It's a wrap. What a week. As we have re-entered our world of Southeast Wisconsin, we are left with sore muscles, bug bites, scrapes and bruises, and above all hearts and lives that have been seared by the grace God poured in and through us while in Nicaragua. We will forever have the memories of the friends we have for eternity, the desire we share with our whole team to someday go back for more, and the prayers of hope and faith that God will use what was accomplished to grow his Kingdom-that the next generation in La Esmeralda will be reached for Jesus as children have a place to learn about him.
Pastor Mark and Henry
We saw a community that has changed and continues to change because of the touch of God upon it through His workings in and through Fox River. A medical clinic that has been source of His healing, a sports program that has led people to know Jesus, and now a children's space at the church that will share the Gospel with the youngest people in La Esmeralda, will all allow God's presence to be greater felt in Nicaragua. We saw a man begin to change that has worked hard, had a tough demeanor, and wasn't sure a bunch of gringos could pull off the job of building that needed to be done. By the end of the week he voiced his gratefulness and joy that he had come to know in working with us. He shared handshakes and even an embrace that would not have been his normal reaction. This was an awesome working of God as we spent our week in Nicaragua. We saw another change that was not expected.
Children's Facility before
Children's Facility After
Children's Facility Floor
Nicaragua changed in front of our eyes while we were there. The city of Managua erupted with protests while we were in the country. While we were so very safe as we were nearly six hours away from the city and the violence, we have friends and others that have devoted their lives to sharing the Gospel with the Nicaraguans that suddenly found themselves and their families in the midst of the violence. While we don't fully understand all of the issues, we know most of the violence that commenced was brought on by those taking advantage of the situation. Very similar to what we have seen in the U.S. cities over the last few years. We have much concern for friends in the city and the work they have done to be able to present the Gospel to these people. We still have faith that God will use these times to expand His Kingdom in this community.
La Esmeralda is very much removed from this environment. It will not experience the effects of protests. It still could be effected by the flow of goods and services if order is not soon restored. Other churches, and the neighborhoods that they serve in Managua have already experienced some serious circumstances.
Please join us in praying for this situation. Pray that order will soon be restored. Pray that it happens with a peaceful resolution. Pray that God gives a great platform to the churches to lead the change. Pray while it continues, our missionaries, pastors, and friends stay safe. Pray that God uses this to grow the faith of all of us that see His hand move throughout the country in many ways. May God bless the people of Nicaragua.
-Pastor Mark
Check out some other pictures of what we did this week below!
Don Bismark and Sam Working Together
Jason and Norvin...those blocks are HEAVY!
The concrete crew!
Nolan Welding