Mission Nicaragua :: Day 7

There is just something about just standing with your feet in the ocean, looking out to the horizon and hearing the powerful waves crashing all around.  As Scripture tells us, the wonder and majesty of creation just cries out worship to our Creator God.


For our last official day of camp, we took the Parcelas kids to the beach.  Not only was it a treat for them (many whom don't ever leave their tiny community), but it was also a treat for us (many on our team had never seen the Pacific).  So all of us together enjoyed swimming, playing in the sand and marveling at God's handiwork.  One of the verses we learned together (in Spanish and English) at camp is Psalm 19:1, The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands."  I love seeing Scripture in action.


We enjoyed lunch together in the Rancho at the beach and then we were back at it for some more swimming.  As we were tossing kids into the waves and bodysurfing them into shore (apparently I make a pretty good surfboard) I was just quite amazed at the bond we had created in just a few short days.  Here we are with all sorts of barriers - language being the biggest, but also social, economic, cultural, age differences, traditions and the list could go on - yet we feel united.  The Gospel does that in amazing ways.


Speaking of the Gospel, before we sent them home, I gathered everyone and shared the Gospel.  It seemed Satan was hard at work via gnats to distract (they hadn't been out all day) but the Gospel always prevails.  Callie shared her story and then I shared the Gospel story.  Many students prayed with me to surrender their lives to Christ and to walk with Him in new life.  What a great finish to camp.


We gave out their backpacks - filled with school supplies, a few toys and their arts and crafts from camp.  This year each camper got a picture of their group to fill the frame they made.  Since most don't have cameras and never see photos, this was a special treat for them.  The teacher and a few parents thanked us for the impact the camp had on their kids and remarked, "it's all they want to talk about each night."  God is good.


There's nothing like tradition, so after loading the bus, we chased it down the pathway as we said our goodbyes.  The goodbyes will be short-lived as we are right back in Las Parcelas tomorrow to continue working on the house.  We invited them to come see us, so we may have a bit of a challenge focusing on construction!  


We've got a few team members dealing with some small sickness or unsettled stomachs, so please pray for their healing and our health.  We are a bit nervous about getting the house done in time, so please pray for that as well.  Thanks for standing with us in prayer!

Mission Nicaragua :: Day 6

I love Sundays.  It did feel a bit weird being away from the “routine” of Sundays and all the responsibilities that entails for me in the States.  But for our team to load up the bus, grab some kids from the neighborhood along the way and then file in to Verbo Church was a great experience for us.  It was good to be the minority.  Good to be the visitors.  Good to be stretched beyond what most of us are used to in a worship service.  It was good to have the challenge of listening and engaging when we didn’t speak the language.  It was also good, for in the service this morning, we experienced a bit of heaven.  One day, every tribe, tongue and nation will be gathered when God calls His children home.  One day we will all join the chorus of the angels, singing, “Holy, holy, holy” in our native tongue and rather than dividing us, we will be united.  Man, I long for that day.

Some of the team struggled a bit today when I broke the news that we were going to have to do some construction this afternoon.  It isn’t our usual Sunday pattern, and I would bet a good many are already a bit exhausted.  I even wrestled if that is what God had for us and it was the right decision.  I’ve learned not to just do what makes logical sense to me in the attempt to “get more done.”  But God gave some rest on the ride out to Las Parcelas (I’ve never been able to understand how some of these students can sleep on a bus driving down roads that look like land mines went off).   And in true God form, He wanted us to be there. 

Our work was hard, but not long.  Making concrete Nica-style is hard work.  No concrete truck pulling up or mixer to dump the ingredients in.  The ground is our workspace and armed with shovels, we become the mixers.   We made two full batches to fill the forms that Marvin (our foreman) had prepared around the vegas.  We completed everything he framed out.  In fact, the last bucket of concrete from the last batch was the perfect amount.  I just glanced upward and said, “Thanks.”  He is always right.

But it was more than just getting the work done – although that was important.  Mixing concrete – with 6 or so students working together – is a team-building experience.  You have to learn to work together and you have to learn to hand off the shovel when you are tired.  God wanted us to learn that today.  And I’m quite sure He has more to teach us in that area, but I’m appreciative of the unity He has brought to this team.

Another blessing today was two of our campers were there with the family and we got to just enjoy some time playing.  It gave everyone a role to play.  Some were chasing kids, others mixing concrete and others (ok really Dylan) were talking with the family (since he is the only one who really can speak fluently with them). 

I’m so grateful to God for how our day turned out.  We even got back earlier than usual and He gave us the some rest and relaxation at the pool or around the compound.  He knows what we need.  He’s always speaking.  We’re all learning a bit better how to listen to His voice and obey.

Mission Nicaragua :: Day 5

It was our last full day of camp today out at the RR.  I have really been amazed at how flexible and creative our team has been, how responsive the Parcelas kids have been, how much fun we've had, how the Spirit has been at work and the list could go on and on.  It is so easy for me to see the vision for the RR after spending time out there in December and now being the pioneering camp team for the RR this year.  What a magnificent piece of property and opportunity for continued growth and ministry use.

