BBQ in El Crucero.

Last night I went to visit the children's home in El Crucero. I usually cook a spaghetti dinner at least once a month on a Friday night. However, thought we'd try something different this time. So me, Angie and Emily went up and braved a BBQ for 30 people. It went great. I only dropped one burger into the flames! I was so sad to see it fall as I flipped it!

We always have such a rich time of fellowship when we hang out together. We cook, eat, laugh, sing and pray together. Even the little ones. My heart was SO touched to see all the younger angels, from ages 2 to 5 praying earnestly. Some of them pray out loud for a very long time,eyes tightly closed and hands folded,  thanking God for everyone in their life and all the things they have. They know what it is like to go without and it is evident that their little hearts are thankful and content.

 What an amazing blessing to see the transformation of these children's lives by the power of The Holy Spirit. I know deep in my heart how much God loves Nicaragua and His people here, and I see Him at work  in this nation. I consider it an honor and a privilege to be co laboring with Christ to raise up a new generation who will advance His Kingdom here on earth.

I took some of our children from KFC/Kid's Following Christ, at our Covenant Church. As soon as we arrived, they got busy serving The LORD with their gifts and talents. They loved on the children, helped prepare and serve the meal and ran around the whole time helping in whatever way was needed. I didn't even have to ask them to do anything. I never once had to prompt an action, it all flowed straight from their hearts. What a testimony of our Great and Awesome God to see His children ministering to other children in need.

Leo, more cake!?

Me and Ruby.

Leo and Andrea from KFC.

Leo and Andrea.

Yummy dessert, jello, cake, and more cake!

Me, Ruby and Grace.

Emily, Julianna and David.

Emily.

8 year old Luviana has one glass eye and is almost blind in the other one. We are trying to find a school for the blind for her to attend, but she will need a place to live close to it as well. Please join us in prayer for this provision for her. 

These two were inseperable, Emily did not want Julse to leave.

Julse, Grace and David singing with actions....

pause to make room for more cake....

Grace

5 or 6 year old Ofelia, my how you have grown since I first met you. The doctors thought she was about 4 months old when I was in hospital with her when she first came here about 18 months ago.

God, you are amazing, I don't know how else to say it. God you are amazing! You are amazing!

Covenant Library.

Just about a year ago, someone donated a box of books that they no longer had need of to our church. We decided it might be a good idea to share them by making them available for anyone who was interested in borrowing them.We set the books out on a table in one of our back rooms. It was an instant hit!

Very soon,  people started donating more books and our collection quickly grew. We now have over 600 books in inventory!! In both English and Spanish.

Wait, you have to realise that here in Nicaragua there just aren't any libraries as you may know them in USA or UK for example. In fact, I do not know of ANY other place here where you can borrow books from.

 The whole concept was new to the Nicaraguans at our church. They were so excited exclaiming, "You mean I can take the book to my house and read it there?!"  This was/is BIG! What a novelty.

It was quite a task to organize them and categorize them, I have never done anything like this before, so I had zero experience! But.. it is now almost complete and looks beeautiful! At the begining of this month, thanks to all who gave generously, we were able to finish installing the shelves and it looks fabulous!!!!

 Now I am praying that someone will be willing to come in and take over this project as their ministry, so I can focus on Children's Ministry at Covenant Church. I see the library as great potential for evangelism, as we invite others in to use the books, and maybe serve refreshments, coffee, lemonade, and so on. LORD, have your way, this is your project in your church. Thank you for the fun it has been setting it up, now who will take it from here?

Kid's section

Parting is such sweet sorrow....

I met with my little angels Gabriel and Rafael today. For the last time here in Nicaragua. They leave tomorrow with their new family to go and start a whole new life in Germany. I cannot express in words how these two little angelitos have blessed my life. To see the power of Almighty God at work in their lives has given new hope, not just to me, but to anyone who has had the opportunity to be even a small part of their lives.

