Jacqueline's Walk

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Jacqueline has been coming for almost two years with her husband, Wilmer, and son Jonathan. She is fun, smart, and she LOVES Jesus. She and I connected right away, and always have a good time when we get together after church services, and/or outings and Bible studies. She loves being in God's word and sharing the things that He has shown her. So, that makes our get-togethers special......we love to share with each other! We like to meet up and go for coffee every now and again, although it has been a while since we have last gone

This same Jacqueline is the one who is helping me on Friday afternoons with youth center. She does a good job, and really is seeking to be used by the Lord how He desires. She believes she has the gift of teaching, so she has expressed wanting to teach in Sunday school class at some point, but would have to go through inductive Bible training first.

We are currently trying to decide which day of the week we can both set aside to go out evangelizing together, once or twice a month. It would be a good idea to help her along in sharing her faith,. When I asked her about it at first, she told me that she also had been thinking of asking me if I would be willing to do that with her. So, I look forward to seeing her growth there, also!

Please keep her in your prayers. She would love to serve more as God leads her. Pray that she would follow His leading and continue to grow in Him.

 

Change in Eric and Elias

I don't know if you remember me mentioning the three boys that live with Dona Carla. Omar is the oldest, Eric the middle, and Elias is the youngest. They have lived with her for about a year now, but Omar just recently left again to live with his grandma. So, just Eric and Elias live with her.

The three of them were such a challenge to deal with considering they came from a very difficult home life. Their mom is working in Panama, and their dad gets them every now and then. But, they miss their parents, and they have suffered quite a bit because of it.

Before, they were so wild! You couldn't even have a conversation with them because they couldn't focus enough to communicate. They ran around everywhere, and they wouldn't even stop to hear you speak. They'd jump off high stacked chairs, off tables, run all around the facility, jump out the window during Sunday school class! It was tough.

Since they have lived with Dona Carla, they have changed so much! They are able to be at church and kids center every week. They not only have calmed down, but they listen, they pay attention and communicate face to face when you talk with them. And now, Eric who is 5 years old looks for ways to help clean and pick up after youth center. He participates during worship and craft time, and is quicker to be obedient. I can actually carry on a conversation with Eric, and he loves to talk! Before he was so distracted.

I can't say they are perfectly behaved, obviously. They still are pretty energetic and they are kids, but I LOVE having them around, and having them in class. They are the sweetest things!

Please pray for them, too. Pray that God would continue His work in them and in their older brother Omar. Pray that as they grow older, they would not go far from the ways of the Lord. Pray that they would grow to know His love for them!

Meet Hilary!

Hilary and her family used to all come together for church about 4 or 5 years ago. Slowly, her family stopped coming, but Hilary and her little sister Gema would still come out when they could. Her family, being from a Catholic background, would go back to the Catholic church sometimes. It has been a couple of years since I have seen her mom, dad, and older sister Monica so I don't know where they are all at in their walk as of now. But Hilary has continued to come throughout the years; sometimes with Gema, and a lot of times without her. Yesterday she came to church and as always, I was glad to see her there with us.

I had asked how her family was doing, and she told me they were ok and they were at home. I asked about little Gema and she told me she didn't want to come. She told me “I told everyone 'Let's go to church', but they didn't want to, so I just came”. I can't tell you how that blessed my heart! She doesn't have anyone in her home that is encouraging her in the ways of the Lord, so I am always happy to see her and just love her. I do remind her to pray for her family, that God would draw them to Himself.

I ask your prayers for Hilary this week. That God's word would be hidden in her heart, and that she would grow in the truth of God's word and in Jesus, and not be confused by any wrong teachings from the influences of the Catholic church where her family is from.

Much love,

Angela

Purity Class for Youth Girls!

Last month we started a study through And the Bride Wore White by Dannah Gresh. Every first and third Friday of each month, girls ages 13 and up are invited to come out and hear this study on purity. 

The very first week one girl, Julipsi. showed up for the class. By the next week, six other girls came to join us. This upcoming Friday, we are expecting another young girl to come out, totaling eight girls.

Their names are Julipsi, Katherine, Juneysi, Faviola, Nayeli, Nurian, Nacheri, and Melissa.

Please be in prayer for each of these girls. 

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Specific requests are:

*That each girl would learn to "deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, and live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ"-Titus 2:11-

*That they would continue to come out for each class and even invite other girls, also

*That they would learn the truth about Salvation in Jesus Christ and grow in a personal relationship with Him.

