j1.27

"Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world." (James 1:27)

To be honest, as a Christian and a pastor, this verse has always troubled me a bit. Not on the truth side or the understanding side, but more on the application side of it. It doesn't take but a few chapters into the book of Acts to see that the early church got it when it came to the application. They understood the 'least of these' and caring for those in their community. Fast forward 2000 plus years and it would appear the Church has abdicated its responsibility in large part and handed it over to the government. So what would it look like for the Church to reclaim James 1:27's mission? More specifically, what would that look like for individual Christians, like me?

We were grateful to our friends on the West Virginia team for allowing us to travel with them to Veracruz (outside of Managua) to visit the Remar Orphanage. This team has been working in Veracruz and with the orphanage for over 10 years and it was exciting to see some of the fruit of their labor. We traveled around to see some of the homes they had built there and handed out hundreds of pounds of rice and beans to families and coloring books/crayons and candy to children in the community. Word traveled fast (which happens with a team of gringos walking down the street) and we were quickly mobbed.

After returning to the orphanage, we loaded up the bus with somewhere around 60 orphans in tow to take them Christmas shopping at Wembes Market - a huge, local market that I take my teams to each year. They had a blast picking out their gifts and were so grateful. But to look deeply into their eyes and even through conversation with them revealed that even though the gifts were great, the orphanage is really top notch, their is a deeper longing... for family. So we hosted a Christmas party for them that night and tried to be their family. But as I walked away to load the bus, with my family, my heart was heavy. We visited the orphans in their affliction, but are we called to do more? We think so and we are praying about what that "more" could and should be.

We finished our time in Nicaragua in worship... which couldn't have been more appropriate. Once again we were at Verbo Church caught up in the worship of Jesus with voices in Spanish, some English, but more importantly our hearts humbled in service before our King.

It was a difficult drive to the airport... not physically, but spiritually and emotionally. It's always that way for me and the teams I bring, but now my whole family was experiencing it together. You always feel like you leave a piece of your heart in Nicaragua, but what you leave behind pales in comparison to what you bring back with you. God has been so faithful to my family and I to allow us to be a part of His global purpose of inviting the nations to give their lives to Him and find their greatest joy in a relationship with Him. We saw God work through us, but more importantly, saw Him work in us.

The mission never ends...

for the sheep

Today was another awesome day of ministry! We were blessed to be able to join another team from West Virginia and head over to Los Brasiles, where my buddy Coburn has an expansive ministry - providing education, meals, after school programs and spiritual development to this little community. Our camp team had the opportunity to fall in love with their kids three years ago, taking them down to to Campo Alegria on Lake Nicaragua.

I can't help but wonder what impact it makes for these kids to see familiar faces again. I have no intentions of heaping praise on our teams, since we can't take credit for anything good at all. Christ is deserving of all the glory! But to see the face of a child light up and begin to talk about their camp experience from years ago shows the power of relationships and more importantly the love of Christ that binds hearts together. "Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony." (Colossians 3:14)

So today, we threw a Christmas party for the morning kids (preschool), complete with some time coloring, playing on the playground, a pinata and cake! We then walked one of the poorer (a relative term for sure) sections of the community handing out coloring books, crayons and candy. These families live in very tiny single room homes made of scrap metal or plastic tarping, with few have running water or electricity. Seeing such a great need, we left to return with bags of rice and beans and water jugs to hand out. The people were very grateful to receive these gifts and it was a tremendous blessing just to be able to give so freely to people with such need.

One of my prayers, in returning here to Nicaragua so often, is that I never get used to what I see. The sights, smells, poverty, trash and most importantly the people. It is so easy in Western culture to forget how the rest of the world lives. In our family devotion time tonight we looked at Matthew 9:35-38

Jesus traveled through all the towns and villages of that area, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. He said to his disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.

I always want to see people the way Christ sees people. Even beyond their physical need to the reality that in the depths of their souls there is a great spiritual need. That is why He calls them sheep without a shepherd - scattered and helpless. And He has given us the great privilege to introduce them to the Great Shepherd - Jesus Christ. May our time, energy and attention - our full lives - be given to this one resolve. That we would be the workers that the harvest so desperately needs. That our time, talent and treasure would be given to be used at the Master's pleasure. That we would daily understand what it means to deny ourselves - our plans, dreams, hopes, schedules, safety, comfort, etc - and take up the cross of Christ which is the Good News!

The night couldn't have had a better ending. The boys from Casa Robles and girls from Casa Havilah (rescue homes) were invited to the Buzbees for their Christmas party. We had a blast swimming, eating dinner together and then giving each one a gift. To see these kids outside their normal environment - most come from La Chureca (the dump) - and see how they have grown physically, emotionally and spiritually in the rescue homes is so encouraging and a testimony to God's love and grace to the least of these. They too were once sheep - scattered and helpless and many have met the Shepherd.

God is at work. I am so honored, along with my family, to have this opportunity to join God at work here in Nicaragua. So let me say a big thank you to those of you who are following us on this journey, but also those who are supporting us in prayer and through financial resources. Soli Deo Gloria!

it was just a little seed

Today was an amazing day. We loaded up our family, with Brinson leading the way and Moses in tow, to head out to the Ruby Ranch to put on an afternoon block party for the kids from the Las Parcelas community. For those up to speed on our Nica Missions, these are the same kids that our summer missions team took down 40 of them to Campo Alegria and put on a camp and then returned to their community for our Extreme School Makeover: Nicaragua Edition. To read more about what our team did this summer, click here.

Las Parcelas is a very poor and rural community. Some will never leave their community, swim in open water, ride a bus or even travel to Managua. Now that we have started a relationship with them, that the Buzbees are continuing to develop, we are continuing to look for ways to make an impact for the Kingdom on this community. And we knew this party would be a big draw, since the schools are out and the gringos were coming!

We arrived and got to work getting ready about 15 bikes - which all needed air in the tires or small tune-ups. Then we headed over to the playground area to set-up tables for the cookies and cokes we would have later. I had many "moments" today, but an early one for me was just watching everyone in the family helping in their own way and working together to get everything ready for the party.

Then the first group of kids showed up, probably not knowing what to expect. But within a few moments we had 50 kids and few adults running around going crazy. We introduced them to trampolines which was hilarious to watch as the realized they could fly up in the air as they jumped. Then they became true Nica trampolines, each with about 10-12 kids all trying to jump together! We also hosted bike races around the field for prizes (that my little boys had a hard time giving out since they were former toys that they "donated"). Turn #2 on the bike race course was a tough one that gave us many laughs as the kids would fly uncontrollably from the downhill (mainly due to brake problems) into the turn and miss, landing in a pile of grass, hay and sticks. The would disappear for a minute and then pop back up and rejoin the race.

