Our mission begins with the words ‘to share in the love of Jesus Christ’. While the rest of our mission lists out programs that we operate, which are very important, we felt convicted to put more emphasis on those first few words.
What does it mean to ‘share in the love of Jesus Christ’? We believe we do this in four ways.
1. Strong Relationships
It is no secret that people in the US and in Nicaragua are forming deep, meaningful relationships. Whether through student sponsorships, community partnerships, trips or other moments of connection, people are getting to focus on the things they have in common and grow and encourage each other towards a better future. It does not take long into forming a relationship for faith to become a center point of discussion.
2. Our Programs
Seeing your prayers answered is a humbling and faith-forming experience, and our community partners get to see God answer their calls quite frequently. God has nudged us to specific communities and to specific families, and we believe this is so that His name may be glorified as He answers the needs of His children.
3. Prayer
We have a wonderful group of prayer warriors in the US that are quick to lift up prayers of our community partners and financial partners. Many of these prayers have been answered and many people have found comfort through this community. We also spend time praying for and with one another when we visit rural homes throughout Nicaragua. This time of prayer is always considered a favorite by community members when guests visit us in Nicaragua.
4. Faith Development Opportunities
Our work continues to be non-denominational and unconditional. We believe God has called us to Nicaragua and we are quick to share our ‘why’. However, we know that everyone’s faith journey looks different, is at different stages, and grows at different speeds. Our faith development team consists of both Protestant and Catholic representatives, who share in times of devotion and distribution of Bibles. Everyone is encouraged to read their Bible with their family, friends and church.
The explanation of this act may seem so simple and transactional. However, on a recent trip I was able to witness a devotion with community leaders and I watched as they received their Bibles. I had no idea how meaningful this moment was to the families until I saw the tears in their eyes and the somber look upon their faces. It was obvious that they were overwhelmed by the situation… in a good way.
When our devotion time came to an end, I jumped to my feet and started talking to the Bible recipients. They were so elated to have their Bibles as it was their first to ever own. Preservation techniques were quickly shared as they all wanted their Bibles to last. Wrapping them in plastic to prevent water and dust from harming them was the most common. This was without a doubt a prized possession of theirs.
Please understand that this is not a call for support of Bibles. Thanks to a generous partner, we have these needs met. Instead, I invite you to rejoice in this moment with the families as they start the journey of Bible studies and grow deeper in their faith and community with those around them.
We have a lot of hope for where this new venture will take us all. We also know that the rejoicing has just begun!
Megan Herrera, President