Destination Nicaragua 08

A Longing to Go Back

2008-07-28T22:06:00.004-05:00

I am sitting here at my desk listening to my daughters scurry about the house and thinking of the kids in Nicaragua. I am wondering what they are doing right now, and thinking just how much I miss them. I am talking about all the kids there not just the ones that we were with at the house. I was looking at pictures today at work and showing them to my co-workers when it hit me, "their lives have not changed!" We go about our everyday lives and so do they. One of my fellow YMCA workers made a statement that drives home how we should see the kids and adults there. She said, "when we look at the pictures of how they live their everyday lives, we feel sorry for them, but we forget that they are happier than we are, even the ones from the dump with smiles on their faces!" That sort of puts things in perspective, I sometimes feel that we are the ones that are living in turmoil. I mean our lives are so cluttered and busy that we forget what it is like to just smile and laugh, so tonight I got down in the floor with my little one and just had a tickle war and we both just laughed until we hurt. I think that is what we are missing that the people of Nicaragua have, an unconditional happiness. They get in no hurry nor do they worry about things that they have no control over. We could really learn from them in we would just look at the worst situation that we see them in and look a their face; there is in most cases a huge smile. Here are some of those smiles...

As you can see smiles, smiles, and more smiles. So I guess the secret to living is to continually smile no matter what the situation.

I guess a smile could be translated as, "Always be joyful. Pray continually, and give thanks whatever happens. That is what God wants for you in Christ Jesus." Those are some GREAT WORDS from Paul in his first letter to the Thessalonians. 1st Thess. 5:16-17 (New Century Version)

Have a good night everyone!

Our messy Lives

2008-07-23T20:29:00.004-05:00

It never fails as soon as we get back from Nicaragua we come back to messy spiritual lives. I don't mean that we are not spiritual, I mean we get out of focus because of the things that are in our lives. It never ceases to amaze me when I hear young people tell about their experience there and how it has changed their lives and I just wonder what it is going to take to get others to listen to God. Tonight at church Madison and Ashton told about their experience in Nicaragua and I couldn't help but hold my head up and think how proud I am of them, then I think of how God must feel when He looks down and sees and hears them also. Ashton told about how God finally got her attention with her sickness and how He wanted to just have a relationship with her, and Madison talked about how taking Masterlife paid off with her prayer for "Wilby".

Getting back to our "Messy Spirituality" when those two spoke I realized just how significant God is in our messed up lives. He is there no matter what! if we are so far from Him that we have to call Him long distance, He is there! I think that is what I love about God the most. He sees us in our sins and STILL LOVES US! Do you ever wonder how we really look to God? Take the worst thing that you can think of and multiply it by a million! For instance, "The Dump" in Nicaragua, it has an awful smell, flies, spoiled food, and filth, yet God was there!! When our lives look like that to God, He is still there in the filth with us, so "Our Messy Lives" are nothing for God to see because He sees us just as we are, without the costumes or masks that we wear. If you are struggling to find God, walking in a fog, or just wondering what God wants you to do, Remember, He is right there with you and leading you along the way, even when our lives are "messy".

I am not real sure where all this meandering is heading but I hope you can make some sense out of it, I just thought I would share these thoughts with you all.

We are Home

2008-07-21T16:36:00.006-05:00

As I sit at my kitchen table and watch it storm, I am reminded of the storms of life that the people in Nicaragua face each day. I close my eyes and see the little children in the dump and think of how God's Grace is sufficient for all the needs of everyone in the world. Even though they live and eat from the dump that is how God is sustaining them and we should not feel sorry for them, but should praise God for the food and material that they get from there. I see their smiling faces and it puts a smile on my face too, even on our worst day we should find ourselves smiling because God's grace is sufficient for whatever we are facing.

I am so proud of the team of people that God put together for this trip and for their dedication and love to the people of Nicaragua especially the children. It is great to think about how people will sacrifice a week of their lives to go and get out of their comfort zone and be the hands and feet of Jesus. I will say it is easier to live in comfort and just talk about doing things for the Lord, but going and getting your hands dirty (literally) is putting your heart in action. These 13 people that went there with a certain expectation and found that Jesus had a mission for them and took that mission and went out and DID IT!! They are the ones that were changed forever. In the scheme of eternity the heat, the dirt, the smell, will not matter when one of the people that they shared with during the week walks up to them in heaven and say, "Thank you for giving to the Lord, I am a life that was changed, because you came to Nicaragua and shared with me the love of Christ I am here today!!"

I am going to continue to ppost here even though we are home, because I want everyone to keep remembering this trip and the people that we met along the way. There will be pictures from time to time, so please keep praying for them. I would like everyone that read this blog to print at least one picture of a man, woman, boy, or girl and just pray for them and for the people of Nicaragua. I know that God will bless everyone for that.

I want to personally thank everyone for their prayers and words of encouragement for this team and for eveything that we did there. I know it was all ordained by God and that is why is was a great success. There were a total of 400 souls that were saved because of your prayers and God answering them. GOD IS GREAT!!!

