LeTourneau Student Back Home

Good morning,

 I am Nathan Jaffrey and I am currently attending LeTourneau University in Longview, TX for my bachelor’s degree in Aviation Maintenance with Electrical Engineering. (Quite the mouthful!) My involvement with Propelling the Gospel in the past has included me coming to the monthly Hangar Bible nights and being a part of the first campout and fly-in.

I have been blessed to be able to attend such a wonderful college. This past semester was a challenging time, but also a big time of growth. The intentionality of the students in pursuing a relationship with Christ is extremely encouraging for me. I have been blessed to be in the Honors college, a wonderful group of students who have challenged me to continue to grow in my relationship with Christ. As I continue my schooling, I continue to pray that God will direct me, whether that be into missions or into the workplace.

On the academic side of this semester I got my basic aviation courses out of the way, including DC electricity. This course, while challenging, was the most enjoyable course I took. Through this class I learned how to read, calculate, and find faults in wiring diagrams as well as designing DC circuits to accomplish certain tasks. Other classes I took included machining and welding, Honors Biblical Theology, and Trigonometry. This next semester will be a time for me to finish up many of my general courses for my bachelor’s degree. Next fall, I will be full swing into my A&P classes, including a full rebuild of a reciprocating engine.

             All my life I have been amazed at how God has moved and used me for His purpose. When I was 3 years old, just 6 weeks before my 4th birthday, I was diagnosed with stage IV Neuroblastoma cancer. I was given a 10% chance to make it through the next 6 weeks and a negligible chance for remission. Today I am almost 15 years in remission. I firmly believe that God allowed me to overcome cancer for a reason. One passage I have meditating on is James 1:2-4 “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”

            I have certainly been tested many times through the years. As you go through your week, I would like for you to try and do as this passage says. Try to approach your trials this week with joy. Try to remember that all your trials are for a purpose.

Nathan Jaffrey
Aviation College Student & PTG A&P Student