Abundant Fruit

This last month has been utterly amazing in the classroom and amongst the students. During the last 2 months we were without four of our students for 3 weeks.  They were being "grounded" for some disciplinarian reasons at the Remar facility where they live.  We missed them so much in their absence and were sad that they did not have the opportunity to attend classes.  They have told us that being in class is the highlight of their day.  We were also without our four missionary students who attend class.  They had a month's vacation visiting back in the States.

During the month we had three new boys come in and out of the class.  They come in due to curiosity, a primary care giver brings them to class or they are part of the Remar rehab program.  They stay for a day or two, or in one case, they slip out silently after a half hour.  Sometimes we learn the reason for their departure which range from intimidation by the work to non-interest to laziness.  Some weeks the classroom is like a revolving door, you never know who will enter and you certainly don't know how long they will stay. This has presented a challenge to making a schedule for the week's teachings and work.  Flexibility, has been the one word that we have had to adopt into our lifestyle.

Israel, our student who has just passed his one year attendance, is stepping naturally into the role as instructor in carpentry.  We have always noticed him to watch over the new students and be helpful to the other guys during work on their projects.  It has been our desire from the early concept of the school that one or two students would evolve into an instructor.  As the class size enlarged and we are in different phases of learning, we knew that we needed additional help. When we asked Israel if he had interest in assisting with the teaching, he was happy and proud.  He is very helpful with the new students who come in and need instruction in the basics of carpentry.

Franklin is a student who started in the class 2 months ago.  He came just as we were beginning the electrical instruction.  He was our primary student and was able to receive intense, one on one training.  He is older than the other students and catches on very fast. He, too, has naturally stepped into the role of instructor in electric.  He is teaching the basics to the boys who desire to learn about electricity.  As they master a prinicple, we step in to demonstrate another teaching.   From that point, Franklin reinforces the teaching and oversees the assignment.  He mastered the math skills that were taught him in his first weeks and he now teaches them to the other students.  Math is critical in doing electrical work.

This is an answer to prayer, to have our students "reinvent themselves" through teaching others what they have learned.

When the Remar students reappeared after their time of being grounded, only one of the students came back.  One of the boys ran away, one decided he did not want the vocational training and another is still under further discipline.  However, with the one returning student came 3 new boys one week and another the following week.

Each time new boys come in, it's like seeing a deer caught in the headlights or an animal going to slaughter.  They don't know what to expect; all they know is that some gringos are going to try to teach them some skills.  It's also a time for us to catch a glimpse of them in their state of being on guard, with all their walls up and totally suspicious of us.  Sometimes it takes weeks to have the masks come off them and most recently it takes only days.  This is the miracle of God working in our lives and theirs.  We are learning how to relate to them and they are learning how to trust us.

I don't have the adequate words to describe the changes we are seeing in all the boys who come to our school.   We see changes in their relationship to each other and to us.  We see changes in their appearances.  And, we see changes in their relationship to the Lord.  

We are not doing anything special, what we teach them practically is what Preston has been doing his whole life, construction.  We just made a decision to make ourselves available to be used by God to impart hope, understanding, validation and love to young men.    Boys, who mostly have been neglected and overlooked throughout their young lives.

We love what we do!

Electrical Training

We feel like we have hit a milestone this week, we began a 2nd phase of vocational skills with the introduction of electrical.  We are combining the electrical training with the carpentry two days each week.  

When we questioned the class as to who was interested in learning electrical, we had 4 students express a desire to learn and a couple of maybes.  The first day of class we were short 2 students and the maybes.  The maybes seem to be apprehensive about getting close to electricity; in time they may change their minds.   The two boys who were keen on learning really showed enthusiasm on day one. Basic theory of electricity was taught.  We are talking REAL basic because the "maestro" as Preston is referred to by the locals is without an interpreter.   Quick Spanish 101 is a story of its own; the lack of an interpreter has accelerated Preston's language skills.

By the end of day one, the boys had cut wire and added ends to make an extension cord which was so needed by the entire class. They have learned how to calculate loads on a circuit so that they can size the wire in a circuit breaker.  They were taught how to use an electric meter.  

Day two, brought review and a little more instruction.  Application consisted of taking apart an electrical receptacle to see how it was wired.  Then it was on to building two electrical circuits consisting of a receptacle and light fixture with a switch.  This teaching was accomplished by the boys looking at the diagrams that were drawn for explanation.   They shared the work equally which is still something we marvel about.  Time and time again we see team work, boys working together; sharing the work as well as helping one another out.  