OUR LAST DAYS

2008-07-19T07:48:00.007-05:00

Well it is here, Our last day here! It seems like we just got here. Yesterday the team went back to the dump and fed about 100 people with beans and rice, they also received the Gospel and 40 of them accepted CHRIST!! They didn't know that they would get fed until after they heard the WORD. In the afternoon we came back to the house and had baptism in the pool, it was great to see 5 of the people that accepted Christ this week. God is just AWESOME!! I am going to stop talking now and just post pictures, but keep in mind they don't do this team justice, I have been BLESSED EXTREMELY with another great bunch.

"THE DUMP"

2008-07-18T08:11:00.005-05:00

GOOD MORNING!! I am sorry that I left the last post sort of missing something, well I did and it was some pictures of "THE DUMP". I fell asleep working on the video sitting at the computer!!! Here are some pictures just to get you thinking...

2008-07-18T00:21:00.002-05:00

Now that I have figured out how to get a video on here! LOL This is a video of Ashton, Madison, and Brittany dancing with the dance team from 5th Baptist church at the crusade in San Geronomo on Thursday night. I hope that everyone is blessed as much as we were from just watching them praise God with dance.

An update on salvations: To date there have been 363 new Christians added to the kingdom. We are going to baptize some of them in the new pool that the VBS offering bought. I will put video of that tomorrow night.

Today some of the team went to the dump site and fort. Needless to say, there are no words that can describe the scene or smell there. We ministered to around 150-200 people there with God's Word and flip flops, but when we left we all felt that we should do something else so on Friday we are buying about 300 pounds of rice and distributing it to them, so they will have food for a few days. There is another ministry that feeds them twice a week, but we felt like we needed to do something especially after one of them said to us, "I know who Jesus is, but I am still hungry". I want everyone to let that sink in.

this place is rad rockstars!

2008-07-16T13:44:00.003-05:00

people, hello frienddds-
its mad & ash here today was so good. we played on the playground with the kids on this spinning thing and got sick! ash was yellin "despasio" to the kids while mad was sayin "rapido". lets just say mad regretted that one! haha. we swam in the pool with the kids and played "baptize me" lol. seriously lunch was RADICAL! we had chicken tacos with sour cream. what a so swell thing! we also want to say that we love our new friends dylan and kyle from mississippi. they are awesome guys and we're so glad God allowed us to meet them on this trip! (they are gonna come to corryton and visit all of us!) we are going back to the school in just a few minutes to do TRUE LOVE WAITS for the older kids. (which by the way are kinda intimidating because we never know if they are makin fun when they laugh or if they like us! haha) but we are really having a wonderful time and God is doing incredible things here. keep us in your prayers & we will write again soon! mad says: love you momma & daddy! and clint. im still sad you arent here! (so are the kids) ash says: yo mom & dad! i miss you tons! & love you too. hello to clint also. & kay babyyy! i wish you both were with us. oh yeah & hey adam & logan! i love u guys too:)

okay, peace outtttt!:) love yall.

VBS Improv Way....

2008-07-16T12:53:00.003-05:00

Okay, here we are on day 3 of the phenomenal Nicaragua trip! In order to give you a complete idea of what has been happening on day 3, we must begin with the end of day 2! Last night we went to church at Fifth Baptist where Clif Haley gave his testimony and sang with Madison Wright "Meet With Me." Following that we heard a great message from Mark Shoemaker discussing the 4 Purposes of the Cross (Redemption, Reconciliation, Receive Sonship, Rescue).

We were blessed to see four salvations during the service!

After the service, we came back to Cheryl's only to find that we still had no water (to bathe in, of course), so we decided to have a share service of what everyone has experienced thus far in the trip. Our Mississippi friends, Kyle & Dylan (the Daryls), took the lead in sharing how they had absolutely no idea what to expect, but that they are very glad they came! They said we were like family already.... if they only knew, LOL! Also, they each shared about their testimony at home and how they see some reasons on why God brought them here already. Also, Benny shared much of his testimony about how God is working on him and how we can better pray for him and his family. Also, Cheryl enlightened us on a part of her testimony which allowed us to better minister to her. Also, Clif spoke of how he has definitely been brought out of his comfort zone on this trip and can't wait to see how God is going to use him next! (This went on for quite some time, the hand of God was truly at work)

Following the service, Cheryl had an enlightenment that our water could possibly be off because of a switch inside the house that was turned off, and sure enough, IT WAS! THE KIDS HAD TURNED OFF THE WATER AND WE WENT WITHOUT BATHS ALL DAY LONG! That was a hysterical occasion! So of course, Heather was one of the first to jump in the shower, because she was the smelliest! Little did she know of the joke that was about to occur on her! Her wonderful, lame brother-in-law, Gregorio, thought it would be funny to turn the water off in the house again, but not until Heather was fully engrossed in the shower completely covered in soap! As soon as the water was turned off she was screaming needing someone to bring her a bucket to finish the shower, as everyone outside laughed until they cried!

Then off to bed!

