homeland and forgotten by society, the gypsies are a strong and vibrant people who embrace the light of Christ in an inspirational way. Here you'll teach English, lead sports camps, live life with the gypsies, and more.

Ukraine
Caught between its past oppression under the USSR communist regime and the desire to be accepted by Western society, Ukraine is a land of many ups and downs. Thankfully, there's hope, light, and life spreading like wildfire throughout this nation. Is it the kingdom of God coming in power? We think so.

Eastern Europe ATL

Ask God where to go and do what He tells you. It'll be one of the most adventurous and memorable months of ministry that you'll have on the Race. Romania, Ukraine, Moldova, Croatia, Germany, Greece... God could lead you anywhere in Europe to unveil His kingdom. Are you willing to abandon your last month on the Race to Him?

I Currently Have 2,875 in my account. Click Here To Help Me Reach My

Goal of 13,800!

A Father's Heart

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Me, Mom, Dad, my sister Mandey and brother Josh. With Grandpa George in the middle.

One day at lunch with my Dad, I had an interesting thought come to mind.

I started thinking about his journey with us kids(3 of us total) and all the up's and down's.

Rewards and Disappointments.

How his Fatherhood is intertwined with our lives.

And how even though he plays a strong role -

He can't control how we turn out.

******************************************************************************************************

Then my thoughts turned towards God.

More precisely : God as a Father.

He has over 6 billion children (whether they come to accept that or not)

And if He really is a Dad then He too shares in

Up's and Down's

Rewards and Disappointments

Heartbreak and Joy.

But on a much larger scale.

What is it like for God -

Watching all his children growing up?

Some choosing Him

And others not.

Some making good decisions and others bad decisions.

I wander what He feels as a Father?

Evan. My nephew on the day he was born.

How much have I raised?

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Currently Raised: 7,100 dollars (As of January 26th, 2009)

Need to Raise: 13,800

Click Here to help me reach my goal!

Other Needs:

*External Hardrive

*Help with getting Travelers Insurance for the year which is required. (250-350$)

*I would also really like to continue to make payments towards my college loan. God has directed me to get out of debt but also to keep doing missions. It's a tough balance but I know He will provide.

If you feel prompted in your heart or are interested in helping me with this, please contact me!

Email: Snave1820@hotmail.com

Phone # - 309-230-1375.

Meeting John Eldredge

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Okay, so this is me with John Eldredge.

Right after meeting with him one on one at his offices here in the Springs. (On Friday, November 6th)

If you can't tell , I am on cloud 9 at this point!

To borrow a phrase from my good friend Brooke Francis' Mother -

"Kisses from Heaven"

And that's how I honestly feel about this whole situation.

A pure, good gift from God.

********************************************************************************************************************

Let me back up for a second.

When I was a 19 yr. old freshman and far from God my good friend Matt Lear started a study on a book called, "Wild at Heart"

By John Eldredge.

The combination of the book along with the group of guys I was around changed my life.

It was the spark I needed to jump start my walk with God.

I went on to help lead a campus wide study on the same book the next two years. And watched it change a lot of other guys as well.

I then read, "Sacred Romance" , "Journey of Desire" , "Waking the Dead" and pretty much anything else Eldredge has ever writtten. His other books opened me up to God as a romancer, challenged my false desires and showed me my heart was good.

He is essentially the most influential author in my life. And part of my testimony.

And God worked things out so that I could meet up with him for an hour and talk.

How did this all happen?

Well, first I asked Gary Black who referred me to someone who knew Eldredge who then referred me to his personal assistant who set up the meeting. (This whole process took about 2 months!)

There is no way it should have happen. And in fact when I asked Eldredge at the end of our meeting if this ever happened - (meeting with random people one on one) he basically said, "No this never happens. This is very rare."

*************************************************************************************************************

*The Highlights*

- He was very down to earth, genuine and not religious.

- It was so surreal sitting with him in his office. I was freaking out! But the conversation flowed so well, he was genuinely interested in me and I got to ask him a bunch of different questions.

-Here are a few of the best questions:

(With his answers paraphrased)

How do we initiate our men in the West?

"Before initiation - healing must happen! And it is happening more, it just isn't being reported."