As work progressed with the electrical, the boys who were working on their wood projects were starting to show an interest in the work that was being done at the far end of the workroom.  Quite often they were peering over to see what and how the electrical work was being done.  There may be more interest later, but for now, working with these 2 boys is an excellent start for the maestro.

When the work was completed and it was time to flip the switch, there was instant light.  It was a very proud moment, not only for the boys for their accomplishment, but the maestro, too, was able to teach in a way that was understood.

Yes, milestones!  The beginning of electrical training and teaching in Spanish.  It was a good week, a very good week. With God all things are possible!

Michael E. - Advanced Student

Let me introduce you to our longest attending student Michael Espinoza age 18.  He is starting his 2nd year in the carpentry program. Michael came to us via the pastor of his church.  He came with a desire to learn woodworking.  We saw from the first day we met him that he truly had a desire to learn.  He seemed to be sincere in wanting to change the path of his life.

Michael lives the farthest distance of all the students.  He was commuting to school by hopping onto the bicycle of another student and sharing the ride; that student no longer attends. He now walks 45 minutes in the hot sun and occasionally in the rain.  He had perfect attendance for the first 2 months of school.   We have given him money daily to take the bus home each evening.   Because of the effort that he has shown in his attendance and his participation in class, it is now time for him to receive bus fare for round trip transportation which amounts to about 25 cents a day U.S. You might call it an anniversary present from the school.  He has been an exceptional student.  Michael takes his work seriously and is precise in all the things he has created in the shop.

Michael's story is typical of so many of the boys in this country.  He lives with his mother, siblings and extended family members.  We have taken him home on several occasions and notice that they have an outdoor kitchen; meaning they cook over an open fire.  The shavings and scraps of wood the students leave  behind from their projects help to fuel that fire.  He is basically quiet, but loves to join in on any of the fun or conversations going on in the group.  He has a smile that will brighten a room.  His mother has done an excellent job of parenting him, he is very polite and respectful.

During our initial interview when we met him, he was very honest with us.  He said that he has used alcohol, pot and cigarettes.  He was the only member of his household who attended church.  In the year we have known him, he still continues to demonstrate honesty.  Early on, their was a hammer missing from our supply. When the class was told that no one could leave without finding the hammer, Michael was the student who produced the "missing" hammer.

We've seen a lot of changes not only in Michael's physical appearance as indicated in some of the photos, but there have been big changes in him spiritually.  There has been an increase in a hunger to know more about the kingdom and develop his relationship with the Lord.  He enjoys Wednesdays when Pastor Jose comes to teach the boys more about God and His Word.    Occasionally he has attended the evening services with us at Remar and fully participates in the worship.  We love when short term mission teams come for a visit; all of our students receive the blessing of prayer and prophecy over their life.

Our greatest regret is that we cannot communicate more with Michael, our Spanish is SO limited.  We've had the pleasure of Michael spending the night in our home a couple of times.  I guess when you are comfortable with one another, language isn't really that much of a barrier.

Michael says he wants to have his own woodworking shop one day.  He is acquiring the skills to be a very fine craftsman.  We will continue to teach him principles of setting up his own business.    There are tools that he has earned during the last year with more to come that he will be able to take with him when he completes his training.  This will allow him to work for someone or start on his own with the basic tools.  He is working on some projects that we hope to sell.   We will split the net proceeds between the school and him.  He loves the idea that his skills will begin to produce income for himself and be able to share it with his family.

We are extremely proud of Michael and his commitment to educate himself.  We love having him in our lives and look forward to seeing the man evolve that God has called him to be.

July Newsletter

Greetings from Nicaragua,

We have entered our 4th year of being involved in the lives of the young men of Nicaragua. Over a year ago, we moved to Nicaragua to be full time missionaries and now we are more than half way through 2011.  

In planning our move to Nicaragua, we were to drive from the United States in our large truck loaded with tools and equipment to be used in the workshop of the vocational school.   When it became apparent that the plans were changing, we sold the truck and donated all the tools and shop equipment to another ministry.  We arrived in Nicaragua empty handed.

We started the first class with the “loaves and fish” premise.  We asked ourselves, what do we have to work with?  We had a tape measure, a saw, a hammer and some scrap wood.  We literally were teaching the students that you can, in time, start a business with whatever you have on hand.  It was important that the students learn how to work with hand tools; not only from a cost savings but also because electricity in this area can be undependable.  Even now, after we have acquired electric tools, it is important that the new students master using the hand tools.

