Reaching the Youth of Neuva Guinea with Bethany and Alexis

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This is a blog showing God's work with the youth of our zone shown through the lives of Bethany and Alexis, two missionary interns that are here to serve God for 2 months!

 Bethany and Alexis, two of our youth from CCSGV, have been here now for three weeks today. They have come a long way in their interaction with the young girls that come to the church. During youth center, they were playing the human knot, steal the bacon and dodge ball. They still have a ways to go with their Spanish, but at least they still get out there to interact. Their next challenge is communicating with the older girls, girls their age, which they seem to be more shy about. Beth and Alexis wrote Katherine letters and had me translate them for her. Katherine in turn wrote to them and I translated the same. That has been their way of opening up communication and it works.

They have continued to bless us with the small ways that they serve. They have a schedule that they stick to.  After lunches, they wash dishes (everyday). They help with youth center on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Thursday and Friday mornings they go with Nubia and I to the schools. Saturday is their day to sweep and mop the house and porches, and Sundays they cook together. Yesterday they made us popcorn chicken with baked potatoes and pineapple! Next week they want to make BBQ chicken pizza with cilantro. I had told Alexis that we didn't have the right kind of cheese right now to make pizza, and she replied "We don't need cheese. Just BBQ sauce, chicken and cilantro"......this should be interesting. Keep them in prayer for the rest of their time here. Pray that they may break out of their comfort zones and reach out to other youth so that they can have a richer experience while they are here.

Faith in Jesus alone

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If you remember my newsletter, I talked about the seven week study that I am doing with the kids on the Gospel. This week, they learned about what it means to put our faith in Jesus. They know that God exists, but they have trouble remembering that God is three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. So when I ask who we need to put our faith in, they answer: Dios (God). When I ask who died on the cross, they say "Dios". So, not a bad response at all.....it's the truth. But what I have to keep reiterating is that yes it is God, but in Jesus Christ His Son, specifically.  They are fourth graders, so I try not to complicate it for them, but I do at least want to help them to know the basics. So, this week they got a memory verse, Ephesians 2:8 "Porque por gracia sois salvo por medio de la fe; y esto no de vosotros, pues es don de Dios" "Because by grace you are saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God"

They have a week to memorize it so I am hoping that they do. Next week, we will go over verse 9 "no por obras para que nadie se glorie"  "not of works, lest anyone should boast"

I know that I can teach them what I can, and God can do the work in their hearts. Not only that, but they take these scriptures home where their parents might take interest! 

Back in Nica

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It is good to be back in Nicaragua! During the last few days of my visit to the States, I had been looking forward to getting back into my normal schedule, and into ministry. I came with Alexis and Bethany and anytime youth come from the states, the youth here from Nica want to get to know them, and hang out around them the entire time. So far both Alexis and Bethany have been helping out a lot with events like Nathanael's birthday party and Dia del Nino (kids day). There had been a need for extra helping hands, and they have been busy helping however they can.  The last few nights, they have been eagerly asking me to sit with them and teach them basic Spanish words and phrases so that they can communicate with the young girls here like Katherine and Karla (pastor Carlos' daughter). I know that they could all get a long well if it weren't for the language barrier, but God can work even through that. The other night before we went to bed we read together, and I was encouraging them with Colossians 3:17 "And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." As long as Jesus is their focus first, He can bring fruit out of their service here, and also help them build godly relationships with other youth that will last even when they leave.

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New believers! Larri and Doña Tana

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Hi everyone!

This past week was filled with a lot of activity and blessing, too. There has been an event everyday since Tuesday. Two weeknight services, a prayer service, a trip to the river for Good Friday, pig preparation, and finally Resurrection Day. During the service on Sunday evening, two people gave their life to Christ. One was a youth named Larri, who has started coming regularly just recently, although he used to come to youth center a couple of years ago. The other was Doña Tana. She is Elmer and Daniel's (youth boys') mom. She also has a daughter that visits another church, her name is Tanya and is Elmer and Daniel's sister. Since Tanya is a believer and we know their family, I like to visit with her and read/pray or just talk with her. She has told me how much she wants for her mom to know the Lord. She would tell me that she tries to read the Bible to her or pray with her, but that her mom never took it seriously. So, now that her mom has received Jesus, I am excited to see how her life changes. Larri and Doña Tana are two people to keep in prayer so that they might continue in the Lord and not grow weary. Our family in Christ is growing, thanks to Jesus!

