Trusting God Through Trials: Pastor Nathan Lobb—September 2018
September 18, 2018
Pastor Nathan Lobb (’79) is going through a trial that would test the faith of every person.
Four months ago, Pastor Lobb was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer. He was given one year to live without treatment, and two-to-five years to live with conventional medicines, which he chose not to take.
When man says something is impossible, Pastor Lobb knows, with God, all things are possible.
“In early August we learned, through Faith student Ben DeFord, of a man with the same cancer who was successfully treated by a new integrated and alternative treatment,” said Pastor Lobb. “I am currently in my second week of treatment at EuroMed Foundation Clinic in Phoenix, Arizona. I am already feeling stronger and have much less pain, but we know there is no guarantee.”
Their insurance does not cover the treatment, but within a week of making the decision to proceed, God provided a free condominium and most of the money the treatments were expected to cost. Pastor Lobb says the Lord has also brought other helpers into their lives in the Phoenix area, including some Faith Alumni.
Pastor Lobb is originally from Makinen, Minnesota, a rural area about 50 miles north of Duluth. He trusted Christ as Savior at the age of six. He attended a youth conference at Faith Baptist Bible College while in high school and decided to attend Faith after he graduated.
Pastor Lobb has fond memories of student life at Faith. He was on the soccer team for three seasons, and he appreciated the pastoral experience of professors like Dr. Domokos and Mr. Warren, which gave him the opportunity to have a well-rounded, Biblical foundation for pastoral ministry.
He met his wife, Donna (Wright, ’80), after taking her to Faith’s Spring Banquet. They were married on August 16, 1980, and have five children, including Bethany, who is a current student at Faith.
Pastor Lobb has served as the lead pastor at Lakeland Baptist Church, in Gilbert, Minnesota, since 1986. It is a small, rural church near his childhood home. Because it is a small church, ministry includes shoveling snow and other tasks, in addition to regular services and a nursing home service. Pastor Lobb’s favorite and most taxing ministry is hosting retreats at a hunting cabin.
“We have found that participating in community events helps over time,” said Pastor Lobb. “We are in the final planning and fundraising stages of a major addition to our building.”
Through the ups and downs of ministry and life, Pastor Lobb says the biggest lesson he has learned is that he is not as important as he thinks he is.
“God does awesome things through very ordinary people when they put Him first,” said Pastor Lobb.
The Lobbs are thankful for all the support they have received the last several months from their church and fellow Faith friends and alumni.
“Just knowing that people are praying for us is a huge blessing, and we welcome contact,” said Pastor Lobb. “At times we are very busy with long days of treatment, usually Monday through Thursday.”
If you would like to let the Lobbs know you are praying for them, you can contact them via email at: n_d_lobb@frontiernet.net