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Nicaragua Mission Trip 2003
St. Michael Members Join Other Churches on a Mission Team to Nicaragua.
On June 28, 2003, 14 people representing 5 churches set out on a 12-day mission journey to Nicaragua. Here are some highlights and thoughts about the trip.
The school we went to build is by no means finished, but during our stay we saw walls rise out of trenches, more than 14 courses high. We mixed concrete and mortar, laid block, tied rebar and helped dig a pit for the baño. Throughout our labor, we worked alongside the pastor and community members building both walls and bonds of friendship. The money raised for the project went before us to purchase supplies and now remains to carry the school project forward. In 2004 and 2005, four more classrooms will made it possible for grades 1 - 6 to be added to the existing preschool. Mission dollars from our congregation are helping this Nicaraguan community realize a dream of Christian centered education.
Among the 22 suitcases of tools and supplies that we carried with us was a bright red footlocker adapted with shelves inside to house the library of 100 children's books that was our gift to the school in Los Brasiles. There are picture books, books to teach alphabet, counting and reading; and even more, the possibility of a library hour after school when families can come to the church to read together.
This year we continued our children's ministry with Bible stories, songs and crafts. In all we visited 10 Christian schools and churches telling stories to over 500 children and helping each child complete a craft project to take home. For these children, crayons and paper are precious commodities and a simple project becomes a possession of great joy.
Our most memorable afternoon was spent in Matagalpa, a town 2-1/2 hours drive from Managua where Mission Ventures sponsors a feeding center. The center provides three balanced meals a week for neglected children and a renutrition center that cares for malnourished children until they are strong enough to return to their families. We saw children who were ready to fight for food and young children years behind in growth and development because of malnutrition, but our memories are not of despair. Rather, we found hope in the dedication of those who care for these needy children and a conviction in our hearts that part of God's provision for them is our bounty placed at His disposal.