Las Loma Del Nance

September 25

I am so blessed to be able to spent time talking with men and women who long to see God change their lives and their communities.  God is active among His creation drawing men and women to Himself.  Yesterday Joe, Josue, Heilyn, and I went to Las Loma Del Nance.  

Las Loma del Nance is a community that sits on a plateau above the river below the hydro electric plant outside Jinotega.  To get there you go down into the valley, cross the river, and head back up the mountain on the other side.  Las Loma is a quiet farming community of approximately 250 people.  

There we met with Marciel.  Marciel is a community leader who we meet last January during our medical clinic.  In January Marciel shared with us his desire to see God change his community.  The closest church to him is an hour walk down hill which becomes a two hour walk home.  Since January, he has been hosting a bible study group in his home two or three weeks a month.   Marciel is not a trained pastor or teacher, he is just a passionate believer with a burdened for his community.  We are going to be working together to establish a new faith community and to meet the physical need of clean water.  During the months of March and April the community is often without water and the rest of the year they receive clean drinking water every 8 days for two hours only, which they store in open barrels until the next 8 day cycle comes around.  Pray for us as we work together to find the best solution for  reliable access to clean drinking water. 

                                                                              Dan, Josue, Marciel, and Heilyn

Since our last post the Tennessee Three have gone home and are working to prepare for their return trip in March.  All of us at HMC enjoyed getting to know the T3 gang and we are looking forward to a long and productive ministry together in the future.  It is exciting to be apart of God's work here among the people of Nicaragua and to meet all those that He brings across our path, serving together in His Kingdom purposes.

Things have been busy for the HMC crew over the past few weeks.  We have begun work on our website to replace the place holder site some of you may have used to get here!  We are excited about what Angela and the crew from Veugeler Design Group are putting together.  We hope to have the new site up before the holidays.   As you can see above, we have our new logo!  We are working to coordinate future ministry and to create a place were HMC can communicate easily with others as we journey together in God's redemptive story. 

At Celebration, our home church, we are in a new sermon series on Exodus.  In preparing for the series I found a study on Exodus by Scot Grant from Peninsula Bible Church.  His introduction focused on the fact that for the children Israel God's plan and purpose would not be thwarted. As the book of Exodus opens Israel is but a remnant, 70 in total, but the Lord makes them to multiply and increase in numbers greatly to the point that the Egyptians become fearful.  Pharaoh begin to enact various measures to stop the growth of the Children of Israel but God's purpose is greater and the tribes continue to increase.  I feel that God is doing something similar with the path of Highlands Mission Cooperative.  Once we focused on doing what we knew God was leading us to do, focusing on the ministry to the people, He began to open doors and  bring together ministry partnerships to accomplish his purpose at the same time bringing to life some of our vision for ministry.  

         One of our dreams was a ministry base that would house teams and provide a launching point for all of our ministry arms.  God has lead us to a lot in the city of Jinotega who's owner is a friend of our ministry.  Pray for us as we raise funds to purchase this property. 
         He has brought us together with the architectural firm Lyman Davidson Dooley from Marietta GA.  who is providing the preliminary designs at no cost.
        He has brought along side of us ministry partners to help fulfill our dream of helping to coordinate  the ministry efforts going on in and around the are area so that all of the ministries could not only work together but also collectively increase our reach into the local community.

All of these things were unsolicited.  Just by sharing God's amazing story and being willing to make ourselves available to serve, He is providing for His redemptive work.  

Please join with us as we seek to serve the people of Nicaragua.  Browse this blog for the various ways we can serve together.  Check out our Facebook page at facebook.com/Highlands Mission Cooperative, there you can follow the links to donate if God is leading you to support these efforts financially.  Ask questions at info@highlandsmission.com  We encourage you to find out what God is doing and then join Him in his redemptive story.  Be apart of the abundant living Jesus came to offer.

Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”

The Tennessee 3

God at work in a mighty way! 

We have been going door to door in the neighborhood of La Curva sharing the gospel with each family that would allow. There has been a great reception of our group and the opportunities have been endless. Our team has separated into three groups working side by side with our local church partner here in Jinotega. Our U.S. team has been equally matched with a team from the church Brazos Abiertos. In the first two days of ministering in this country we have attempted to witness to approximately 60 plus homes. Not for the sake of numbers but for proof of the glory of God’s presence, there have been approximately 20 salvations and numerous lives have been rededicated. As much as we see God working in the people of La Curva we are witnessing God doing an even greater work in our own lives. Perspectives are being radically changed and perceptions are being totally obliterated. We serve a great and mighty God.

