Nelson David - My Brother, My Pride

Recollecting the past, Paul, a former persecutor of the church turned a disciple of Christ Jesus, writes to the church in Galatia, “And they (churches) praised God because of me (Paul).” (1:24)

There are amazing people God brings in our life and when we think about them we just want to thank God for such beautiful lives. Some of them, even though they speak less, their lives are so radiant that we cannot help but praise God for them. One such person for whom I want to thank God is Nelson David. He is none other but my elder brother.

If you read my testimony, you would know that my brother Nelson was once a great devotee of ‘Shirdi Sai Baba’ (one of the familiar deities of India). He was the one who won me over to become Baba’s devotee. After some series of tragic events, miraculously, he came to know that Jesus Christ is the only Lord and Savior of the world. And after committing his life to Jesus, the Lord had put in his heart tremendous burden for my salvation. I was a rebellious young brat, untamed by anyone. My life was swiftly heading towards destruction.

I think it was John Wesley who said, “No one is saved unless someone has prayed.” Nelson continuously poured out his heart before God for my salvation. He even used to request many God’s people to intercede for me. I must honestly acknowledge that God in His grace used his fervent prayers to save me from a life filled with wickedness and rebellion. I am grateful to the Living God for using Nelson to save me from perishing in sin.

Besides, I praise God for my brother’s life in Christ which is a great inspiration to me and to others. As his younger brother, I know Nelson quite well personally. Reflecting on his life, I take this opportunity to share few things about him through which I hope you would be blessed and encouraged. May I mention that the things I am going to share are not what he taught me verbally; these are just observations from his practical life. He is one of the few godly and fruitful Christians I have ever witnessed in my life.

with my brother Nelson in 2008

A Family Man: I have seldom seen a person so committed to his family as my brother Nelson. In spite of fierce storms that he faced, he stayed committed to his wife and children. He loves them greatly. He gave up many good things he relished, just for the sake of his family. His care for his wife and children is astounding. His patience is stunning.

If you stay in his house and watch him closely, you may leave with guilt that you may not be functioning as caring a husband and father as you ought to be. Although he is a busy man, he labors in household chores and for the well-being of his family.

In the class, his teenage son, Finney, publicly testified that his father is a great role model in his life.

There are many I know whose life in the family is not as impressive as they appear outside. Nelson’s life is unusual. My family considers him as a great family man. What he is outside is what he is inside the house. Perhaps, he is much more better in the house. I wish to be like him, a caring husband and father.

A Passionate Man: Whenever I speak to him, I rarely hear Nelson without sensing his passion for God. Generally, he does not intend to teach me. He simply shares what the Lord is doing in his life and my heart gets revived by the ministry of the Holy Spirit through him. Sometimes I wish to record the conversation, for such words are worth to be treasured.

He has a tremendous passion for God, for his church and for the lost. I know him for years and his passion is still the same, even increasing. His love for God is indescribable. I can sincerely testify that he lives his life completely for the glory of His Maker.

Further, Nelson is a great pastor, passionate to build God's church and to equip them. The burden that he has for his people cannot be exaggerated. What Paul said to the church in Thessalonica is also true of him, "For you know how, like a father with his children, we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory" (1 Thess. 2:11-12). I have learned many lessons from him about how to love and serve the church of God.

He is a man who is also known for his passion for the lost souls. Under his ministry, the Lord changed many young people who were fornicators, adulterers, deceivers and rebels. How they thank God for his life!

Wherever he goes for ministry, the Lord uses Nelson leaving a powerful impact upon the lives of people. Wherever he worked, they miss him greatly. He is such a sincere and passionate man with whom people cherish to work. Truly, he is a man on fire for God. How seldom do we find such passionate people in God’s Kingdom work these days!

A Generous Man: Anyone who knows my brother knows that he is a man of simplicity. By simplicity, I mean, he doesn't spend much money on himself and lives a simple life. And the purpose of his simplicity is generosity.

If I tell him, "Let's go to a good restaurant and have food," he would say to me why waste money but have simple food. His favorite dish in order not to spend much money on food is bananas. He doesn't like buying clothes and other things for himself. I think, all things that he has are mostly gifted by others.

At the outset, people may think he is a stingy man. But that's not the case. He saves money to give generously to others. When he gets opportunities to enjoy some luxuries, he thinks of how to avoid such things and use the same money to help others. He loves helping people by not spending much on himself. Even when people give him personal offerings, he considers about saving them and giving that money where the need is.

My brother, Nelson, is one of the simple and generous men I have ever seen in my life. His hospitality is heart-touching. Many pastors are known for receiving hospitality, not for giving hospitality. My brother loves to serve people at his home as much as he loves to preach God's word from the pulpit. He is a man sold out to live generously for God, for church and for the lost. All glory be to God for making his life wonderful!

A Humble Man: There are many people about whom we may testify as good, but among them there are so few known for humility. When it comes to Nelson, I do not hesitate to say he is not only a good man, but a humble person too. He is simple, humble and teachable. He is a servant-leader. People who know him intimately may tell you many stories of his humility. There is one example that I would like to share which may speak volumes about his humility.

As I said earlier, he is my elder brother and the first person in my family to become a disciple of Christ Jesus. This means he is elder to me both physically and spiritually. However, I had the opportunity to join the Bible College first. He joined sometime later. By the time he was in the last year, I became a lecturer in the College. So, he had to sit in my class.

I don’t know about other cultures, but in India, there is a great sense of superiority among the elders towards the younger ones. Yet, Nelson never behaved as an elder brother, with a sense of superiority, in the class. He used to humbly address me as “sir” and asked honest questions as a student. He was proud of his younger brother teaching him. Even now he candidly shares his doubts, weaknesses and struggles. Although I am younger to him, he honors me higher than himself. I am amazed at his humble spirit.

May the Lord raise many such wonderful people on this earth who would make a difference for His glory. Glory to God for Nelson's life, for he is what he is only by His life-transforming grace.

Thank you, Nelson, for being an instrument in God’s hand and being a great blessing in my life. I am honoured in Christ to be your younger brother. Your love for me excites me. I praise and thank God for sending you in this world on this special day, November 29th. Wish You Happy Birthday!

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