The school was started with “nothing”, much the same way that our students will begin  to work if they choose to make carpentry their life vocation.  We now have saw horses, work tables and storage closets.  The boys have built a workshop from scratch.  We have been blessed by givers that have provided us with power tools to use in the shop.  We have the beginnings of a very fine teaching facility and workshop.

 


In the last year we have had 36 teens and young adult men attend the carpentry course in the vocational school.  There was an adult pastor in our first class.  He has since taken what he has learned back to the village where he pastors. Currently we have 12 students in the class.  We discovered very early that fatalism and a depreciation of physical work and those who do it, is a mindset that needs to be altered in this culture.  As a ministry we have learned that it is not the numbers that determine success or failure, but change and growth.

In our current group of students, there is one boy who was exploited by family members and forced into prostitution before the age of 9, another boy killed a family member after years of sexual abuse, and another boy was involved in a group mugging that resulted in the death of a person. There are others who tried to escape the harsh realities of their existence by turning to drugs, glue AND alcohol.  Yes, all 3 substances; it’s common to have more than one “drug” of choice and to use them all in a day’s time.  Whatever they can get their hands on to help numb the pain of abuse, loneliness, abandonment and hunger, the substance makes no difference to them. 

We have witnessed an extraordinary group of teens transform from invisible “nobodies” to embracing confidence and self-acceptance.  They have been willing to allow the Lord Jesus to enter their lives and walk along side them in their journey to find themselves.  We recognize the miracles that have taken place in their lives and are sure that they are recognizing them too.  It is a miracle that a couple of these boys are alive today.  It is a miracle that they are thriving and coming to believe that they are worthy individuals.  Worthy of a second chance and most important, worthy to be loved.   

These precious boys are God’s chosen.  They’ve been chosen for a second, third, and maybe a fourth chance.  God sees value in them.  God has plans for them.  We, too, see the potential in them; and where there is potential, Satan lurks to destroy their future.  

Everyday there is a battle that rages to get these boys to forsake the commitment they have made to the Lord.  We see weekly if not daily, one or more of the boys struggle with issues.  No matter how much truth they are learning, sometimes it is easier to believe the lies.   We’ve seen them self-destruct before our eyes and at times it seems there is not enough prayer that will overcome the situation.  We can only keep praying and give them up to the Lord’s care.

Not only does the battle rage on for the boys, but we, too, fight a constant battle in attempts to get us to withdraw.   We have been attacked in our marriage, in our relations with our own children, in our finances and in our thoughts.  As, I said in the above paragraph, where there is potential, Satan lurks to destroy the future.  

We came here to help make a difference in the lives of the teen boys and young men of this nation that society didn’t want to bother with.  We call these young guys the “forgotten generation”.  Their families don’t want them, their community does not look out for them and most all mission minded ministries overlook them. We are accomplishing what we came here to do.  We are making a difference in the lives of a few.  We can’t reach or touch all the young men of Nicaragua.  But, we trust that God is bringing the boys to us that He has chosen to rebuild their lives.  If we can help to change these lives, we believe that they will give back to their country what they have received.  

There are a lot of stories and events that we have recorded and posted on our blog www.restorationofthenations.blogspot.com  The stories range from team visits, to biographies of some of the students, to life as we experience with the boys.   The best way for you to stay informed would be to subscribe to our blog and you will be notified of all new postings automatically.

God has been so faithful in providing for the basic needs of the ministry.  This has truly been a miracle because we have not sent out updates or newsletters in many months.  The individuals that have continued to donate have done so because God has quickened their hearts, it was not because of reading a newsletter.   It is important to know up front what our monthly committed support will be.  It is impossible to plan the programs each week for the school agenda without this information.  The ministry cannot grow because of the lack of funding.  To apply for grants it is required to have the basic budget underwritten first.  We are stretched beyond our physical, emotional, mental and financial needs to meet all the demands of this ministry.  There are a several needs which are essential to us right now:

• We need a translator.  It is impossible for us to teach the boys in class.  We have a very limited Spanish vocabulary.  Not only to we need to be able to teach, but we need to be able to communicate with them.  This is SO important; they need to be able to talk and to be heard.