The finale and the beginning.

Things have been so crazy since we completed our language school in Matagalpa that we have not had a chance to bring to a conclusion our ministry there.  After Thursday and the low number from the Liberation celebration we were excited to see many of our student return for the last day of class.  It was great to see all their smiling faces as we opened each class period in assembly time. We quickly dismissed them to class so that our teachers could begin their last day of teaching.  Pastor Javier share a clear gospel message in the closing assembly.  Each class session was different as Pastor Javier shared the good news of Christ and His love for each of the students.  The Lord blessed our time together and many students made decisions for Christ.

We had 395 registered teens and adults and 140 Children.  260 students turned in an exit survey.  Of the surveys received, 138 students indicated that they had may a decision to accept Christ as Lord during the week.  Additionally 135 indicated that they were interested in receiving more information about the Christian life.  All of these surveys have been given to pastor Javier so that Primera Inglesia can follow up and visit each of these students.  All praise and glory go to our gracious Lord and Savior.

Today also begins a week of ministry with our team for Tennessee.  the team consist of members of Riverdale Baptist Church from Murfreesboro,  Crossroads Community Church from Baxter  and Encounter Life from Manchester.  These three churches have partnered together to establish a long term partnership with Pastor Marvin of Inglesia Brazos Abiertos here in Jinotega.  Pray for them this week as they spend time getting to know the heart beat of the work in the city and begin to make plans for future ministry with Past Marvin.  They will be surveying the area around the church, do door to door evangelism, and spend time praying over the city and holding evening evangelical meetings.

God is at work among His people drawing them unto Himself.  Pray and ask the Lord of the harvest where you to can serve the kingdom.

We did not know what to expect as we drove over the mountain on Thursday morning to Matagalpa. July 19^th is Liberation day in Nicaragua.  The government sponsored a huge gala in Managua and paid for transportation for all who wanted to attend.  We had been told that many businesses would be closed and everyone would go to the celebration.  One gentleman went so far as to say we should cancel classes!  As we were leaving Jinotega there were many buses and trucks filled with people heading to the celebration.  Driving into Matagalpa the city was very quiet.  Even so, we continued with our course trusting God for the outcome.

We had a great day, the weather was perfect with a nice breeze all day to keep us cool.  The children arrived eager to learn and attentive.  Millie, Chilly and Willy were on their best behavior and Michelle and the gang did an awesome job.  Moving into the afternoon the city remained quiet but God was faith in drawing people into his presence.   All of our teachers had the opportunity in multiple sessions to share their stories of how Christ has and is continuing to transform their lives.  Mike shared in the closing assemble that as a teenager he had to choose to follow Christ not merely participant in his families religion.  Catholicism is the predominant religion in Nicaragua.  The majority of the people know about God, but do not know that they can have a relationship with God.  As we were leaving after the last session a young man who is attending the classes told Mike that Bill had given him something to think about tonight.  Mike asked what he would be thinking about?  He replied religion verses relationship.  Most people here know religion, pray that God will continue to use us today to help them understand the truth about a relationship with Jesus Christ.

As you think about it today pray for us as we continue to share the gift of English and most importantly the gift of Christ Love with our students here in Matagalpa.  Pastor Javier will be sharing the gospel in the closing assemblies through out the day today.  We are praying and hopeful of a plentiful harvest for the kingdom!

Wednesday

Our first two days of class have gone very smoothly.  God has blessed us with a good number of students who are enthusiastic about learning English.  We are averaging close to 400 students.  July is anniversary month for the Sandinista Liberation.  The government is hosting a big countrywide celebration this week with rallies and parades, so there is a lot happening around Matagalpa.  Even with the distractions our classes are going well.  God is so faithful to honor those committed to him.  

We have a wonderful group of teachers who are working together pouring themselves out for these students.  It has been amazing to watch them.  Lissa, April, Janet, Bob, and Amanda have jumped in like old pros.   They have overcome their fears and anxieties and allowed the Lord to use them.  April has provided the comic relief as she has coached Greg Lightsey on how to eat for his blood type.  Pray for receptivity for Greg.

