Kim and I joined 26 others on the annual Christmas trip led by John and Nancy Tillema. While there is no way to convey the workings of God and the experience of humbly sharing Christmas with those in Nicaragua, I do wish to share with you how God used
Chosen Children Ministries to proclaim and celebrate the good news of Christ's birth through the 2010 Christmas team.
On Sunday, December 12, Raydel Tompkins led a morning church service where we partook in the Lord's Supper. Afterwards we traveled to a new barrio called Cristo Rey where the team presented the Christmas drama using the local children. Then we all joined together to sing Christmas carols. Snacks and drinks were provided along with candy for the children and hygiene bags for the adults. Approximately 200 people joined in the celebration.
On Monday, December 13, we traveled to Leon and presented the Chr
istmas drama in the Salinas Grandes church. Here we served meals and gave gifts to over 400 people. Before heading to the next barrio, we went to the coast where we celebrated the ordinance of Baptism with two of our team members. Our second stop of the day was El Chague where again the Christmas drama was shared and another 400 people were served a meal and given a gift.
On Tuesday, December 14, we traveld to Juigalpa where the team presented the drama at our own Casa Mephibosheth orphanage where the San Antonio and Las Torres churches joined us. Againa meal was provided for approximately 200 people along with gifts for everyone. Toys and candy were given out to the children and hygiene bags to the adults. The team spent the rest of the afternoon just having fun with the Mephibosheth staff and children. On our way back to the mission house we made a stop in Sambrano barrio where we have a home church led by Pedro and Loli Reyes. When we arrived they were already singing Christmas carols. We presented the drama and gave out sandwiches and fruit drinks to at least 50 men, women and children.
On Wednesday, December 15, we traveled to Emmanuel Church and presented the drama and songs which were enjoyed by all . Approximately 600 meals were served and there was candy and gifts for everyone. Here we had the blessing to see two people come to Christ, one of which had played the role of Jesus in the drama. Next we went to Marvin Salazar where Pastor Ervin, along with his wife, Dinora, and 500 people were anxiously awaiting the team's arrival. The drama, songs, meals, and gifts were greatly appreciated!
On Thursday, December 16, we went to our church in Xiola where the drama, meals, and gifts were provided on
ce again, this time for around 200 more people. Our final barrio stop was a community called The Flags, one of the most needy villages of all. Here again we presented the program under two large shade trees to around 600 adults and children. Everyone was provided with food, candy, and hygiene bags. Some were also helped with shoes and clothing, but again the greatest gift of all was for one lady who asked Christ to become her Lord and Savior. It was an incredible blessing for the team to share with people across Nicaragua and to be blessed with knowing as our week was coming to an end that three more people had come to know Christ as the Lord and Savior of their lives. That's what it's all about.
On Friday, December 17, the team gathered street vendors and market guides together to share the Christmas story one last time. Just as in all the other performances it ended with a Gospel presentation and altar call. That evening the Nicaraguan staff along with their families joined the team at the Mission House where Petrona, Raydel and Chad had prepared a Christmas feast with all the trimmings.
As we close out the 2010 calendar year Chosen Children Ministries would like to thank each of you who made this year such a great success. You did this by praying, giving, and going.
Our 2011 calendar begins with the first team on January 1st. Please prayerfully consider how you can partner with us by faithfully praying for the teams, by going on a team, forming your own team, and by generously giving during 2011. We wish you a Christ filled New Year, and we are looking forward to seeing many of you in Nicaragua In the coming year
In Christ,
Wallace Nix
"You will make known to me the path of life; in your presence is fullness of joy; in your right hand there are pleasures forever." ~ Psalm 16:11
