Nielsen Family Spring Update

“Despite the forecast, live like it’s spring.”
― Lilly Pulitzer

Dear Friends,

We hope you are enjoying a wonderful Spring season.
Here in Lake Chapala, Spring is the driest and warmest time of the year. Rainy season begins early June and runs through October. For the seven months following, the lush green along the Lakeside slowly browns, and dust dances through our cobblestone streets whenever the wind stirs. But even in April and May, living on the shores of Mexico’s largest lake at 5000 feet, we have some of the best weather in the world.

“Spring is the time of plans and projects.” ~Leo Tolstoy

For our family, plans are emerging for the remainder of the year. In our last newsletter, we announced that Destiny was preparing to move to Albania in August. After a great deal of prayer and heart searching, Stasia and I came to the mutual conclusion that before moving to Albania to pioneer a ministry, she should seriously consider more ministry preparation. After hearing us out, she agreed—and the conversation led to her decision to fill out an application to IHOPU (International House of Prayer University) in Kansas City.

IHOP has trailblazed the idea of raising up a generation of prayer warriors and world changers for nearly a quarter century. Their 24-7-365 prayer focus is not only an inspiration to the Body of Christ worldwide, but a world changing ministry. Destiny, who has her own prayer closet in her bedroom here in Chapala (where she goes often to spend quality time with God) will be right at home at IHOPU.

Destiny received her acceptance letter last week, and plans are set for her to begin her IHOPU journey on August 10th. As parents, we are thrilled. I personally cannot imagine a better place for Destiny to hone her skills, study God’s Word, deepen her devotion to Jesus and prepare for the many years of ministry that lay ahead. The first week of August, Noah and I will be flying with Destiny into Portland, where we will pick up Destiny’s car and drive it out to Kansas City together. Once Destiny is settled in, Noah and I will fly back home to Chapala. We appreciate your prayers for travelling mercies, and if you feel led to make a donation to help out with our trip expenses, we would be ever so grateful!

Please Pray for Stasia

Please keep Stasia in your prayers. While she continues to work at Baptist hospital in San Antonio, she recently discovered that she has an atrial septic aneurysm in her heart. An aneurysm occurs when part of an artery wall weakens, allowing it to abnormally balloon out or widen. Her doctor told her that she most likely developed it at birth, but with her high blood pressure it has now become a more serious concern. We will keep you posted. Right now she is in the process of taking various tests and her diagnosis is pending. Your prayers are very much appreciated!

May Prayer Focus: Israel

Here at Lighthouse Prayer Network, we are participating in a WORLDWIDE PRAYER FOCUS for the nation of Israel, May 7-28, 2023. Well over a MILLION people will be joining in prayer across the world, asking for NATIONAL REVIVAL and RESTORATION in Israel at this very critical time in her history. Many believe 2023 is a crucial year that marks a turning point for Israel, and that the Body of Christ is called to play a key role at this time.

We are excited. We know God is moving throughout the earth. In Isaiah 60:1-2 we read:

“Arise, shine, for your light has come,
    and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.
See, darkness covers the earth
    and thick darkness is over the peoples,
but the Lord rises upon you
    and his glory appears over you.”

No matter how dark things look, we are approaching a time of Great Awakening, Harvest and Revival. Prayer is key. Will you join us?

May the Lord Bless and Keep You…

In His Mighty Grip,