Nathaniel Henderson

Nathaniel Henderson was born April 11, 1942 to Mose and Ida Mae Henderson in Columbia, South Carolina. Later, he moved to Flint, Michigan to accept a job with General Motors. Nate attended Flint Public Schools and played high school football for Central High in the 1960's. Nate was employed by General Motors and a member of the UAW for well over 30 years. Nate loved to sing, and having found friends with like passion, they formed a singing group in the 1970's called the "Powerful Source". They even performed some opening acts for the well-known group, at that time, the "Spinners". One of Nate's favorite past times, other than singing, was fishing. He was an avid sports fisherman, knowing the right combination of poles, baits, lines, etc., in order to get the best catch. At times, his mother's freezer would be filled with fish that Nate brought home from fishing trips. He also later learned of the indoor/outdoor game of "put-put" and was always inviting and challenging everyone to a match at Frankenmuth or Kokomo's in Saginaw, Michigan.

Nate's road to salvation was one that if most individuals would take heed to circumstances and events in their life, they, too, may conclude that God is speaking to them. Here's his story: At the age of nine, I joined church and was baptized, although I was told of nothing that was required for salvation. Traditionally, it was taught that at a certain age, our sins would no longer be on our parents, but we were now personally accountable to God for our own sins.

As life went on and now an adult, I had three (3) incidents in which I could have died, and heaven knows where I would have spent eternity and it would not have been there. The first time, I contracted meningitis, and went into a coma. They were unsure if I would live. The second time, I had a man point a gun to my head and threaten to pull the trigger. The third time, I was traveling on the freeway one night and awoke, and something within me directed me to look at the speedometer: I was going over 80 mph off the freeway, and headed to a brick structure. Miraculously, I wound up back on the freeway, and not sure how.

After the third incident, the fear of death gripped me and would not let go. I had not experienced this with the first two incidents. I walked in fear for weeks. One morning, there came a knock at my door. Upon opening it, there were two men from Ambassador Baptist Church, who after introducing themselves asked, "If I died, would would I be 100% sure that I would go to Heaven?" Having just come off the third brush with death, I told them, "No". They first invited me to church. I attended. They later visited me again, and that's when they led me to the Lord -- confessing that I was a sinner; repenting of my sin, and asking Christ to come into my heart to save me.

Shortly thereafter, I joined a Bible-believing church and often fellowshipped and studied with the guys at work. I had been truly Born again and the LORD gave me a love for the WORD that was Unsurpassed. I ordered and played cassette after cassette from Pastor Love in Birch Run. Today, I am so thankful for the Lord's Amazing Grace. Nate was baptized as a saved believer at Faith Baptist Church in Holly, Michigan in the 1980's.

In 1983, he was invited to a meeting to help form a church by Pastor Malik Shabazz. Simultaneously, his wife, who worked for University of Michigan, invited Mary to attend the meeting. The church, True Gospel Baptist Church, was formed, and they became members and friends, and later married on October 20, 1984. Having been married in the LORD, He provided grace for over 38 years of marriage. Nate and Mary sought to continue to strengthen their faith in the LORD and grow in His grace, attending Bill Gothard Seminars, Institute in Basic Life Principles, and the Independent Baptist Fellowship conferences annually for several years. Later attending Trinity Baptist, Nate took part in the Reformers Unanimous Addictions Ministry, and also worked in the Forgotten Man's Jail ministry with RU Curriculum.

Nate truly loved the LORD and there are many who can attest to that. He faithfully supported Israel, and was known by the signature (even prophetic) shirts he wore, which read on the front: "NOTICE PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEED GOD" ; and on the top back: "DEAR GOD, Why do you allow so much violence in our schools? Signed, a concerned student"; and on the bottom back: "DEAR CONCERNED STUDENT, I'M not allowed in schools. GOD" The shirt got a lot of attention. Once he gave a guy the "shirt off his back" and others stopped to take photos.

Nate was much loved for his humor and wit; he loved people, but at heart, he was a simple man preferring long drives, walks in the park, or just relaxing at home. He brought his gift of song to many of the churches he visited, but his zealousness sprung from his relentless endeavor to study and spread the unadulterated Truth of the WORD of GOD, and salvation in Jesus Christ alone. Having discovered by the grace of God, WHO, and WHERE the true source of power comes from. (Acts 4:12). To those to whom he promised to put in his will, this is his will: "that you might know Him the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom He has sent." John 17:3

He leaves to cherish his memory, wife, Mary; two sons: Nate, Jr. of Indianapolis, Indiana and Michael (Lois) of Fayette, Missouri; daughter, Sophia (Caderal) of Bowie, Maryland; brother, Albert of Flint, Michigan; and several grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and aunt. He was preceded in death by his father, Mose; mother, Ida Mae; three sisters: Mary Rice and her husband, Lucius, Mary, and Ernestine; brother; and two sons, Mark and Verdell.