Shine A Light

Tuesday and Wednesday we got to spend some time in the schools. The first school we went to was Centro Escolar, a few minutes from the church. We spent some time going around into different classes and sharing the Gospel with all different aged kids. 

I can always count on getting some good pictures with the kids:) 

After visiting this school we went to another school close by called La Salle. Half of us went to speak to younger kids and the other half to the older kids. 

This is Randy speaking to a group of middle/high schoolers. 

We actually met a girl, Ruby, while we were there at La Salle. She is from Virginia and she was there in school to learn Spanish. We all talked with her until we had to leave to go back to the church. The service was earlier that night because we had to buy supplies for the hot dog dinner Wednesday night. 

Josh spoke in Mattew 5 about us as Christians being a light. God is the source of that light and we are the reflection. Many times Christians hide or keep their light a secret to others, but we need to shine that light so others may come to know Christ. 

On Wednesday we went up the road to a smaller school. Each group shared in two classrooms. Raven shared to a class of little kids. We learned that younger kids have a really hard time admitting they have done anything wrong or sinned, but the older kids are usually more honest. 

After leaving this school we drove to yet another school with only a few classrooms. 

When we finished there we split up into our groups and walked down the road to go door to door. Cory, our group leader, had a really good conversation with two teenagers before they left for school. We spoke to a couple more people before heading back to the church for lunch. 

After lunch Pastor Calero wanted to show us a river he knew of. So, we drove to the little park area for a little bit. 

This is the group! 

With some time to spare we piled on the bus and headed to the Pacific. I never get tired of this view, or any view here for that matter. 

Wednesday was the ever famous hot dog gathering. Over 100 people, mostly kids, squeezed in the room behind the church. Some of the team members entertained the kids with songs while the rest of us prepared the hot dogs. All 150 hot dogs were eaten, along with Koolaid and lots of candy. 

Here is Cory and Robin helping prepare the hot dogs. 

The night was finished off with some worship from the team and a message from Benjamin. 

This week the sermons have focused on the need for pastors in the church and how we can appreciate our pastor. Benjamin taught on a few things pastors must do to be Godly pastors. Things like studying the Word so he can teach the Word and living a blameless life. Benjamin made it clear that even pastors are not perfect, just men, but they have a responsibility to lead others in truth. 

It was a great last day in La Colonia and a great week all around. We all said our goodbyes to everyone at the church, reluctantly, and headed back to Managua. I believe this team really has shone a light in La Colonia, and I know they are all looking forward to doing the same next year. Thursday was the last day for the team, so we all rested up for a day of fun. 

Shine A Light

Tuesday and Wednesday we got to spend some time in the schools. The first school we went to was Centro Escolar, a few minutes from the church. We spent some time going around into different classes and sharing the Gospel with all different aged kids. 

I can always count on getting some good pictures with the kids:) 

After visiting this school we went to another school close by called La Salle. Half of us went to speak to younger kids and the other half to the older kids. 

This is Randy speaking to a group of middle/high schoolers. 

We actually met a girl, Ruby, while we were there at La Salle. She is from Virginia and she was there in school to learn Spanish. We all talked with her until we had to leave to go back to the church. The service was earlier that night because we had to buy supplies for the hot dog dinner Wednesday night. 

Josh spoke in Mattew 5 about us as Christians being a light. God is the source of that light and we are the reflection. Many times Christians hide or keep their light a secret to others, but we need to shine that light so others may come to know Christ. 

On Wednesday we went up the road to a smaller school. Each group shared in two classrooms. Raven shared to a class of little kids. We learned that younger kids have a really hard time admitting they have done anything wrong or sinned, but the older kids are usually more honest. 

After leaving this school we drove to yet another school with only a few classrooms. 

When we finished there we split up into our groups and walked down the road to go door to door. Cory, our group leader, had a really good conversation with two teenagers before they left for school. We spoke to a couple more people before heading back to the church for lunch. 

After lunch Pastor Calero wanted to show us a river he knew of. So, we drove to the little park area for a little bit. 

