Pictures of the Hospital Ministry -- Happy New Year!

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This last month we were able to visit the hospital and meet some of the needs of the sick during the Holidays!

During Christmas last month, I took some small packs to the hospital with me. They included water, bread/cookies, toilet paper and tracks. People were happy to receive them, and more importantly, they were blessed to be reminded of Jesus in Isaiah 9:6-

For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

I tried to point out some positives about them being there in the hospital during Christmas time, like the fact that they are not caught up in the stress of event/activity preparations like everyone else, but rather they can actually be still and remember why we celebrate that time. They were encouraged to be reminded of who Jesus is to us, and some (Christian women) were already encouraging themselves in the Lord before I had gotten there. One girl even said “Who do you see here that’s sad??” So, that was a blessing for me, too, and we had a laugh.

Please keep the hospital ministry in prayer, and specifically that God would raise up more people to visit each week. We also would love to take goodies to them regularly, like the things I mentioned above. Support in that would also greatly help!

Preparing for another year in Nicaragua!

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Hi Everyone!

I wanted to say a big THANK YOU to those who helped with financial support of my residency paperwork and traveling costs. Any little bit helps us greatly, and it is encouraging to receive your support! Our first trip to take care of residency paperwork usually consists of turning in all of the paperwork and allowing them to revise it and let us know should there be anything missing. After that, it is a fifteen day wait for the paperwork to get processed and officially approved. My residency card will be ready for me to go and pick up on the 13th of December, but as of now, we still have not set a date to travel as we are waiting for God to provide the finances for this trip. Please keep this in prayer. Pray for residency approval without any setbacks.

Thank you again and God bless you!

Love Angela

Bible Day

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Nicaragua is celebrating Dia de la Biblia (Day of the Bible) this week.  It marks another year since the Bible was translated into Spanish. Each year the church as a whole comes together on the last Sunday of September to march in a parade that leads to Central Park, where they do a service to celebrate the anniversary. But, leading up to that, the entire week, the different churches throughout Nueva Guinea are allowed to participate in a session of Bible reading for a space of time allotted to them. Right on the corner of “calle central” or central street, there is a canopy with a big open Bible display with the text “Your word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light to my path” Psalm 119:105. Today, Thursday, our church was given five hours from 12pm-5pm to read the book of Proverbs. It was open for whomever was willing to come out and participate. From our church, different youth along with Pastor Carlos and his daughters, myself and others read. There is a reason we have such freedom to spread the word of God in this manner, out in the open and without being harassed. As we know in other countries that is unheard of and here even though the word is preached in such a manner, there are still so many people who don’t have a personal relationship with Christ. So, as the Bible is being read cover to cover this week out on the main street, in the busiest part of the city, pray for people to have ears to hear. Pray that people’s hearts would be open to receive the word of Truth and believe.  

An update on Anna, Elder’s sister

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About two weeks ago, I got to take Anna out for a couple of hours to spend some time with her. God provided for her in a special way through a donation, so I was able to take her out for ice cream, some school supplies, and even a little something for her family. I tried to talk with her and asked how she was doing, but she seemed a little bit closed off, which I understood. I talked more with her mom Teresa and her aunt Fran, whoboth say that she is doing better, but still of course has some hard days. They sayshe plays a lot with younger cousins that she lives next to, and that she hides her feelings while she is having fun. Her mom also said that she has been the stronger one of the two because on those days when she is not able to cope, Anna will encourage her to be strong. Both Elder and Anna went to the same school, and during recess would hang out together. Now that Elder is not there, that time is difficult for her. One day Anna was so sure that she saw Elder at school, but it was a boy who looked just like him. He came right up to her classroom looking inside and she couldn’t stop staring at him. Thinking she saw him made her cry. Another time, she thought she kept hearing a teacher at school from a classroom down the hall calling Elder’s nameout loud. Later on she went to ask the teacher if she has a student named Elder in her class, and she said no. So, Anna has gone through a rough time in dealing with her brothers’ passing. She has started to come around again for youth center, but we haven’t seen her in church services. Overall, she seems to be doing ok on the outside, but we know that she is hurting still.
Please keep Anna and her family in your prayers.
Pray that the entire family would come to know Jesus personally through their difficult time. Pray also that He would heal their broken hearts and bind up their wounds