This morning has already been an eventful day with about 40 salvations at the VBS at the La Salle School. We had two school assemblies with a total of 150 children (90 of them were in preschool). During the first service we only had ages 5 - 8 year olds when we sang songs, did the Sin Box drama, played the tug of war illustration (I'll mention in a minute) and Clif led the students through the plan of salvation. It was a great school assembly and much smoother than the VBS yesterday!

Okay, the tug of war illustration was a great game that the guys came up with! We have a lot of the students on one side of the rope and all of the Americans and translators on the other side. The Americans represent the hold that Sin can have on our lives. It pulls us and pulls and drags us to places that we don't want to go. The first time of play, the Americans and the Nicaragua children go head to head, but the Americans pull it out for a WIN, but barely! It was so close, we were very glad that we had tied the rope to a tree as an anchor (secretly, of course). The second time of play, Jesus (Melvin, our great translator) steps in and pulls for the children! No matter how hard the Americans pull, they are not strong enough to beat the children..... With Jesus, Sin is not strong enough to pull us down! It was a great illustration and left all of the American with some nice blisters!

Once we got back to Cheryl's, the kids were quick to get in the pool and Madison and Ashton are their chaperones! LOL! Juancito was even able to get in with them and play around... he just laughs!

LUNCH TIME..... MORE BEANS AND RICE!!!! YEAH!!!! WOO HOO!!!

A Day In The Life...

2008-07-16T12:22:00.003-05:00

I am sorry that I haven't posted anything in a few day, but we have been extremely busy. Today we went to a school and did VBS with the children, this afternoon we are going back to the school and doing TRUE LOVE WAITS OR WAY. We are going to divide them up in two groups, 9-11 and 12-14 and do recreation and lesson and hopefully we are going to have some spanish contempary Christian music.

The group has done well and everyone is doing great with the children as you will see from the pictures.

I want to say hello and I LOVE YOU to my WIFE AND GIRLS!!! I MISS THEM ALOT!!!

DADDY will be home soon, so in the mean time just keep praying for us.

Tonight we are starting the crusade in San Geronomo with me preaching and doing the Sin Box Drama so please be prayer for that. I want God to move and many accept Him.

I will try and post afterwards.

Until then...

Juancito In the Pool!

2008-07-15T18:41:00.003-05:00

Here are the first pictures of little Juancito and the pool. He is in the pool for the first time and is smiling and laughing!!! If he could say anything to the it would be THANK YOU, THANK YOU THANK YOU!!! It is becuase of the children at VBS that this is possible. Will Be in TOUCH later

As of today we have had 105 salvations

GREG

First day

2008-07-14T19:38:00.004-05:00

hi people heres some hellos:

we had bible school today and about 30 children got saved. how amazing. then some of us went downtown and went on a tour of the catholic church. pretty place. we shopped. i got a movie, but it was in spanish. bummer. love you momma, dad, and nick. peace to you.

-mad.

hey friends! we are having loads of fun, everyone should come here once in their life. haha the block party was fun today & im so excited to go to the schools starting tomorrow morning (they are my favorite!) im tryin to learn to talk lots of spanish, struggling a bit! lol. but we are having tons of fun. its awesome to see God already working in not only the nicaraguan children but also ourselves! momma & daddy- love you both & miss you tons! (adam too, i guess! haha jk jk ; love you too brother!) well i think its time to go take a nice COLD shower. lol we shall write again later! buenos noches amigos, te quiero mucho!

-ash.

hello to all,

its been amazing here so far. i am having so much fun & cant wait to tell you all about this place!

its very different and hard to get used to but this first day has been GREAT! i love you all!

-martha.

Hola mundo...its really hot down here in Nicaragua, and a cold shower hits the spot after a long day of walking the streets of Leon. The people down here are great, their hearts are giving and their spirit is priceless. Its going to be another hot and busy day tomorrow, so hasta luego por ahora!

-chris

Destination Nicaragua

2008-07-11T13:29:00.005-05:00

Well it is that time again, God is sending out some missionaries to Leon, Nicaragua again this year. There are 13 of us from Fairview Baptist Church and 2 from Mississippi. We are looking forward to God using us to reach out to the people there for Him, and for many to come to know Christ thru our willingness.

Some things that the team would like for for you to pray about.

The first missionaries to leave for Nicaragua have already confronted Satan today, their flight from Knoxville to Atlanta was cancelled and they had to drive to Chattanooga and fly to Atlanta. But to God be the GLORY! they arrived in Atlanta and are awaiting their flight to Managua, Nicaragua. The ones that are on this leg are: Mark Shoemaker, Benny and Pam Gray, Brittany Booker, Ashton Clapp, Madison Wright, and the two from Mississippi. So be in Prayer for them as they travel.
For the rest of us as we prepare to leave on Sunday afternoon, this group consist of, Greg Schmid, Cllif and Heather Haley, Chad Pressley, Chris Bowles, Jennifer Parker, Martha O'Mary, and Jill Graham.
A special prayer request is extended for Martha O'Mary and Jennifer Parker. These two are first timers to Nicaragua, so please pray for them that God will use them on an AWESOME WAY this week.

As you pray this week I would like for you to listen to this song and ask God to RAISE THIS TEAM UP to be more than we could ever imagine.