Mike an I have had several opportunities to talk with Pastor Javier about how best to help Him as he and his church minister to the city of Matagalpa.  He has had a full week already, preaching on Sunday, assisting our English ministry, working with a German team on Tuesday, and caring for his church family in the death of a church member.  Pray for Pastor Javier and his family as they serve so selflessly.

Michelle has been AWESOME!  Her hard work and preparation have been a HUGE benefit to the team.  It is a pleasure to serve with such a gracious and humble servant leader.

Continue to pray for our ESL team.  Pray for strength and endurance. We leave the house every morning @ 8 am and return in the evenings around 10 pm.  The day is long but the people are so warm and gracious.  Pray for the Holy Spirit to move in the hearts of the students drawing them into a saving relationship with Jesus.

ESL language course In Matagalpa

Our team arrived safely on Saturday afternoon.  After getting settled, Michelle put us right to work preparing our materials for the language course.  Prepped and fed we headed over to the orphanage.  One of our team members brought the kids a new xbox and  TV.  The kids had a good time with dance party while we were there.  The T shirt dresses were a hit with the girls.  Thank you Gail Walston and Heather Kendrick.  The children was very gracious and thankful for the gifts.  Joy and her staff have done an awesome job with the kids.

Sunday morning we enjoy our worship time together.  Mike challenged us to be open and allow God to speak to us through the week as we serve the students.  It is easy to get caught up in the processes of teaching and never talking time to spend with God listening.

After worship we headed out to Matagalpa.  Registration went really smooth as compared to January.  We had a steady stream of students all afternoon which allowed us to take our time and not feel over whelmed.  We registered 400 students today!  We are expecting 100 plus to be added tomorrow.  God is so faithful to us.  We were concerned that we may be overwhelmed with students but God knew what was best.  Our numbers through registration fit our team perfectly.  The new guys get to team teach and then later in the day they have their own classes.  Everyone is excited and working together.  We are looking forward to a great week.

                                     

                                         

This evening we went to Primera Baptist Church In Matagalpa.  Pastor Javier and his church family welcomed us and prayed for our efforts this week as we partner together to share the good news of Christ in the city.

Pray for us as we build relationships and share our stories of the hope we have in Christ.

Scouting out the land!

       
Teach me to do your will, for you are my God.  May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing, for the glory of your name, O Lord, preserve my life.  Because of your faithfulness, bring me out of this distress.  In your unfailing love, silence all my enemies and destroy all my foes, 
 for I am your servant.

                                                                                                                             Psalm 143:10-12

We have had a wonderful time the past two plus weeks in Jinotega.  We saw God’s presence in the joy and excitement on the faces of the children at the orphanage as the basketball court repairs neared completion and again in the laughter of the organized chaos that is the sports camp.  What great joy to be apart of what God is doing in reaching the people of Nicaragua.  I am so thankful for the small part God is allowing us to play in His Kingdom work here.

This week has been a challenging week as God again has revealed a glimpse of what can be as we seek out the next steps for our ministry. In our meeting with Pastor Higinio, God seems to have brought like-minded hearts and passions together.  Join us as we pray for wisdom and discernment in forming a partnership for training young men and women for ministry.  Teaching and pastoral training has always been a part of our vision.  This week God has redirected the intensity and scope of our focus on training.  As we seek to minister to the rural poor communities in the highlands, pastors and lay leaders will be needed to disciple those that come to Christ.  Pray that God will raise and up leaders in these communities.  

Villages with a mission presence:        Planned missions

Pantasma                                                 El Cua 

La Rica                                                   Yali

Bocay                                                      La Concordia

Malaconsito                                            Asturia

San Rafael del Norte                               Las Loma del Nance

Puerta Azules

Pray also for our association with Pastor Javier Moranga, the pastor of Primera Baptist In Matagalpa.  His church is the mother church to the mission in Santa Emilia where we have done a water project and Medical mission.  The church supports three mission congregations from their body in Matagalpa.  God is using them to reach into the city of Matagalpa and the outlying areas.  This coming week we will be doing an intensive ESL language course in one of the schools in the heart of the city.  In less than an hour of the invitation banners going up and youth form Primera Church passing out flyers, more than 30 people had called the preregistration telephone number!   We are excited about what God has planned.  Pray for our team.  Half of our team is veteran of at least one previous language course, with the remainder being first timers.  It is going to be an exciting week together.  We are looking for 250students per session.