I have had a heavy heart for Nicaragua the last month and a half! When we moved there two years ago, some people asked about the stability of the government and I could say that it was a country at peace unlike several of the neighboring countries. Today, that is no longer true. Beginning on April 19, there have been massive protests that began in response to an increase in Social Security taxes. There have been marches, barricades built, protests, censorship, vandalism, attempted peace talks, and violence. Sadly, things seem to be escalating as the people ask the president to step down. Some news stations are listing the death toll at over 100 and several hundreds wounded.

Nicaragua Christian Academy finished its school year on line and many teachers and students have flown to their home countries. On May 23, Jeff, Branden and Rachelle joined Stacey and I in the states twenty-eight days earlier than planned. 

As I read the daily updates and messages from friends still in country and follow  news reports, I am discouraged by the violence and feel a deep sadness for my friends and Nica family at NCA and the community. I wonder about my students and if they are safe. Last night, God reminded of HIS goodness! My last day at school, a mother of a student asked me if we have been talking about being born again in class. I paused and then told her that we had talked about it and I wondered if the kids understood such a difficult concept. She then told me that her daughter was asking questions and then told her mommy that she wanted to be born again. They said a prayer and this sweet little girl asked Jesus to come into her heart. 

I thank Jesus for reminding me that HE is in Nicaragua and that He loves these people, even the little ones! Please join me in praying that God would bring peace and understanding during this time of unrest. Pray that he may soften the hearts of the leaders and that life may improve for everyone. Please pray for the missionaries who are still there and for the school family.

Putting Faith in Action

“What do you think about a program that will get our missionary kids more active in missions”? That question made me pause and think.  My initial response is if you take your family to the mission field, aren't they already involved in missions?  Many of the students are at school while their parents are working in the community building relationships and teaching people.  This semester NCA has implemented "Putting Faith in Action". Our 1st through 12th graders have been divided into small groups and go out to 20 different locations on Friday afternoon to interact with children, teach English, clean and paint areas, and most importantly model God's love. There are a few groups that welcome local children to come on our campus.

Christy works with Amistad which is a program in Spanish modeled after Friendship Ministry.  Adults and children with disabilities come to school and are paired with NCA students. In the hour and half the friends connect through songs, a Bible lesson, small group discussion, games, and snacks. It has been a joy to watch our students build relationships as they work through the lessons and activities together.

Jeff also stays on campus. A group of students from our closest public school comes to our computer lab and learns basic computer skills. Beginning with how to turn a computer on and then exploring Paint. They have also been introduced to Word. NCA students are teaching the class and walking around to offer one-on-one assistance. It has been very successful and the public school kids are attentive, eager to learn and have fun.

Stacey's group goes to a church school to teach English, make crafts and play games. The NCA students are split into two groups.  The older students are teaching the lessons and directing activities. Meanwhile the younger students are helping and building relationship. In the previous session Stacey taught them "Jesus Loves Me" in English. They end their session with snacks, drinks and talking together.

Branden's group goes to a church in Managua. The first time they read books and colored pictures with children in the community. The main purpose of their group is to paint and work on the church grounds.  They are now painting the inside of the church a light orange color. Branden is working with younger NCA students and has been a good mentor.

Rachelle's group drives to a school nearby the barrio in which we live. They split into two  groups alternating tasks. One group goes to the principal's house to cook and serve a meal for the students and do clean up. Meanwhile, the other group teaches Bible stories to the students and then participates in playground time until the meal is ready. They come together as the kids eat and then socialize with them to end the visit.  That is a snapshot of our family’s involvement in local community and how we share God's Word. It has been a big undertaking, but the results have been positive and we hope to continue these relationships in the next year. Pray for these groups, the people serving and those being served.