SELF STATS

Name:  Nathan Scott

Free Time Favorites:  I dont really find much spare time, but when I do I enjoy the company of friends, watching movies, riding my bike, keeping my eyes open for a possible wife candidate (Im single) and studying Gods awesome letter to usthe Bible. I also like reading good Christian books.

Living with A Hearing Loss: When I speak with people I read their lips, which allows me to understand more of the conversations or what is being said. Talking on the telephone can be very difficult at times, especially if the person has a high voice or is a quiet talker. My hearing loss has challenged me to be more alert and aware of things around me, which actually helps in a number of ways when you work with people.

Five Word Wrap Up: To wrap me up in five words Id say exciting, unpredictable, caring, dependable and adventurous.

by NATHAN SCOTT AS TOLD TO CARI STONE

I grew up in the small farming town of DeKalb, about an hours drive from the bustling urban rhythm of Chicago, IL. In the third grade I found out I had significant hearing loss in both ears due to nerve damage. Roughly 60 percent of my hearing is now gone. High pitched sounds like sirens, a ringing telephone, chirping birds or whistles are missed entirely. But thats not what this story is about, really. Instead, its a story about moving beyond limitations and comfort zones in order to face poverty head on, love kids and even dodge gunfire from time to time (no joke)!

NATHAN + BRENT IN FRONT OF THE CABRINI GREEN PROJECTS

Growing Pains
I came to know the Lord when I was a young boy but it wasnt until my junior high/high school years that I really started to grow spiritually. I found out that being a Christian didnt make life easy. You still have to face all the struggles and temptations that everyone else in the world experiences. Jesus even said we can expect hard times in life, but as we go through the hard times, struggles and temptations we have Him to lean on. He is our Solid Rock; He wont ditch us in times of trouble.

Inner-City Life 101
While attending Moody Bible Institute I became involved with a ministry in one of Chicagos public housing projects, Cabrini Green. What started as a couple hours a week soon turned into many hours, a part-time job and ultimately a seven-year, full-time commitment. Cabrini was only two blocks from my school, and the Lord burdened my heart to get involved with that communitya six square block area that housed nearly 11,000 people. It was known for its violence, drugs, sexual immorality and heavy gang activity.

During one of my summer breaks from school I was able to live in the project. I lived in Cabrini for four months. During those four months I was able to build strong relationships with the peoplemany of which I still have today.

Culture Shock
One of the most difficult things I faced in the beginning years of ministry in Cabrini Green was the huge difference in culture. I came from a farm town and moved to one of the largest cities and into a community where by the time a child was seven or eight they had experienced things that most people go their whole lives without enduring. I still remember the first time I heard gunfire over there. It went on for almost 15 straight hours as rival gangs shot back and fourth throughout the night. In the morning there were bullet shells all over the streets.

I remember Gods protective hand upon me one afternoon as a boy and I walked down Oak Street. Some man was chasing another while firing his gun. As we ran, bullets zipped through the air striking a building just two feet away from us. Gods hand was also on me as I entered various buildings at night to visit the kids. While in the stairwells and halls of these buildings you literally cant see your hand in front of your face because all the lights are broken out. A number of times I was frisked by gang members who didnt know me, and on one occasion had a knife and gun flashed at me while in an elevator going to the 13th floor of a building to drop off permission slips.

01) NATHAN WITH YOUNG BELIEVERS WHO SPOKE AT A MISSION CONFERENCE WITH HIM; 02) SYLVESTER AND JARROD STANDING BETWEEN TWO BUILDINGS THAT HOUSED RIVAL GANG MEMBERS; 03) JEROME ENJOYING ONE OF HIS FIELD TRIPS.

Reality Check
Seeing so many peopleboth kids and adultsbuying the lies of Satan and giving in to drugs, alcohol, sex and gang involvement was really tough to witness, but it also made me pray harder and share Christs love and expectations of us more fervently. Attending funerals of many young people was discouraging, but also emphasized the need to proclaim the Creators eternal plan. Every time I met with youth, led Bible devotions, or prayed it was done knowing it was a life and death situation and I might not get another chance to share Christ with that individual.

The Up Side
I enjoyed the people of that community. Building friendships, trust and respect were highlights. Leading students to Christ was an incredible part of my time there. The camping, carnivals, meals, road trips, ball games and all-nighters were great. But, they dont compare to the times of introducing those kids to Jesus, discipling them and seeing them living for Jesuseven today. It is awesome to be used by God in that way.

Lessons Learned
During the time in Chicago, God really showed me what it means to trust in Him fully, to lean not on my own understanding and to count my blessings from Him even more. I learned firsthand that ministry, any kind, is not a one-person thing. You need financial partners, prayer buddies, people to be there physically to help and people to hold you accountable.

Message to the Limited
(That means you!) Moses was greatly overwhelmed by his limitations. When God called him to go before Pharaoh and tell him to release the Israelites, Moses tried to come up with every excuse possible, but he was only rebuked and scolded by God. God knows what He is doing when he calls us to something. When He asks us, He is with us and will use our limitations. I have a big hearing loss and am a diabetic who has to take two or three shots a day. He has used both of those physical problems for His glory. Id rather keep these complications and be used by Him than to have a perfect body and not be used at all.

If you think you have a physical or personal limitation, ask the Lord to use it to bring glory to Him. Ask Him to give you the strength and boldness. He created you that way. He wants you. He loves you. He knows you. He died for you, and wants to use you. Are you willing to be used no matter what?