 

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Women's Monthly Bible Study

Please continue to pray for the ladies that are coming out for our monthly Women's Bible study. We are still going through Hebrews chapter 11. Yesterday Gabriela taught on the faith of Sarah. She had her bouts of doubt about God's promises to her, but in the end she was acknowledged for her trust and obedience. It was an encouraging reminder for us.

Please pray for the ladies. Sometimes they come out, and many times they do not. It would be great if all the women who attend church on a regular basis also attended Bible studies regularly, but that is not always the case. Pray that they would really have a hunger for God's word and that they would be doers of His word and not just hearers.

Much love in Jesus, and thank you for taking the time to read!!

Angela

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Discipleship with Doña Estela

For the last 5 weeks, I have been taking Dona Estela through our discipleship program. She has been visiting our church for a couple of years now, but just recently received Jesus back in April. She used to run a “pulperia”, or grocery shop, out of her home, but has since passed it over to her sister to run. She has a bit more time to do other things now, and one of those is getting into God's word! The first two weeks or so she hadn't been memorizing scripture (which is part of her homework). But she is now memorizing scripture, getting familiar with the order of the books in the Bible, and is reading and recording what ministers to her on a daily basis.

Doña Estela

She would like to get involved in cafe ministry in the future, Lord willing!

Please remember to pray for Dona Estela.

  • *She would hunger and thirst for God's word
  • *She would grow in knowledge of Jesus, and her relationship with Him would mature
  • *She would be a doer of His word and not just a hearer

 

Discipleship Update

There is currently a line up of ladies who will be taking the discipleship class in upcoming weeks.  It has been exciting to grow in fellowship with the sisters here as we get together for Bible studies, or stay after services to talk and share with each other. Right now we are praying that these ladies grow in their relationship with Jesus, and grow in Knowledge of Him, and also as He leads, that they would serve Him. Between Gabriela, Sullen and myself, we'll get to teach either one or more of those sisters who are willing to take discipleship class.


Julipsi is a young girl who recently turned 14 years old. Gabriela spent the better part of last year taking her through the discipleship course. She completed three volumes and is now teaching two other young girls, Sherling and Melissa. It is awesome to see God using her as He is. Julipsi is serving in worship, and will also start helping in children's ministry this month with Karla. Katherine may also be giving this course with Giselle, another young girl. 

fROM LEFT TO rIGHT: sHERLING, mELISSA, jULIPSI

Please pray overall for each sister lined up for discipleship. Here are their names: Heydi, Carolina, Carmen, Jaqueline, Kenya, Mabel, Rafaela, Yanina, Estela and Giselle. Pray that they would hunger for God's truth, and that they would seek His face. Please pray for those of us that are giving discipleship classes, that God would give us His wisdom.

Laundry Room

Hello Everyone,

We recently came across a need for the laundry room here on the facility to be re-painted. The current paint is very old and is chipping and lot of it has fallen or is currently peeling off the walls. I have tried to clean the walls, but the paint comes right off onto the rags. It has a dingy, dirty look to it. As we anticipate hosting teams in the future, we would like for the laundry facility to be a fresh, welcoming area to be in when people need to do their laundry. To paint the walls and the cabinets it will cost $150. Please consider prayerfully giving towards this project. The sooner we can get it painted, the more prepared we will be for visitors at any time. We recently had a donation of U$100 thank you Jesus so just short U$50.

I included a picture of the colors that I thought would look nice!

God bless you, and thank you for supporting us!

If you are donating toward this project send a email to Greg letting him know so the funds are set apart correctly. greg@graceministriesint.com

2016 Went Bye In A Flash!

Here is an update of some events that took place towards the end of last year, 2016

God has been at work in many ways. One of them has been in uniting a few of the couples in marriage! This has been answered prayer, considering what these couples have come through and how God is now being honored in their lives. It has been exciting to see, and this opens up doors of opportunity for them now in ministry! 

During Christmas, there were many events. We collected donations from willing givers and were able to put together Christmas baskets for families in need. They included basic food items like rice, beans, sugar, salt, cookies, oil, and coffee, along with laundry detergent, matches and toilet paper. We put together 8 total. Also, a few of the ladies gave their time one afternoon to help bake over 300 cookies! We made some to take to the hospital as part of a small care package that included soap and toilet paper. Gabriela, Kenya, and myself went the next day to hand out 25 packages at the hospital. There was even enough to hand out a few cookies to the staff. 