I know that this is a video from Africa, but as you have seen this is also the reality of some in Nicaragua. Your prayers are needed this week as we minister to the people of Nicaragua

Thank You for your PRAYERS!
The DESTINATION TEAM

A Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words

2008-01-02T16:04:00.000-05:00

As the new year rolls in with a roar, I would like for you to pray about how you can help reach out to "THE FORGOTTEN ONES" The Teens of Nicaragua. A 12 month calendar is being planned to ge the word out about the teens there and the need for love and care. Hopefully it will be printed soon so we can get orders for it. I hope that God blesses everyone this year. Thank You for reading and praying for "THE FORGOTTEN ONES" and those that work with them, How many times have you heard the expression, "A picture is worth a thousand words"? This is one of many teen age girls that I have pictures of, some of them are smiling, and some are like this one, looking down because something is making her feel ashamed.
I want you to take some time and just look at her picture and say a prayer for her and the other teens in Leon, Nicaragua. Ask God what he would like for you to to and respond to Him. There are literally thousands of teens there and all of them need to feel loved and cared for. So many of them are abused and hurt by people that they should be able to trust.
When I look at this picture I am reminded of Luke 10:2, "These were his instructions to them: “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields."
The harvest is truly great in Nicaragua. so be in prayer for people to see the need and help send the workers.
GOD BLESS

The Last Day

2007-12-31T13:47:00.000-05:00

I can't believe that this is the last day of 2007! It seems like it was just beginning. This time of year makes us think about the new "resolutions" that we are going to make and not keep. I am reminded of Jonathan Edwards (not the presidental candidate) and the resolutions that he made, and keep in mind he made these with this thought in mind, "Being sensible that I am unable to do anything without God's help, I do humbly entreat him by his grace to enable me to keep these Resolutions, so far as they are agreeable to his will, for Christ's sake." He made a commitment to read his resolutions once a week to be reminded of how he had committed his life to be. I thought about putting the whole list on here but it would be long so I have decided to highlight a few of his resolutions.

Resolved, that I will do whatsoever I think to be most to God's glory, and my own good, profit and pleasure, in the whole of my duration, without any consideration of the time, whether now, or never so many myriad's of ages hence. Resolved to do whatever I think to be my duty and most for the good and advantage of mankind in general. Resolved to do this, whatever difficulties I meet with, how many and how great so ever.
Resolved, never to suffer the least motions of anger to irrational beings.
Resolved, never to speak evil of anyone, so that it shall tend to his dishonor, more or less, upon no account except for some real good.
Resolved, that I will live so as I shall wish I had done when I come to die.
Resolved, to study the Scriptures so steadily, constantly and frequently, as that I may find, and plainly perceive myself to grow in the knowledge of the same.
Resolved, never to do anything but duty; and then according to Eph. 6:6-8, do it willingly and cheerfully as unto the Lord, and not to man; "knowing that whatever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord."
Resolved, to improve every opportunity, when I am in the best and happiest frame of mind, to cast and venture my soul on the Lord Jesus Christ, to trust and confide in him, and consecrate myself wholly to him; that from this I may have assurance of my safety, knowing that I confide in my Redeemer.
Resolved, frequently to renew the dedication of myself to God, which was made at my baptism; which I solemnly renewed, when I was received into the communion of the church; and which I have solemnly re-made
Resolved, to ask myself at the end of every day, week, month and year, wherein I could possibly in any respect have done better.
Resolved, never to say anything at all against anybody, but when it is
perfectly agreeable to the highest degree of Christian honor, and of love to mankind, agreeable to the lowest humility, and sense of my own faults and failings, and agreeable to the golden rule; often, when I have said anything against anyone, to bring it to, and try it strictly by the test of this Resolution.

These are ten of the70 resolutions that Jonathan Edwards wrote and read every week of his life. Some times I think that our resolutions are out of focus and are destined for failure. So as you think about your resolutions read these ten and put some thought into them and ask God what he wants you to do in the up coming year.

If you woulld like the complete list of "The Resolutions of Jonathan Edwards" either place a comment on the blog or send me an email and I will be glad to send them to you.

What a Concept

2007-12-29T14:41:00.000-05:00

This video was sent to me from a friend of mine. It was voted one of the greatest videos of 2007. I thought that I would post it for all of you to see. This is a concept that has caught on all over the world. Think about it like this, everyone needs a hug and this guy had a vision to give them out for free, no questions asked. Just a hug. This is like the kleenex commercial with the couch and a box of kleenex's. How can you and I, over the next year, impact the world like this?

Take some time this year and reach out, or better yet, get out of your comfort zone and do something for someone else. Do something that will make a difference. Make a difference in a way that would be pleasing to God. Reach out to those that no one reaches out to, to "the forgotten ones" around us, not only those in Nicaragua. Those that are in our own neighborhoods and streets. Look around and you will see them in the shadows of life and in places that you might not want to go, but remember, Jesus went to them and just loved them for who they were not what they should be. That is what He expects from us. This video reminds me of that, "the forgotten ones won't come to us, we MUST go to them.

