We met Rick and Mary Ervin of Branching Out Ministries at an international church in Managua. Their warm and welcoming dispositions drew us to them.
Their vision for Branching Out is “to spread God’s love all over Nicaragua while helping people learn or find ways to help themselves improve certain aspects of their lives, such as health and nutrition. Using the things [they] have learned in [their] chosen professions, and Rick’s agricultural expertise, [they] are able to help many communities in animal and human health”.
Branching Out still maintain 4 clinics in remote areas of Nicaragua. They have trained locals as vets and lay nurses, and host medical teams from the States.
We were blessed to be invited to drive out with Rick to visit the Mahanaim Rehab Center. Our team gathered into the back of a “retired” ambulance and drove out to La Dalia in the Matagalpa region.
When Rick and Mary first visited the rehab center, the buildings were little more than shacks covered with plastic. They have been able to help the center to develop and take steps towards becoming self-sufficient.
As the center begins to become more and more self-sufficient, the technical training given to the men will grow as well.
The most recent project has been to plant coffee and as the first step to be able to one day both grow and process the beans at the center, and sell it back in America.
Hearing Rick talk about his vision, and plans to see the center grow is inspiring. His passion for the Lord and for the center are clear to see.
The center is accessible for all who seek recovery regardless of their financial situation. The recovery program is faith centered, and approximately 30% of the men going through the program accept the redeeming love of Christ.
The Center is beginning to get ready to expand its facilities to include a program for women, and afterwards a program designed for boys. Currently, in Nicaragua, there is no rehabilitation center for women if you don’t have money. Branching Out ministries’ goal is to fill this need.
Once all three of these groups have programs and facilities at the center, Branching Out wants to hire a teacher to come and teach all three. The Nicaraguan government claims that Nicaragua has 100% literacy, however, they define ‘being literate’ as being able to read and write your own name. In reality, 10-15% of the population is illiterate.
The Mahanaim Rehab Center is a place of hope, and a place of positive change. These men (and one day women and boys) are surrounded by a staff who cares for them and wants to share with them the life changing love of Christ. This is place for people to turn their lives around, and being to dream again.
Hearing Rick and Mary dream about the future of their ministry, and walking around the rehab center where dreams are once again rekindled, I was reminded that we serve a big God. He loves us and wants to give us such good gifts.
Many of us have begun to get bitter and jaded after being hurt by this world. We’ve stopped dreaming big dreams like we once did as children. God is all powerful, and we have access to this as children of the King. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). Nothing is too big for God!
I think that we all need big dreams, and to be reminded that we can’t out dream God!
If you want to learn more about Branching Out you can check out their website:
