News and answered prayers in Nicaragua

We are thankful to see how our faithful Abba continues to direct our paths and show Himself at work not only here in Nicaragua, but actively in our own lives as well - that is something to praise Him for. We continue to walk alongside and partner with the Nehemiah Center here in Managua, along with many different families in various communities through discipleship.  It is exciting to see God at work. 

Crisalia and Esperanza continue to grow, learn, and be molded my Him on a daily basis. The girls meet alternating Saturdays with the youth/craft class and then with the young moms’ class - which really aren't that young anymore, but continue to grow themselves, both spiritually, and in numbers as they continue to be given these precious gifts of "children."  Just this past weekend, we had a baby shower celebration for Ana Rosa, who was pregnant with her second child. 

I'm sure these are very different looking from what your baby shower celebrations might be like [in the United States], but the women love planning a special event, all participating with cooking something for the celebration and then purchasing some small token to share with their friend. They brought soap, diaper pins, socks, cologne for baby, powder, etc.  Truly giving sacrificially. Our typical meal to share is refried beans, cabbage salad, and tortillas.... and then the cake. This cake is the highlight and everyone gets to enjoy a piece together.

 Ana Rosa was recovering from the mosquito born virus that has really blanketed Nicaragua, and so she called the day of the baby shower to say that she couldn't really walk to "gathering" (it was a surprise for her).  So, we walked the "baby shower" to her house. It was a surprise for her and her husband Wilmer.  He stayed for the whole event, which was a blessing in being able to speak to him of what an amazing God we have and how this child is a gift from Him. As it turned out, Ana Rosa's son arrived two days later, a precious little boy, Joshua, 7lbs 2 oz.  Both he and mom are doing well. 

Crisalia has been blessed to be attending nursing school this year and has truly enjoyed and excelled in this area. She passed her first semester of classes and has just launched into the second semester. She has become counselor, mother, and teacher to many of the young students in her class and they look to her for advice on many different topics. She is using this as an opening to speak boldly about Christ to both students and professors. 

Jarith, is in her fourth year as a medical student. She has truly grown spiritually this year. Currently she is co-leading a Bible study (Resolution for Women) with a group of female university students. It is exciting to see her taking these steps and making strong decisions for Christ. 

Both Crissalia and Esperanza are being used in their communities in many ways aside from these two groups they meet with weekly. They are sought as the "movers and shakers" of their community. They are women of peace, and women on whom the Lord has shown favor. Through their honesty and integrity they have been able to see God do some amazing things and blessings within their community.  Recently they have been able to pull together the workers at the water department to get a sewer spillage fixed that has been running through the community for perhaps over a year. This sewer has caused so much sickness and damage, but they have held fast, made many trips, personally visited homes trying to unite the community in getting this problem fixed. It has been so encouraging to see how God is using them in tangible ways to bless their community. 

This summer they and their families also participated in two short-term mission teams. Together we were able to help with the construction of a home for one of the women from the young moms’ group (Jacqueline) as well as hold a "nursing student" workshop for many of the peers in Crissalia's university class. It was amazing to see God glorified and spoken of in these times.   

They need much prayer. As mothers raising their kids, they are encountering all the stages of raising teenagers. Please pray that God will give them wisdom, will hold their kids on His path, and would keep the enemy from touching these kids.   

Esperanza has two boys graduating from high school this year. Guismark hopes to study computer engineering at the university beginning in January 2016. Guessler is hoping to be accepted into a vocational training school. Pray that God would provide for finances and open doors for both of these boys dreams.

They, not just as two individuals, but speaking of their families, and the communities they touch, are blessed so much to see His light shining among them. So often these places can be so dark, and yet, He has given His light to shine through these two precious women and the many they are touching for Christ. Thank you for being a part of what He is doing here in Nicaragua. 

Blessings & thank you for your prayers!