In the middle of the craziness and fun... I had a God-moment. Or God had a moment for me. Either way, I was standing in the middle of the playground when I remembered the day our team spent out there this summer. We spent all day in the hot sun chopping down trees, clearing brush, leveling ground and digging up stumps. Another team prior to us had come in and installed all the playground equipment and then we were there to get the area ready for us.

But it was a hard day for everyone on the team. We had just spent 4 days at camp investing in relationships and loving on kids and there we were - just us - working on a project that seemed a little tedious and probably less important. In fact, I remember fielding some "concerns" about the work we were doing during the day, and then at our team time at night, hearing the struggle to find value in what we had done that day.

And so there I stood today, when the light bulb turned on and God brought to mind what Paul said in 1 Corinthians 3:6-9, "I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building."

Little did our team know... and little did I know that the work we were doing that day was in preparation for the great day of ministry that my family and I had today. We were just a part of the seed planting process. The mundane task of clearing a playground area that would later culminate in a block party before the year was out! God made it grow. And when I think of what ministry will continue to take place at the Ruby Ranch - God will be continuing to make the seeds that teams are planting or watering to grow into fruitful ministry.

The kids and parents all came up to thank us today for coming out and putting on the party. And they even asked if they could have another party really soon. And so I sit here writing this tonight, thanking God for giving me a glimpse into the big picture. Thanking Him for inviting me in to a moment with Him when I see a bit clearer than normal. And thanking Him for allowing me to serve on a team this summer that was just a small planting a seed in the larger plan of God of revealing His love and grace to a tiny, rural, farming community in Nicaragua.

another son in the family

As if we didn't have enough boys in our family already, we've added another son to the family, however, today was the first day we got to meet him in person... Nelson David - our child that we sponsor through World Vision. We regularly pray for Nelson as a family and we are always excited to get updates, photos and letters from him. We've had the privilege of sponsoring him since he was about 3 years old and now he is 7 years old. We also met his mother and almost 2 year old sister.

Nelson is from the town of Nandaime, which was a pretty good drive for us from Managua, but I started to see familiar sights and realized we were in an area near Granada and Rivas, which is not too far from where I take our camp team each year. We arrived at the World Vision complex to see a shy Nelson sitting quietly with his mom and sister. (Oh, we have loads of pics, I just didn't get around to uploading them tonight). He seemed a bit overwhelmed, which would be expected when my three boys come crashing in a room! But his eyes lit up when he started to look through the Christmas bag we brought him that was loaded down with toys and goodies.

Hearing his story was difficult, but unfortunately, it's one that I've heard many times over here in Nicaragua. His mother is only 22, which means she had Nelson at the age of 15. The "dad" was likely never around, but after the second child was born, she found herself without a job and a single-mom to her two kids. So she is living with her family to survive. But she seems committed to being the best mom she can and is striving to raise her children in the faith.

World Vision was amazing in hosting us and showed us what they do and even drove us all around to other areas where they are working, so we got to see them in action. We also had a great lunch with Nelson's family. I was really impressed by the WV staff and how they are using their resources to bring Gospel hope and healing to the communities where they are working. They are meeting more than just physical needs for these children and families participating in their programs. In the Nandaime area along, over 3,600 children are sponsored.

I'm coming away from our time today just amazed at how God can so quickly graft hearts together. Our families couldn't be more different. We're separated by miles, countries and even language... yet the love that we already had for Nelson and his family has now only grown deeper. They boys now have a better understanding of why we support Nelson and what life is like for him here in Nicaragua. We all walked away wishing we could do even more, but realizing God is a faithful God and we will continue to pray for His protection and purposes for Nelson and his family!

what a dump

No mission trip I've ever made to Nicaragua has been complete without a visit to La Chureca (the city dump in Managua). Over the last seven years I've made numerous trips there to get a better picture of "the least of these." The numbers are continually changing, but there are well over 1,000 people, with a majority percentage of children, who call La Chureca home. The Buzbees have a long standing ministry presence there - caring for the sick and malnourished and also educating the children in their school.

So this morning, we all loaded up the van with the whole Buzbee clan to visit the school for their Christmas party. Even though I had just visited in August, I was amazed at the transformation that is taking place there. The government of Spain has taken on the project of taking a census of the residents, building temporary housing in preparation for the final goal of moving every resident out of the dump to a new housing area. They are even transforming the mountainous piles of burning rubbish into a modernized facility complete with recycling.

However, the drive to the school is still the same - a narrow dirt road, lined with houses made of scrap metal and plastic sheeting. The stench of burning tires and trash is still overwhelming. Children with open sores and rag-tag clothing are out either rummaging through the trash or playing in it on the streets.

But today was different. There was hope. We pulled up to a mass of children and their families waiting to enter the school. The Christmas party offered a respite from the daily routine. For a brief period of time you almost forgot that you were in a dump. Christmas music was playing, the children were performing in their program, presents were wrapped and ready to hand out and everyone was seated at tables with white table cloths waiting for a catered lunch.

Hope. It's what this advent season is all about. We celebrate the arrival of Hope. Hope that came in the form of a baby boy born to a young, rural, virgin girl named Mary. A Savior called Immanuel - God with us. Jesus. He would enter our dump and bring hope. He would walk through the refuse, sickness and disease that our sin created and offer life. Life that only is available because He gave His life for ours. Rescued. Ransomed. Redeemed.

You don't have to stay in the dump. As C.S. Lewis says, "He [God] offers us a holiday by the sea." An open invitation. A free gift. The best gift you will ever receive this Christmas!

Are you ready to move out of the dump?

beauty

But the basic reality of God is plain enough. Open your eyes and there it is! By taking a long and thoughtful look at what God has created, people have always been able to see what their eyes as such can't see: eternal power, for instance, and the mystery of his divine being. So nobody has a good excuse. (Romans 1:19-20 MSG)

I'm always amazed at the sheer physical beauty of the country of Nicaragua every time that I'm here. Volcanoes, craters, Lake Nicaragua, the beautiful countryside of mountains and valleys, the waves of the Pacific crashing on the dark sand beaches and sitting on the third floor with a cool breeze watching a thunderstorm roll in over the mountains. The list could go on and on.