What is God teaching you right now?

"That I don't love people very well. In fact I stink at it sometimes. And I really don't love my enemies well."

Why are you a Christian?

"What else would I do with my life? Kingdom, purpose , love , life - intimacy with Jesus. Where else would I go after encountering Jesus!?!"

How have you maneuvered your way through all the praise and criticism you have received?

" Earlier on in my life I was very combative. And I am a good debater. So my first instinct was to fight back and defend myself. But now I don't really pay attention to it. I choose to think about my family and what God has for me today and not spend time thinking about that stuff."

What is the best advice you have for a young man like me?

He looked at me in a very fatherly way and said, "You're going to be okay, you're going to be okay, you're going to be okay. Be yourself. Be 24 , don't try to be 30, 40 or 50. Keep doing what your doing, focus on Jesus and really you're going to be okay."

It all finished off with him praying for me.

He stopped for a minute and asked God what to pray for me.

And then prayed over what God led him to pray.

***********************************************************************************************************

I would like to finish off with this encouragement

God is good no matter what but He does like to give good gifts to His children.

This was only a fleeting dream of being able to meet up with John Eldredge while I was here

in Colorado Springs. And God knowing how much it would mean to me - gave it to me!

I hope you finish reading this blog with even the slightest deeper belief in God as a good Father.

Blessings!

This is what he wrote in my original copy of "Wild at Heart"!

Love. Purpose. Power. (Team Intro)

Mon, 2 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I ask-ask the God of our Master, Jesus Christ, the God of glory

To make you intelligent and discerning in knowing him personally (LOVE)

Your eyes focused and clear, so that you can see exactly what it is he is calling you to do, grasp the immensity of this glorious way of life he has for his followers (PURPOSE)

Oh, the utter extravagance of his work in us who trust him-endless energy, boundless strength! (POWER)

Ephesians 1:17-19 (The Message)

Quite simply, we as a team believe that life is first and foremost about:

*Knowing Jesus Christ and falling in LOVE with Him.

*Secondly, to live with PURPOSE , bringing the Kingdom of God to earth.

*And lastly, to walk in the fullness of the POWER He has given us to live for Him.

LOVE. PURPOSE. POWER.

**************************************************************************************

Now for the Team Introduction and Photos!

This is Drew and Erin Crain.

This young and adventerous couple has been married for one year. and they are from Oklahoma.

Erin is full of life . is a really funny story teller and is very passionate about Jesus.

Drew is laid back , open to new things and has a lot of strength to offer others.

Blog Site.

This is Amy Book.

She is 27 years old - grew up in southern Illinois but currently lives in California.

She loves celebrations, has a soft heart and will bring joy to a lot of people this next year!

Blog Site.

This is Keturah Weathers.

She is 22 years old and currently lives in California.

Keturah is a free spirit, easy to get a long with and is going to be an amazing finance person!

Blog Site.

This is Kristen Paulick.

She is 26 years old and is from Ohio.

She is very discerning, full of wisdom and gets really excited about things!

Blog Site.

There ya go!!!!

Team - Love. Purpose. Power.

Nutshell (Training Camp 2009)

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

There I was, on my knees, face planted on the ground in the middle of some Georgia woods -

weeping and snotting all over myself.

This was not the return to the World Race I had expected.

Let me back up just a little bit.

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This past October 16th through the 25th I found myself back in Gainesville, Georgia

with 120 other radicals at Training Camp for the January 2010 World Race.

At first, it was great. All the newness and excitement, plus being able to see past teammates

from the January 2008 Race.

Then the feeling in my heart of, 'What am I doing here?' hit.

Along with frustrations of how this year after the Race has gone for me.

And frustrations with how some relationships from my past Race have turned out this year.

I didn't expect any of this, especially the two frustrations, which I thought I had made peace with.

This led to me being a lot more quiet and withdrawn then I normally am.

Which then made it look like I didn't want to be there and didn't want to lead either.

In the midst of all this, I was challenged by leadership in relation to my behavior and attitude. This left

me hurt, defensive and confused. Because I couldn't even figure out what was going on with me.

And I didn't want any part of falling into the trap of performance or trying to look a certain way!