• We need a housekeeper.  We dismissed our long time housekeeper last October because of lack of finances.   We spend a minimum of 3 hours each day cleaning house and laundry.  That is 2 people times 3 hours EVERY day.  We did not come to Nicaragua to clean, we came to teach.  This country is very dirty, there are 19 volcanos.  There is volcanic ash and dirt every where.  We can dust a table and within 5 minutes know where a glass or book had rested after being picked up. 

• We need lumber.  We need a constant supply of lumber.  Wood here is very wet and it is necessary to have a small supply of lumber drying at all times.  Most projects require dry lumber so that it does not twist or crack.

• We need school finances.  We have acquired a new building for the school.  For 9 months we have operated out of our home, it was time to move.  We needed more space for the students.   It was essential to regain our privacy;  we needed our home back.

• We need funds for the students.  We provide them their own tools, we have snacks, we celebrate birthdays (this is the only cake that some of them have ever had), we are now including medical & dental care.  (see our latest blog on their 1st trip to the dentist)

• We need 1 or 2 volunteer interns.  We need someone who has the ability to teach basic math, reading and writing to join us for a minimum commitment of 6 months.  We also need someone who can double as an instructor in carpentry so that we can begin to introduce the other phases of construction skills.

• We need personal support.  We have need of dental & eye care.  We need clothing and shoes.  We both have lost a great deal of weight and our shoes are worn out.  We need to be able to budget for our tourist card renewals every 3 months.  Every 6 months it is mandatory that we leave the country for 3 days.  To go to Costa Rica it costs a minimum of $600.  We would like to come back to the states for a true vacation to see friends and family.  A trip to the States would cost in the thousands.

• We WANT people to see what we are doing; organize a small group and come for a visit.  Your lives will be forever changed.  We need people to spend time with our boys.  They crave attention and recognition.  They need personal ministry and healing.  Whatever your gifting, we can utilize it.  There are communities full of young boys that need help.  We can tailor a mission trip for you.

We are aware of the change in finances among so many of you.  Times are difficult now for everyone.   It is not easy for us to ask you to commit monies out of your already stretched budgets.   We have learned that people hesitate to give when they cannot offer a sizable gift.   Ministries exist due to the multitudes of people who faithfully give $5, $10, $20 each month; these gifts add up.  Here in Nicaragua, the 2nd poorest nation in the western hemisphere, these kinds of gifts go a very long way in providing what is needed.  Would you consider partnering with us?  Lives are being touched and radically transformed by our presence in Leon, Nicaragua.  We need your help to continue our work.  You can donate safely online at https://www.egivingsystems.org/37718.  You can make a one time donation or sign up easily for a recurring monthly amount which makes it easy and convenient for you.

We all have a part in spreading the gospel and loving our neighbors.  Some have been called to physically go out into the world and the others have been called to send them.   This week, we have an outreach project that we will do with the students.  A local woman who sells hotdogs and snacks out of a vending cart in the park is in desperate need of work to be done on her cart.  The floor in the cart has rotted and she is in danger of falling through and physically harming herself.  The doors to the cart cannot lock at night and she is being robbed on a regular basis. This is an opportunity for the students to give of themselves into the community by rebuilding her floor and replacing the doors.  She works from 8 in the morning until 10 at night for a few dollars total every day.  She does not have the money to repair her cart.  This cart is vital to provide for her and her family.  She will experience first hand the love of Jesus through the efforts of our students.   You, too can be a part of what we do here.  You not only will be sowing into the future of our students, but you sow into the lives of our community through our various outreaches.  

In His Service,

Preston Barnum

1st Time to the Dentist

We came to Nicaragua to teach vocational skills to the at-risk youth and young men. Almost immediately we learned that we would be wearing many hats.  We not only teach, but we sometimes provide for the boys most basic needs: haircuts, medicine, meals, fun and lots of love.  During the last 2 days, we have taken them to the dentist.  The boys had never had dental care. For a couple of the boys, the experience bordered on traumatic.

There was a mission team from Tennessee visiting another local ministry and a dentist was among the group. We were invited to bring our students to receive dental treatment. There were many people waiting to see the dentist when we arrived at the facility.  The people of Nicaragua know that when you go to have any type of medical treatment there is always a WAIT, there are no appointments.   For us gringos, this is a new concept.  The boys know how to play the waiting game and amuse themselves accordingly;   sleep is also a precious way to pass the time.  Days here can be very long, it's not uncommon for many people to be up by 4AM.  Before the day was done, it became apparent that there was not enough time for our boys to receive care. After waiting 4 plus hours, we agreed to return the next day. The visiting dentist told us that he was certain that there was someone among the boys that he NEEDED to see.

