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Newsletters
Nov 2011 |
Newsletters - Aug 2003Alongside Ministries en Nicaragua Dear Friends, Remember the prayer of Jabez? It was very widely read not too long ago. If you haven’t read it lately you should look at it again and give some thought to how God has responded to this prayer. Recently we had a Costa Rican friend who had been involved in ministry here in Managua for the past year return to Costa Rica. Before she left she prayed the prayer of Jabaz for us and it made us stop and think . . . “Oh, that You would bless me indeed,…”
Some of God’s blessings have come in the financial form as well. We have received special financial gifts designated specifically for the building of the ministry center, VBS offerings designated for the ministry center/feeding program and a gift for the purchase of preschool supplies. Thank you for responding to God’s prompting to give to these areas of ministry and becoming a part of God’s blessings in Nicaragua. “… enlarge my territory,…”
We also became legitimate land owners this past month when we signed on the purchase of property for our own home! It was quite an interesting procedure – unlike anything we’ve experienced in the U.S. We only had to sign one paper and hand over the payment (in cash!!!) to take ownership. We’ve already begun clearing the property of the brush and small scrub trees so it can be plowed and graded. We’re in the process of finding a builder for the security fence which, if you remember from our ministry center project, is the first thing to go up. “…that Your hand would be with me,…” God has continued to bless us with His presence throughout our lives down here. We experience safety in our comings and goings – quite often in a car packed with kids heading to or from a baseball game. Our little Izusu has really lived up to its name – it is a real “Trooper” as it has taken a beating on the rugged back roads of the neighborhoods. We hope it will hold together for just a couple more weeks till the truck is completed then it will take its turn in the repair shop. God’s protection has covered our health as well and we are so thankful for nothing worse than sunburns and mosquito bites. “… that You would keep me from evil,…” When we first arrived in Managua much of the advice we received from others revolved around being careful. “Be careful where you park! Be careful to always lock your car! Be careful if you wear your watch or earrings! Be careful who you ask for help! Be careful of the police!” Time and time again we have felt the watchful care of the Holy Spirit as we have ventured in and around Managua. Only once have we been taken advantage of, and yes, we are careful. But it is a comfort to know that a power greater than our own minds is directing our paths to keep us safe. We find that to be true for our sons, Brandon and Britton, in the states as well. They are making independent decisions regarding travel, school, work and friends and we continue to trust that God will direct their paths as they trust in and live for Him. “So God granted him what he requested.” We serve an awesome God! We hope you are receiving the wonderful blessings He has for you! All you need to do is ask!! Serving Together, Thank you for supporting our ministry in Nicaragua. Eastside Development |
God has been blessing us in so many ways. Last month we were blessed in a big way when we met the Beldner family and their friend Sandy from Missouri. Nancy Beldner, a nurse, Sandy and Kathy worked for 2 long days running a medical clinic at our ministry center site. In those 2 days they consulted with 125 infants, children and adults. They passed out vitamins, antibiotics, parasite medicine and Gods Word to as many people as they had time to see. Everyone left with several bags of medicines, a small toy, a lollipop and a Bible – and those were just the things we could see. They also left with a part of their hearts – the part that needs some TLC, filled up with love sent directly from God. We were all richly blessed by the experience. While we were running the clinic Dennis Beldner and his 3 sons worked with Halle on the construction of a bathroom and digging the foundation for the ministry center.What an encouragement it was to see the construction actually start! We have yet to hear the first flush but that’s coming!
Our most recent blessing arrived from California early in July with a tote full of baseball gear and a heart ready to love kids through baseball. Brian (we knew he’d fit in with our family because of his Br… name) is a 26 year old seminary student with a passion for God, relationships and baseball. He works with many Latino youth in the Southern California area – coaching baseball along with other ministries, and he wanted to improve his Spanish language skills. Through God’s wonderful hand he ended up here with us for about 5 ½ weeks. He’s helping with practices and coaching as well as lending a hand with some other work at the ministry center and property.
Thanks to God’s rich provisions the ministry center is approximately 75% complete. We’re beginning to talk about our opening day fiesta complete with praise and worship, a blessing over the center, a piñata and, of course, food!!! We are excited as we look ahead and think of how God will use this facility in service to Him and to this community!