I think one of my favorite things about this trip is falling in love…I never thought so many people in Central America would steal my heart. Last month it was the beautiful babies from Casa Jackson (the malnourished baby hospital). This month it is the teenagers from the Quinta Esperanza.
Let me introduce you to Perla (Pearl)-she’s the one in yellow. She is 19 years old and blows my mind with her love and boldness for the Lord. She has had an unimaginable past, no one should have to go through what she has been through. Yet she has so much happiness and abundance of life shining through her. One night at church, we were praying and prophesying over the people. God told me to tell her she really was a pearl. That He loved her so much, was so pleased with her, and would never stop pursuing her. He told me He had BIG plans for her life and was going to use her in great ways. I love her so much and was so excited God gave me this word to share with her. Please pray for her, that she would continue to be anointed, blessed, and walk in the fullness of the Lord.
These teens have experienced horrific things in their past, all forms of abuse possible, and yet they overflow with joy. If I never believed in God, I would, just by the examples of the lives of these kids. They love God and serve Him wholeheartedly. They are so vibrant! They praise Jesus with songs, dances, and dramas. They hug with so much adoration and pour so much into us, even though they grew up never knowing what love looks like or feels like. When they preach, you would think they went to seminary school or have had years of experience. One smile and you will fall completely in love! I have learned so much from them, and like my little Guatemalan babies, I will miss them so much when I leave Nicaragua.
I am so thankful for the experiences I have had in this country…from prayer walks around Jinotepe and meeting Peter (a former alcoholic who runs a shoe repair shop, and now lives his life for Jesus.), to helping the poorest of the poor children with crossword puzzles at Vacation Bible School, to preaching to a group of women about the story of Ruth, and praying for people in the barrios. God has touched my heart this month in so many tangible ways. I feel so blessed and so honored to be here. Thank You Father!
If you would like to learn more about this ministry click here
Glenn and Lynne Schweltzer are two extraordinary people who run the hotel, the quinta, and church (Iglesia Nuevo Amanecer). They are about $25,000 in debt so please pray that the doors would be opened for them. They have a new vision for a youth center, one where missionaries can live, kids can play sports, and the youth can learn trades. I believe their ministry will take Jinotepe by storm. They truly are making disciples of the nations.