We went back to the dentist on day 2 and he fit the boys in between other waiting patients.  The first boy to receive treatment was Claudio and he deserves applause.  His teeth were cleaned, that was easy! But, there was a problem with a "muscle" that attaches the lower lip to his gums.  It was too tight and pulling the gums away from the teeth; eventually he would lose his teeth.  The dentist explained he would have to cut the muscle.  The procedure would not be a problem to his speech or anything else.  The gums would grow back to cover and support his lower teeth.  

Now, this is where it gets tricky, we did not have a translator.  People just assumed that Preston could speak Spanish and all translators left with the mission team for the day's activities. How do we explain to Claudio, a boy that has never been to a dentist, that he needed surgery inside his mouth?  With the limited Spanish and gestures, it was "explained".  Did he fully understand? Probably not.  But I believe he has trust in Preston's love for him and allowed what needed to be done.  The other students looked on and their concern was evident on their faces.

In the midst of all this, power was lost to the building.  Preston helped the dentist continue his work by holding flashlights to help him see.

The second most serious dental care was on our advanced student, Michael.  His gums were horribly inflamed and the plaque buildup was an accumulation of his 18 years.  When the dentist produced a syringe to gave him a shot, it brought tears to Michael.  The assistant lovingly wiped the tears from his cheek.  The work was intensive and it was like breaking up concrete to get the plaque off his teeth.   Because of the tenderness of his gums and the amount of blood staining his teeth, the dentist felt he should not do any further work on on Michael.

We are extremely grateful to Dr. Steve for coming to Nicaragua and devoting himself to caring for our students teeth.   The doctor has informed us that all the boys need ongoing care.  There are still some additional fillings that need to be done.  At least 2 of the boys have teeth that need to come out.  The youngest of the boys, Pablito, at 12 years is on his way to having major problems caused by consuming too much sugar.  He loves candy.  Michael has a severe gum disease (worse than gingivitis) and if he lived in the States, Dr. Steve would want to see him weekly for several months.  He said that Michael's condition was very severe for a boy of his age.  He talked to us about his eating habits and also about stress.  He was trying to get an idea to the cause of the disease.

We are going to do all we can to follow up with dentists here in Nicaragua in order for the boys to receive the necessary dental treatments to finish the work begun by Dr. Steve.  We will begin by talking with them about proper nutrition and teaching them how to brush and floss their teeth.  We do not have the funds in our ministry to pay for the upcoming dental treatments.   We believe that God will be faithful and provide for his  precious  children.  Some of them do not have parents and are "on their own" and others live with an extended relative in extremely impoverished conditions.   

If you have a desire to help us with the expense of their dental care, please make a donation via our secure online giving.  We will designate an account entitled "Students Dental & Medical Care" and all funds will be set aside for them.   Your donation will be tax deductible as allowed by law based on your tax status.  We are a 501 (c) (3) US non-profit corporation.  Donations can be made securely online at: https://www.egivingsystems.org/37718

These guys are GOOD!

Currently there are 10 boys that are in the carpentry phase of the school and 4 of the boys have been with us for just shy of a year; and let me say, they are good at the skills they have mastered, thus far, in carpentry.

We've been talking to them about quality throughout the year.  Quality is what is going to set them apart from the other carpenters in this community.   We talk to them about taking pride in a job well done.  We talk to them about working for the Lord and not for man.

A person can walk up and down neighborhoods in Leon and find small carpenter shops, several in one block.  But so many of them have one thing in common, cut up some wet wood,  throw it together with some nails and hope to sell it for the price of dinner.

We've had other boys leave the class after several months with what they consider enough skills to become a "carpenter".  They will do better than the scenerio I described in the previous paragraph because we have taught them methods that will help them to do better.  However, their mindset still is: lets build it, get it done and sell it.   But, they did not have the desire to develop into the class of craftsman that our current boys are becoming.

The 4 boys are perfecting their skills.  They will be the first to point out that something did not fit together as it should and want to make adjustments in order to make it right.  We see in them the desire to put quality into their work.   Just yesterday, I (Sandra) was in the shop looking over their work and inspected a drawer box.  All the seams were perfectly smooth and the edges aligned.  I thought it was completed.  One of the boys picked it up after I inspected it and proceeded to nail the bottom. As I said, I thought it was complete because the bottom fit into the frame so tight that no matter how many times I turned it over and inspected the box, nothing moved.  The drawer bottom fit that precisely into its frame.