The next two days, I tried praying, worshiping and even journaling this burden out but nothing worked!

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Fast Forward - Leaving a night worship service out in the woods -I start feeling major rumbly tumbly! And keep in mind - its about 30 or so degrees out and we have a hole to poop in. Not a good time to be sick!

I walk back to the camp fire and a girl (Chelsea O'Neal) from the squad is sharing about how she has learned she is a healer. And so I'm like, "Sweet! Come pray for me!"

About a minute into to prayer, this girl (who is new to the Spirit) stops and says,

"This isn't about your stomach at all. It's really about this, this , this, etc......"

And then goes onto to exactly pin point everything that is in my heart and soul in ways that I haven't even put together yet. I was blown away!

I'm looking at her like, "Don't you know this is what I do people? Not the reverse!"

At the end, she encourages me get off alone with God.

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So, there I am, in the middle of the woods in Georgia, weeping uncontrollably for 30 minutes. Sparse prayer or words coming out - mainly tears.

Here is what was going on: It wasn't about the Team Leader thing or anything else. It was about this -

I had taken on the burden of all the big prophetic words spoken over me and my future by God and others. I was carrying it and trying to make it happen.

I repented and released it over to my Dad in tears.

And He kept reminding me, "Just you and Me Nate. Just you and Me. Don't worry about anything else."

He spoke other words over me as I rolled onto my back and let His peace roll over me.

The next day I sacrificed it at the cross walk and grieved last year.

I became a new man. And felt released to enter my new family. I am a team leader and they are amazing. (More about them on my next blog!!!!)

The Whole Squad!!!! (More on my small team - Next Blog)

*Prayer Requests*

- Protection and guidance in walking in my new freedom!

- A prep of my heart to see my new teammates like He does.

- Finish my 6 weeks in Colorado well relationally.

Also, I am currently at 1,800 in support. If you would like to Support Me - Click Here.

From Those Who Have Gone Before (Video)

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

This is a sweet video Kim Daniels did

with personal testimonies from past Racers.

Life, Colorado, Pictures......

Thu, 8 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Update of life in Colorado Springs.

I have officially about 2 months left here in Colorado. It has been a good season of life and transition for me.

I have learned a lot about hearing and obeying God's voice, to not fight against the season God has you in and

some more things about community.

I am grateful for my job as a server but very ready to be done! And although it will be tough

to leave the people and beauty of Colorado - I am very excited to go back out on the World Race.

I have training camp in one week! (From the 16th to the 25th)

So, please be praying for:

1) God's preparation of my heart

2) That I would have God's eyes in seeing my future teammates.

3) And that SUPPORT would come in.

(Right now I have 1,370 dollars in support)

A few pics of some of the camping and hiking I have been able to do!

Stanley Canyon at the Air Force Base

A Back View of Pikes Peak

The Next Six Pictures Are From Rocky Mountain National Park

Cheyenne Canyon in Colorado Springs

These last three pictures are all from climbing Pike's Peak.

Forgetting

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

This is an image from the powerful movie:

Slumdog Millionaire

The film tells the story of a young man from the slums of Mumbai who appears on the Indian version of ,'Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?"

The journey of his life on the way to the game show depicts what life is like for an orphaned kid growing up in the slums of India.

I absolutely loved this movie.

But I hated that I had forgot.

In August of 2008, in my last World Race journey, I had spent a month in New Delhi, India.

During the month there, we lived in a poor neighborhood surrounded by everything from Indian middle class homes to whole families living in a trash dump.

We also visited a local Christian orphanage daily and some spent time at a leper colony.

These were a few of the beautiful faces at the orphanage:

Besides these two images I have shown you, I saw things I thought I would never forget.

A mom scrounging through a trash heap to try to provide for her family.

Rickshaw drivers who peddle people around in 100 degree heat for 20 minutes - just to make 10 rupees (25 cents).

The conditions that over 100 or so orphans we visited lived in.

And experience things I thought I would never forget.

Being told that women would use babies that aren't theirs to get money from people. And that the kids begging were actually being pimped out and wouldn't see any of the money - And then struggling as to what I should do to help them.

