My Comfort or God’s Kingdom?
“It’s not natural to be sealed inside a steel tube and submerge yourself! It takes faith in God and the engineers,” he laughs. “That was a little outside of my comfort zone.” Initially, Nathanael considered declining the offer, but these opportunities were, after all, why he was here. Once he accepted, “God opened up amazing counseling and evangelism opportunities. At one point, I found myself in the torpedo room, sharing the gospel with a Sailor struggling with all kinds of issues.” Later, the commanding officer approached Nathanael with a personal request. “He asked me personally if I would stay five more days to continue helping them with a Sailor I was counseling.” He wasn’t thrilled with the prospect of spending more time underwater, but his love for his Sailors and his Lord’s gospel propelled him forward.
“There have been times when I think ‘I’m not sure I want to keep doing this.’ But then I realize I wouldn’t have these opportunities—or access to them—if I were a civilian pastor. We need believers in the Navy Chaplain Corps to preach the gospel and disciple Christians in these unique environments.” So far Nathanael has accompanied four submarine crews, the longest being a two-week trek from San Diego, CA to Ketchikan, AK. Seeking ministry opportunities in uncomfortable environments has become a valuable lesson, learned while underwater.