Sometimes we just need a little inspiration. I hope that you enjoy this video as much as I did.

GOD BLESS YOU ALL and HAPPY NEW YEAR!

The Forgotten Ones

2007-12-13T13:58:00.001-05:00

Today I want to bring to light a group that I see that are "The Forgotten Ones" on many mission trips, wither to Nicaragua or anywhere else. The group that I am talking about are the teens. This is not something that is intentional, it is just that teens are harder to reach than any of the others. They tend to sit back and watch trying to stay out of the spotlight. When teams go down they reach out to villages with VBS (again something even in America teens don't get involved in) Block Parties, and Crusades. As teens these events don't excite them.

Why do I feel that they are forgotten?

One reason is because there are not teams going down and directly targeting them, and just taking a week to impact their lives with the Love of Jesus.

We don't have teams going down to disciple the youth leaders there. What I mean is, we are so spoiled here that we tend to forget that around the world there are youth leaders who are stretched and weary because of the tremendous burden that they are carrying. They don't have adequate resources and if they were available they wouldn't have the money to purchase them. Thus, one of my goals is to reach out to the leaders and let them know that they are not alone in this struggle. Taking training to them and training them to disciple the teens that they are blessed with.

How can we remedy this?

Mobilize teams of youth leaders and workers to go to Nicaragua and just love on teens for a week at a time, breaking down the rough exterior.

Mobilize teams to go down and train and work along side the leaders there, teaching them how to disciple the teens there for Christ.

The last time I was there, I saw teen after teen come to Christ and need someone to reach them with the Word and show them the way that they need to change their lives. It is good to see them come to Christ, but that is not the end of what "The Great Commission" says to do, we are to teach them and disciple them with the correct way to go and teach them what Christ has taught us. Are we doing that? Sadly, the answer is no and it is not any one person's fault, we are all at fault, and personally I am ready to change that.

I would like everyone that reads this blog to pray about this and pray that God will lay it on people's hearts to reach out to the forgotten ones in Nicaragua and also around the world. I am placing some pictures of some teens from Nicaragua on here for you to get an idea of just who I am talking about, these are the teens that have stolen my heart and gave me new purpose. God Bless!

THIS TIME OF YEAR

2007-12-07T22:19:00.000-05:00

So often as this time of year comes around, CHRISTMAS, the thought that goes through everyone’s mind is, “What am I getting everyone for Christmas?” All that I can tell you is, that is the wrong thought. What I mean is, Christmas should be the time of year when we realize just what we have been given. I know the cliché, Jesus was given to us and we celebrate is birth, that is true, but we should feel that way all year not just at Christmas! So what am I talking about then? What was given to US? DO we really know? Sometimes I wonder about these questions and ponder on the answers to them and in the following I hope to share with you the answers that I have discovered.

We get so busy with the Christmas “STUFF” that we lose site of the real answers to these questions. If you don’t think that you are busy just look at your planner or calendar and you will see. There are Christmas parties for work, for Sunday school classes, and if that’s not enough there is Christmas play practices and choir practices for the musicals and plays at church. I am not saying that these things are bad, only when they cloud our perspective of the real reason for this time of year. All of these start around the end of November and usually end the day before Christmas letting us know that it is time to spend time with the family and “share” the Christmas cheer and spirit. Now, I don’t know about you, but by this time I am pretty well put out with the whole thing and am ready just to get it over. You say, “What an attitude to have?” I feel the same way and thus the question again, “What was given to us?”

“What was given us?” Let’s start with, we worship and serve a God that takes rain and makes oceans out of it! He said, “LET THERE BE LIGHT!” and like flipping a switch, there was light! Look at this scripture:
Psalm 33:13-15 “From heaven the LORD looks down and see ALL mankind; from HIS dwelling place HE watches ALL who live on earth—HE who forms the hearts of ALL, who considers everything they do.” NIV
Let me ask again, “What was given us?” A relationship with the CREATOR of ALL, not only a relationship, but a relationship that was established before time began. God in all His Glory decided that He wanted to be loved not by obligation, but by choice. Now is a good time to share that love with Him, and take some of that busy time and tell Him, because He is listening.

“What was given us?” We worship not just a creator, but “THE CREATOR” of it ALL. Even without Christmas we would still have JESUS! “Why?” Good question, yes He is the reason for the season and all that, but He was before the season. Take a step back and think about this, sometime before time began, God and Jesus having a conversation, as the angels were flying around Their heads and crying, “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, the earth is filled with His glory” (yea that is a verse) God says, “Wouldn’t it be nice to hear praises to Us because they want to?” and next thing we know we are hear and being allowed to be the ones doing the praising!! WOW! Again I ask, “What was given us?” Take some time and just praise Him, because He is listening.