But the beauty is marred. It's stained by sin. We've lost Eden. That's also easy to see as you drive around. The beautiful view literally littered by trash. Discarded items mixed in with the seashells. And I imagine to those who call Nicaragua home, all of this is seen and yet hardly garners a passing thought. But for some reason, God has pressed it into my heart all day today.

This Lord's Day started by joining my brothers and sisters in Christ at Verbo Church. I love how physically, passionately and jubilantly they sing and worship. Of course, fist pump guy was leading the charge, but young and old are fully engaged. I love to sing with them in Spanish (when it's a slow enough song that my Spanish can keep up). The message was solid and I left with a full heart. All the while thinking... people from every tribe, tongue and nation are lifting up praise and honor to God. I can only imagine what that sounds like in Heaven. And then can only imagine what it will be like to participate in that in Heaven one day.

What a day that will be, when my Jesus I shall see. When I look upon His face, the one who saved me by His grace. When He takes me by the hand, and leads me to the Promised Land. What a day, glorious day that will be!

Eden as it is meant to be. True beauty. No more sickness, pain or death. No more trash or garbage dumps. No one who walks around there will be blinded to the beauty. What our eyes see dimly now, we will behold in full glory. And that's what our current creation does. It cries out, "Look at my Creator." There is a greater beauty than what can be seen with earthly eyes!

The beach actually had some people there today. Most times I've been out there it is usually just our team. So it gave me a moment (after some failed attempts at surfing) to watch as some walked up and down the beach. Do they see what I see? Do they know what I know? Can they look around as the mighty waves of the Pacific pound the volcanic sands on the shore and exclaim, "There is a God!"

Earlier in the first chapter of Romans, Paul says, "I am proud of the good news! It is God's powerful way of saving all people who have faith, whether they are Jews or Gentiles. The good news tells how God accepts everyone who has faith, but only those who have faith." (vs. 16-17)

May we add our voice to the song of creation, boldly and proudly proclaiming the powerful saving message of the Good News of Jesus Christ. There is beauty here... He is the Beautiful One... and His name is Jesus!

for the nations

The love of God extends salvation to all. Everyone who believes on Jesus has eternal life with Jesus, and everyone who doesn't perishes. Missions is the answer of our heart to that love. (John Piper)

I find myself more and more praying for a heart for the nations. At our family devotional/debrief time tonight, I was so encouraged to hear my boys start to get a glimpse of God's heart for the nations and our role to have that same heart and by living out God's mission. Watching them play at Casa Robles this morning (the Boys Rescue Home) was awesome. They found themselves restricted by language, yet found a way to share Christ's love. They played and laughed, explored their home - and I could tell they were just taking it all in. A flicker of the flame of having a heart for the nations was starting to burn. That's a flame that I want to fan into a great fire!

So, I'm praying that God's heart continues to grow inside them... and me. I have been praying that God would allow this generation to be the one that sees the completion of the Great Commission. That is a monumental task and at times seems like an overwhelming prayer to pray. Especially in light of the statistics.

The Joshua Project reports that there are 15,988 distinct ethno-linguistic peoples in the world. Of these, fewer that 2% are Christians (6,572 unreached people groups). In those unreached people groups they account for an estimated 2.6 billion people. Of the 100 largest unreached people groups, 44 are in India, 8 are in China, and 7 are in Indonesia and Pakistan... 43 are Muslim, 36 are Hindu and 9 are Buddhist. 22 of them have populations over 20 million. All that to report, there is great work to be done in obedience to the Great Commission. So what are we waiting for? What am I waiting for?

My prayer is that my life would be consumed in not just going... but studying, praying, preaching, leading and speaking in such a way that results in passing on a passion to this next generation of middle, high school and college students - that I'm privileged to shepherd - who would recklessly abandon their lives for the sake of the Gospel for the nations - whether near or far. It's a continual call on my life from God not to waste it. And one I want to shout to this next generation: don't waste your life!

And this great zeal, passion and heart for the nations can only come from catching a vision of the greatness of God and His great design for this world that we call home. May we see God for who He is, believe Him for what He says and live for what He loves!

thoughts on Germany

Well here I am sitting here in Nicaragua (up on the 3rd floor for my fellow Nica peeps, with a great breeze blowing) and I'm thinking about Germany. It's taken me a bit to process our time there and I'm sure more thoughts will come - at least I hope they do before I start to forget the details!

These two countries couldn't be more different. Just driving around today with my family the fact that this is the second poorest country in this hemisphere is so evident. The landscape is different, the cultures are different. You don't see anything like the Cologne Dome here. But you know what? The people look amazingly similar if you look behind their eyes. Sure the skin color is different, hair color, complexion and even language. But the deeper longings of the heart are revealed through the eyes.

The German people are a quiet people. Saying "hi" on the streets is uncommon. Hearing even quiet talking on the trains is unusual. They are seemingly devoid of national pride and some of that is understandable considering the monumental dark spot and atrocities under the oppression of Hitler. They were taught under communism to be needy without being "needy." So to reveal a need - like a spiritual need - is a difficult conversation to get in to. Many of the pastors and missionaries we had an opportunity to serve shared how long they often labor (years and years) to see a convert.

I was told that 2 out of 100 Germans are Christians. The harvest is plentiful for sure. It pained my heart to see these beautiful, giant cathedrals and churches that were once overflowing (post-Reformation) now either virtually empty or simply turned into a tourist attraction. But there is hope. Isn't there always! The Gospel always works and I was so encouraged to meet some of these laborers for the Gospel in Germany. My prayers are with them and for Germany that God's Spirit would fall in power and bring another reformation - a reformation of the heart!

I am so grateful to have had yet another opportunity to go and serve with my fellow a cappella alums. Bringing the Gospel through music is a strategic point of entry to the German's hearts. I was so honored to have the opportunity to preach the Gospel each night as well. My prayer is that the seeds that were planted will be watered and bear much fruit.

And so here I am in Nicaragua. Different country with the same need. The reality is everywhere we go, people are hurting. And the even greater reality is everywhere we go, the Gospel always works. Jesus is always the answer.

a new kind of busy

"When does being curious distract your heart away from what God wants you to focus on?" There the question was... in big, bold, red letters just seeming to flash at me from my laptop screen. A question that, oddly enough, I wanted to be distracted from answering.

To frame out the question in context, it came from an excellent and thought-provoking article that I came across on The Resurgence, which regularly provides some great material for learning, reflecting and in this case, some heart searching.

