Teammate Spotlight: Nels D. Mork

Role: Team Leader

Resides In: Billings, MT

Birthday: February 12th

Before NET: Attending Colorado School of Mines in Golden, CO, unlikely to return there.

First Encounter: Met him at the airport! One of the first people I met as well.

Initial Thoughts: Very nice, soft, kind-hearted guy! Will be great in ministry.

(Left) At a pit stop on our "Rhode Trip" in September. We were trying to climb onto this really tall light pole, and Nels being the adventurous one on the team, was able to get up there first. Hence, he got his first-place picture, staring at a "No Idling" sign. (Right) This was at our security gig in January! Nels is on the left with the rest of the brotherhood. I do not have any other photos with/of Nels, which is sad, but this picture best describes him. Not just because he's tough and got swagger, but because he built this brotherhood. He called us on to be great this year, especially the second half of this year, and he truly kept us together. For this, we are eternally grateful.

- Favorite Memory: Typically when I get to this question, the memories all connect or stem from something. Yet, when it comes to Nels, nothing really connects. I loved our deep conversations, our talks about how important Mother Mary is, watching him lead retreats and do ministry, watching him display his athleticism during gravel or other competitive games, and our hugs after every team prayer. Well, I guess they do have a theme when I think about it: Passion. Not really a word for memory, but I loved watching his passion this year.

- What I Will Miss: No question, I will miss his humor. He isn't the one to always crack a joke, but when he does it's killer. They always come at the best time, and they always make me belly laugh. My favorite is whenever Nels or Sarah give serious directions (since they are team leaders), and Nels says something completely drastic such as "Start a Crusade" or something. Extremely outrageous, very unexpected, and a little dark, my sweet spot for humor. And it happened alot this year, reminding us to keep the times fun and allowing himself to be natural with us.

- What the World Should Know About Nels: He is extremely kind, gentle, humble, and caring, which you cannot typically find too often in a man. But most importantly, he is a true Man of God. Jesus defines a Man of God by saying, "Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down his life for his friends." (John 13:15) With his incredible servant's heart, and his commitment to love his neighbors with the same love Jesus had for others, there is no question he lives this quote out better than anyone I have ever met, and likely will ever meet.

Dear Nels,

Thank you for teaching me how to be a man, for teaching me about Mother Mary and her importance in our lives, and for always making me laugh. And most of all, thank you for always being by my side, not by responsibility but by choice, and for being an amazing role model for the world. You are made for greatness, and I am beyond excited to what greatness God has in store for you. Love you.