Much love in Jesus' name,

Angela

Willing To Serve

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Youth center on Tuesday afternoons.

This past week, I decided to take the girls up to the backyard of the facility to play for youth center. We had a small picnic too. I gave each girl a task in preparing and handing out the snacks and drink. The scripture that i read to them was from Mark 9:35 "those who desire to be great in the kingdom of God must be last of all and servant of all." So, i shared with them that it is important to be willing to serve, no matter what kind of task it is, big or small, even if it is handing out food. The good thing is, i didn't even have to ask them all to help, they were already willing and eager. After their treats, we played dodgeball and steal the bacon. It was a really fun afternoon with them. They loved it because it was something a little bit different and in a different spot on the facility. I am praying for new and creative ways to minister to them. Next week i might take them on an adventure walk!


Kids Church by Candlelight and YC Girls

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A couple of weeks ago the power went out during church service. It isn't often that it goes out during those times, but it does happen. This particular time, we were equipped with candle sticks and a flashlight in the classroom. And this is how the kids continued with their crafts.....in the candlelight.

It was funny because their lesson was on darkness and light....specifically about the eye being the lamp of the body. So, it was actually perfect timing for the power to go out and the kids enjoyed the rest of class without the lights anyway. 

Here is a picture of three of the young girls that come to Youth Center during the afternoons. From left is Vanessa, Marelin, and Hermayoni. Vanessa actually came back a week and a half ago from visiting family in Costa Rica. She was there for a little over a month. If you remember, I wrote about Hermayoni (far right) a long time ago, she is a precious young girl who is very aware of Jesus' love for her. At the same time she and Vanessa have a love hate relationship. If they come together, the come holding hands. It's sweet....until they get into a fight over the toys they are playing with. There's accusations, mean words, and eventually a complaint to me.  That of course is normal. Those are the opportunities that come that allow me to direct them to scripture and help them to apply it right to that situation; forgiveness, kindness and love. After a few minutes they are fine again. They are learning how to treat each other.

Younger kids don't always have permission to come, usually because of their parents' different faith. For a time Marelin wasn't aloud to come for church and youth center because her family has a catholic background. But, thankfully she has been able to join us again. She comes on some Sunday mornings, too.

God's work in the girls is evident. I trust that He is faithful to bring fruit from their lives. 

Sunday School!

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Here is a bit of an update on Natali, the young girl who comes to class every Sunday morning. She is the young girl who brought her book that the Jehova's witnesses gave to her. I had run in to her mom one day last week and she was telling me that the girls are always up and ready on their own to come to church. Their mom doesn't have to get them out of bed and drag them to services, rather they are the ones more than willing and happy to come. She also brought up the subject of the Jehovah's witnesses and the book they gave to her daughter, Natali,  saying "she loves to read that book, and it's ok that she reads  it, or if she is invited to the other churches because it's all of the same God". Unfortunately this is the mentality of many, many people here. I was able to explain to her that that was not necessarily true, and that the Bible is the inspired word of God (2 Tim 3:16) If we don't abide in it, we won't know what is truth.  Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. She let me know that they don't have a Bible with both testaments, just the NT. That is perfectly fine, but i ended up giving them an old and new testament Bible anyway. Jesus said to enter by the narrow gate, not the wide gate-Matt 7:13. Sadly many people hear and follow many different doctrines and believe that they all "lead to the same God anyway". This is why Nueva guinea needs much prayer. Satan would love to lead people away from the Truth.

Here are some pictures of Sunday morning class. You can see Natali here reading her Bible along with us during the lesson. To her left is her younger sister michell!

Christmas Baskets for Low income Families.

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This morning we set out to ask for donations for the Christmas baskets that we pass out to families in need every year. Greg, Pastor Carlos, Tino, Jose, Hector, Nathanael and myself all went into the market place and onto "Calle central" (central street) to let people know what we are doing. We collect anything from food, used/new clothing and shoes, toys, and other basic necessities like matches and plastic buckets. Today, we were able to collect some stuffed animals, rice and sugar. The young boys were really helpful. Here is a picture of Tino (left), and Jose (right) holding up some of the items we got. Pray that we can collect enough to be able to bless families who are going without this Christmas season.