This is the group! 

With some time to spare we piled on the bus and headed to the Pacific. I never get tired of this view, or any view here for that matter. 

Wednesday was the ever famous hot dog gathering. Over 100 people, mostly kids, squeezed in the room behind the church. Some of the team members entertained the kids with songs while the rest of us prepared the hot dogs. All 150 hot dogs were eaten, along with Koolaid and lots of candy. 

Here is Cory and Robin helping prepare the hot dogs. 

The night was finished off with some worship from the team and a message from Benjamin. 

This week the sermons have focused on the need for pastors in the church and how we can appreciate our pastor. Benjamin taught on a few things pastors must do to be Godly pastors. Things like studying the Word so he can teach the Word and living a blameless life. Benjamin made it clear that even pastors are not perfect, just men, but they have a responsibility to lead others in truth. 

It was a great last day in La Colonia and a great week all around. We all said our goodbyes to everyone at the church, reluctantly, and headed back to Managua. I believe this team really has shone a light in La Colonia, and I know they are all looking forward to doing the same next year. Thursday was the last day for the team, so we all rested up for a day of fun. 

God Is Incredible

God is incredible. The things He can do, the people He can change, through people like us amazes me. 

We started yesterday off a little different by going to a nearby school. We split up into groups and each group went into a classroom of younger children to invite them to VBS in the afternoon and speak about Jesus. Then we did the same with classes of middle schoolers and high schoolers. Cory, our group leader, took on the middle schoolers since he teaches that age back in Alabama. It's hard to share something so big in such a small amount of time, but we were given a time limit in each class. However, inviting the kids to VBS gave them a chance to come hear more about Jesus and have fun while doing so. 

These are a couple boys we met during recess. The boy in the middle, Juan, loved giving everyone big hugs. We saw him later on at VBS:)

Of course, there was a soccer game going on during recess between some middle school aged boys. 

This is the group of middle schoolers listening to Cory teach. 

When we left the school we headed back to the church for lunch and then to the open field for VBS. Benjamin shared the gospel with the kids and adults who came, and then we did a craft with the kids. They made crowns that represent Jesus as King and got to decorate them with stars and jewels. 

We also did face painting, bubbles, chalk, and more games. The kids had a blast and I had fun watching them get excited with the activities the team prepared for them. 

After about an hour it was time to go back to church to get ready for the woman's meeting. There was about 10-12 women and teenage girls who came and a few girls from our team led the small group. At the end, another woman in our group, Tammy, shared her testimony. The pastor's wife also shared her testimony. It was a good way for all of us to connect despite our differences and the language barrier. We had a wonderful translator, Yorlina (Jojo), who helped immensely by being patient with those who spoke. At the end of the meeting the girls from the team had some gifts they brought with them. We handed out makeup bags full of soap, shampoo, toothbrushes, and lots more little things. 

After the women's meeting, it was almost time for the evening service. There is a room attached to the back of the church where the service was held. Some of the guys from our group have spent the past couple days installing lights in the back room. They finally finished yesterday afternoon before the service and this is the outcome. 

It may not look super fancy, but Pastor Calero was very appreciative and thankful that there were now lights in the room. 

Pastor Calero's birthday was yesterday, and his wife asked the team to sing his favorite song, Amazing Grace, to him. 

Then Cory spoke on reasons why we should appreciate our pastors and ways we can do so. The pastor is the leader of the church, and it is important for the body of the church to follow the pastor as it says in Hebrews 13:17, "Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you". 

Cory encouraged us last night to learn to appreciate our pastors because they play a huge role in the church and the growth of the church. 

Last night two things happened that can only be described as incredible. The woman in this picture is someone we met on Sunday going door to door. 

