Norman Missionary Adventures

Gospel of Jesus Christ + Costa Rica + Praying Pelican Missions + local churches +mission teams + ministry opportunities.

Meet the Normans

Our Story

Through every phase of our story, God has been faithful!

The beginning

The word "ADVENTURE" pretty much sums up the life of the Normans! Nathan and Laura Norman met in Haiti while Nathan was in the middle of 11 week internship through Elim Bible Institute. They might not have known it then, but it was love at first sight when Laura went down to Haiti to serve for a week and met Nate there for the first time. Fast-forward a couple of years: they were married in January of 2004 and were running an inner city ministry together in Jackson, Michigan.

Starting a family

Their first daughter, Reagan Grace, was born on April 9, 2005 and soon the three of them moved to Haiti where they served in an orphanage, running the organization's outreach program in surrounding rural villages. A few months later, they were back in Michigan where Nate began serving as the Children's Pastor at the church his father pastors. Nathan & Laura welcomed their second daughter, Abigail Love, on February 6, 2007.

International trips

During the years they lived in Michigan, Nathan was able to go on missions trips to Ghana (with a very pregnant Laura) and Kenya in order to serve, as well as pursue potential ministry opportunities. Africa was on their hearts, and the plan was to move there as missionaries one day, but God's plans are not always our plans!

A move to Delaware and adding 3 sons

Nathan accepted a job in Delaware in October of 2007, where he would serve as the Youth and Young Adults Pastor for over 8 years. During this time, another adventure began. Ever since Laura was a child, she has had a heart for fatherless children and a deep desire to adopt. In July of 2010, after 18 months of waiting, the Normans welcomed home their son, Malachi (born November 28, 2008), from Ethiopia.

Shortly after Malachi was brought home, another set of paperwork was sent back to Ethiopia for a second son. After 3 years of waiting, God brought Isaiah (born August 23, 2012) into their lives in July of 2013. In the midst of waiting for Isaiah, they met 15 year old Darrell (born October 1, 1996). They knew he was going to be a part of their family forever when he came to live with them in March of 2012.

3 Years in Costa Rica

A complete family of seven, they moved to serve as missionaries to Costa Rica with Praying Pelican Missions in June of 2015. There they experienced life in a new country, loved on our partner pastors and church families, and equipped a team of staff to lead life-changing mission trips.

From Florida to the world

In August of 2018, the Normans returned to the USA, now residing in Florida, as Nathan serves as the International Development Manager for Praying Pelican Missions. From Southern Florida God has strategically placed us to get to any location quickly!