As the pandemic continues, stay-at-home orders for several countries remain, and others begin to open back up, our work in each base is looking different every week. However, we are blessed to continue finding ways to serve God in the communities to bring light and hope. Today’s story comes from our Education Site in Nicaragua!
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world”
John 16:33
The current pandemic has caused a lot of reflection for all of us. Today we take a look back at our Education Site. Over the past six and a half years, the Education Site has faced multiple challenges. There was a lack of materials to prepare for classes, like desks and blackboards, no real classroom space to meet, nor access to restrooms. In addition to that, Nicaragua faced a challenging political situation in 2018 that forced us to close down and serve in other countries. Wow, so many things! Currently, the global pandemic has caused illness, death, and fear. But it also affects families’ economic stability in the communities where we minister, resulting in a lack of employment and food shortages. This crisis is accompanied by seasonal illnesses that develop as a result of the rain.
Reflecting on the last few years allows us to evaluate and consider our present, as Samuel did when saying this phrase in 1 Samuel 7:12: Eben-ezer (Thus far the LORD has helped us).
Reflecting on the last few years allows us to evaluate and consider our present, as Samuel did when saying this phrase in 1 Samuel 7:12: Eben-ezer (Thus far the LORD has helped us).
Given these needs, what can we do? Well, we can pray, which is great and necessary – because God listens to us. He teaches us to pray for one another, but we must do more.
The Education Site continues to provide tutoring to the children, which is needed now more than ever as many choose to stay home. But we have decided to explore other options to bless the families of the children:
The Education Site continues to provide tutoring to the children, which is needed now more than ever as many choose to stay home. But we have decided to explore other options to bless the families of the children:
- Like many of you, we have had to adjust our budgets considerably. But we have also changed some of our focus. We are buying food every month to bless five families from the Valle del Volcan and Cocal communities. We are buying rice, sugar, oil, oatmeal, coffee, to name a few.
- We are also putting together packages that include clothes and shoes for children and their families. (A team this year was able to bless the ministry of SI by bringing these necessities.)
- We have been making masks to give to children for their protection while participating at the Education site. (The Microfinance site lent us a sewing machine, and our coworker nurse Rebeca taught us how to make them.)
- We are encouraging and praying for families via videos, audios, and short messages. We are continuously praying that God would give us new ideas and avenues to continue to help the children and their families.
Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due when it is in your power to act. Do not say to your neighbor, “come back tomorrow and I’ll give it to you” when you already have it with you.
Proverbs 3:27, 28
