Background: Recently Pastor Paul and Genevieve (Gena) Nelson received and accepted the call to serve on behalf of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) in Indonesia, based in Medan. Pastor Nelson and his family served Emanuel Lutheran Church, Santa Barbara for 10 ½years. In this new role, Pastor Paul works closely with the Indonesian Christian Lutheran Church and helps train and mentor local pastors and lay leaders.
The Need: Pastor Nelson and family need fellow believers to partner with them in this new role.How can we partner with them?
First, PRAY. Pray for Paul and Gena as they serve in Indonesia. Pray also for each member of the family as they transition to a new location and culture. Ask God to give them patience and confidence as they learn Bahasa Indonesia, the official language of the country. Pray also that they would be able to establish good relationships with the people around them in their new home. Let us give thanks that the Nelson family is serving in this part of the world.
Second, ENCOURAGEMENT. Moving is challenging no matter where you go. Moving to a different country with a different language, different customs, different climate, is exponentially challenging! Birthdays and anniversaries still come around every year. A card or a note of support and encouragement is a meaningful gift that bridges the miles and changes.
Third, MONEY. Yes, money. Pastor Nelson is required to raise his own financial support for his family. That’s how he gets “paid.”
The Opportunity: This is our opportunity to partner with Pastor and Gena Nelson and support them in their work in Indonesia. Being a partner with Pastor Paul and Gena is one of the ways we can follow our mandate of listening to the voice of our Good Shepherd Jesus and fulfill our mission of “Excite the believers and share the Gospel.” Partnering with Pastor Nelson will be a blessing for us.
The Challenge: Will we partner with the Nelsons? Are we up for it? Can we commit to meeting the needs? I hope so! I pray so! Please prayerfully consider how you might meet a need for Pastor Paul and Gena Nelson and family. I know that our Good Shepherd, the Lord Jesus, can lead usinto a meaningful partnership that will bless Pastor Nelson and his family and the church and people of Indonesia.
Please check out the video of Rev. Paul Nelson as he explains his new role as a Theological Educator in Indonesia.
If you would like to support Rev. Paul Nelson in his work in Indonesia, please go to lcms.org/nelson or click on the form below to open or download it as a pdf document.
You can also monetarily support this ministry through our donation page.
