Nicaragua….the work here is hard! So far, we have spend 2 whole days using a pick ax and bar to break free pieces of earth (compact clay-like dirt that is wet from rain, or dry as concrete). In an endless cycle of breaking dirt, shoveling dirt into wheel barrels, and hauling it down to a different part of the church property, the goal is to level the ground for paving (parking lot/playground). Covered in bug spray, sun screen, sweat and dirt, we give 110%, and praise God for the the moments of breeze or shade. But the joy of Jaime (hay-mee), our contact, and the strength of Alexandro (alehandro) make our efforts worth the work. If we were not here, it would take these 2 men 2 months to level this ground by themselves.
Today we served at the local clinic cleaning up debris around the place. They cant find anyone to do it for free, and dont have the funds to pay someone to do it. Its amazing what a tidy space does for moral and health. Much of the debris was medical waste that would have been safely placed in a red medical waste bag in the states. Here, it is strewn about.
While there is a 70% unemployment rate, the parishioners are not anxious to jump in and help with the work. My prayer for this nation is that they would use their free time to press into Jesus and become so passionately in love with Him, that the kingdom of God is forcefully advancing here. That the blood of Jesus would break off the complacenty and 'thats just the way it is' mentality and stir His people to action! With this mush free time, we should see a nation moving full force in teh Spirit, bringing truth and hope to the broken and lost.
We are preparing and praying for a big crusade at the end of the month, so please be praying for hearts to be radically changed for Jesus! At church last night, I saw so much joy in the Lord, and so much brokenness for family situations, but I would LOVE to see the Spirit fall on this place and shake the very ground we stand on!
There is a radio station being constructed on the hill that will have the potential to impact millions of people for Christ! Please pray for truth and freedome to go out through that airwaves!
Pray also against spiritual attack. Less than a year ago, our contacts wife was 7months pregnant. Suddenly, and large poisoness snake bolted past at least 10 other people, headed straight for her, and bit her! But by the grace of God, she suffered no effects whatsoever! Instead, she just went and preached the word of God at the local hospital :0)
