You pray and give so our teams can go to far away places to share the love of God with people in need. You follow along as we do through this blog. You are important to us and we want to share some important information with you. Today, with heavy hearts, we share with you, our supporters and partners, that we have had to cancel our 2018 Nicaragua Summer Mission Trip. Fox River leadership made this decision after much prayer and many conversations with our partners in Nicaragua. This decision was made for the safety of our Fox River team as well as our Nicaragua team.
The why behind our decision... Nicaragua is in a scary state of turmoil and destruction.
In April, a new law was issued that caused concern with the Nicaraguan population. What began with peaceful protests and marches, has escalated to violence, causing the destruction of property, personal injury and death. Over 100 lives have been lost and 1000's of people injured.
Things are worsening in Nicaragua. There are road blockades causing transportation of food and fuel to be nearly impossible. For small communities this has quickly become a problem because supplies were already limited. Prices have skyrocketed for the little they have left on shelves. This leaves many in dire circumstances.
This country is near and dear to our hearts and we hate seeing the destruction happening, the darkness winning, and the people hurting. Our hearts are broken for this country we love.
We do, however, know and believe that God is working in the midst of this chaos. Many people have come to know who Jesus Christ is and what He has done for them. Churches are standing strong and making Jesus known in this darkness.
As much as we are disappointed about not being able to go and join our partners this summer, we are even more heart broken about the devastation that is happening to their home. Because of this, we ask that you join us in praying for them and for Fox River as we seek to support and help where we can.
Here are some specifics we are praying...
- Wisdom for our missionaries in the decisions they have to make daily for their ministries, friends, family and personal safety
- Safety and provision for our partners in La Esmeralda, as well as their families across the country
- Change of heart for this country and their leaders
- For the families of those who have lost their lives
- For God to be known and felt in mighty ways
- For the church to be ready and equipped to welcome in those who are hurting and searching
Our partners in Nicaragua are praying at three specific times each day and we want to join them as they do. For our time zone it will be...
- 9am
- 3pm
- 9pm
We know that this may bring up some questions and we are ready to answer them. Please ask! Here is one we want to answer right away.
What happens to the funds raised to be used during this trip?
We know many of you have given and supported us through the Run for Love and the hygiene packs. We want to share with you that the money raised has been sent over to help stock the Medical Clinic for the weeks and months to come as they prepare for the worst. This will be such a blessing. Thank you for joining us in this way!
If you would like to contribute to the aid we are sending to Nicaragua during this crisis, please do! You can click here and give toward the hygiene packs. Any funds given through this link will be sent for relief aid connected to the clinic in La Esmeralda.
Thank you for showing God's love and making a difference in the lives of thousands of people!