In Paul's first letter to his young apprentice Timothy, he writes, "Besides, they get into the habit of being idle and going about from house to house. And not only do they become idlers, but also gossips and busybodies, saying things they ought not to." (1 Timothy 5:13)

I've typically quickly passed by this verse, thinking it had more application to the "town gossip" and not something I really struggled with. And besides, "idle" is hardly an adjective that would get ascribed to my life... but "busybody"... what exactly is Paul talking about here?

Trisha Wilkerson says, "I hadn’t identified much with this particular sin until God gently revealed the Internet is my "town" to meander. I have found myself "going from house to house" or "website to website" seeking something. Information, book reviews, blogs, Facebook, email, all sucking my time and seducing my attention.

To ignore this comparison is, for me, choosing blindness. Blindness to the fact that I’m tempted to neglect the people and gifts God has called me to pay attention to. Sin is giving in to the temptation to be a busy-body by giving my attention to worthless and sometimes meaningless information that swirls around in my head, taking up mind and heart space that should be occupied by prayers and purpose."

Ouch. Hits too close to home for someone who not only enjoys technology, but finds it a useful tool for ministry. But where is the line? To be honest, I hadn't really given much thought to the fact that there actually is a line. In fact, there is a line that when viewed in light of this Scripture, becomes sin. And this isn't just a sin of time-management. This is a sin of misplaced desire. Idolatry. Finding someone or something else that we think will ultimately fulfill desire or satisfy, yet always ultimately fails us.

So instead of being more deeply connected to God, Wilkerson says, "... we slip into false intimacy and gather knowledge that doesn’t grow us, but instead wastes time. Like greed or lust, busy-bodying is a thirst for more. We are saying to God that he doesn’t satisfy our hearts."

God came to redeem our time and our time spent on the internet. So that means email, texting, facebooking, blogging and web surfing can and should be redeemed. They should be guarded against trivial idleness or busybodying. Our time and attention are gifts that must be stewarded. Boundaries must be set. Our attention must be refocused on the all-satisfying Christ.

This no doubt will be challenging. It already is as I sit here, oddly enough, on the internet to write a blog post.

You can find Wilkerson's complete article here... but beware... it's a challenging read!

Germany Bound

Germany is calling again. This will be my third mission over to Germany. I've grown to love the people and culture. I have great respect for the missionaries and national pastors giving their lives to the Gospel in such a spiritually dark place. Many will labor years to see a single convert. But there is always hope when the Gospel goes out. But the Gospel must go out. Romans 10:14, "But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them?"

We will use music as a means to evangelism. We'll be partnering with local churches and missionaries to do concerts to open the door for relationships to be formed. The Germans love music and we'll have the opportunity to present the Gospel through song. But I'll also have the opportunity to share the Gospel each night. Our travels will take us throughout Germany to the following cities: Munich, Hohenfels, Cham, Nurnberg, Seigen-Geisweld, Cologne, Bruhl, Seigburg, Rudesheim, Mainz, Frankfurt.

I would greatly appreciate your prayer support for our team as we travel, sing, build relationships and look for opportunities to share the Gospel in word, song and in deed. I'll do my best to get some updates posted as I have the chance here (toddveleber.blogspot.com) and on Facebook.

a superb exchange

Every day so far has presented a challenge and a choice. How will I spend my day? What will I invest in today? Not that those questions don't matter every day, in fact, so much of this journey so far has really revealed how closely my identity has been tied to my ministry. Waking up and wondering, "What will I do today?" has been a bit unsettling.

In some ways, connecting with the Lord without my daily routine has been difficult. I always knew I was a creature of habit, but probably not to this degree. In the absence of a "schedule" the battle ensues... the battle of choice. The challenge to stay connected or to abide (as John's Gospel would say) is always a difficult one. But doesn't that seem counter-intuitive? Abiding/resting is challenging... it does take work. But to start, it takes a choice.

One of the more difficult pieces to this process of abiding/connecting with the Lord is surrendering my desires and confessing my failed attempts. It plagues me that I often choice leisure over the Lord and fail the challenge of connection by succumbing to the giant of distraction. But when I make time for Him, He is so faithful to supply more than my every need. He truly does fill the cup to overflowing. Unhurried time with Him is more than a gift... it is life.

And then the gift of unhurried time with my family has truly been amazing. Even though today consisted of mopping, vacuuming and picking up toys, I'm treasuring my time at home. Most of my time with Brooke has been doing whatever I can around the house so that she can recover and heal. The time with my boys has been filled with football, food, laughter, tears, stories and outside fun. We've even had the opportunity to spend time with extended family.

This sabbatical is proving that every day there's a challenge and I have a choice... which is really true of every day - sabbatical or not. I want to choose to reject the lesser, so Christ can fill me with the greater - Himself. Now that is a superb exchange.

to sabbatical

Sabbatical (from Latin sabbaticus, from Greek sabbatikos, from Hebrew shabbat, i.e., Sabbath, literally a "ceasing") is a rest from work, or a hiatus, often lasting from two months to a year. The concept of sabbatical has a source in Scripture (Leviticus 25, for example, where there is a commandment to desist from working the fields in the seventh year).

I find myself struggling to get into the rhythm of my sabbatical, which points to a deeper problem that has given me much to reflect on over these last few days. See the concept of taking a sabbatical, actually comes from a practice of sabbath, which we are all commanded to as Christians. From creation itself, we see the practice of Almighty God (Genesis 2:2-3, in which God rested - literally, "ceased" from his labor after creating the universe) the importance of 'spiritual rest' - one day where we cease from worldly labors for the purpose of surrender and focus on God. And then of course in the New Testament, Jesus further explains the purpose, "Then he said to them, "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath." (Mark 2:27).

Jesus knew our greatest need and then fulfilled it. It wasn't that we simply needed one day of the week, but rather that we daily need Him for our very life. Not that we simply honor Sunday (and really on Sunday morning since we have NFL to occupy our minds in the afternoon), but that as Colossians 3 exhorts, "Set your minds on things above, not on things on the earth..." All the time. Every minute of every day.

The deeper issue is always idolatry, pride, self-sufficiency... at the core: myself. I need to constantly be reminded that I'm my own worst enemy. "I can do this myself, with my gifts and my abilities - so why would I need to 'rest and refocus?'" It's a battle of Lordship.

And so the calling of Christ is "abide in me" (John 15). Find not just your center in me, not just a day in me, but find your very life in me. Exist in me. Everything must be re-examined, re-evaluated, re-focused and ultimately restored in Christ.