I can't help but think about the Kingdom during our time out there and today was no exception.  The Kingdom of God is here, yet the Kingdom of God is coming.  He has by His grace grafted us into His Kingdom and then given us a role to facilitate it's expansion.  In Las Parcelas the Gospel seems to be in the infancy stages of penetration.  There isn't a strong church presence and the spiritual education level is low, but the fields are ripe for harvest.  Being able to sow Gospel seeds in word and deed there each day has been a privilege.  We are praying the soil is fertile and will reap a spiritual harvest as we continue to build relationships and as the RR allows the Gospel to go forth.

Today was one of our hotter days, but God has been good to give us good shade and a nice breeze to enjoy and allow our energy to last a bit longer.  The kids are non-stop action and we do our best to keep up with them, whether on the Tarzan swing, the trampolines or on the bicycle race track.  We also taught and played a game of baseball with them.  After making the trek to Manuel's house, we had to draw on some energy reserves, but the team did great and jumped right in to the construction project.  We finished making all the rebar today and got it in place to mix and pour concrete for the vegas (vee-guhs).  Manuel and his family were still working right alongside us and he continues to amaze us with his faith and joy in the Lord.  God is really united our hearts and we have a deep affection for he and his family.  We can't wait to finish the house and dedicate it, but we still have a long way to go!

Tomorrow we head off to church with the Buzbees.  It is always a great experience to join with the nations in worship of Almighty God.  From there, we aren't really sure what God has for us, but we continue to practice asking and listening and God is definitely guiding and leading us.  He has been so faithful to move in our students hearts.  During our team time at night and in our small groups, the honesty and authenticity are really providing opportunities for walls to come down and the Spirit to move.  We are continuing to pray for healing, growth and a greater awareness of His power and presence in our lives.  Thank you for supporting us in prayer!

Mission Nicaragua :: Day 4

It is so funny how you learn to just roll with things down here.  I am the director of a large camp in the States that takes an amazing team to facilitate the 300+ high students that attend.  We have a budget and a schedule and we stick to both.  However, here in Nica it's a different story...

We arrived to the Ranch this morning and I didn't think to get the keys to the house from Brinson, so we had kids waiting while we were locked out and Manuel was off on his bike to find another set.  To fill time, I taught the kids how to play manhunt and then we did a scavenger hunt.  When we finally got unlocked and set-up, the power was out for the community.  One of our stations requires power.  So we adjust.  During one of the sessions, the main gate was left open and three horses walked out (we don't have horses at my camp in the States) and thus I've never wrangled horses before - especially ones that I presume don't understand English.  However, crisis averted and now I have a new skill.

It was getting close to lunch time and the lunches weren't there.  So I borrow one of the kids bikes to ride through the neighborhood to find Brinson.  Should have checked to see if the brakes worked, but that just made the ride that much more exciting - along with the potholes and curious stares from the community on why a gringo was riding a bike through their neighborhood.  But the lunches finally made it.  God provides.

So on the ride home it gave me some time to think about how today's events would have reeked havoc on my world (camp in the States) and today, I didn't really blink an eye.  We just look to God and figure He's got it all in control and it will all work out.  Note to self: bring this principle back home with you as it is definitely transferable to the States.

It really was a great day.  We installed a Tarzan swing yesterday and launched kids as young as two years old high into the sky.  OSHA wouldn't have approved, but the kids were delighted.  Our team did great running their stations and all the campers are "getting it" (the Gospel) at the Bible station.  Some are even asking great questions about Jesus.  After lunch, we had a great time playing and just hanging with the kids.  But then we peeled out a bit early to head over to Manuel's home to help on the new build.  This truly is a super team!

To tackle camp and construction in the same day is quite a feat.  We were all worn out, but everyone jumped right in and put in two solid hours of work on the new house.  His whole family was out helping us and continually brought out fruit to eat (not too many takers, but I seem to be the "Mikey will try it guy."  Not sure why, since I have a Mikey on my team this year).

Tonight we talked about hearing God from His Word.  I was encouraged by our team's honesty in revealing their struggle to be consistent in God's Word and to really hear from God through His Word, yet also encouraged to hear their desire and dedication to jump in and try.  God has been speaking and moving and we are all learning to better tune in and engage.  I continue to rejoice hearing them share where God is stretching them and challenging their faith.  Please continue to pray for us!

Mission Nicaragua :: Day 3

We feel a bit like pioneers as we have successfully completed our first day doing camp at the Ruby Ranch.  It is our hope and prayer and many more camps will follow as the dreams and vision of the Buzbees for the Ruby Ranch comes to fruition.  It is such a beautiful piece of property and even the basics - shaded tree areas, a playground with two trampolines and a large field made for a great day camp.