The awful smell that seemed to be everywhere.

The desperation on people's faces and in their voices as they asked for help.

But here I was about a half a year later

Watching this movie in a comfortable theater in American

And what I dreaded might happen, had come true

I had forgotten.

The movie was such a perfect depiction of life in India.

And as the images of the movie flooded across the screen.

The images of my time in India flooded across my mind.

All it took was a half of a year back in the States and I was already forgetting how the rest of the world lived.

One of my favorite quotes is:

"It's not that the rich don't care for the poor, it's that they don't know the poor."

I remember praying loudly on the way home from the movie:

"Lord, don't let me forget! Impress those experiences in my heart and mind. Make my life count for the 'least of these', for the widow and orphan! Don't let me become numb. Somehow make my life count for them!"

This season of life has been hard for me because that is not place He has me for now. And I have had to settle for financial support of people and ministries.

But I am praying that God uses this next year on the World Race to impress these things even deeper on my heart and prepare me in the future for an even more radical life of helping those in need.

So - Two Final Things:

1) Please join me in my prayer for God to continue to guide me, teach me and break me in relation

to helping the least of these, widow and orphan. And what that looks like in my life.

2) Please consider supporting me financially on my next opportunity to help people like

the one's I saw in India first hand for an entire year!

With the Race in January 2010

By clicking Here.

Performing for God's Love

Mon, 7 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

(If you would like to see a shorter version of the same song by David Crowder Band - Click Here. But either way it's definitely worth listening to!)

I keep insisting on performing for God's love.

He keeps insisting I don't have to.

Earlier this year, I was at a worship service.

And this song was being played.

The chorus: "Oh how He loves us! Oh how loves us!

How He loves us so!"

In the midst of worship, God spoke to me so clearly and said:

"You can't perform Nate.

I don't love you because of what you do for me.

I don't love you because you want to use all your life for me.

I don't love you because of all the ways you can use your giftings or talents for me.

I just love you!

Not only that but I love you through your pride.

Through your selfishness.

Through your lust.

There is nothing in your life that can stop me from pouring out my overwhelming love for you.

Nothing!"

It's odd because I have spent the last 5 years of my Christian life

telling people about falling in love with Jesus.

And my life verse is Ephesians 3:17-19:

".....And I pray that you being rooted and established in love,

may have power together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high

and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge

that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God"

And yet I still insist on performing for it.

Or have the perception it lessens when I screw up.

But God is too good of a lover, so He keeps breaking down my walls and desire to perform.

And keep opening my eyes to see, that He is madly in love with me, aside from

anything I have or haven't done.

My Encouragement:

* Take 10-15 minutes today: still your heart and mind.

And ask God what He loves about you.

*And pray every morning that you might

know and understand His love more.

(...so that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God!)

THE World Race Highlight Video

Sat, 29 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

This is what I get to be a part of this year.

To partner with me: Click Here.

Support Letter January 2010

Sat, 22 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

"Is it about the Kingdom? Or is it about you? Go my Beloved."

This is what I heard God say to me. I had just finished having a conversation with the leadership of the World Race about my future involvement. For the past 3 months, I had my heart set on being the overall leader of the squad ( 40-50 people with a 3-4 month commitment) They told me they did not think I was ready and instead offered me an opportunity to go back out again for 11 months and be a team leader (5-6 people).

The next couple days, I wrestled with God as my mind raced with thoughts and my heart swirled with emotions. I would have to be crazy to go back out again for a full 11 months. As I went to bed a few nights later, I heard God say to me those fateful words above, "Is it about the Kingdom? Or is it about you? Go my Beloved." Even though I spent the next two days trying to rationalize my way out of it, I knew what God had said to me and I knew what He was asking me to do. He was asking me to lay down my pride, my plans and control of my life and live by His voice.

So, in January 2010 I will be going back out for another World Race journey. Am I scared? You bet I am but excited at the same time. I have the feelings someone only has when they are overwhelmed by what lies ahead of them and yet know they are doing what God wants. I know it is in my heart to go back out.