John Piper, one of my favorite pastors and authors, recently announced an 8-month sabbatical from his pastoral role at Bethlehem Baptist. In his words he needed a sabbatical, "because of a growing sense that [his] soul, [his] marriage, [his] family, and [his] ministry-pattern need a reality check from the Holy Spirit."

That is a powerful admission. I find it most difficult, not to be that honest with others, but with my own heart. I need a "reality check from the Holy Spirit." And truth be told, I need it every day.

I'm sitting here in the hospital writing this (Brooke's procedure went great... thanks for praying) which brings a greater focus to what really matters in life. And, no, it isn't our health, not physically anyway. James tells us that this life is but a mist, a vapor - here today and gone tomorrow. I need reminding of this. That is the refocus all of our hearts need.

My life is hidden in Christ... I know that intellectually, but do I live that daily? Do my values, priorities, thoughts, behaviors and words reflect that reality? I pray that God will bring that into focus during this sabbatical... as I learn how to sabbath. Something my soul needs daily in practice for what I will have the privilege to do for an eternity.

People.

"I came to a new understanding why Jesus passed up the religious establishment of his day, the economically secure, the socially prestigious, and sought out the poor, the outcast, the sinner, the broken, the sick, the lonely. He felt, as we so often do not feel, their sorrow. He was acquainted, as we too seldom are, with their grief. On Calvary he died of a broken heart. But that heart was broken long before Black Friday, by the desolation of the common people. “In all their afflictions, he was afflicted.”

Most of the time we are not. We seem to have quite a different conception of life. We avoid as much as possible the unpleasant. We shun the suffering of others. We shrink from any burdens except those which life itself inescapably thrusts upon us. We seek arduously the wealth and power that will enable us to secure ourselves against the possibility of being involved with another’s affliction. Lazarus sometimes makes his way to our door step. We toss him a coin and go on our way. We give our charities but we do not give ourselves. We build our charitable institutions but we do not build ourselves into other’s lives." (From The Captivating Presence by Albert Edward Day)

My prayer is every increasingly growing that I would see people through the eyes of Christ. I used to hear my pastor say, "Every person is a candidate for Christ." I don't want to see people as scenery on my highway of life. People matter to God, so people should matter to me.

I've come to realize that everywhere I look people are hurting. People have physical, emotional and primarily spiritual needs. I'm continually reminded where Jesus spoke about looking out at the crowd of people as "sheep that were harassed and helpless... sheep without a shepherd."

What a great responsibility and privilege I have as a Christian who the Shepherd rescued, to point other sheep to that same Great Shepherd. To walk with people through the difficulties of life to the place of entering in to those difficulties... in order to share the hope that I have found in the Gospel.

I've got a long way to go... but praying that day by day the scales fall off and the captivating beauty of Christ and the power of the Gospel would first impact my heart so that I can love God and love others.

A Cry for Mercy

There isn't much I have to say. Actually, I feel that is the way it should be most of the time. During my time alone with God this morning, I read this prayer by Henri Nouwen from his A Cry for Mercy. I'll let his thoughts and heart desire speak for me today...

O Lord, Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, have mercy on me, a sinner. I am impressed by my own spiritual insights. I probably know more about prayer, meditation and contemplation than most Christians do. I have read many books about the Christian life and have even written a few myself. Still, as impressed as I am, I am more impressed by the enormous abyss between my insights and my life.

It seems as if I am standing on one side of a huge canyon and see how I should grow toward you, live in your presence and serve you, but cannot reach the other side of the canyon where you are. I can speak and write, preach and argue about the beauty and goodness of the life I see on the other side, but how, O Lord, can I get there? Sometimes I even have the painful feeling that the clearer the vision, the more aware I am of the depth of the canyon.

Am I doomed to die on the wrong side of the abyss? Am I destined to excite others to reach the promised land while remaining unable to enter there myself? Sometimes I feel imprisoned by my own insights and "spiritual competence." You alone, Lord, can reach out to me and save me. You alone.

I can only keep trying to be faithful, even though I fell faithless most of the time,. What else can I do but keep praying to you, even when I feel dark; to keep writing about you, even when I feel numb; to keep speaking in your name, even when I fell alone. Come Lord Jesus, come. Have mercy on me a sinner. Amen.

Mission Nicaragua :: Day 12

Today was our final day in Nicaragua. We started it by joining the nations in worship at Verbo Church. This is the church the Buzbees attend in Managua. So after picking up the neighborhood kids on the bus, we headed in to Managua. I love going to Verbo Church. Their worship is exciting and contagious and on the slower songs, we can actually read the words fast enough to sing along. I'm always amazed at how freely and exuberantly they worship. It's also so cool to think about the fact that while we were worshipping in Spanish in another country, our church family was back in Tallahassee worshipping. And that's just a small glimpse into the reality that Christians worldwide - from every tribe, tongue and nation were lifting up songs of praise to our Awesome God!

We had to cut out of church just a bit early to make it to the airport in time for our departure. After grabbing a bite to eat we all made it through security in time to board to find out that weather in Miami put us under an hour delay. We then made it to Miami only to sit on the runway for another hour before a gate opened up. So our planned 4 hour layover quickly disappeared. We had just enough time to clear customs and immigration, run back upstairs to make it through security, grab a bite of food to-go and then make it to our gate. Our flight to Jax was also under delay but we finally landed around midnight.

I'll take some time with a later post to really debrief and recap the mission. But a huge thank you to all who supported the team financially and through prayer. We definitely felt carried on the prayers of our supporters and through the power of the Holy Spirit. God did such a good work in us and through us. Soli Deo Gloria!

Mission Nicaragua :: Day 11

There will be no way to put into words how God moved mightily in our team today. We got off to an early start to head over to Sister Ruby's house for prayer. It has been a year and a half since Ruby died, but her ministry and upper room prayer time still live on. Mike and Coburn joined our team for prayer at Ruby's. This is always such an amazing time for our team as we come expecting the Lord to show up and speak to our hearts. We had a powerful time of worship and prayer and God was faithful to move in our midst. We all walked away from that time rejoicing and praising God for His love for us and for uniting our hearts in greater unity. I will be excited to see how God continues to reveal Himself and glorify Himself through our team. We are claiming His promise that He who began a good work in us will be faithful to bring it to completion.

After our team prayer time, we made our annual trip to the market for some shopping Nica style! All our teams have enjoyed this excursion and we figure it is our way of supporting the local economy.

