Here are just a few of my favorite moments while in Nicaragua. God gave me a passion for this country and this community. ————————————————- So we have had a slight change in travel plans. Tomorrow, my team and I are beginning our 2 day long trip to Panama. Team Pneuma and I will be sharing the Gospel in the Panamanian jungle. I will most likely not have internet service for the next few weeks. I am excited to share with you what the Lord teaches my team and me in a few weeks. Please know that I am thinking of you. Thank you for your patience in hearing from me on the field. If I don’t respond right away to e-mails/ messages, please know that I will when I get back from the jungle. I will update you again when I have internet access. Grace and peace be with you! Merry Christmas!!!!!!!!!! In His Hands, Jacinda
Oh the irony of a title. For me, my time in Nicaragua was like a peaceful whirlwind. Standing on the other side of this past month, it is hard to believe how quickly my time passed while at Circin. This past month the Lord taught me the importance of listening to his voice and obedience. During my stay at Circin, one of our volunteers from the States shared with me that “Any significant work of the kingdom of God came through commitment and sacrifice.” Throughout my time on the race, the Lord has been teaching me about living in genuine community. While out on the field, I am constantly reminded of a sermon about community that I heard during college. True Christian community has both vertical and horizontal components. Imagine the cross of Christ. The horizontal component represents our relationship with our brothers and sisters in Christ. The vertical component represents our relationship with Christ. If one component is off balance, then the image is disorted. Community is difficult, but it is worth it (vale la pena). I long to use my talents, passions, resources, energy, time to point others to Christ because in that, I am making an investment that lasts. Several of my teammates and squadmates have been encouraging me in my gifts and challenging me to look at what the Lord has given me and use it for His glory. It is such a beautiful process of growth and refinement when we speak truth to one another. Our goal as brothers and sisters in Christ should be to spur each other onward towards the Christ, the perfect example of how to do community. Like I shared earlier, ministry is found in the small moments. It is not a requirement to leave your comfort zone, but I can speak from personal experience that it does facilitate the process. I am confident that the Lord will continue to mold me and shape me into a woman of character throughout this year. I long to have joy in all circumstances and situations. God has me on this incredible journey, and I feel incredibly blessed to be given this opportunity to serve Him wholeheartedly around the world. I may not be perfect, but I truely am willing to serve Him in the small things and big things.
