Proverbs3:5-6

Dear Church Family,

Over the past year Kim and I have tried to pay close attention to the Lord and His plans for our family. It has been a struggle, but we have discerned that it is God’s will to accept the Senior High Director position at First Presbyterian Church of Colorado Springs, Colorado. We start the first week of January and will be moving the last week of December. I will also continue my master’s work at Fuller Seminary, which is down the street from the church. We are saddened at the thought of leaving this incredible church and community, but excited when we think of what God has planned for us.

Kim and I would love to sit down with each of you to talk about all of these changes, but we know this is not possible. Telling you this information by letter does not excite me because it seems distant and formal. Our prayer is that we will have time to spend with many of you to say our “good-byes” before we leave in January.

To be honest with each of you, it makes no human sense for us to move. We love the church, the students and the incredible friends we have made over the years. For this reason we know God must be at work. We trust that He will lead us into the next chapter of our life. In the same way we trust God to continue to guide St. Andrews-Covenant and especially the youth ministry with what lies ahead for you as well.

We believe that St. Andrews-Covenant has loved us and cared for us like children. When I came here over 7 years ago I loved the Lord and working with students, but that was about all I knew. Over the years Steve Hein, the staff and my dear friends who have worked along side me in the student ministry have nurtured and encouraged me as a young leader. I am also deeply thankful for the way you welcomed Kim into the church family when we got married and Ruthie when she was born in March.

God has been working through this church family way before I arrived, He is working now and He will continue to work way after each of us is gone. I know that He works in seasons and this has been the most life-changing season of my life. Kim and I are grateful that God allowed this season to happen. Please pray for our family to continue to seek Him in the midst of selling and buying a house, making new friends and working at a new church. In the same way we will praise God every time with think of you.

God is Good,
Nate, Kim and Ruthie Stratman


”Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Proverbs 3:5-6

Ethiopia

If you want to read some of my thoughts from ethiopia....go to www.thestratmans.blogspot.com

can't wait to tell you about what God has done!

nate

Conversation

If I asked some of you to share with me about your favorite band, sport or place to eat...you could talk my ear off!!!! But here is a harder question, for all the time some of us spend inside the walls of the church, can we really explain what we believe about Christ or do we look like Ms. Teen USA South Carolina trying to explain why kids can't use maps?(search youtube for miss teen usa)
In the business world, a salesperson should be able to explain their product and why you should buy one in the time it takes to ride an elevator from the first to the 5th floor. While we aren't selling Jesus, we should be able to tell people what we believe in our own words.

How would you answer this question:
"What's the big deal about Jesus?"