We were then able to return to the Buzbees to sort and bag all the clothes that we brought this year. Even though we weren't able to bring nearly as much as in years past, we still ended up with a great amount of clothing to give. Most of the clothes we brought will go to the El Caimito community which is right adjacent to the Las Parcelas community where we were working this year. Brinson has developed a relationship with a woman who owns a small "convenient store" and now we will be blessing her with clothes to sell. This will not only support her family, but also be a great resource for both communities.

Team dinner was the end to a great day. We went out to La Plancha which is a great restaurant in Managua. We all enjoyed a plate of sizzling steak, chicken or fish... well, except for Katherine, but she found a veggie dish she liked. It was not only delicious, but a great time to simply celebrate with each other what God has done in us and through us this mission.

Tomorrow we will be up early and packed so we can go to Verbo Church. We'll be joining the nations in worship of Almighty God! We'll then head straight to the airport to head back to the States. It's hard to believe our time here in Nicaragua is almost over. The mission isn't over though, as the mission never ends!

Mission Nicaragua :: Day 10

Every time I visit the dump, I can't help but think of what C.S. Lewis said, "We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased." This is such a vivid picture of our lives and we see it, smell it and even taste it when we visit La Chureca (the city dump). An estimated 1000+ people live in the dump, making their homes out of whatever they can find and making their living out of what ever they can rummage and then sell. It is a horrible existence full of poverty, dysfunctional families, drug & alcohol problems, physical and sexual abuse and so much more.

The Buzbees have even rescued families and children from the dump and over and over again they return. Mike will often say, "You can take people out of the dump, but you can't take the dump out of people." How true this is of our lives as well. We look and see all that God has to offer and our complete joy would be found in our satisfaction in Him, yet we find ourselves in the dump making mud pies, every time we turn back to sin and self.

La Chureca always has a big impact on our team and this year was no exception. We were able to stop in at Collegio Christiano de Esperaza (the Hope School) that the Buzbees run right inside the dump. These kids are so precious, but every scar tells a story and every deep look into their eyes shows their inner hurt and pain. But praise God they are hearing the Gospel and receiving an education. We had fun joining them for recess and spreading some Gospel love their way.

After our time in La Chureca, we headed back to Las Parcelas for our time of dedication. But first we had to walk the playground equipment (it did get delivered, just to the wrong place) from Ruby Ranch to the school. We set it in and then had a time of dedication and prayer and shared our love and gifts with them and they did in return. The leader of the community was there and spoke on behalf of the children, the school and everyone in the community. They were so grateful and said they will be anxiously waiting for our return with open arms.

After the dedication, we took a road trip to the beach! Stepping foot into the Pacific and then swimming in it was a first for many on our team. It was a beautiful afternoon and sunset there.

We returned pretty exhausted, but full spiritually. We are all learning better how to walk in the Spirit, hear Him and join Him where He is working. It is excited to see all that God is doing in us individually and also corporately as a team. But our night wasn't complete without a little birthday celebration! It is Elise's birthday and so we had the whole team sneak down to the Rancho with the lights out and then had someone bring her down and "SURPRISE" - a party Nica style complete with birthday cake!

God is so good. We are so humbled and grateful for His presence and power. Please join us in prayer that God would move mightily for our last few days here! We will see you all soon!

Mission Nicaragua :: Day 9

Today was a long day! We are a bit on the exhausted side after a long day out in Las Parcelas. This was Extreme Makeover School Edition day. We hit the ground running with paint, paint and more paint. We were able to re-coat the whole school and all the retaining walls around the playground. We installed the teacher's desk and chair and also the two whiteboards we purchased. The kids were so excited that they blindfolded the headmistress/teacher and did the big reveal for us.

These people in this community are so humble and grateful. It has been amazing to get to know them and play with their kids. The relationships we are forming will certainly last a lifetime. As Brinson told me today, this camp and then our work in their community has swung open the doors of ministry for the Buzbees in the Las Parcelas community.

Our team is doing great work and God has gifted us with a spirit of unity. It was so great for me as their leader to look out at different moments today and see the body of Christ at work. Without any direction - some painting, others fixing a swing, others playing with kids, others helping clean-up or get water for other team members.

God is so good. This mission continues to go beyond our expectations and we aren't done yet. The only disappointment of the day was that the playground equipment we ordered wasn't delivered. But we are trusting God that He is setting us up with another ministry opportunity to return when it does arrive and to install it. Thanks for your continued prayer support!

Mission Nicaragua :: guest blogger - Katie P

Sunday was really fun and crazy but also a very powerful day. One of my favorite moments was after swimming I hung out with some nica chicos. We were having so much fun giggling, practicing English, and taking endless pictures and videos with my camera. It was such an awesome connection. I could be in the moment forever.

Sunday was also powerful because we presented the Gospel and how the kiddos could become part of God’s family. After we finished for the night we asked if anyone wanted to stay and talk. A group of girls were in the corner crying. No female translators were available, so knowing the little Spanish that I do I went to try and talk with them. God showed up in huge ways . A couple other girls on our team came over and prayed over the girls in English. Then each of the girls prayed for themselves in Spanish. I ended by praying for them in Spanish, saying, “God, thank you for accepting these girls into your family and for dying for them. Thank you for the gifts that you’ve given us through salvation, like peace and eternal joy. Bless these girls. Amen.” It was incredible seeing the girls so overcome by God’s power. They also said they were crying because we meant so much to them and they were sad to see us leave. We told them that we’d see each other again because God’s family will always be together in Heaven. Hermanas en Cristo para siempre!

Another day that meant a lot to me was Tuesday. Early that morning I sent the team off for a day of construction while I waited for Lila, a Nicaraguan artist that Masterpieces for Miskitos is collaborating with. She arrived at the compound about midmorning. She showed me some of her art and I showed her around the compound. We went up to the third floor, prayed, and discussed some ideas for the paintings. God really inspired us with his beautiful Nicaraguan landscapes and nature. We’ve decided to use that as the inspiration. God was prevalent throughout the day. He really showed me that He has big plans for this ministry and that He has brought Lila to us. I am so excited to see how God is going to use her and also touch lives in the process.

Being in this place, surrounded by so many people who are loving and serving God, with no distractions, and seeing God work so clearly; it’s an amazing place to be. Hey mom and dad, I wouldn’t come home if you’d let me (haha just kidding. Kind of) Love you! All is good here. Obviously.

Mission Nicaragua :: Day 8

God is proving Himself faithful and working beyond our expectations and today was no exception. Our day started off with the routine of breakfast and team devotions and then time in His Word. God woke me up early again today and it wasn't too much later that I figured out why. I had an opportunity to connect with a friend down here who "randomly" showed up in the cabana where I was. It was such a God moment as I had the opportunity to listen and pray for this friend. We are all learning to hear the Spirit and follow His leading better each and every day.