This has been an answer to all the things I have been praying for God to do in my life. I have been told I need to take the long path in ministry and develop my character. I have prayed for humility and the heart of King David. I have asked God to take me down the path of love and service instead of being known for my gifting and to use all of my life for His kingdom. The God that answers all of our prayers is doing all those things through this process.

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First of all, let me thank you again for supporting me on my last World Race journey. I will never forget all the generous gifts that poured in that allowed me to have that experience. You have already been a huge blessing to me!

I am asking you to consider partnering with me again. I have the opportunity to go through a year of radical discipleship and deep community, to play with orphans and help widows around the world. As a returning participant, I will be able to offer solid support, encouragement and prayer to the 40-50 first time participants of the World Race.

None of this is possible without YOU as my partners in ministry. I will again need to raise 13,800 dollars for the year. Last year I had gifts ranging from 5 dollars to 1,500 dollars. Money came in from teenagers, friends, family, strangers and even an 85 year old lady living on a pension! To be honest, I was truly grateful for every single one of my supporters.

The point is: give a little, give a lot. It doesn't matter! Just give in your heart what you feel led to give. I'm confident God will provide and I hope it can be through you! No matter what, please take time to pray for me both as I prepare and throughout next year. Your prayers made a huge difference last year and I know they will again.

*Special Note - Planned monthly giving really is a great way to partner in this ministry. It can be set up easily online and then money is taken out every month at a date you select. It not only allows you an opportunity to give more then you are able to in a one-time gift but it is great for budgeting as well. Most importantly, it leads to a different level of partnering then a one-time gift because of the involvement on a monthly basis. I have a few ministries I do it with and I highly recommend it!

Once again, I will try to contact each one of you personally to catch up and answer any questions you might have. I strongly encourage you to do the same-I would love to hear from you. If you know of anyone else that might be interested in supporting me, please share this information with them. Thanks again for your time. I love and appreciate each one of you!

*Countries I will be going to in 2010 (In Order) - New Zealand, Australia, Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand, Uganda, Kenya, (Another African country TBD), Romania, Ukraine and another Eastern European country TBD.

Click Here to join in partnership in this ministry.

Going Back Out - A Tale of Three Kings

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Have you ever come across a book that hits

the core of you so hard that you find yourself gasping while you read it?

A book so poignant and authentic that you feel like you have

stumbled upon a mountain of truth that will take a very

long time to explore?

That happened for me earlier this year.

The book : A Tale of Three Kings (A Study in Brokenness) by Gene Edwards

A quick premise: The book talks about three kings - David, Saul and Absalom. And then in a unique angle that I had never looked at before parallels the lives of these 3 men. Showing how brokenness made David the man he became and the pitfalls of the lives of Saul and Absalom.

David and Saul.

Both anointed. Both chosen to rule. Both full of the Spirit.

David went through intense brokenness.

Saul did not.

About Saul:

"He was everything people today are seeking to be........empowered with the Holy Spirit....able to do the impossible for God. A leader chosen by God with power from God.

He was also eaten with jealousy, filled with self-importance and willing to live in spiritual darkness."

"Many pray for the power of God. More every year. Those prayers sound powerful, sincere, godly and without ulterior motives. Hidden under such prayers and fervor however are ambition, a craving for fame, the desire to be considered a spiritual Giant. The person who prays such a prayer may not even know it but dark motives and desires are in his heart.

There is a vast difference between the outward clothing of the Spirits power and the inward filling of the Spirit's life. In the first, despite the power, the hidden man of the heart may remain unchanged. In the latter, THE MONSTER IS DEALT WITH."

It was almost as if I was being shown a path I could take. And down it is a lot of things I have started to want this past year.

A huge prophetic gift. Healing prayers. Powerful preaching. Recognition. A leadership role. Respect. Control. Influence.

All the while missing out on what my heart really longs for: More of Jesus. That's a scary thought.

Plus, it's the realization that the fiercest enemy isn't on the outside but within me. Lurking inside my heart and soul.

About David:

He did go through brokenness. 9 years of it to be exact.

9 years of running for his life. Sleeping in caves. Hungry, Tired.

What must he have been thinking during this time?

I know when I read this part of scripture, I skip ahead and immediately picture him on the throne. One of the greatest kings of all time. A man after God's own heart. The lineage of Jesus.

