Hello, friends and family.
I’ve recently transited the Pacific, ending up in Nicaragua. This place is pretty much beautiful like most everywhere in the world. There is a common denominator called beauty in this world. It’s everywhere.
A large volcano smokes in the background of our most recent residence, a tucked-away retreat center near Chichigalpa. Like in Africa the stars look like Christmas lights, twinkling and alive. Just an hour or so away miles of dark-sand beaches call in the Pacific ocean.
So far, ministry in this community looks like a variety of different things. When we first arrived we helped paint the village church building in Bethel. We were fortunately able to build relationships quickly with the people of Bethel. After that, we spent the next few days with an organization called Amigos for Christ. AFC does many different things within the surrounding community including help displaced peoples (caused by hurricane Mitch) find homes and jobs. Our work with AFC consisted of digging waist high ditches in the dusty volcanic soil of El Chunco, another small village in this region. There is an amazing water distribution project going on in that village. The last few days have been spent handing out food and toys to the surrounding villages. I love Vision Nicaragua’s idea on doing this type of Kingdom work. As provided, they give food to every family in the village and toys to every child under 13 years old. And finally, tomorrow we are going to baptize some people in some natural springs then have a swimming party.
Through Christ’s love, Vision Nicaragua has been an awesome ministry to this country.
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I wanted to inform my friends and family about where my heart is and what I am considering after the World Race:
I am on the last leg of the World Race with only about 2 months left to go, so inevitably I have been thinking about what life will look like after the race. In some ways I have every idea of what life will look like, and in other ways I have no idea. The one thing I am sure of is that I want my life to continue to be lived in radical abandonment to the things Jesus has called us to, and many options are laid before me as to what could be next. To name a few (not prioritized):
1. Go back to Thailand with AIM Initiative (within the same organization as the World Race) and start a long-term outreach ministry.
2. To squad lead (within the same organization as the World Race), meaning to lead a whole squad of about 50 World Racers into their first months of travel and ministry while speaking in-to and encouraging them in the Lord.
3. Go to A Place for the Heart retreat center and learn how to better pour my heart out in Worship to the Lord through creative outlet. The program is fostered through Jonathan and Melissa Helser, a married couple who have poured their lives out as Worship to Daddy.
4. Attend most likely either Bethel School of Ministry in Redding, California or International House of Prayer in Kansas City, Kansas. Of course, I would go to prepare for a life of ministry in the Kingdom.
5. Some Racers on my squad and myself have been talking about starting a multifaceted ministry together. We would live in close gospel community with each other while starting various ministries to reach the poor and broken. I have also received invitations into other established gospel communities that I am seriously considering.
These are some ideas that are very possible for my life after the race. Maybe I’ll do one of these. Maybe I’ll do a couple or all of these. Maybe I’ll do none of these. One thing is for sure. My decisions will be covered in prayer and of course provision from Daddy.
I felt the need to get these things on paper for my internal processing and your information. Love.
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Even though this trip is starting to feel like it’s wrapping up, so much will be happening in the next two months, so I still covet your prayers. And, I am thankful for them.
And still, thank you so much to my spiritual and financial supporters. I pray that Daddy is reigning down His favor and love on you. Seasons change, but Daddy is still moving and passionate about His will.
