Psalm 51:16-17

You do not desire a sacrifice, or I would offer one. You do not want a burnt offering. The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.

Nicaragua Day #5 (12/17/11)

"Community. It's really strong here. Everyone was involved in the celebration of the promotion of the little ones and the 6th graders. Balloon arch, food, performance, preparation all came through because of the help of the community.

We started the day with nakatamales which were super good and filling. It takes a whole day to make these delectable things. Everyone looked their very best. Franksuat cut his hair and wore his robe and cap.

We took pictures of everyone and everything! It was such a special occasion and proud moment for the families and friends. The ceremony was a long but but a fun celebration, nevertheless.

After lunch we went downtown to buy gifts and attend Eleazor's graduation. We didn't make it in time but found them at the bus stop. So we drove back to church, had worship at the church and continued the celebration.

1 Thessalonians 4:9

Now about brotherly love, we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another. "

Nicaragua Day #4 (12/16/11)

"We spent most of the day at the church. We met some more kids: Orlando, Silvio, Paula. All really beautiful kids who are loving and smiley.

Today we had the opportunity to go to a local factory where about five thousand local people work and manufacture clothes. It was neat because the group of church members that we went with go there every Monday and Friday and minister to the people there through worship, testimony, and sermon. We were able to hand out Bibles to several people there and worship together. It was discouraging to me because I wondered how many of these people would really dive into the Word but Donna reminded me that there's only so much we can do. We have to leave the rest in God's hands--trusting that He has plans far greater than what we can see immediately before us.

After several hours at the factory, we went back to downtown Tipitapa to buy groceries for snacks and food and went back to church to prepare for dinner--RAMEN! And we prepared for the promotion/graduation ceremony for the students the next morning.

Things to remember/pray for:

-Missionary Kim and her heart, not to be discouraged

-Reyna and Anyell, loss of baby & for God to bless them with another one

-for the church to be provided for, money to build the walls around the church grounds

-protection, today gang members came and tried to steal the computers from the church

1 Thessalonians 3:12

May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you."