The rest of the cookies we gave out during Sunday night church service with hot cafe latte's (minus the espresso, just instant coffee but still delicious!)

The kids were also blessed in a big way, receiving Christmas gifts and a small dinner which was provided for by a few ladies who had sent things down from the states. They were so excited!

We also had our annual women's Christmas dinner where we had about 35 women come out and participate. 

So much has gone on this past month which makes us excited to see what God has in store for this upcoming year. He is faithful! 

We appreciate your prayers and support! 

Love and Blessings,

Angela

Discipleship

Ismenia and Jassharys are two young ladies that I am giving discipleship class to. They both have received Jesus as their Lord and Savior and are growing in their walk with Him. Ismenia is currently facing a trial that she feels is out of her control. It caused her to become discouraged, leaving some of her homework incomplete. I encouraged her with Jesus’ words that “The Father knows what we have need of before we even ask Him” Matthew 6. I also reminded her that trials are used to strengthen our faith, and that it is something to be expected in this life and in our walk. Please pray for her heart to be strengthened as she continues to walk forward in faith.

In the picture to the right, Jassharys is on the left and Ismenia is on the right.

Both of these young ladies are learning the basics of the Christian faith and have a desire to know God more!  Please pray for them as they seek Him through His word!

Ministering in the School

Here is a video that I took at the school. The first part shows the students reciting their memory verse, John 1:1. After that, you can seen them sing the Spanish version of "I’m in the Lord’s Army." They love that song!  It blesses me to hear how excited they get when it’s our time. They pay attention and love to recite their verses by memory. Please keep these kids in your prayers!

School is in session!!!

The school that I visit in zone 7, about a 15 minute walk from our house, allowed me to teach in two different classes this year. I teach preschool kids, and a 4th grade class. They allowed me 20 minutes in each. Since the time is short, I am going to try to make the best of it by giving the lessons while at the same time incorporating fun activities. On my first day of class with the 4th graders, two weeks ago, I did a memory activity with them. They memorized John 1:1-“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” Today when I went back they were all eager to recite the verse again. Only 8 students said it correctly, though.  So, I promised them a prize for next week. As for the rest of the lessons throughout the year, I will be taking them through the Gospel. Today I started with teaching them about God as Creator and the seven days of creation. Next week will be about His holiness. After that will be about our sin, then Christs’ sacrifice, repentance, faith, baptism, and finally our new life in Him. One topic each week.After this series, I will probably take them through the armor of God. I will be praying about that.

Please pray for my effectiveness in teaching the kids the Gospel. They really do need to know truth. I have noticed that they are still confused as to how to get to heaven. Many of them still believe it is by good works. Pray that they come to the knowledge of salvation in Christ only!

Much love,

Angela

Hospital donations

A sister that visited the church, but has since moved to Managua, had donated toilet paper, tooth brushes/paste, and soap for the hospital ministry. There was enough to make a small package for 24 people, and so over a couple of weeks, I would take a few at a time. People are always happy to receive items like those, especially since they aren’t provided in the hospital.  They are also blessed to hear a word of encouragement. Jesus meets them right there in their need and I like to be a part of that! 

Katherine - A youth serving Christ

Hi All,

Katherine, one of our youth, helps out in youth center on Tuesdays. She has been part of this ministry for some time now, and I recently asked if she would share about it. Here is the translation of the letter she wrote:

“Each Tuesday I do youth center with the kids, and for me this small time is very appreciated.  I like to take advantage of it so that the boys and girls can learn to really love Jesus.  I have much desire to serve Jesus in this way, helping kids to be motivated in His ways.  It gives me joy to see the kids learn because many of them do not know how to pray or that God loves them.  Many of them have learned by now, and they like to listen to new Bible stories.  I feel joyful to be helping in kids ministry, but many times it is sad to see that after youth center, in their homes or in the park, some of the same kids say bad words and even drink and smoke because other youth offer it to them.  Many times it is because they do not live in a Christian environment, and their families let them roam around with kids that don’t have interest in Jesus.  This is why I feel happy during this time of youth center where I can help them the way God wants, and He wants us to be like children.  They always come happy to be in youth center playing and learning of Jesus.”

- Katherine

Pictures of the Hospital Ministry -- Happy New Year!

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!

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

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.