Gabriel and Rafael wanted to keep the giraffes I gave to them with them on the plane. Marion says they sleep with them at night too! HUGS XXXXX

With great sadness, a heavy heart, and struggling to hold back the tears, we went to the pool, played with my giraffes, then parted ways. LORD I rest secure in the knowledge that they are in your hands and you will protect them and keep them on the path you have prepared for them. They will be powerful testimonies of your great love and awesome transforming power. Dear sweet Gabriel and Rafael, I love you like my own babies. Be blessed beyond your wildest imaginings and live the fine lives God has prepared for you! There will always be a special place for you in my heart.

Visit to Los Cedros.

So good to be back here in Los Cedros, where it all started for me here in Nicaragua. Fond memories!

remember these two siblings? Tatiana and Maribel.

this table brought back memories, love it!

Covenant Church, Managua

It's great to be back with my church family here in Nicaragua!


As we continue with our church wide Daniel fast I pray that we will all grow in wisdom and understanding, as individuals, and as a church. May we know the perfect will of Christ for our lives.
snippets from Thursday night at Covenant....

working hard on a Thursday night

these girls know how to have fun!

silliness

catching up

smileys

more work

fun fellowship

Happy New Year!

some of the leaders of tomorrow :)

I love you guys!

KFC/Kids Following Christ!

I look forward to a New Year of serving our LORD with you.

Back in Nica

I made it back to Nicaragua today, after enjoying the holidays in
South Florida with family and friends.

On the last day I was there it was said to have been 30 degrees, and with the wind shield, 20 degrees!! Brrrrr!!

It was a cool welcome back too tho, with temperatures lower than usual for Managua. I am enjoying it while it lasts because, no doubt, by March/April we will be praying for cool days like this.

Happy New Year!!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR to my dear friends. I love you!!!!

Many thanks to my dear friend who..


*took me to the airport to begin my Christmas Holiday
*bestowed a generous Christmas gift upon me as I left
*welcomed me into her home and family for the holidays
*stayed up late to chat and paint our nails together when really you were exhausted
*treated me to countless yummy meals out
*surprised me by buying  me the salt and pepper grinder I had admired
*gave me a ride whenever I needed one, whatever the time was
*went to the office on a day off to help load up the car with my "stuff"
*drove for hours to come and visit with me while I was in town
*welcomed in the New Year with me
*stayed up past her bedtime to pray with me and work through some struggles
*drove to meet me at the airport in the middle of the night
*brought me hot toast the first morning back when I was suffering with a pounding headache, then spoiled me rotten by cooking lunch for me also
*offered to meet me at the airport if I got stranded
*made me a cup of hot tea on my first visit back
*regularly sends me encouraging, uplifting e/mails
 
Wow, I am SO incredibly blessed to have such wonderful friends. Hence my fb post/"You must really love me LORD, 'coz you gave me fantastic friends."

There are tons more examples too! I have so many amazing friends it would be impossible to list all of the gifts of friendship, but I hope you recognise yourself among these thanks. And, to my friends of the past, present and future, I treasure your friendship, and truly "Thank my God upon EVERY remembrance of you." Phil 1 v 3.

Welcome 2012! Bring it on!

I  ushered in the New Year in Fort Lauderdale at a Praise and Worship concert led  by Anthony Evans.


It was fantastic!!!! Rejoice, again I say Rejoice!


It was the biggest gathering I have ever been to for a New Year's celebration where everyone was likeminded, there was reported to have been about 4000 in attendance.


 I encourage you to listen to some of Evans' music, and here are a few more people who agree with me..

Anthony Evans knows how to lead people into our Lord’s presence and step out of the way…” – Max Lucado.

“What makes Anthony’s music incredible is his voice. What makes his ministry incredible is his heart. What makes his message incredible is his walk with the Lord.” – Franklin Graham


A much-sought-after leader of worship, Anthony has garnered invitations across the spectrum from Franklin Graham events, to such venues as The National Worship Leader’s Conference. As a live performer, Evans has shared the stage with such talents as Yolanda Adams, David Phelps, FFH and Natalie Grant. And as a composer/ artist, Anthony’s crossover music has vibrated both the doors of the church and ventured beyond.

“The impressive quality of Anthony’s voice is obvious. He is a gifted singer. But as his personal friend, I can also attest to his love for God and his heart to communicate that love to people through his music ministry.” –Natalie Grant

My dear sister in Christ, RuthAnn, and I.

http://anthony-evans.com/about/