Loving the Overlooked

Over the last 18 months, my primary responsibility here in Athens has been the Nest, our housing and discipleship ministry.  God has worked through the Nest in amazing ways: (1) A number of guys have accepted Christ during their stay at the Nest – for example, read here and here.  The house provides a safe place for men to read the New Testament and ask questions about God, Jesus, and faith in a community of other believers.  I cannot overstate the importance of these simple things that the Nest provides: security, community, freedom.  (2) Many new believers have come to the Nest in order to grow in their faith – for example, read here.  I have cherished the fact that the Nest has served as a place to build-up new believers – even future preachers and evangelists!

I could go on… but the bottom line is pretty straight forward: God has used the Nest to accomplish His purposes here in Athens!  For a number of reasons, however, the doors of the Nest are currently closed.  First, we have staffing needs.  In essence, I have been running the Nest on my own for the last 18 months.  I don’t believe that this is a healthy pattern.  (Wanna help?  Click here to apply to ITeams!)  Secondly, we have funding needs.  We only have one family that donates to the Nest on a regular basis.  We need more people involved through giving!  (Wanna help?  Click here to give online – simply designate your gift to “The Nest in Athens”).

After some prayer, I’ve decided that the Nest needs a sabbath – a time of intentional rest and prayer!  As of September 5th, we have closed the doors to the house for one month.  We will spend the next month in prayer – praying for wisdom and God’s provision.  Would you please join us in prayer this month?  It is my desire to re-open the Nest after this month, but – even more – it is my desire to follow God’s leading.  Please pray for our Nest ministry!