fun stuff
So, there's not always a lot of exciting stuff to talk about. But, every so often I get this question, "so, exactly what are you doing?" That's one of the hardest things for me to answer, but here goes.
Well, the last week or two have largely been focused to good ol' Uncle Sam. Yes, it's tax time. And, Watch the Nations is going through the early growing pains like anyone else would at this time. So, I had a meeting with a tax consultant, looked over files, organized files, made a couple of hour + trips to Kinko's for some great moments of photocopying hundreds of receipts for ministry expenses, pages of my mileage log, and whatever else you can think of. Still other files had to be turned in with a few more dozen sheets to be made. Then, some stuff to do on fax machines along these same lines. Fun, right?
Today it was a few hours of meeting with a gentlemen that specializes in international health insurance, and then working on some paperwork for an African friend who needs help getting into the country. Tomorrow, lunch / meeting time with a pastor in the area who attended our Watch the Nations night back in January and we are finally re-connecting, per his request, just to have heart to heart time about the Kingdom.
Besides this, there are always some other hit and miss things to do, like ministry and personal banking, other administrative errands and random meetings along those lines. There's been some interest these last months from people thinking about joining the Watch the Nations team overseas, so I'm looking at creating a process for applicants to join. Not wanting to be too rigid but at the same time be diligent when needed.
No, no, no, we are not going to loose the heart of being an organism above being an organization. If the Lord were to tell me to lay all this stuff down, I would. But, I must admit, it is a good time to be in the States. I am blessed to have the most unbelievable group of men and I must say friends who serve on the board for WTN. They have labored in their own free time to make a lot of things happen. While I'm here, it's my turn to pick up some slack; but they still are helping me while I learn what I'm doing. In that I see where this is not just any usual thing, for most of our administrative load has been taken care of thanks to relationship. Even those that want to come and join us feel the pull largely because of relationship. I do believe that there is a way to "give to Caesar what is Caesars" while keeping Jesus first.
And I would be being a bit bashful if I didn't admit that Father really has allowed a lot of really awesome fellowship times to take place. There are alway many chances for one on one relationship and small group style ministry here in the area. In those gatherings, I love to both receive and give. It sometimes doesn't feel like ministry just because a lot of what I do has to do with just connecting with friends instead of "preaching to people." Maybe that sounds overly simple, but, I believe in that. I've realized that a lot of my life goals have really changed lately and they really have much less to do with any sort of fame or recognition---to such a point that having to write a blog or a newsletter is almost a nuisance just because I'd rather not spoil all the secrets we should keep between us and Father!!!
But, that other fun stuff is always needed no matter who you are. So that's that. I'm sure you are more than excited about that and have been ministered to such a degree that instantaneous miracles will flow from this blog to your computer screen.
Also, while in this "mode" so to speak, the Lord has really given some clear direction for September and ministry in Africa. I still really need to hear His voice, but, am going to be posting more on this soon.
lots of love in the Lord,
Nate
Well, the last week or two have largely been focused to good ol' Uncle Sam. Yes, it's tax time. And, Watch the Nations is going through the early growing pains like anyone else would at this time. So, I had a meeting with a tax consultant, looked over files, organized files, made a couple of hour + trips to Kinko's for some great moments of photocopying hundreds of receipts for ministry expenses, pages of my mileage log, and whatever else you can think of. Still other files had to be turned in with a few more dozen sheets to be made. Then, some stuff to do on fax machines along these same lines. Fun, right?
Today it was a few hours of meeting with a gentlemen that specializes in international health insurance, and then working on some paperwork for an African friend who needs help getting into the country. Tomorrow, lunch / meeting time with a pastor in the area who attended our Watch the Nations night back in January and we are finally re-connecting, per his request, just to have heart to heart time about the Kingdom.
Besides this, there are always some other hit and miss things to do, like ministry and personal banking, other administrative errands and random meetings along those lines. There's been some interest these last months from people thinking about joining the Watch the Nations team overseas, so I'm looking at creating a process for applicants to join. Not wanting to be too rigid but at the same time be diligent when needed.
No, no, no, we are not going to loose the heart of being an organism above being an organization. If the Lord were to tell me to lay all this stuff down, I would. But, I must admit, it is a good time to be in the States. I am blessed to have the most unbelievable group of men and I must say friends who serve on the board for WTN. They have labored in their own free time to make a lot of things happen. While I'm here, it's my turn to pick up some slack; but they still are helping me while I learn what I'm doing. In that I see where this is not just any usual thing, for most of our administrative load has been taken care of thanks to relationship. Even those that want to come and join us feel the pull largely because of relationship. I do believe that there is a way to "give to Caesar what is Caesars" while keeping Jesus first.
And I would be being a bit bashful if I didn't admit that Father really has allowed a lot of really awesome fellowship times to take place. There are alway many chances for one on one relationship and small group style ministry here in the area. In those gatherings, I love to both receive and give. It sometimes doesn't feel like ministry just because a lot of what I do has to do with just connecting with friends instead of "preaching to people." Maybe that sounds overly simple, but, I believe in that. I've realized that a lot of my life goals have really changed lately and they really have much less to do with any sort of fame or recognition---to such a point that having to write a blog or a newsletter is almost a nuisance just because I'd rather not spoil all the secrets we should keep between us and Father!!!
But, that other fun stuff is always needed no matter who you are. So that's that. I'm sure you are more than excited about that and have been ministered to such a degree that instantaneous miracles will flow from this blog to your computer screen.
Also, while in this "mode" so to speak, the Lord has really given some clear direction for September and ministry in Africa. I still really need to hear His voice, but, am going to be posting more on this soon.
lots of love in the Lord,
Nate
posted by Nate Sanow at
8:38 PM
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