“What was given us?” As the Christmas season goes into full swing; as you go shopping at the over crowded malls and shopping centers; as you go to the parties, rehearsals and whatever else is on your plate, take some time and think about, “What was given us?” Realize that even without the gifts and all the special activities that come with the season, we still have a reason to rejoice and praise God. Take a few moments and share with someone, that maybe having a stressful Christmas, the gifts that were given to us by our “CREATOR”. Faith in a Savior that loves us, Hope that no matter what comes upon us He still cares, and Love from a Savior that gave His own life for ours. If this is the only gift that you can give, then you have given the greatest gift known to man!! So, “what was given us?” Go and give the gift of Jesus, because He is watching! Remember, “…faith, hope and love, But the greatest of these is love.” Go share the love of Christ with someone and remember, He IS watching.

“Do we really know?” This is a question by now, should already be answered. No matter what kind of condition you are in, remember the CREATOR of the universe is watching over us and it is our responsibility to respond to Him as we should not only at this time of year, but throughout our lives. Rich Mullins says it best, “Our God Is An Awesome God!” So as you go on your hurried way this Christmas remember “What was given us?”

Nicaragua 07

2007-12-04T11:54:00.003-05:00

As Christmas gets closer I have decided to start to post on the blog again. This will be a place of information and also a place to find out more about Nicaragua and the people that we will be working with. I hope that you enjoy the video of some of the girls and Clint doing an interpretive movement at the crusade one evening

Tuesday Nicaragua on my mind

2007-07-17T10:02:00.001-05:00

This is hard for me to write, since we have been back I can't seem to get back in sinc with how we live in America. I mean it is harder this time than any other time that I have returned. I am torn, and seem to see the children in the elementary schools, the teens in the high schools, and the people on the streets as they go about their day, and I look at my life and see how selfish we are. We have all the luxeries of life and still find things to complain about or things to wish for and as we were in Leon all of those things didn't matter at all. I think that we should look back everyday and pray for the children, teens, and people that God allowed to bless us with and pray for them and thank God for them that even though they don't have the luxeries that we have they always have a smile on their face and are happy and thankful for the things that God has blessed them with and don't even think about the things that they don't have. I am reminded of the family that was btoke down on the road beck from the village, if that would have been any of us we would have been freaking out trying to figure out how we were going to get home, if you look back at the mother she was as calm as if she was sitting in her house, if I recall she even smiled at us as we gave them stuff to eat and water to drink, she had no thought of fear or worry on her face. I think that is how God wants us to be, NO WORRIES He is in control and will never leave us or forsake us. He will always supply our needs and we will never need for anything. That is why we should always be thankful for the people of Leon and how God used them to show us that materal things are NOT important and that He provides always.

I want to personally thank all of the team for their attitudes there and for allowing God to use them by sharing His Son with the people in Nicaragua, and for just being available to Him. I stand in wonder and in awe at how God uses willing people for His Glory. It never ceases to amaze me at how God takes ordinary people to do extraordinary things. I am truly blessed to be able to lead a team like this and to stand back and see students and adults grow before my eyes and to see them allow God to use them like never before.

I am already starting to work on next year's Mission Trip for the High School back to Leon, Nicaragua, so keep your eyes and ears open for the THEME for next year. ADIOS e GLORIA DIOS'!!

GOD BLESS YOU ALL!!!

Saturday

2007-07-15T01:24:00.000-05:00

Today was a day for reflection. There was a slight unspoken sadness among the group today. Many had mixed feelings about preparing to leave Leon. The best word I can use to define it is adoption. These guys have given their everything to these people over the past several days. Now the end of this trip is coming to a close but I can't say this is the end for this group of young missionaries. So many can't wait for the next oppurtunity to get back to the people of Leon, Nicaragua.

We started the morning visiting the Volcano Masaya. It's last major eruption was 9 years ago. On a clear day lava can be seen at the base.

Saturday afternoon everyone went shopping and then we traveled by boat to Monkey Island on Lake Nicaragua. Lake Nicaragua is the sixth largest lake in the world. We stopped at Pizza Hut in Managua before taking the two hour bus ride back to Leon to pack.

Sunday Morning- Our flight leaves Managua airport at around 12:53 or 2:53 Eastern Time headed to Atlanta. Estimated time of arrival in Knoxville is around 8:30 Eastern but we should be in Atlanta by 6:40 Eastern if you need to call to check our status. Flight #1046 Atlanta to Knoxville.

Mission Possible 2007

Leon, Nicaragua

2007-07-13T18:42:00.000-05:00

Friday Update

We started our last day of ministry with a change of scenery. We went into a village and went door to door inviting everyone for a small service in a church there. We played games with the children and adults; followed by a short drama "The Sin Box". A short message followed and we had 15 salvations there. I think that the team really had an eye opening experience there.

Friday afternoon we completed the last of the storage project and was able to get everything organized for Cheryl. There are now organized shelves for medicine and supplies.

Friday night was our final Crusade in the Central Park in Leon. Junior, Kayla, and Scott gave their testimonies. Clint and Madison sang Here I Am To Worship. Following that several of the group and some of the youth from Chico's church sang Open The Eyes of My Heart. After the message 30 people came forward confessing their accepting of Jesus Christ. GLORIA DIOS!!! An encore was requested for Clint and Madison to come up and sing Amazing Grace. At the end of the night the total number of professions of salvation was 1418. GLORIA DIOS!!!

