The Mobile Church Unit

For awhile now, I've been toying with the idea of finding a vehicle that we could use in our community for various opportunities of outreach. A vehicle that we could use at local schools (tailgates, serving Gatorade to teams, on-campus Bible studies and services). A vehicle that we could use at "Rock Your Block" (our backyard, week-long camps and/or vbs... coming in the summer of 2010). A vehicle that will allow others to see Ridgecrest Baptist Church's students in "motion," making an impact in their community for Christ!

In April, I attended METRO (a conference I attend every year), where I heard from two other student ministers that have similar vehicles. After the conference, I had greater clarity about using such a vehicle! I began praying that the Lord would show me what to do next!

Upon returning to Springfield, as I drove past our local Republic Road car lot (you know the one ... the PriceCutter parking lot) there it was ... a 1989, Ford Econoline E150, with 83,xxx original miles...the van! As soon as I saw it, I knew that it was just what I was looking for!

So the following Monday, we had an all-day leadership staff meeting where we were to present our outreach plans for 2010. I shared the plan for the student ministry, with part of the plan including the van! I showed pictures to everyone around the table and after a lot of laughing, kidding around and my promising that I was serious, our executive pastor named it the Mobile Church Unit (MCU). So now, I talk about the "MCU" not "the van"! Here are some pictures!

Seriously, put a red strip down the side with a spoiler on top and you've got the A-Team van!

About a year ago, someone gave a donation to the student ministry for "something creative," so I've been waiting and praying! The MCU is pretty creative, so I talked to the family that donated. They felt is was a great idea! We now have a van that we want to turn into an MCU. To do that, we will have to do some work to get it ready for the Fall.

Here is a short list:

1. sound system (able to be a PA or car stereo)

2. rear projection screen and projector

3. custom detailing/vinyl wrap on exterior

4. tie-down system in floor and on walls to hold coolers/grills/etc. in place while traveling

5. flooring

6. trailer hitch/tow package

7. custom panelling on inside of rear doors

8. mounting for projector/sound system amps/etc.

9. mobile power system & auxiliary power supply (a long extension cord!)

I can't wait to see what God does through this MCU. We have some work to do to get it ready before August! Pray for us!

Also, if you know of anyone who might be willing to help knock a couple items off our list, please let me know!

I'm Nate and this is what I think is essential!

Ministry, Kari and I

My wife and I recently did a photo shoot with Randy Bacon (a photographer here in town). We had a great time and came out with some wonderful photos! One interesting part of these pictures, we did them all at the church.

This year celebrates my tenth anniversary in ministry. However, 2009 will mark the ninth anniversary of Kari and I tying the knot! Believe it or not, this is only the second time we've ever done a photo shoot and last time it was with our son. The dynamic was totally different without a young one! We laughed, smiled, cuddled, kissed, and pinched each other!

If you are one of my students looking for some kind of information about SEVEN (the perfect event) then let me tell you this hint...AR.

My Friend Brett

I have a friend. Hard to believe I know...but I've known Brett since college. He is probably the funniest and most "fun" person I know. He married Amy, who was my summer camp sweetheart (in the first grade) and they have two beautiful children. He is incredibly talented in many ways including photography, video production, graphic design, playing the drums and preaching the Word! He joined my student ministry staff at First Baptist Raytown in May 2005 and is still doing great things there!

Brett recently had brain surgery (about three weeks ago) to remove a tumor (non cancerous), which resulted in the loss of hearing in one ear, and a loss of balance. Traumatic enough to say the least, but this week Brett was suffering from serious back pain so Amy took him to the hospital where they found a tumor on his back.


So, Brett will have surgery again next week which will take another four weeks (at least) to recover from. Please join me in praying for Brett, Amy and their kids as they are facing another difficult week followed by difficult weeks to come.


Brett's grin...classic! He was up to something! Picture taken at Kari's 30th surpise party!


I'm Nate and this is what I think is essential.

DNOW pt 2

DNOW ended over a week ago and I'm still processing all that God did.  

We had two brothers (who came as guests) place their trust in Christ!  We had one student surrender to the call to ministry!  And we had many students rededicate their lives to Christ!  

Throughout the weekend we had some intense times of worship, intimate one-on-one with the Lord, and a ton of fun! 

Thanks to all who volunteered at DNOW!  Thanks to all who came!  Thanks to You Lord for meeting with us at DNOW '09!  

DNOW pt 2