One of our group members, Zach, shared the gospel with her. Jojo noticed something was wrong with her after he finished and she asked her what. Zorayta told Jojo she was struggling with two of her older kids. Whenever they would spend time together all they wanted to do was fight and argue. She works a lot, so she doesn't have much time to spend with them. It was heartbreaking to see her upset because I could tell she loved her kids and just wanted them to be together. Each of us gave her some encouragement and we were all in tears by the end. We asked her to come to the night service, which she and her younger son did. Then we asked her to come again last night, which she did. Jojo told us she could tell Zorayta was happier. God knew what Zorayta was struggling with and I believe he sent us to her home to share with her and let her know she wasn't alone. God is changing her and He used us to to help. 

The second incredible thing that happened had to do with the drunk guy I briefly mentioned in the last post. The first time we talked to him he was drunk. Then Benjamin went back on Sunday to see if he accepted his challenge to be sober and he was drunk again. This guy (I'm not sure of his name) worked in the evening and we were told he would be sober after work around 7. I walked out of the service last night to see none other than the drunk guy talking to Benajmin. I found out later that he was sober and felt convicted of his actions. God had been working on his heart before we even got there, and He used one of our team members to show the guy there was more to life than drinking. I don't know when or if he will give his life over to God and change, but the fact that he came to the church after work to talk to Benajmin SOBER was incredible in itself. 

God has different ways of using each of us for his glory. But it is our choice of whether we want to allow God to use us or ignore His voice. God is all around us and He has given us the free will to make these decisions. Amazing things can happen if we open our hearts and allow God to work in and through us.

La Colonia

It has been a busy couple of days here in Nicaragua. Saturday was the first full day for the Alabama team working in a community called La Colonia. We started the day off by doing some door to door evangelism. It was interesting to hear people's responses to questions about salvation. Over the last two days we have gotten a mixture of answers and have had some really good conversations and some not so good conversations. One family we talked with were believers, but they had a son who was not. He was drunk when we were there, and one of our team members, Benjamin, challenged him to be sober Sunday when he stopped by again. Unfortunately, he was drunk yet again. Then, we had a conversation with a woman next door who listened to what we had to say and ended up opening up towards the end with a struggle of hers. We all encouraged her and prayed for her and invited her to attend the service last night. She showed up with her son, and that was her first time at the church, Ebenezer. So, we have had some conversations that go nowhere, but then we have had conversations that show a glimmer of hope. 

After going door to door Saturday, we went to an open field near by for VBS with the kids. It was insanely windy, which wasn't ideal for coloring. Nonetheless, the kids enjoyed coloring and playing in the field. 

We had games of baseball, soccer, and frisbee going on. 

The kids learned that God made everything from trees to dogs to families.

We did some more door to door after lunch and played some soccer and basketball with teenagers for a while before the service that night. 

One of the team members preached Saturday night in Ephesians and then another Sunday night. This week the team is focusing on teaching about evangelism and growth within the church. A growing church is not based on numbers; rather it is based on purity and maturity in Christ. We are encouraging members of the church to spread the Word of God in their community and then allow God to grow their church through them. It has been a learning experience for me as well to listen and watch how different team members share the Gospel. They focus on teaching how sin separates us from God and challenges people to think about how sin affects our lives. They use some really good examples and analogies when explaining sin and how Jesus payed for our sins when he died on the cross. I have enjoyed hearing the different approaches of each team member. 

Sunday morning we attended the service at Enenezer. One of the things everyone always comments on when attending services here is the passion these people have when worshiping. It doesn't matter if they have a good singing voice or not. They sing loud and with immense joy without caring what others think. 

We did more door to door yesterday after the service. Then after lunch we walked over to another part of the community to continue sharing. This time it was different and much harder. The first woman we talked with was very open and honest and accepting of what we had to say. Then the next few people were a little more hard headed and stubborn. It seemed like we were getting nowhere with some of them, but the point of what we are doing here is to share the Word of God and pray people realize the truth behind our words. 

We attended one more service Sunday night and Benajmin preached in Ephesians. Some of the team members brought guitars and they sang last night during worship. We heard a couple testimonies as well after worship. It was a good message and there were quite a few new people who attended. 

The rest of the night we spent at the mission house preparing for today and relaxing. 

