Faith, family provide foundation for ministry careerJanuary 02, 2018

Variety is definitely the spice of life for 27-year-old Nathan Wennerlind.  The 2010 Midland College (MC) graduate has degrees in Computer Graphics and Industrial Technology and uses the skills he learned obtaining those degrees in his current job as assistant activities minister at First Baptist Church in Midland.  He also organizes children and youth sports leagues; coordinates 16 camps each summer; plans picnics, Super Bowl parties, swim parties and other church-wide events; and manages First Baptist Church’s skating rink and gym.  In his spare time, Wennerlind takes online courses from B.H. Carroll Theological Institute where he is pursuing a master’s degree in religion.

“Church has always been a big part of my life,” explained Wennerlind.  “I’ve been a member of First Baptist Church since I was in junior high.  When I was in college, I interned as a counselor at the church’s summer camps.  I was active in the Baptist Student Ministry while I was a student at Midland College and UTPB [University of Texas of the Permian Basin].  Spreading the Gospel is what I’m called to do.”

Wennerlind earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in Computer Graphics from Midland College and then went to UTPB [University of Texas of the Permian Basin] where he completed a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Technology.  After graduating from UTPB, Wennerlind worked for two years as a draftsman for BCCK Engineering in Midland.

“I enjoyed working as a draftsman, but I kept thinking about ministry,” said Wennerlind.  “I also realized that sitting at a desk all day was not what I wanted to do for the rest of my life, so when a ministry opportunity arose, I decided to take a leap of faith and switch careers.”

Wennerlind said that now his job responsibilities change with the seasons, but he still uses his computer graphics skills to design logos, brochures and other material for the First Baptist Church Activities Ministry. 

“I have an awesome job at First Baptist!” exclaimed Wennerlind.  “I mainly work with children and youth.  There are far too many forces out there pulling young people away from Christianity.  My job is to coordinate fun, healthy activities in a Christian environment that allows people to learn the Gospel and grow in their spiritual journey.”

Wennerlind said that First Baptist Church and his parents provided him with the foundation for his relationship with God.  He was born and raised in Midland, attended Rusk Elementary School, Alamo Junior High School and Lee High School.  His father Daniel Wennerlind is a retired supervisor for the U.S. Postal Service.  Nathan’s mother Peggy Wennerlind teaches English as a Second Language and tutors reading for Midland Need to Read.  She has been instrumental in working with Midland’s Burmese Chin population and establishing an English/Chin online dictionary.

Nathan Wennerlind said that his parents instilled in him not only a strong faith, but also a commitment to family.  He enjoys a close relationship with his two siblings—brother Matt who teaches Texas History at San Jacinto Junior High in Midland and sister Angie Baldelomar who lives in Lubbock and has two children.  Angie creates online graphics, and some of her art is being sold as fabric at Hobby Lobby.  Both Matt and Angie are graduates of Midland College. 

In addition to finding a career at First Baptist Church, Nathan Wennerlind also met Alyssa Thompson at the church.  Thompson is a licensed professional counselor and works for Centers for Children and Families in Midland.  The couple has been dating for approximately one year.  On Friday, December 22, Wennerlind surprised Thompson with a marriage proposal at the Dollye Neal Chapel on the Midland College campus.

“We frequently take walks on the campus, and many times we enjoy stopping at the chapel to sit and relax,” explained Wennerlind.  “It is such a beautiful place, so when I was thinking about how to ‘pop the question’ to Alyssa, I immediately thought that the chapel would be the perfect setting.  I guess it was—she said ‘yes!’”

Now, Nathan Wennerlind will begin a new chapter in his life as he continues his faith journey with Alyssa by his side.