While the team headed off to work at Las Parcelas, Brinson and I headed into Managua to grab some supplies for our surprise "Extreme School Makeover". Through our support raising as a team, we were able to purchase 2 whiteboards, 1 teacher desk and chair, paint for the playground, 2 new pieces of playground equipment and a few other supplies. God met us at each location by providing great deals on everything we purchased.

Taking these kids to Campo has really opened up some amazing doors of ministry. While we were shopping, the team was serving at the school by cleaning up the trash and landscaping Nica style. Parents of some of the campers brought corn and cheese as gifts to our team. Then they also surprised us by cooking a hot lunch for the team. This is a poor, rural farming community with generous and grateful hearts. We are praying about a strategic and long-term relationship with them and are excited about what the future could hold. You could definitely join us in praying for God's will in this!

After lunch, we played with the kids while painting their existing playground equipment. Nearly all of the kids we took to camp stuck around after school and the older kids that go to secondary school even came to hang with us. It was so much fun catching up with them and playing with them. We are all amazed at how quickly and deeply these relationships are forming.

Tomorrow we will present all that we have purchased and begin the installation process. We are also hoping to purchase more paint to update the exterior of the school building. Our time is running short and we are trying to accomplish all that God would have us to, so please continue to pray!

Mission Nicaragua :: Day 7

We have successfully made the transition from camp to construction. It was a good transition for most. We went out to the Ruby Ranch, which is the Buzbees latest ministry venture. God has provided them with over 400 acres that they are hoping to develop in a number of ways to expand their current scope of ministry with outdoor activities, camps, recreation, farming and more! It is located right in the heart of Las Parcelas, which is the community where we took kids to camp from. We did see a few of them just traveling through, but our efforts were focused on clearing an area around the playground and then also one of the trails that leads to the top of a beautiful ridge. It was a day of hot, hard work, but God would renew our spirits with a breeze when needed most.

This community will benefit greatly from the Ranch and the Buzbees doing ministry out there. Our camp really opened some doors and I'm sure will continue to. Brinson and I went over to reconnect with the Headmaster of the school (who camp to camp) to see about projects we could do at the school. She told us how much camp impacted her students and how the parents can't wait to meet us and thank us. So we are looking forward to working there tomorrow and seeing where God's Spirit is leading us to serve.

Our team time at night has been really powerful as we are opening God's Word together and having 'iron sharpen iron' in our small group time. It is evident that God is working in our students hearts... and our leader's hearts as well. Also, our time alone with God each day has been so incredible. To sit in silence and solitude - with God's Word open and in prayer - in such a beautiful place is renewing. I'm so encouraged to see our students taking this time seriously and asking God to meet them and speak to them each morning.

We are past the halfway point in our mission. I'm sure it is getting hard on some of the students being away and I'm sure on some of the parents and families who are back in the States. Please continue to pray for the unity of our team and for God to strengthen us (and the families) for the remainder of this mission. We are still praying big prayers and asking God to do a big work in us and through us. Thank you for standing with us in prayer!

Mission Nicaragua :: Day 6

This blog entry brought to you the word of the day: emotional rollercoaster. OK, that's two words, but you get the point. Today was our last day of camp. It started by introducing the campers to the Great American Polar Bear swim. They didn't quite get the concept since I'm guessing they've never seen a polar bear. Of course we are in Central America in the middle of summer, so the weather not winter-like and the water not freezing, but they had a great time doing a 6:30am swim in the lake.

We had abbreviated sessions this morning to fit everything in our half-day of camp. Each station allowed the Nica kids to pick their favorite thing from the week to do for the last day. Then we brought them all back together for our closing assembly where I shared a little challenge and prayer of blessing over them and then showed our end-of-camp slideshow. The kids loved seeing themselves on the big screen. Our last gift to them was to give them the backpacks we brought down that were loaded down with school supplies, toys and some personal hygiene items.

We went from smiles and excitement to tears as the realization that the bus was on the way. What an emotional day for all of us. God really allowed us to develop relationships with these kids and it was very difficult to say goodbye. We shared many hugs, exchanged tears and also prayed over the kids before we sent them on their way back to Las Parcelas. They were so excited to hear, though, that we will see them again soon when we go to their community for some construction projects and also to meet their families. But we finished off in true Campo form by chasing the bus down the driveway to say our goodbyes.

God truly answered our prayers in such a huge way with this year's Campo. He moved in power in all of our hearts and we are grateful!

On our return to the Buzbees, we stopped by Granada and the Catarina viewpoint. These are two historic (and very touristy) areas of Nicaragua. Granada is a colonial town that survived many of the bombings and wars in Nicaragua's history. It is known for it's beautiful architecture and friendly atmosphere. It was a good break for us prior to returning to hit the ground running again tomorrow. We aren't exactly sure what the Holy Spirit has in store for us personally or for our team to accomplish the remainder of this mission, but we are excited to follow His leading. Please continue to pray for our team and the work God has for us.

Mission Nicaragua :: Day 5

God is so good. He has gone above and beyond all that we could truly ask or imagine. Our last full day of camp was amazing. Throughout the day I could sense that God's Spirit was moving in camp and He most definitely demonstrated that to us last night. I had the privilege of sharing the Gospel and inviting the Nica kids to respond if they had never trusted Christ as their Savior. After praying, seven kids stayed behind to talk with our team about the decision they had just made. When the other kids returned we had a big celebration for the ones who now have new life in Christ!

I am always so amazed to see the body of Christ at work. Our students ran their stations amazingly, loved the kids unreservedly and showed the Gospel through their lives. It is such a joy to serve as the pastor to these students. The Holy Spirit is at work in them here and I wait with anxious anticipation to see what God will continue to do through their lives.

Tomorrow is a half day for us at camp and one that is always a tough one. We have finally broken through some of the relationship barriers to grow to love these kids and them reciprocate that love. Camp isn't over and God isn't done working yet, so we appreciate your continued prayer support!

Mission Nicaragua :: Day 4

Our first full day of camp is in the books. What an awesome day other than the time the Nica kids woke up. The boys started stirring (and by that I mean walking around talking loudly) at 4:52am. Apparently in their community they are up early to do chores and some have to then walk 4km to school. Most then go to bed when the sun sets, which would be around 7pm here.