Youth Center Kid Drowns

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Last year I wrote a blog about a boy named Elder. He was 9 years old. Sadly, we found out last Thursday that he drowned in the Laguna (a small river like place where people/kids go all the time) just down the way from us, and died. When I first heard the news, it didn't register right away because I couldn't believe it. If you read my blog about him, you will get to know a bit of who he was. It struck me deeply because he was on my heart often, and I couldn't help but see his need for Jesus. I think it hit everyone pretty hard because he was well know by all. He and his sister Ana would come together to Sunday school and to youth center. Lately it had just been Ana coming because Elder had stopped coming to church all together. Ana and Elder were very close, and they were together almost all of the time. She is having a really hard time. They did the "vela" which is the same thing as a wake or viewing, the same day he passed. People stayed outside the house and inside, all night long until the next day when they did the burial. When I saw Ana, she looked like she had been crying, but that first day she held up ok, laughing and keeping busy passing out coffee and bread to those who stayed over night. But it was as we got to the burial site the next day that she and her mom really broke down. I think that of all the people in their family, Ana is going to have the toughest time getting through this. She is 11 years old.
Please keep their family in prayer. This includes the older youth boys Elmer and Daniel, Dona Tana (Elder's grandma), Tanya (his aunt), and Ana Elder's sister. Also for his parents. I have been praying that God would use this difficult time to bring the family close to Himself. The entire family needs Jesus. 

Elder at Youth Center

Experiencing Nueva Guinea! A blog by Bethany Sanger and Alexis Montoya

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Since I have been here I have gone to the school which was an experience in itself. The first time I went was with Nubia and I was helping the kids glue on eyes for their craft. I guess I forgot to help one girl, so she was telling me “La pega por favor” which means “the glue please”. Of course at the time I had no idea what that meant. So I was just sitting there holding the glue in my hand dumbfounded. Anyways, the little girl got her glue and I embarrassingly went on with my day.

                Besides going to the school every Thursday and Friday, we have youth center every Tuesday, Wednesday, and twice on Friday, once in the afternoon and once at night. Friday night youth is pretty fun because you get to see how they act and you realize how similar you are to them. Even though we could be living thousands of miles away and have totally different lives, a youth is still a youth. Being with them helps me realize how much friends can change how you act. It is pretty evident that friends play a pretty big part in your life, but it’s the friends you choose to hang out with that make the difference in how you go about your way. Another adventure is going to Pali, the grocery store. When I first went I dreaded the walk there, because I wasn’t used to the heat and humidity, or being stared at by everyone. When we finally arrived at Pali, I caught someone taking a picture of me, I also heard people saying “la gringa”. I guess it is not common to see a young girl with white skin, blond hair and blue eyes here in Nicaragua. My experiences here have been pretty exciting and eventful and there is still more to come.

Bethany

See below the pictures for Alexis's blog!

Since I have been here I have been to many different places. I’ve been to the market, the schools, to parks and to peoples’ houses to evangelize, and on Bible study nights. My time here has been exciting, interesting, and great, and I’ve made many memories. I’ve been learning more Spanish, it’s been going well. I’ve learned a lot more. I have also cooked. Bethany and I cook on Sundays, so we will be able to make different dishes when we get home. Every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, there is youth center and Beth and I go play with the kids. They always want to ask us how to say things in English. They always have plenty of things to ask us and tell us, even if we don’t know what they are saying. They make you feel really comfy, real quick. Beth and I throughout the day are normally with Nathaniel and Lydia. Nathaniel is always running everywhere around. He definitely keeps you busy whether chasing him everywhere or playing with him. Lydia is normally always happy and has a smile on her face (unless she is tired). That little girl never stops moving. She always has her arms in the air and her legs kicking. She also keeps you busy just like her brother. My time here has been great, and it seems to be going by very quickly. I’m of course missing home and everybody, but I really enjoy being here.

From Alexis

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.