The “summer tsunami” of short-term mission teams continues in Nicaragua. We completed three youth teams in June and July. CFCI-Nicaragua hosts four more (two youth, two medical) in the next few weeks. Read about all that’s going on in Nicaragua –- including an article on why politics in Nicaragua makes the American campaign season look civilized –- in this edition of “Field Notes” (page 1, page 2).
Thank you for reading –- and thank you for supporting the ministry! Que Dios le bendiga.
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Yesterday was the 29th anniversary of the Sandinista Revolution in Nicaragua. Amber and I “celebrated” the occasion by going to the beach with friend and CFCI intern David. We were pleasantly surprised to find that the drive from our house to the beach is only 32 miles. And it was well worth the trip. A nice, relaxing day.
We understand that in many other parts of the country, rallies and counter-rallies were taking place. Here’s a write-up on the anniversary holidday from vianica.com:
The 29th anniversary of the triumph of the Sandinista Revolution is celebrated in different parts of the country through activities of cultural and politically propagandistic nature. The revolution brought an end to the dictatorial dynasty of the Somoza family on July 19, 1979.
The ruling party, the Frente Sandinista de Liberación Nacional (FSLN), led by incumbent president Daniel Ortega, organized celebrations in several cities. They are currently preparing for the main event, which will take place tomorrow afternoon, on Saturday, July 19, on the Juan Pablo II square, located in the old center of Managua.
Another massive event will take place in Leon, and is organized by the dissident and opposing party: the Movimiento Renovador Sandinista (MRS).
Despite the heavy political connotation that these celebrations have assumed in recent years, the anniversary of the revolution is celebrated by a large part of the national population, regardless of their support for one party or another.
We’re taking advantage of our last weekend before “wave two” of the “summer tsunami” (of short-term mission teams). Relaxing at home, dinner and game night this evening.
Check out our newsletter tomorrow for more news from Nicaragua!
Just to prove that the Emmanuel Fellowship team didn’t goof off the whole time they were in Nicaragua, Episode 008 of Missions Minded Videos shows what the mission really was about: serving the First Baptist Church of Diriamba and providing a fun, Jesus-focused vacation Bible school for the kids there.
I finished this video just in time for our “debriefing meeting” with the church families in Diriamba. They’re going to love laughing at their “chele friends” — and enjoy remembering the fun times had by all! I hope you enjoy the video too.
The team from Emmanuel Fellowship wrapped up an amazing ten days of ministry in Nicaragua over the weekend. Once again, we have some great stories and videos to share (in addition to “Gumby!”). But for starters, here’s a monton (mountain) of pictures!
James Bond is “007″. It’s entirely appropriate that Episode 007 of Missions Minded Videos is a top-secret, under cover, covert operation. No lives were risked making this video, but lots of laughs ensued!
In this episode, the men of the Emmanuel Fellowship short-term mission (myself included) play a prank on the ladies of the team. (In response to several other escalating pranks, I might add!)
“A Day With Gumby” has a shocking, surprise ending, so be sure to watch it all the way through. You can watch on YouTube or download the iPod-compatible version below.
[Note: I'll have some other (more important) news, notes, pictures, and videos from the Emmanuel mission trip later today and/or this week.]
It’s Saturday afternoon and I’m hanging out at the mall with Amber.
I’m supposed to be with the short-term mission team from Emmanuel Fellowship.
So why am I playing hooky?
Because we have the best ministry director in the world!
Alcides is filling in for me this weekend to give me some rest in between teams. I’ll join the team in Diriamba on Monday — refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready to go — thanks to our awesome “jefesito” (little boss)!
That’s all the blogging I’m going to do today (or the rest of the week, for that matter). I need to get back to relaxing while I have the chance!
The mission team from Grace Church in Greenville, SC wrapped up a great week in Nicaragua yesterday. I have some amazing stories and videos to share with you. But for starters, here’s a few (hundred) pictures!
I have to make time for one more blog post before Missions Minded “goes dark.” This is a BIG praise report. My mom just called to let us know that we received a letter of acceptance for a $6,000 adoption grant!
That’s $6,000 to pay for a big chunk of the cost to adopt our future Nicaraguan son or daughter!!!
What great news to hear before we head out on our mission trip!
Thank you for your ongoing prayers for the adoption process. They’re obviously working! God is so good.
Note: Just to keep you up to speed on the status of our international adoption, we almost have our dossier ready to turn in to “Mi Familia,” the Nicaraguan government agency that handles adoptions. We’re praying for a referral from Mi Familia within the next year or year and a half.
