Letter from Nathaniel Veltman in Ethiopia
March 5, 2010
Bloom Where You Are Planted
On September 1, 2009, I received an email from my doctor: I had to return from Ethiopia to replace a defective cochlear implant in my left ear. Consequently, from mid-November through January, I was in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, for surgery and follow up appointments.
These three months were challenging. The need for implant revision surgery was unexpected and took me away from my work in Ethiopia. My relationship-building efforts were interrupted, as was my language acquisition. And I was challenged to understand more deeply what my calling to mission service in Ethiopia requires of me, and the sacrifices that come with serving overseas. Yet, by the grace of God I was blessed with a successful surgery, healing, and immense support from family and friends.
During these three months, I was reminded of two of my mother’s favorite phrases: “Bloom where you are planted” and “the grace of God will not lead you where the grace of God cannot keep you.”
Talking with a youth group member at Lebanon Presbyterian Church in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
While in Pittsburgh, I had several opportunities to fulfill my calling to mission service, service that stretches beyond just Ethiopia. On January 10, I was blessed with the opportunity to speak with two youth groups. My presentations focused on what I do in Ethiopia and encouraging the youth the see how they can participate in Missio Dei (the Mission of God) in their own communities. And on January 24, I had the privilege of preaching a sermon entitled Participating in the Mission of God at Cross Roads Presbyterian Church in Gibsonia, Pennsylvania. These opportunities acted as a means for me to strengthen old relationships and build new ones. Further, they allowed me to share my calling to mission service and to encourage others to see how God is accomplishing his Mission in and through their lives. Planted in Pittsburgh for a time, I grew in confidence of my calling and shared God’s Mission with those I met. Even while recovering from surgery I could still participate in the Mission of God and share it with others in profound ways, blooming where I was planted.
Presenting on my work in Ethiopia to the congregation at Cross Roads Presbyterian Church in Gibsonia, Pennsylvania.
My time in Pittsburgh also demonstrated the sufficiency of God’s grace as I was led to new and deeper relationships with family, friends, and supporters. Through their prayers and caring support, I experienced complete healing. The experience brings to mind Ecclesiastes 4:12: “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” During my stay in Pittsburgh, I was constantly reminded that I am not alone. The partnerships and relationships I have with individuals and congregations in the U.S. are indeed better than working on my own. In fact, I can’t work for God’s Kingdom without them.
But, strikingly, the section ends in verse 12 with the proclamation of “three strands.” Partnerships are typically discussed in terms of two separate individuals, organizations or groups coming alongside each other. Yet, while we have relationships and partnerships with each other, as the body of Christ there is a third entity on which our relationships and partnerships are built and through whom they are held together: Jesus Christ. When we join with Christ in our partnerships and relationships, we have an unshakeable foundation. Among true Christian partnerships, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, three in One, is the third strand holding all things together.
My relationships and partnerships with congregations and individuals are rooted in the knowledge that we participate in Missio Dei together. The work I do for God’s purpose is done alongside the work of the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus. It is done alongside the work of many Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) churches and missionaries worldwide. And it is done alongside each one of you and your work in your churches and communities.
With thanksgiving to God for the many partnerships through which he has blessed me, it is with heartfelt gratitude that I express thanks to my partners in ministry: Northern Central Iowa Presbytery, Crossroads Presbyterian Church in Mequon, Wisconsin, Shadyside Presbyterian Church in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Geneva Presbyterian Church in Rockville, Maryland, Cross Roads Presbyterian Church in Gibsonia, Pennsylvania, Church of the Valley Presbyterian in Apple Valley, California, Smyrna Presbyterian Church in Waynesboro, Virginia, Pittsburgh Presbytery, Front Royal Presbyterian Church in Front Royal, Virginia, First Presbyterian in Grundy Center, Iowa, Tionesta Presbyterian Church in Tionesta, Pennsylvania, and Endeavor Presbyterian Church in Endeavor, Pennsylvania. Among these partnerships are many individuals for whom I am deeply grateful. Many of them I was not able to visit during my return to the United States, but I look forward to sharing our ministry with them personally in the future. Thank you for participating in the Mission of God with me and giving testimony to the love and grace of Jesus Christ through your prayers and support.
Than
The 2010 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 50