As I voiced my excitement and approval over their workmanship, it was apparent that they were happy to be complimented for their work. They love to be praised, their smiles get bigger and their eyes sparkle.

In the 4 boys, we see Michael as a true craftsman, Israel with leadership qualities along with his skills, Noel works hard at any task put before him and Pablito, well, he is showing up every day.  Pablito is too young to know what he might want to do with his life, but in the mean time he says he is learning something useful.  

I've described to you the practical side of what they are learning.  Let's not overlook what God is teaching them and working in them.  They are learning about God's love for them and His faithfulness to heal.  They are learning to be tolerant of one another.  They are learning to be committed to what they have started. They are learning that they are valuable and have something to offer life through their skills.  They are learning that they have a destiny.  They are learning to trust. They are learning that they are deeply loved for who they are.

A Beautiful Day with the Boys

Today started like any other day; sunshine, blue skies, chores, assessing school activities and then suddenly - no electricity.  Hmmmm, 9AM, kind of early for a power surge!  Except this time, it was not the usual power surge. There were several workers outside our house and one of them on a ladder at the utility pole began cutting wires.  

Our first thought, did we forget to pay the power bill?  Nope, found the receipt, everything good there!  Then, one of the workers wanted to come into our gated area and was pointing to the meter.  We told him we paid our bill.  He kept pointing to the meter.  So, we let him in the front area and he proceeded to take the meter off the house.  WHOA, we need that meter; we have school today, we have a refrigerator (a lot of families do not), the washing machine WAS going, we need the fans working.  Our minds were checking off all possible things that we would be without.

As we tried to "chat" with the worker, we noticed that the other men began taking meters off the houses around us.  We were told that we would be without power ALL day.  We quickly finished our chores, minus the laundry and we talked about what to do in class without the use of power.

The early training in the beginning days of the carpentry class was the use of hand tools.  We told the boys that this was essential for a number of reasons.  One, was the affordability of hand tools versus power tools; the other was to combat the numerous power outages that can be experienced in a week or day.  The boys have come to rely on and REALLY like using the power tools.  But, this day will be a proven lesson in the advantages of knowing how to use hand tools.

When the boys arrived for class, they quickly discovered it was hot in the house, no fans.  Second discovery was, no power tools would be used today.  They went about doing a little sanding, a little cutting on some of the simpler items of the projects; we tried to stretch the tasks.    Then the silliness took over, the heat must have been getting to their brains.  The power tools were becoming props and toys.  The lessons in safety (power or no power) were ignored; as you will see in the video.

So, we made a quick assessment and determined that they needed a change of scenery.  So off to the park we went, all twelve of us walking the 1-1/2 blocks to the park.   The surrounding neighborhoods are getting use to seeing us head out to our outings, whether it be to the lumber yard or the park.  It would remind you of a pack of ducks;  we act as the protective "parents" with Sandra leading the way, the "ducklings" follow behind and Preston is in the rear watching over everyone.  We sat for a couple of hours  in the cool of the huge shade trees sipping sodas and talking what we call "baby talk".  That's American for sentences consisting of 2-4 words  in Spanish.   

When we made our way back home, several of the boys were reluctant to leave to go to where they lived. For the first time, one of them asked if they could stay.  4 of the boys live in the Remar rehab facility and it never occurred to us that they would be able to spend additional time with us.  There are very strict rules that govern what the boys are allowed to do.  Preston walked the 2 blocks to the facility  to ask permission for the boys to stay for dinner and we would accompany them back for the evening services. Permission was granted and the boys were extremely glad to hear the news.  

Now, you have to understand the mindset of the teen boys in this country.  They want to be clean; they shower several times a day and despite their poor existence, their clothes are always clean and pressed. So, next on their agenda was, they NEEDED to head over to the Remar Leon facility (the boys live out on the farm) to shower and change clothes.  There was no talking them out of it.  They insisted that they get cleaned up, you would have thought they were going out on a date.  They think that we gringos are gross because there may be some days that we will  only shower once.  Well, away they went and returned in 25 minutes, smelling and looking good!