Josie

The next team has arrived! Team First Baptist Holly Pond from Alabama came in tonight and we have a busy week ahead of us. 

The past two days have just been spent preparing for their arrival, but I also had a chance to go back to Vida Nueva today. I spent all morning there and loved every minute of it. My hair was pulled, my shirt stretched out, my arms got tired from holding a kid every second (sometimes two at a time), my neck hurt from them climbing on my head, and there was at least one of them crying at every moment. But...I got to make them smile, I got to hold them, I got to hear them laugh and giggle, I got to play with them, and I got to comfort them. It wasn't easy dealing with ten little kids who all wanted to be held and who only spoke Spanish, but I wouldn't take any of it back. 

Each of them have something special and I loved getting to know each of them better today. One little girl in particular, Josie, completely stole my heart. She was laying down in the corner when I got there, and I heard her start to cry because one of the little boys was sitting on her. I picked her up and hugged her and only let go of her when I absolutely had to. Last time I was there I heard Chris telling Josie's story. It was impossible not to get emotional when hearing how she ended up there. To start, Josie is five years old and weighs only 24 pounds. She is covered in scars from head to toe and her poor, sweet face had too many to count. She has had countless broken bones gone unattended, and her hip is deformed, causing her foot to be turned in and making it hard for her to walk. She doesn't have much hair and she has this pitiful cry that makes my heart ache for her. Before she came to this orphanage she was abused, starved, abandoned, and hurt. Today I got to see her beautiful smile and I got to hold her fragile little body and cuddle her. 

I can't explain how precious she is, and I pray one day she will have a loving family. I pray every single one of these kids has a loving family one day because they deserve it. No child deserves to go through what these kids have gone through. 

I know God will take good care of them, and I know he has a plan for each of them. They are in a safe place now, away from all the hurt and pain, and I can only pray they never have to go back to a life of suffering. 

John 14:18, "I will not leave you as orphans, I will come to you." 

Unforgettable Memories

Yesterday was the last day for our small team. We visited an orphanage in Managua called Vida Nueva Nicaragua, or New Life Nicaragua. This is a place where children who have been abused, neglected, malnourished, and abandoned come to start over. There were a few babies and about ten kids ages 3-5. It was fun playing with the kids there, but some of their stories are just heartbreaking. Tristan, Emily, and Jennifer raised money back in the States before they came to buy formula to help out.  

Though these kids had a rough time before, they were all smiles. 

Lunch time! 

Jennifer planned for us to have lunch with Tim and Chris, who started this orphanage after they moved to Nicaragua thirteen years ago. We ate at this small restaurant here in Managua called Chik Chak. While we ate some delicious food we got to hear their story of how they came to Nicaragua. It's very inspiring hearing stories of how people became missionaries, and we had two great couples who gladly shared theirs with us. 

We sat and talked for a while until it was time for them to leave. The four of us decided we would spend some time in El Cañon to finish our day. As always, it was great to see all the kids and we had a blast. I saw one little boy, Christopher, who I met over two years ago. I'm sure he didn't remember me, but it was nice to see him and meet some new little ones.

This is Christopher holding a bird he caught. He looks the exact same as I remember him, just taller:) 

Emily, Tristan, and Mildred. She was a little firecracker!

He wanted to try on Emily's sunglasses. 

This little boy was THE most precious thing! 

It was really sad leaving all those kids, but we all enjoyed the time we got to spend with them. Even the kids at Vida Nueva weren't easy to leave. Whether it's an hour or a whole day spent with any of them, it's never easy. I guess I will just have to adopt them all. What do you think mom and dad?? 

Our last night was spent unwinding from the week. Jennifer left early this morning, and Tristan and Emily left at noon. We all had such a great time working together and building friendships. It was definitely a wonderful team and we made so many memories:) 

Today, after they all left, it was time to prepare for the next team. A few of us from the mission house went grocery shopping and it took us a long time to buy everything and get it all back to the house. Not much else has gone on today, but we will be very busy when our next team arrives. I can't wait to see what God has planned for us this next week!