2007-07-12T22:43:00.000-05:00

Thursday Night Update

Sorry the post is so late, but we have been super busy. And to answer Bryan's question, yes it was me that did a stage dive so, I guess that I can't make fun of him anymore for falling off a horse!!!! I thought that the team needed some more excitement to help them through the week, and no I did not get hurt, matter of fact I feel better in my back, Nancy said, I probably knocked something back in place! HA HA HA!!

All I can say is that the parents of these students can be so proud of them, I know that I am, because they have not complained once, but that is not the reason that they should be proud, they have been the best example of Jesus in skin that I have ever seen. I am not just saying that, I had planned on doing some sightseeing in the morning and letting them relax alittle, but they said that they wanted to go out and witness in a village and share Christ with the people, so I had to make an executive decision, and say, "OK I am ALL for that!!"

To date the team has seen 1155 professions of faith, and I know some people say, "How do you know that all of them have really received Christ?" My answer to that is, God knows and it is not for us to try to figure that out.

Tonight's crusade was the first Evangelistic Crusade in the history of Leon. So I guess that you could say that we are history makers with this mission trip, thus the name Mission Possible 07, because with God all things are possible(Mark 6:37)

I want to say something to all the parents, without you all trusting me with your students this trip would have never happened and your kids would never have gave their testimonies, led a devotion, told children about Jesus, and most of all, led people to Christ in Leon, Nicaragua. All I can say is, I stand in wonder, I stand in awe as I sit back and just watch them let God use them in a way that they would have never thought God woul.d use them. I really don't want to go into to much detail because it will ruin the suprise and blessing that is in store for everyone when the team has their share service.

I will tell you one thing that happened tonight at the crusade after the message one of our kids, no I am gonna wait on that story too. All I will say is that she remember what I said God would do down here, I told them that God would literally break them, and she said that she was broken tonight, so if this has raised your anticipation of a blessing then you better be at our share service.

Anyway here are some pictures of today.

2007-07-11T23:29:00.000-05:00

~wednesday night update~

Tonight was the first night of the crusade. It was definitely an amazing time of worship. The band was awesome and had lots of energy, so we couldn't help but dance.

Clint and Madison sang tonight, which was a great blessing. Then Clint and Jessica both gave their testimonies. It's so amazing to see how each team member is truly surrendering to what God has for them to say for the people of Nicaragua. Cheryl and Greg both spoke a little to the crowd on how we are going into the high schools each day and sharing about True Love Waits. Gabby ended their talk by saying, "No Sex before Marriage", which shows the importance to start teaching them at an early age.

Mark preached the message tonight with Chico interpreting. His message was a message of love showing that the Bible has a positive message (using the passage John 3:16). We had around 30 people come forward for profession of faith (we'll get an actual count later from the ones that went around getting their information). Praise God!!!

We ended the service with the big raffle. We gave away a couple of t-shirts, a couple of CD Players, and the big prize of $ 50 American dollars which converts to about $900 Nicaraguan dollars (aka $ 900 Cordobas). The service went out with a bang as Gregoiyo (aka Greg) dove off the stage, with no one there to catch him. We were all quite concerned, until he jumps up and shouts, "Gloria Dios!" We do thank God that he was not hurt!!

Buenas Noches (Goodnight) from Brooke

2007-07-11T18:07:00.000-05:00

Weds. Update

Today is midweek and this trip is about over, seems like it has flown by since Sunday at 3:30 a.m. Today so far there were 386 salvations. There were 229 in the elenmentary school and 157 in the High School the total to date is 949 GLORIA DIOS'!! We are preparing to go to the crusade in the city where we are expecting about 1000 people. It monsooned this afternoon and cooled things off a little but it is starting to feel like it is heating up again.

The students have been AWESOME not a one of them have complained about anything. They are all eager to do what is expected of them. They step up and help where ever they are needed. Shelby Bond did the devotion this morning and another student will do the one in the morning. They are all leading in a way that makes Jesus proud and happy that they are His Children. So to all the parents back home I want to let you all know that I am humbled to be with them on the first of many more Mission Trips to Nicaragua and beyond.

2007-07-11T08:33:00.000-05:00

Tues update on Wedsnesday Morning
God is TRULY AWESOME!!! the team went to another elementary school tuesday morning and saw 223 sweet children accept Christ Gloria Dios'!

Tuesday afternoon we went to a Middle and High School where 2000 students attend. Our 5 teams visited 20 classrooms and shared TRUE LOVE WAITS with them, but not only was that shared the teams shared the gospel of JESUS and 143 students and 2 teachers accepted Christ as their Savior, Gloria Dios'!!

Tuesday night the team went to the village where a previous Fairview team at put on a roof. This is also the village where Mercedes lives, she is the girl that I am always telling people about, anyway, we had a church service and another 20 people gave their lives to the Lord, one being about 60 years old, Gloria Dios'!!

The total of salvations so far is 563, and God be the GLORY!!

Diane Lyle shared Monday night about the strawberry patch and what the Lord showed her there, and she found 2 of those special strawberries. Hopefully when the team does it share service Diane will share that story with the church.