Much love, Angela

Tino an Jose. Juan Jose is a new believer thank you Jesus!

Tino an Jose. Juan Jose is a new believer thank you Jesus!

Prayer Requests From The Little Ones

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Yesterday morning I went to the school to give class to my preschool kids. Before I pray with them, sometimes I ask if they have specific requests. Well, yesterday about seven of them had the same requests for their parents. They all wanted to ask God to help their moms and dads stop lying and saying bad words. One little boy, Esneider, always tells me about how his dad drinks and gets drunk and calls him terrible names.  And another young girl asked for her mom to stop listening to worldly music. So, we prayed together.  I was sad for them because they were so genuinely burdened for their parents, and as a young girl I had some of the same burdens for my own parents so I know what they feel. At the same time I was really happy that they know truth! The parents of these kids are not all followers of Christ, but the kids know Him and know what does and doesn't please Him. God continues to show me fruit in this bunch of little ones and what I hope is that their light brings their families to Christ. Remember the kids in Nueva Guinea! God is doing a good work in and through them. Pray that God would give me wisdom to  teach them in the way they should go.

Love in Jesus,

Angela

Bible Week!

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Today as part of the celebration of the Bible, "Dia de la Biblia", here in Nueva Guinea a radio station called Stereo Luz, or 'light', broadcasted the reading of the Bible by participants of various churches. Now, I have to be honest. When I was first asked to participate I hesitated because I felt nervous about talking on a microphone. But I felt horrible afterwards because I thought about all that has been happening to Christians in the middle east, and how just being a Christian is considered a major crime deserving of a horrible death. Most don't have the freedom that we do to own a Bible, let alone read it on loud speakers publicly, so to me turning down that opportunity seemed insane! So I decided to participate, and got to read five whole chapters from the book of Psalms and I'm happy that I did. It makes me appreciate our freedom here to share God's word. It's an eye opener. Please pray the His word can continue to run swiftly throughout Nueva Guinea!

Willing hearts

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If anyone wants to enter the kingdom of heaven they need to become like a child.......

A few months back, the classroom on Sunday mornings for church would be almost empty. Lately a good bunch of kids have been coming faithfully. The one thing that I always think on when I consider how these little ones make it to services, is the fact that they are not held accountable by parents to be here (except Pastor Carlos' daughters), and if they chose to stay at home and watch T.V., they very well could. The kids that come, come because they like to, and not because they HAVE to. I love that. Some of them are even responsible for getting their siblings and/or cousins ready and bringing them to church with them. For many kids, church services are the only place they will learn about Jesus. They don't all return to homes where they will receive guidance and instruction in the Lord. God is doing a work in their hearts, and we are seeing fruit among the kids. God can use them to be light in their homes...bringing their parents to know Him too.

Meet Elder...

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This young boy started coming a few monthes ago. He would come here and there a long time ago, but he started coming to youth center and church services regularly just recently. Kids like him are usually written off as "Necio" or fool, "malcriado" which means badly raised, and "mal educado' or poorly educaded. I have seen him get run out of his house while being whipped with whatever cord or piece of a tree branch his grandma can find, because of his filthy language and rebeliousness. He is only 7 or 8. He can also be really hyperactive. I can tell he isn't taken seriously, even in his home. Doubless he lives in a home where he isn't shown love like a child needs, even though that isn't an excuse for his bad behavior, but he needs to know Jesus. That is why I have been happy to see that he now comes every Sunday morning with his older sister Anna. His attitude changes if you just give him positive attention and even a little bit of responsibility. If I ask him to help put toys away or tidy up the class, he does it and he loves to show me that he did. He seeks affirmation and acceptance. He does still need major discipline, and he responds to it when it is firm but in love instead of being screamed at and kicked out which is probably what he expects. So, pray for Elder and for his home in which are problems.He is so young, now is the perfect time for Him to learn about Jesus so that he may not stray when he is older.