We had one boy who lives several miles away that we invited to spend the night.  When we insisted that he call someone to tell them of his plans, the other boys thought it was funny to hear his side of the conversation.  One can only imagine who he was talking to and what he said; remember, we still speak very little Spanish.  So now, he needed a shower.  We rummaged around to find something clean for him to change into.  We gave him the option of wearing a blue or pink Tshirt and he chose the pink.  Guys here are not afraid of color.

As the evening went on, it just got better and better.  The boys are use to our home so they feel at home here.  There was lots of laughter, cutting up, sharing in the few chores that needed to be done and conversation.   Their faces and attitudes said it all, they were grateful and happy to be in our home for dinner.

After dinner, we walked together to Remar for the weekly Thursday night services.  The worship was especially anointed and you could sense the Lord's presence heavy in the room.  The lights were lowered as the men and boys sang Agnus Dei.  Hearts were being touched and lives changed.  Two of our boys who have gone through a lot in their young lives and are being transformed daily by God's love were overcome with emotion.  I watched as Israel opened himself up to worship the Lord with his whole heart.  While I entered into worship, I almost missed the most amazing moment.  Leo who has been learning to surrender to the Love of God turned to comfort Israel.  It was breathtakingly beautiful.  

These 2 teens put aside being cool and caring about what others think in order to surrender and embrace the moment and each other.  God was at work in His Way in their lives. More healing, more love being poured down upon and into them.  

Go to YouTube and view the video that depicts our beautiful day in pictures.  The theme "What A Wonderful World " describes this day and our life.  We are blessed to be a part of what God is doing in the lives of some extraordinary teens.

                                                    http://youtu.be/sGGqfub3LJU

Covenant

"A solemn agreement between the members of a church to act together in harmony with the precepts of the gospel."

We are joined in a covenant partnership with New Day Church at High Point.   The members of New Day have been a constant source of encouragement, prayer and support.   During Easter week or Semana Santa as it is called in Nicaragua, we were blessed to have members of the church visit us.  

After spending several days in Managua visiting Pastor Eddy and his church, La Casa del Padre, the team along with Pastor Eddy and several of his members came north to Leon.  Each time our church family visits it is a time of deep refreshing for us.  As much as we love living and working in Nicaragua, loneliness can and does set in.  It was a whirlwind 2 days with much activity and lots to talk about.  

The visits always begin with lunch; the tradition of Christians gathering for meals is still much alive no matter what country you are in.  This is a perfect time to mention a favorite place we discovered and have turned other missionaries on to it, LaRosita's.  It is an old colonial style home that was refurbished by the owners and turned into a restaurant.  The restaurant is always enjoyed by the guests that we take there.  Whatever health concerns a team may have had about the food, it is never an issue when they see the restaurant.   

We spent the afternoon opening gifts and mentoring to the students.  Oh, let me tell you about the gifts.  We have been wanting a wood planer for the school.  All the wood that is harvested in this country is immediately sent to the "tiendas" and sold.  It is rough and never dried, thus it is extremely wet.  The wood we purchase is needed right away for projects, so handling it is tricky and time consuming.  Hand planing the wood is right up there as one of the least favorite tasks of the students.  It is hard work.  Now we have a new planer that will diminish the time spent on getting the wood ready to use in our projects.

Another gift came as a total surprise.  I don't know what meant more, the actual gift or the fact that someone noticed a casual comment I made more than a year and a half ago.  There is a very talented artist in the church who paints pictures, murals and instruments that adorn the sanctuary.  One of the first paintings that was done was in the fall of 2009.  I mentioned how much I liked it to the pastor.  This comment was remembered a year later and the church gave the painting to me to be used in my prayer room here in Nicaragua.  I was moved beyond words that someone thought enough about me to remember and sacrifice this beautiful painting.

The biggest blessing of each visit by a mission's team is there ministry to the students.  They pray for the boys and have prophetic words of encouragement for them. When the team's members speak God's Words over the boys, there are immediate and astounding changes that take place.  Visibly there are changes in their appearance.  Before long, you begin to see changes in their behavior.
   


This visit was highlighted by the meeting for the first time of the associate pastor from New Day church in North Carolina,  Pastor Eddy from La Casa del Padre in Managua and Pastor Jose of Nueva Restauracion, our local church in Leon. We've sensed for some time that this meeting would be a divine appointment.  We all joined together in worship, prayer, neighborhood evangelism and the joy of experiencing the heavy presence of the Lord in our gatherings.   
Covenant, it's a strong word.  It carries with it promise, hope and power.