But we managed with the lack of sleep and actually had a great day! We started off with the students leading their stations - arts/crafts, music, Bible, English and sports. Then on to lunch, swimming, dinner, chapel and a movie. It was a full day for sure, but one where God was definitely working! We are slowly seeing some of the walls come down when it comes to relationships and an openness to the camp experience. We are continuing to pray that the Nica kids see the Gospel through our lives, our smiles & hugs and when the Word of God goes out, we are claiming that it goes out and doesn't return void!

I think I can speak for everyone when I say that despite feeling physically tired, our souls are coming alive and being renewed by the Spirit. Not only are we having good time alone by being unplugged and having uninterrupted time with the Lord, but we are also having good team time together in the Word. Last night we tackled all of chapter two of Galatians and looked at the freedom we find in the Gospel. We talked about how the Gospel exposes our hypocrisy and we were all challenged to look into our hearts and as the question, "Where does hypocrisy manifest in my life? Where am I believing something that I'm not living?" And then how can I surrender that to Almighty God. How can we daily crucify our sin, our self our desires, our dreams, etc. in Christ so that we no longer live but it is Christ who lives in us (Gal. 2:20).

Please join us in praying that God will continue to work powerfully in our camp tomorrow and the rest of the time that we are here. We are believing that God is going to save souls and change lives this week. We are preaching the Gospel to ourselves and preaching it in word and deed every day! Thanks for standing with us in prayer. Don't forget that we have a prayer guide online at wildwoodstudents.com!

Mission Nicaragua :: Day 3

We were off and running today with an early start finishing up some last minute details and preparation before the campers arrived. Then around 11am a bus full of children, their teacher and family and a few moms as chaperones arrived from the community of Las Parcelas. We found out that many of these kids have never left their community before and most have never swam in open water. They commented on how beautiful everything was on their ride up and then when the bus pulled up they were a little shell shocked! It's interesting how each group we've had a camp has had a different 'personality' and these are definitely more on the shy and reserved side.

But God has allowed us to start gaining trust and building relationships. After orientation and room assignments, we had lunch and then down to the lake to go swimming. Then comes a bit of down time before dinner. Our first evening session was a blast as we played a classic student ministry balloon game with them. We also had a time of worship and then Katie Robertson shared her testimony before I preached. I'm doing a series about "People who met Jesus." We are looking at the reality that when people met Jesus they always left changed. Please pray that the Gospel would be clear as I preach and that many students this week would meet Jesus!

Capping off the night is a movie, which gives our team a chance to get together and debrief, open the Word together and also have small group time. We shoot for getting the kids to bed a bit on the early side since they are usually up with the sun (which around here is around 5:30am).

God is already working and I've been so excited to see how hungry our students are to go deeper in their walk with Christ and also strive to live out the Gospel in word and deed. It is truly a picture of the body of Christ as the each work together to make camp happen. Tomorrow will be our first full day where they each run their respected stations and get to put into action everything they have practiced and prepared for.

Please continue to pray for us and don't forget that in addition to my blog, you can follow us at twitter.com/wildwoodstudent or facebook.com/pages/Mission-Nicaragua for pictures and updates.

Mission Nicaragua :: Day 2

What an awesome day God gave us today. We were up pretty early after our first night here in Nicaragua - grabbing breakfast, having team devotional time and individual time alone with God. Then it was a quick repack to get everything ready to head down to Camp. We had an amazing ride on the Pan American highway which winds us up in elevation and through many different towns on the way to Campo Alegria. For many on our team, this was a great chance to see alot of Nicaragua! It's about a two-hour ride the finishes through a rural farming community that is loaded down with corn fields, sugar cane fields and banana fields.

We arrived at Camp pretty hungry, so after our famous Nicaragua lunch (PB&J) we took some time to get settled (aka take a nap, relax and swim in the lake) before having to get set-up. Our cooks prepared an amazing dinner of nacatamales, arroz blanco, ensalada, fruitas, y plantanos fritos. Delicioso! After dinner we had our nightly team time. God laid on my heart to walk the team through the book of Galatians this year. So after we do some in-depth time in the Word, we have some time in our small groups for discussion and prayer. God is already and work and we can all sense that He is going to do something great this trip!

The chiaulas (like a small gnat) were the worst we've ever seen down here. Sometimes you can see the wind carrying what looks like a brown cloud and it's them! The wind died down right before bedtime and they were everywhere in the rooms! We were all covered in them. Thankfully God sent an amazing storm across the lake around 2am, which was not only an awesome display of His power, but sent a breeze to move them along (except the ones already swarming the rooms!) Needless to say, it was an exciting night of sleep (or lack thereof) for most on the team.

We are excited about the kids from Las Parcelas arriving so we can start camp! These are children that have never been to any camp before and most have never left their community. I would imagine some have never ridden a bus before. Not only will they enjoy the beauty and activities of camp, but more importantly, we are praying that they would be met here by God Almighty and experience the gospel in word and deed. Please join us in praying to that end!

Mission Nicaragua :: Day 1

We have made it and awoke to a beautiful morning here in Nicaragua! Despite being pretty exhausted we had a good team time in the Word last night looking at John 14. We are praying that the power of the Holy Spirit would fill us and do a mighty work this week. Our hearts are united and we are definitely praying for the "greater things". We are asking God to show up in power and do a work that could only point credit and honor His direction!

Our travel day yesterday was relatively uneventful. Our first stop after leaving Tallahassee was my parents' house in Jacksonville where they had an amazing spread for us for lunch (we'll do anything to avoid airport food & prices)! Then we were off to Jacksonville to find Chelsea and celebrate her birthday. Again this year, we overloaded the tiny prop plane with 50lb bags full of supplies and clothing. They asked 3 people to get off due to weight restrictions - luckily none were on our team!

Touched down in Miami with only an hour layover, which if you've ever been on Concourse D is about how long it takes to walk from one side to the other (which we had to do) and we had to grab dinner. Our plane was late to arrive so it did give us a delay in which to eat our dinner before boarding.

God gave us some great opportunities for our team to share the Gospel and about our mission on the flights and in the airport. I'm excited about this team's willingness to "be ready to give an answer to anyone who asks about the hope we have" and engage in gospel conversations. We've been strong on the "deed" and the "hands and feet" and now most are gaining the confidence to speak the truth in love!

Today we will get our supplies ready and head down to Campo Alegria. This will give us a head start on the kids from Las Parcelas who arrive on Friday. We'll spend the afternoon setting up our stations and doing some test runs so we will be ready to hit the ground running. Pray for our travels to camp and for these kids that will be coming!