Home on the Range
August 14, 2009
Becky Nelson serves a growing ministry in North Dakota.
As home to less than half a percent of the U.S.’ population, North Dakota may not always make the headlines. But for GCM missionary Becky Nelson, this state is home to a growing college ministry at the University of North Dakota (UND).
Becky was first introduced to GCM eight years ago through the ministry of h2o at UND. Becky’s experiences in ministry at h2o and her two summers of Leadership Training in Colorado motivated her to join GCM’s staff program. “There’s nothing more exciting than watching the Lord grip and radically change a person’s life!” says Becky.
Though UND’s student population is small, over 50 countries are represented. Becky ministers to these students through an international home group and hopes to expand that ministry. One of my dreams is to have a house close to campus to host international students for years at a time. It would be a house of ministry for home groups, outreach events, and family meals.”
Becky’s campus house may still be a dream, but other ministry plans are closer to becoming a reality. Becky is trusting that God may use her as part of a church plant sent by Cottonwood Community Church, that would expand the ministry at UND.
“Though North Dakota has been home for many years, I would be excited about continuing
on staff in Bemidji, Minnesota," says Becky. "We are trusting God for a potential church plant there in the next few years and are currently in Bemidji for the summer with a team of college students, living on campus at Bemidji State University and doing evangelism. We have also partnered with others in ministering to three Native American reservations surrounding the city.”
North Dakota may not always make ministry headlines, but God is clearly moving. For Becky, GCM has been an ideal partner. “GCM missionaries have had innumerable effects on my life. My life is wrapped up in this movement.” Whether it’s the prairies of North Dakota or the lakes of Minnesota, Becky is ready to go and reach the lost.