But all he knows is that after being anointed to be King. He had been running for his life ever since.

That is the time of life that made him the David we know.

Not his gifting. Not the calling on his life. Not his immersion in the Spirit.

Brokenness gave us the David we know.

Truth hit me like a ton of bricks.

The church doesn't need another gifted, well spoken, driven leader. It has had plenty of those and in the end they always get revealed for who they really are.

It needs broken, humble men and women that love Jesus more then anything.

Basically, it doesn't matter how powerful I am in the Spirit. Or how great a preacher I am. Or how many people respect me.
What does matter is that my inner man (the monster inside me) gets dealt with and changed.
Like God said to me while I was reading the book, "Do you honestly think I give a rip about your gifts? I care about you and your inner transformation."

Many people operate in the power of the Spirit.

Few go through the brokenness they need to handle it right.

"What does this world need? Men and women outwardly empowered?

Or broken men and women inwardly transformed?

That is a core reason I am going back out on the World Race again.

To intentionally have the monster inside me dealt with.

To intentionally go through more brokenness.

And to answer the heart cry prayer below that I found myself praying after I read this book:

"Jesus.only you know. Mold my heart into the heart of David's. Enter me into the school of brokenness. Purge the Saul out of me! Purge out my unhealthy desires for power and control. Show me what it means to walk humbly with You. Give me a David heart!!!!"

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If you would like to help me with this journey. Please click here .

If you would like to buy the life changing book A Tale of Three Kings by Gene Edwards. Click here .

Going Back Out - Am I Crazy?

Sun, 2 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

"Fear is believing that you care

about something more than God does."

I stumbled upon this quote a few months ago and was literally stopped in my tracks.

Not only was it one of the best quotes I had ever heard - it literally summed up this past season of my life.

I was wrestling with a lot of things but the main thing was my future plans.

I wanted control of them.

Now, I wouldn't have said that out loud but in the way I was living - essentially that was true.

My heart was becoming set on things and I was going to make sure they were going to happen.

Thank Jesus; He stopped me in my tracks.

He is freeing me from the spirits of Control and Fear.

For about two month's there was a lot up in the air in relation to what role I would play in another World Race and even whether I would go back out at all.

During this time God spoke to me strongly at two different worship services.

"Take it Father! Take it Father! Break me free from control.

Break me free from living in fear!"

Near the end of that season of my life, I found myself crying this out during worship. I had finally grown tired of worrying and walking in fear.

And it was finally revealed to me what God wanted to teach me through all this.

I cannot live by my plans. I must live by His voice.

A few weeks later, I was at another worship service.

And God says to me:

"If you are ever going to be all you're destined to be - not only must

your pride be broken down. But I want your WILL too.

This chorus was repeating over and over again, "Arms wide - my life Lord to you surrendered. To the one who gave it all. My heart -to you Abandoned! All I am is yours!"

And so I cried out,

"Yes Lord! Take my will! Make me a truly humble and repentant vessel. One that is fully sold out. Driven by love and service. Lead me to the path of brokenness. Take my will!!!"

Here is the core of it all:

I can trust God with my hearts desires.

The spirits of Control and Fear that I was giving into were actually the result of not truly TRUSTING God.

Remember the quote from the beginning: "Fear is believing that we care about something more than God does."

Practically, I believed that I cared more about my hearts desires coming true then God does. And so I began to take control to make sure they would come true.

But that is a lie directly from the evil one!

Of course God cares my hearts desires then I do. More about my prayers coming true then I do. More about my finances then I do. More about my life then I do!

The last two months He has been giving me a daily tutorial in how to live by His voice. It's tough but I know it's the only way to live.

And I know He used this whole application process for the Race and all this turmoil in my life to teach me at least one thing:

I can trust Him with all my hearts desires.

And if they are ever going to come true:

It will be because I'm living by His voice in all I do.

And not my plans.

And so when God said to me a month ago (in relation to the Race):

"Is it about the Kingdom or you? Go my Beloved"

I knew no matter what had happened or is happening in my life:

The decision had been made.

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(If you would like to support me in this upcoming adventure - Please click here: Support Me. I need to raise 13,800 for the year!)