Pastor Nathan Rehn, Founding Member
Pastor of the First Baptist Church of Monterey in CA
In 1999, Pastor Mekala came to Monterey to attend a conference, but he arrived two days early and literally had nowhere to go. It was late at night when he finally approached a man on the street to help him. The man tried to help Pastor Mekala in randomly calling churches in the phone book, asking for help. The first pastor to answer on a Saturday night was Nathan Rehn, and he gladly offered Pastor Mekala food and lodging. After hearing his testimony, he was touched to become personally involved in his wonderful ministry in India. Pastor Nate and his church were instrumental in organizing Bless India Ministries—he is one of the founding board members— and in sending the very first teams of American youth to India. He has been to India twice before and will lead the upcoming trip in January.
Pastor Nate holding Beulah
During his 2000 trip to India, Pastor Nate was asked to name a baby whose mother, Anapona, was a new Christian, having turned from the life of a fearful, superstitious Hindu. Her husband was not yet saved. He named the tiny girl Beulah. It was an experience that left a deep impression on Nate. He recognized with vivid clarity that although he was a frail, sinful man, God chose to let him play a part in HIS miracles. When Pastor Nate visited India in 2006, he was speaking at a service and asked eagerly, “Is Beulah here?” Both mother and daughter were sitting in the front row, and both were glowing with the Spirit of Christ. The mother’s Bible was tattered with frequent use, and he learned that the father, Eswarao, was now leading his young family in the Lord. Emotion overwhelmed him. “Take me home, Lord,” Nate thought. “I’ve done enough.”
EXPERIENCE
Pastor Nate received his BA from Cedarville University, and Master of Divinity from Capital Bible Seminary. He completed his pastoral internship at Calvary Baptist Church in Los Gatos, California, before God provided a unique opportunity at Santa Clara Medical Center. He served as the hospital’s Protestant chaplain for thirteen years. God led Nate and Charlotte to First Baptist Church of Monterey in April 1997. His extensive experience as a pastor has proved vital to the board. When God calls him, he is swift to follow his leading, even when it means delving into projects that aren’t enjoyable, such as managing the ministry’s accounting records for several years. A passionate man with an unwavering commitment to Scripture, Pastor Nate brings a stabilizing voice to meetings. His wisdom, passion, and boldness in speaking truth have been a testimony to the entire board.
FAMILY
Nate and his wife, Charlotte, live in Monterey, California. They have nine children, some of which they are still home-schooling: Thane (married and in NY) and Katrina (married and in Chicago) Kjierstin and Soren, (in college in Chicago) Jorgen, Anneliise, Brigitta, Kolbjorn, and Torstein, all still at home.
For more information on Pastor Nate's church, visit www.fbcmonterey.org