We were shocked to get the news that Dave Merritt had gone
to be with the Lord. Dave was a great blessing. Never did we
hear him say a negative word about anyone. His motives were
pure and his integrity high. You knew he loved Jesus and that
he wanted everyone to know Jesus like he did. This was never
more evident than during this past December's Christmas
team ministry in Nicaragua. We actually called it "Dave's trip"
because God so honored all he had put together to make it such
a success. Dave had served on short-term mission trips each
year since 2004, and he had already begun to plan for 2010
saying, "This is going to be even better than 2009." Well, for
Dave, 2010 is already better because he's with Jesus.
One of the highlights of "Dave's Christmas trip" was that he had put together a skit with costumes for a play that depicted the life, crucifixion, death, burial and resurrection of Christ. He would dress up young children and adults in the costumes and then direct them through their parts in the play. On the last day the team went to present the program to a group of troubled teenage boys. Dave spent the first few minutes praying over the costumes with additional prayer over the one that would be worn by the boy playing the role of Christ. As the play came to an end, the older youth playing the role of Jesus was standing arms wide open as the group began to sing "Jesus Messiah" (We realized at Dave's memorial service this was his favorite song.) As the team sang, we all witnessed this older youth as his countenance began to change right before our eyes. You knew Jesus was right there in our midst as we were all in a state of worship and praise before Him. When the program ended and invitation was given, the young boy came forward and gave his life to Christ. We were all ecstatic and Dave was beside himself.
Dave will always be remembered in our hearts as a man who loved and served the Lord with all his heart, soul and mind. He humbly served His Lord, not only in Nicaragua, but also in his home church and community. Dave served through Hope Ranch and Chosen Children Ministries, after-school Bible clubs, our church's children's ministry, and more. He was just a servant; not looking for accolades or rewards here on earth. He was a man that loved his children and family. The last time we were with him he spoke of them. It was his greatest desire that they all just love and follow the Lord Jesus who had changed him from the inside out.
We are thankful the Lord put Dave in our lives. We will remember this humble servant and hopefully be better in our own walk with the Lord because we knew and learned by his example. For all who know the Lord Jesus as Savior, we will see Dave again. Until then, we can all be better stewards in our service to the Lord.
~ Wallace and Kim Nix, Chosen Children Ministries
Psalm 116:15 Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.
With a small or no bean crop this year because of the unusual rainy season in Nicaragua (the rain came but at the wrong time), Nicaragua will be experiencing an even greater need for food items such as beans and rice. Therefore, in combination with our emphasis on evangelism, Chosen Children Ministries will step up our feeding program to meet this urgent need.
There are many things to remember about our team's mission service to Nicaragua. I will remember:
Building a house for an elderly lady from the 
The smiles and kindness given to us by the people of Nicaragua despite the poverty in which they live.