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Eastern Christian is pleased to welcome Nate Ottens as the 5th & 6th grade social studies and Bible teacher.

Ottens received his associate’s in Liberal Arts, and bachelor’s in Secondary Education & Bible from Cairn University. A former Eastern Christian student until his family moved away when he was in middle school, he currently lives in Hamburg, NJ with his wife Melissa, and is an active member of Sparta Evangelical Free Church. Nate is passionate about the Bible and appreciates how well it connects to history. He enjoys teaching Biblical truth in hopes that it will inspire his students to seek the Lord fervently wherever he has them go. 

Tell us about yourself

I grew up in Midland Park with my four other siblings until I was in 8th grade and then my parents moved us up to Sussex County. I enjoy reading Tolkien and C.S. Lewis and I love spending time with my fellowship of friends and family. My wife Melissa and I got married last October. 

Tell us the story of how God brought you to EC.

After college, I was a substitute for a public school in Pennsylvania until COVID-19 shut the school down. I moved back home and looked for a teaching job in the area for the next school year. Because of prior connection to Eastern Christian, I sent in my inquiry for a teaching job but there was nothing open yet. Toward the end of the summer, members on the board at Sussex Christian School reached out to me and asked if I would like to interview; I did and was hired as their middle school history, Bible and science teacher. I was blessed to work at SCS for two years but members from Eastern Christian started to reach out to me about an upcoming position. My wife and I prayed a lot about taking the job and from his guidance it was clear he was moving me back to Eastern Christian. I am very thankful for the opportunity to be working here and look forward to pouring my soul into the ministry God has placed me in.

What sets EC apart?

The Eastern Christian community has kept their faith in Jesus Christ and continues to expand while not sacrificing their biblical morals. It is a blessing for me to have the opportunity to work in a wonderful ministry and to be a part of the hands and feet of Christ as we teach future generations about the love of God. Our American culture is in need of students of the Word who go out into their professions bringing his truth with them. It is my passion to help guide the students on their road to sanctification while teaching them the importance of knowing how God has been working through history as well as the promises he has and will keep for us.

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