Poverty, unwanted children, lack of education for children, abusive families, and abandoned children are sad realities in Nicaragua. It’s easy to feel the hopelessness here. But we don’t feel that way. We see something outstanding in the midst of discouragement. In our short time here, we see that God is moving in a big way! Here’s a little about our ministry this month.
The Ministry – Quinta Esperanza
Since Nicaragua doesn’t like Americans, the government decided to shut down a lot of the children’s homes here as an act against Americans (since most were run by Americans.) (No worries, we’re just fine and safe!) A few years ago Glen and Lynn, our contacts, founded and run a youth home to take in some of these kids. It’s called Quinta Esperanaza, (which means hope.) They have about 15 kids ages 14-23 and Samuel, who is 10.
What they do with them is INCREDIBLE! All the kids are going to school and are also learning English. Some of them couldn’t go to school at their previous homes. Actually, some of 19-23 year olds are studying at a 5th grade level because of that. They are learning true community in a Christian environment.
Better yet! These kids are teachers! They are leading children’s church on Sundays, and they learn to preach. Fabricio, the pastor who lives with them, teaches them. They take turns preaching at church on Wednesdays and Sundays. With teaching comes incredible responsibility and awareness of others. What an amazing way to challenge them to grow in Christ.
The Hotel – Casa Mateo – http://www.hotelcasamateo.com/english/home.html
Sleeping in puddles, eating beans and rice, and bucket showers are definitely expected on the world race. Staying in a beautiful 80 year old hotel is not. Lynn and Glen have run the hotel for several years to fund the Quinta and to house missions group, volunteer groups, conferences, and guests both for ministry and the community.
Intersession for the hotel and Glen and Lynn, we’ve found, is our purpose here. Right now the hotel is in debt because there haven’t been enough guests coming in the off-season. We’ve also spent time painting and cleaning at the Quinta. We also feel passionate about ministering to Glen and Lynn because their ministry is very powerful. It totally changes lives, and we want them to continually be filled up so that they can pour out to the kids.
