June 2023
At this year’s benefit I had the pleasure of introducing the newest member of the Nathan Project team. Zach Ellis is the Director of Communications and Development. For the last two years Zach has been serving at the Nathan Project in a variety of areas from media development to speaking, group facilitation to developing new partnerships around New England. It has been a joy to work quite literally side by side this last year as we share office space while Zach studies at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, pursuing his masters degree in Christian Counseling.
Every month Zach writes an article offering a view into his journey studying at Gordon-Conwell, his work at Nathan Project and more. If you’d like to know more about what he’s up to, drop him a direct line at zach@nathanproject.net or give him a call at (715) 216-5395
Please enjoy Zach’s most recent Project Program update below…
Blessings,
Rick Kardos
Partnership Program Supporters:
April/May 2023 Update
“Behold, I am doing a new thing;
now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?
I will make a way in the wilderness
and rivers in the desert.”
Isaiah 43:19
Greetings!
I think I still have sand in my luggage. And in my books. And in my pockets. This past month has been a whirlwind, the start of which began with a long-anticipated family vacation on the Florida coast (hence the sand) where my parents, sisters, brothers-in-law, and brand new baby niece gathered for a rejuvenating week together.
It’s quite rare we find ourselves all in one place and when we do, it’s a blast. God has brought us even closer together over the years through struggle, seasons of change, and shared support. This was a much-relished break with celebration of what God has done and is continuing to do in all our lives.
So much happened after our Florida time, but before I get to that, a quick and important recap:
The numbers are finally in on my spring semester at Gordon-Conwell and I’m pleased to say all is exceptionally well! My final and cumulative grades are in the mid 90’s, “A” material as they say, and more importantly, I feel as though I learned an extraordinary amount from my studies. Sure is nice when the learning and grades line up. Thank you all for your prayers regarding final exams and the semester overall.
Almost immediately following final exams I found myself in preparation mode for the Nathan Project fundraiser banquet, an annual event at which we gather people from our groups far and wide to celebrate restoration and share updates on the ministry. This year we were blessed to have Mary Speta of Amirah Inc. present on the intersection of human trafficking and the pornography industry. To say Mary’s story was powerful is putting it beyond mildly, her testimony painting a vivid picture of deep trauma and loss beautifully redeemed and renewed. Few eyes remained dry that night.
We received a generous outpouring of support from our donors, a room filled with open hearts excited to support the good work being done through the ministry of the Nathan Project. As I am starting to say more and more often, “If we are given entry into a person’s life through the open door of sexuality, we are given access to the basement, the attic, and every room in between.” By God’s good design, our sexuality is intimately intermingled with spiritual realities, all of which point us towards vulnerability, towards nakedness of body, mind, and spirit through sacrificial, abiding relationship. I am blessed to see healing at the foundational level week after week through my work at Nathan Project and am so honored to share that journey with you all.
Now fast forward again to the end of family vacation…
Directly following beach time with the Ellis gang, my mother and I hustled across the state to Jacksonville in order to attend the Sexual Integrity Leadership Summit (SILS). This conference is a beautiful gathering of ministry leaders, therapists, pastors, and laypeople seeking to grow and develop their ability to support men, women, and families caught up in the dark web of sexual addiction and trauma. I have to say, not the first experience I ever would have expected to share with my mom!
The three days spent together at the conference proved to be deeply encouraging, insightful, challenging, and motivating for the season ahead. Rick and Vicki Kardos, founders of Nathan Project, were also in attendance, sharing their many years of experience with us as we soaked it all in together. To be surrounded in a room with people so passionate about supporting people through their darkest and most vulnerable times is eye-opening and humbling to say the least. We left with full hearts and minds, journals brimming with notes, and a lot to follow up on.
Following the conference, my mom and I were blessed with the opportunity to drive their vehicle back home to Wisconsin, which meant we had plenty of time to connect and debrief along the way. In the 1,500+ miles driven together, I think we listened to maybe 10 songs. That’s a lot of mother-and-son conversation time. And I have to say, God knew what he was doing in providing that space for us to connect as we are both navigating master’s degrees in counseling at the same time. What a wild season to be in, full of reasons to celebrate and marvel at God’s mysterious plan.
Upon arrival to Wisconsin, I spent a week mad-dashing around trying to see as much family as possible, thankfully lining up time with grandparents, family, and lots of friends. Time outside of the holidays with extended family is rare, every minute soaked up and appreciated when I can get it. One particular highlight from this time was spending three hours one-on-one with my grandfather, Bill Ellis, kayaking on a beautiful river and talking the whole way. He and my grandmother Sandy have been continually powerful examples of what it is to serve Christ well, using their gifts for over 25 years as full-time volunteers, never shying away from the dirty and undesired jobs that need to be done. What a beautiful legacy to share with them now and carry on in my own life, God willing.
As for what’s ahead, I have just a few days left before starting up two summer intensive classes. I’ll be hitting the books for the month of June covering Human Sexuality and Career Counseling, both of which I am greatly looking forward to. My work with Nathan Project continues to develop and over the summer I’ll be leading groups, developing new leaders, speaking here and there, and seeking to grow our broader reach, amongst other things.
Please continue to pray for clarity and financial provision in the season ahead. My plate is full and I am seeking to utilize the small window of open time this summer to establish an ongoing income stream through my photographic work in a way that will work well with my studies and Nathan Project commitments. God has always met my needs and I look forward to seeing how He will continue to do so. More details on the photography development in the next update letter.
Your love, encouragement, and support never cease to amaze me. I cherish each note, text, email and letter received. After three weeks away, I am excited to see many of you in person and to hear from you who live afar. Thank you for holding me up through your generous giving and ongoing intercession. Blessings to you as the weather warms and your spirits with it this summer season!
Hereafter,
Zach
