Comments on: OTR – Nate Larkin

By: Greg M

Greg M — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 16:28:02 +0000

God’s timing is very interesting. I have been reading in Horner’s 10 List. I came to the part in II Cornithians about we are new creations in Christ. that was always a stumbling block for Nate Larkin, and me. Then I turn over to Judges and read about the early life of Samson. What a hero. Then I am reading Samson and the Pirate Monks and both passages come together. God’s timing, what a country. Now if I can just figure out His timing in me finding a job.
Greg M´s last blog… The Almost Perfect Omelet

By: Mitch

Mitch — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 05:34:21 +0000

I appreciate Nate’s thoughts on the whole “being fueled through community” thing. I feel the same way most times (and find most others do as well), but think it’s quite perplexing that it’s one of the hardest things for any of us to actually make happen sometimes. Busyness is a true killer, not just of our physical life, but our spiritual as well.
Additionally I been wondering a lot lately, is it contradictory to our directive as Christians to spend as much time together (fueling) as we do? Or is it just simply Christian’s getting healthy maybe? Is there a line? If so I’m wondering where it should be drawn. Hm…
Mitch´s last blog… Wars Aren’t Won In A Single Battle.

By: Romi

Romi — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 08:39:00 +0000

Yes, yes a fantastic book and a powerful testimony!! So excited you discovered Nate Larkin’s book “Samson and the Pirate Monks”!! Eventhough I happen to be female, Nate’s authenticity and writing style resonated with me. He’s an excellent story-teller and I really appreciated his brutal, bare bones honesty which in turn encouraged and convicted me to examine my own life with that same degree of honesty. Nate reminds us that our journeys don’t have to be traveled alone in isolation, self-rejection or a fake-it-till-you-make-it type hypocrisy. It reminds us of the importance in hearing other’s stories and the sharing of our own because as people in Christ our stories do intertwine. Overall I just learned so much about myself and about God from this “guys” book!! The beauty of this book is that you don’t have to be male and a porn addict to read it. I’ve gotten several female friends to read it and they were just as blown away by the book. Honestly, I think it’s for anyone that struggles and stumbles in their walk, but has the willingness to openly examine their own lives. It’s not just a story…it’s an invitation to live life in community, the brokeness and beauty with one another which to me is the epitomy of community.

I so enjoyed this interview, by far one of my favs!! I particularly appreciated Nate’s response about whether we should abandon the use of “Christian”….”Changing our name feels like a superficial solution to me — kind of like a floundering restaurant deciding to change its name but not its menu.”

His answers to these other 2 questions also were spot on and spoke to me:
How can people put themselves into a position to influence culture?
Nate: Show up in the culture as a friend, not a critic. Love people. Appreciate beauty. Commit to excellence. Serve others well, regardless of their religious pedigree. (BINGO!!)

Jeremy: Why are you a follower of Jesus Christ?
Nate: It feels like Jesus keeps tracking me down. I follow him, but poorly. Most of the time He follows me. Sometimes I wish he’d leave me alone. (Very truthful answer and how well I can relate!)

Thanks again, Jeremy for another terrific OTR!!
Romi´s last blog… When chalk meets the road!