The Third Act = Pioneering A Movement

by | Sep 17, 2020

Today, I have the privilege of introducing you to an incredible woman. She has been serving the Lord on staff at a church for many years. She has been the Executive Assistant to several exceptional leaders throughout those years. 

This lady loves Jesus, fun, and the thrill of a new approach! She is organized, thinks things through, and does not allow anything, including dust, to fall through the cracks. She is a leader, an equipper, and has character and integrity.  

Allow me to introduce you to Nancy Nelson. She has joined our staff as my right-hand, ride or die, Executive Assistant. We are so blessed to have Nancy on our team! I pinch myself daily at the opportunity to live out this incredible journey with her.

How did we get here? 

Let me take you back a year-and-a-half. Reclaimed Story had recently launched our blog and the same month I found out that I had survived my mom’s failed abortion. I knew that we were going to stand for something big.

The thought popped into my head to tell Nancy where I felt God was leading me; there was no particular reason or plan, I just had the idea. As I described above, Nancy is meticulous and thoughtful in everything she does, and I knew that I was still in the dreaming phase of planning. I thought to share with THE Nancy Nelson, I had better have a 5-year ministry plan with all of my i’s dotted and t’s crossed, and I for sure did not. 

Fast forward two weeks and my friend Kelley came to me and said, “I think you should share about Reclaimed Story with Nancy.” She didn’t have a reason either; she just had a feeling that I should. I sensed that this was confirmation, so I invited Nancy to lunch and shared the ministry dream that is now Reclaimed Story. 

She sat quietly while I shared all the passion and hope that I was carrying with no locked-in plan to get there. I shared that I found out I had survived my mom’s abortion and my passions within that arena. After I finished, she said, “I know why you are telling me this.” (Get ready) 

“At one time, I was interim director for Hands of Hope, our local pregnancy center.” 

WHAT?! Our church has employed Nancy for 28 years. I never knew she had served in pro-life ministry too! She went on to explain about her other involvement with Hands of Hope. Now I knew why God prompted both Kelley and me to tell Nancy about this ministry. 

Fast forward another year, and Nancy has officially retired from the church and has joined the Reclaimed Story staff! Only God. 

Here’s a bit of “official” information about Nancy.

As a teenager, she accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior as a teenager. She has a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Arizona and was employed in the technology industry before being called into ministry in 1990. Nancy helped organize fundraising events for Hands of Hope Tucson and has served briefly as their interim Executive Director. She was recently an Event Director and Executive Assistant on the staff of Casas Church in Tucson for 28 years. 

Nancy is an administrative ninja, a capable leader, but also content to serve behind-the-scenes. She sees the big picture as well as the details of a project. She is known for bringing clarity to complexity, being a problem-solver, giving wise advice, and for her wit.

Nancy is a fan of live theater, bargain-hunting, vintage items (including her husband of 40 years, Dwight, an engineer) and factory tours. Her heart desires that people would know Jesus Christ and learn to “throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles” (Hebrews 12:1) to live victoriously by faith in Him.

What Nancy has to say

“In a three-act drama, the third act is when the Story and its subplots culminate and are resolved. As I take this leap of faith into the “third act” of my life, I can clearly see how my entire journey thus far–even the smallest experiences and seemingly unrelated chapters–has led to Reclaimed Story. I am humbled by this call from God and I am thrilled to become part of such a life-giving ministry! May God bless the community of ‘reclaimers’ for His glory.”

Say hello to Nancy! Email her at nancyn@reclaimedstory.com

Thank you for giving Nancy a warm welcome!

More Articles From Reclaimed Story Are Available Here

17 Comments

  1. Thomas Wheeler

    Miss you at Casas, Nancy — and you, too, Denisha, but it’s clear you’re where God wants you to be. Keep in touch with all of us at Casas!

    Reply
    • Nancy Nelson

      Hi Tom–Thanks for the vote of confidence!

      Reply
    • Denisha Workizer

      I miss you Tom! Always a part of the Casas family! Even in light of our new adventures!

      Reply
  2. Judy Krautter

    We serve an amazing God with amazing plans. Wish you could see the big grin on my face to know that the two of you are working together.

    Reply
    • Nancy Nelson

      Hi Judy–We’re smiling from ear-to-ear here also! Hope ya’ll are doing well.

      Reply
    • Denisha Workizer

      Judy, He sure does have amazing plans! I keep pinching myself that we get to work together! Miss you in Tucson!

      Reply
  3. Maureen

    Nancy is going to be such an asset to Reclaimed Story. What an amazing God we have that has brought the two of you together to minister in His name and bring healing and hope to many men and women. I’m excited to see what God is going to do through both of you and Reclaimed Story!

    Reply
    • Nancy Nelson

      Maureen–Thanks for your kind words. We’re humbled and excited to see what God will do through RS!

      Reply
    • Denisha Workizer

      Thank you Maureen! Amen! Loving the adventure!

      Reply
  4. Ari Kelly

    Nancy is THE BEST! I’m convinced there’s no problem she can’t figure out and solve.

    Reply
    • Denisha Workizer

      Right?! I could not agree more!

      Reply
    • Nancy Nelson

      Thanks so much Ari. I am humbled by your confidence in me.

      Reply
  5. Emails Spezeski

    Wow!, I am so happy to hear this news! I didn’t realize that Nancy had served with Hands of Hope. However, you are very blessed to get her as your assistant.. She is a born planner.. She has helped to plan so many fun parties for her friends.! I need to look up the story of your ministry but I am so glad that my friend, Nancy, has found another way to use the talents God has given her.

    Reply
    • Nancy Nelson

      Hi Em. Thanks so much for your encouraging words and confidence in me.!

      Reply
  6. Emalie Spezeski

    Wow!, I am so happy to hear this news! I didn’t realize that Nancy had served with Hands of Hope. However, you are very blessed to get her as your assistant.. She is a born planner.. She has helped to plan so many fun parties for her friends.! I need to look up the story of your ministry but I am so glad that my friend, Nancy, has found another way to use the talents God has given her.

    Reply
  7. Carol Edwards

    Nancy, I loved reading about your journey!!! God is amazing as He weaves the threads of our life into His tapestry! Blessings on the 3rd Act!!! You are such a blessing!!!

    Reply
  8. Nancy Nelson

    Hi Carol. Your kind words are a blessing to me!

    Reply

Leave a Reply to Thomas Wheeler Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This may interest you…

Karla

Karla

Humans make terrible mistakes; we can deeply hurt the ones we love and leave scars. We don’t remember why, or the why is not important anymore, but the scars remain.  One of the most difficult, hurtful relationships in my life was with my...

Jenni

Jenni

I grew up as the only child of two very functional alcoholics/drug users. My early years consisted of tremendous uncertainty and many secrets. My dad was a very angry man and we never knew what kind of mood he...

Luz

Luz

After living a promiscuous life, wrecking relationships and trying drugs in my 20s, I was as empty as ever. I remember wanting to feel clean and being ashamed of the horrible reputation I had.  I was searching for my value in others. I wanted...

Become A Reclaimer Today

You are not alone. Join a supportive group of Reclaimers and let your healing journey begin.

 

Discover The Power of Reclaiming Your Story

Welcome to our community!