When a builder and an electrician get together you might imagine that some serious building may take place. But what about when you add a retired accountant, a missions pastor, a Vice President, a retired military pilot and a cracker man to the mix? When Moses was talking to God, God asked him the question, "Moses, what is that in your hand?" (Ex. 4) Moses soon realized that it does not matter what we have as long as we give it back to the One who requires only one thing from us; obedience.

 

It was apparent even before we landed in Nicaragua that God was the builder of this team as well as the builder of the cottage we were assigned to construct. My fingers who were accustomed to tapping on the keyboard of my computer were now being nicked and pounded by missed hits from my hammer. What a contrast - but what a Savior.

Many times His call places His children in circumstances they are not accustomed to, and requires from them a new level of dependence they may not have experienced before. Many times the task seems too hard and impossible to achieve.

 

Looking back on a week of blood, sweat, and yes some tears, we have been honored to be able to partner with Chosen Children Ministries over the past seven years. We cannot reach Nicaragua for Christ. What we can do is empower the ones there who have been called out from among the people to serve 'them' while serving 'Him.' A hard week? Yes! Did we get tired? Absolutely! But we did not 'grow weary in well doing.'   Our hats are off to the many, many there who tirelessly give so much from seemingly so little. As Psalm 67:1 says, may you gain the attention of Almighty God: "May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine upon us."

 

 

Andrew Limbaugh, Mission Pastor at First Baptist Church Fort Mill

  

  

 

We were blessed to worship on Sunday with the people of Parcels barrio and do a skit for them. Many made professions of faith during this service. We returned there on Wednesday to be a part of the first baptism held for this community and what a rejoicing time we all had together. We held Vacation Bible School (VBS) for the children while a Bible Study was being taught by two other members for the ladies and men. Afterwards we fed the people and felt so blessed to be used in such a way for these precious people.

 

 

We visited other barrios and held VBS, along with a Bible Study at the Zanbrano barrio, feeding and passing out treats after presenting the Gospel. Part of the men were building a home, doing repair work and adding Sunday School rooms at different churches each day.

 

A visit to Casa Mephibosheth is always a special time for us as we play with the orphanage children and present the Gospel. As we were traveling to Cristo Rey and the Dump we had a very humbling experience. Pastor Oscar, one of the barrio pastors, was on the side of the road. Guillermo stopped and he got on the bus with us. We were able to supply a need he had so that he might continue to spread the Gospel. The staff, workers and interpreters for CCM are to be praised for being vessels that God is using in a mighty way to help the people of Nicaragua and the teams that come to work with them.

 

This verse speaks of what our hearts feel after visiting Nicaragua; "What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, "Go in peace; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way,    faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead." James 2:14-17

  

The 2012 Nicaragua Mission Trip Team from Ward Church was, for the most part, experiencing this trip for the 1'st time.  Three of us were on our very first mission trip. We found the mission house and grounds in Masaya to be beautiful and everyone extended a hearty welcome to the team. We went to the farming community of Parcels and saw how rich the soil was and the many crops due to the aqueducts that pipe water in from Lake Nicaragua.  We could see the level of caring among the people and they worked together well. 

 

Pastor Bont gave them a great message about not only sharing with one another, but how they could help the whole area with the food they will produce.  We were the first missionaries to go into Bride & Groom barrio and we were welcomed with open arms and hearts.  The new church in Marvin kindly invited the children of Bride & Groom to VBS and cooked a meal for them all which we gladly helped serve.  What a wonderful example of one community helping another! Along with the evangelizing in Bride & Groom, we had a turnout of over 50 children to see our skit at a local home in the barrio . We handed out kool-aid and picos.  It was a day that filled so many hearts with hope and joy. 

 

We made a quick trip to Casa Mephibosheth Orphanage in Juigalpa where we played with and handed out gifts to the children.  There are a number of new children in the orphanage that need sponsors. The day before we left found us shopping and having lunch in Restaurante Carolina and visiting Crater Lake. This was my first mission trip to Nicaragua but I know it's only the beginning of many trips to come.  Our prayers are with all the people of Nicaragua and especially those who tirelessly give so much to Chosen Children Ministries. 

 

Valorie Winder, Team Member