Outreach in the Park

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During their stay, the team from Connecticut led an outreach in the park, just in front of the facility. There were crafts and games.....and CANDY!  Needless to say, there were a lot of kids. Most if not all of the kids that came out that day come regularly for youth center, and a few come for church services. We have been seeing fruit from the youth center ministry, and to have teams come and minister to these kids and show them love, is like watering the seeds that have been sown. Even with the language barrier, the youth from Connecticut worked together and blessed the kids here in Nicaragua, both old and young. Youth teams that have come out to serve may be what God uses to create a desire for missions in the hearts of some of the youth here in Nicaragua. 

Unending Love

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Here is a song that I came upon that ministered to me right away. It isnt a
new song, but it is new for me :) All of the words spoke right to my heart.
Anything and everything we need is found only in God's unending love.

Hillsong - Unending Love - God is able DVD VERSE 1: There's no silver or gold And no treasure untold That could draw me away from Your heart Neither love of myself Or of anyone else will do PRE-CHORUS: Jesus nothing compares To this grace that rescued me Saviour now

Fellowship Trip to San Juan

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This last week, Nubia and I rode out with Katherine and Cynthia to a small town called San Juan. It took us about an hour and a half or so to get there. It's a beautiful ride, a few hills to get over but it is worth it. We had just decided the night before during youth center that we would go. We love bike rides! Of course we couldn't go all the way out there and not buy Hornadas. Hornadas are small corn baked goodies that are made with cheese. There are a variety, some made with molasses wich makes them salty AND sweet. Those are called "hojaldras," some people call them "viejitas" (old ladies). There are others which are ring shaped and salty, cheesy tasting. Nubia had brought a thermos with coffee, so after we bought our breakfast goodies, we went over to a local park and rested as we ate.Not to mention on the way back home, in passing by a family that Cynthia knows, we were invited in by them to fill up on water and more coffee! Here are some pics of the trip.

Love you all in Jesus!

Resting In Him

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We are just finishing a long weekend with pastor Carlos' mom passing away,
women's ministry activities, the Christmas dinner for the church, and to
top it off an over-nighter with the youth where NO ONE SLEPT. No one has
had much time to stop and rest these past few days with so much going on so
we are taking advantage of today to unwind.The youth left at about 7am
this morning and instead of going to bed first, I decided to go right to my
morning devotion in one of my favorite spots outside with a cup of coffee
:) It was so quiet and so beautiful out that taking that time to meet with
the Lord was more refreshing and peaceful than had I gone straight sleep
(although I did go to sleep after). This view from our back porch is the
reason why it is one of my favorite spots. I could spend hours sitting out
here, and it makes for a perfect place to meet with Jesus :)
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A movie and some cookies

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I baked some goodies for Saturday night group time. Since Saturday is the only day of the week that we don't have ministry activities in the evening, Nubia, Deanna, Hector, Greg and I get together in the evenings for a movie and/or a game, and once in a while we'll go out for ice cream.  We watched Monsters University.

In case you'd like to use the same recipes that I did, here they are 

Fudge Crinkle cookies

(18 1/4 ounce) box devil's food cake mix (Betty Crocker Super Moist suggested)
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
confectioners' sugar or granulated sugar, for rolling
 

1. Preheat oven to 350°.
2. Stir (by hand) dry cake mix, oil and eggs in a large bowl until dough forms.
3. Dust hands with confectioners' sugar and shape dough into 1" balls.
4. Roll balls in confectioners' sugar and place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets.
5. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until center is JUST SET.
6 Remove from pans after a minute or so and cool on wire racks.

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Russian Tea cakes

1 cup butter or 1 cup margarine, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup finely chopped nuts
powdered sugar

1. Heat oven to 400 degrees F.
2. Beat butter, 1/2 cup powdered sugar and the vanilla in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed, or mix with spoon.
3. Stir in flour and salt.
4. Stir in nuts.
5. Shape dough into 1-inch balls.
6. Place about 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet.
7. Bake 8 to 9 minutes or until set but not brown.
8. Immediately remove from cookie sheet; roll in powdered sugar.
9. Cool completely on wire rack.
10. Roll in powdered sugar again.

I got these recipes from www.food.com and these are only two of their "25 essential Christmas cookies" recipes :) Check them out!