We are getting readt to go to another elementary school this morning so I will put up another update around 12:30 Knoxville time.

Oh Yeah, Madison, Shelby, and the rest of our students say hello and just to keep on praying for us!! Adios!

2007-07-10T12:03:00.000-05:00

Today is an AWESOME day! God has truly blessed us today. We went into another elementary school and did VBS and saw another 223 salvations!! Please be in prayer as we go into some High schools starting today.

Our students are truly being used by God and are really seeing apart of the world that is hungry for the love of Christ. They are sharing with the people here the love of Christ in a way that even suprises them.

The cafeteria at the elementary school that we visited this morning

The curtain in the church where we went on Sunday night. The students of this church have been fasting and praying for our group for the past three weeks and have sacrificed for us.

Ashton, Jill, and Brooke have made a few friends here in Nicaragua

The groups after church

2007-07-09T23:31:00.000-05:00

Here is Jill and Eric after a big game of soccer with the kids at John F. Kennedy.

2007-07-09T22:51:00.000-05:00

As you all have probably heard we had an interesting afternoon at the beach. We had two people that ended up in danger at no fault of their own, Eric Bull and Jessica Petre were caught out in deep water. But from their danger God used it for HIS glory, from the result of this accident another person that no one seen out in the water was saved. Literally he was pulled from the water and gasping for breath. From this event God has showed the group that as Christian's we are supposed to be the lifeguard. Think of it this way, a lost person is drowning in their sin and we as Christians just sit back and watch them drown and then wonder what went wrong with them, when we should go out and pull them out of the deep sin of their lives and share the love of Christ with them. Eric said it this way, "as I was going under the water, I felt hand's lift me out of the water and bring me to safety". Then it hit me, we should not just be the spectators on the beach of life, but the lifeguards of their souls through the love of Christ.

Jessica used this as an illustration for sin, we step into the waters of sin up to our ankles, then to our knees, our waste, our chest and then before you know it you are over your head in sin with no way out but God. When we look at life and sin like we are drowning in sin then we will see the lost world through the eyes of Christ.

God has never ever failed us and never will. So when Satan tries to use this to discourage or tell you that it is not worth it to go to Nicaragua or anywhere else, remind him that as Christians we may be the last lifeguard that reaches out and pulls someone from sins depths. So use this not as a stumbling block but use it as a witnessing illustration for Christ.

Update for tuesday.

The team is going back into a elementary school and do VBS
The afternoon we are going into the middle and high schools and do True Love Waits
We are going to a village to have church and share the gospel

So be in prayer for us. God Bless

2007-07-09T15:24:00.000-05:00

Here is Laci as she takes some time away from the basketball game to pose for a picture with the children she was doing rec with at VBS

Here is Kayla as she is reading Sissy and the King to the children at John F. Kennedy Elementary

2007-07-09T12:17:00.000-05:00

A quick update on the team so far. The team went to "John F. Kennedy" elementary school this morning and did VBS. We had three teams that shared the gospel, recreation, and crafts with about 300 elementary students. After we returned to the house we counted up the salvations and 187 children prayed to recieve Christ as their Savior!!!! Gloria Dios!!

We are preparing to eat lunch and go to the hospital and then to the beach with the students from the church we were at last night. Here are a few pictures.

2007-07-08T23:50:00.000-05:00

Hey This is an update on the team and everyone arrived here fine and with no problems. I am going to put pictures up on the site on monday afternoon. Today was AWESOME we had a great flight to Managua and a good trip to Leon. We went to a Chico's church and had an AWESOME time of worship with them (there will be a picture of our group with them tomorrow). They treated us to a little social after church. Our group walked in the church and spotted a huge banner that said, "Welcome youth from Tennessee." They were so excited when they saw that. The church really reached out with the Love of Christ to us, even though we were tired that was an encouragement to us. Well, as you can see I am tired and rambling so for now, PEACE OUT AND Buenos Noches. The time on this blog is Nicaragua time, my body is on Knoxville time, 1:08 a.m. Monday

A normal day

2007-06-20T14:19:00.000-05:00

These are some of the kids that we are going to be working with in one of the villages around Leon. I had the privaledge to meet the children when we were there putting the roof on the school/community center. This little girl is eating a mango and as you can tell it looks like she is really enjoying it. These two boys are full of energy and are very curious. The one in the orange shirt is Diego and his family lives next to the community center. They are sitting on the steps eating their breakfast. I just wanted to take a few minutes and introduce you to a girl that all of you have heard about, Mercedes. This is a picture of her at Masaya Volcano, As far as I know this was her first time ever out of Leon and as you can see she is so excited that she can not hold back her emotions

Test Pictures

2007-05-28T22:12:00.001-05:00

What We Will Be Doing

2007-05-28T21:58:00.000-05:00

Some of the things that we are going to do in Nicaragua:

Do VBS in some of the local villages
Teach True Love Waits in some of the elementary schools with Puppets for Purity
Teach True Love Waits in some of the middle and high schools in Leon
Visit the Hospital
Go into the streets and witness
Go to Center Park and do True Love Waits Crusades