It definitely isn't what we are accustomed to, but that is where God definitely has not only prepared us during our training, but stretched us in our time here.  Ruby Ranch is located in the Las Parcelas community (where we took kids from down to Campo last summer).  So it is great to be able to continue and build upon the relationships we have previously formed.

We drove up in the bus to a watching and waiting crowd of about 50 - mainly campers with a few adults.  Nearly 30 of them participated in our camp last year, but we do have some new faces.  For many of us, we were able to pick-up where we left off.  For some of our new teammies, they were able to hear from the students how camp impacted them last year and how many found new life in Christ.

I couldn't have been more proud of our students who are totally running their stations (arts, Bible, music, sports and English) and leading groups.  All their preparation paid off even in new surroundings.  Every year I sit down and blog about how awesome it is to see the body of Christ at work.  So this year is no different.  The talents, passions and abilities that God brings to the team each year is incredible.  Then to see them in action is even better!

The kids had such a great time at each station and we could see the nervousness and shyness wear off as the day progressed.  Of course, launching kids on the trampoline and chasing the soccer ball through a field of horse poop tends to do that.  But they were able to just run and have fun and we enjoyed doing the same.  We were also able to provide hot lunches (while supporting the local economy) to each of the campers.

I was able to sneak away with our construction foreman to start specking out the site and ordering materials.  Praise God that we are going to be able to use the foundation laid by Manuel and his father in law (see yesterday's post).  This will not only save us some on cost, but will complete the step of faith the family took ten years ago.  This home construction will be one of the more ambitious and the largest home we have constructed to date.  We will start work tomorrow after camp.

Out team time at night has been a blessing.  They are all sharing stories of how they are seeing God at work in their hearts and simply where He is moving throughout the day.  We spend time in God's Word together and then also in prayer.  Then we move to our small groups and God's Spirit is definitely working as we are all striving to be open and vulnerable.  There is such a sweet spirit and team unity.  We can sense the prayer support we are receiving back in the States.  We continue to wait in expectation for all that God has for us and those we are ministering to.

Mission Nicaragua :: Day 2

Our first full day is now nearing completion.  As I sit up here on the third view looking out into the darkness, a cool breeze envelops me (even though my legs are burning with my laptop on them) and it is a gentle reminder of God's presence that has been all around us so far this mission.  I've been leading our team time at night through a study on having an intimate relationship with God - really learning to listen, follow and walk with Him.

I'm always curious as to why His presence seems so much more palpable down here.  It's not that I believe that He is here in greater dosage, but that our senses are much more aware as we are outside our normal routine, comforts, technologies, distractions, noise and the list could go on and on.

We started our day with some great time alone with God after breakfast and then had the morning to unpack all the donated clothes that will be used in various communities down here.  Since we start our first day of camp tomorrow, we then loaded up and headed out to Las Parcelas - the community where the Ruby Ranch is - and where we are hosting the camp.  This is quite a change for us as we all anticipated and prepared for using Campo Alegria again this year.  But as we are learning together - God is in charge here and we want to be moldable and adaptable to His plan.

You see, last year, we worked a day out at Ruby Ranch doing seemingly mundane tasks of clearing trees and cleaning up at the playground (see post here from August 2011) where most of the team really struggled to see the purpose.  Then in December of 2011 when I was down here with my family, we held an awesome block party out at the Ranch (see post here) which allowed me to see some of the purpose of what we had done earlier that summer.  Then today while we were setting up at the Ranch, the light clicked on for many of us who were on the team last summer.  Little did we know the work that we were doing last year would pave the way for us to be the first team to use the Ranch for a camp.    God is so patient with our lack of vision and understanding and then gracious to give us glimpses of His awesome plan at work!

So we are excited and a bit apprehensive about our camp starting tomorrow.  It's in a new location, different amenities and just all-around 'new'.  But in our wondering, God has already said to us, "I'm here, I've planned this and I've got this."  Whew... that is always a relief.  We are just praying we continue to learn to trust and walk in greater faith.

Another unexpected this year was that this team would turn into a full-fledged construction team as well.  God is yet again surprising and challenging.  We did some small construction projects last year, but this year we are going to do a complete home for a great family.  Manuel currently lives in a 1-room  home with a side "kitchen" that probably isn't much larger than 8' x 10' with his wife and two daughters.  We surprised them "Extreme Home Makeover: Nicaragua-style" with the news today and they were overwhelmed.

You see, 10 years ago, Manuel sold all his goats to purchase construction materials to build a new home for his family.  He got an area leveled out and about 4 rows of blocks up all the way around before he ran out of money.  For 10 years now, they have looked in faith to God to provide.  How awesome that God chose to use us to help his vision become reality.  What a great lesson to us in stepping out in faith and trusting - through a long wait - for God to provide.

We are praying God will do a good work at the Manuel's home and at our camp.  We've already seen some of the kids who came to Camp last year and even one of the ones who gave her life to Christ.  We are praying for more to do the same this year!

PS - You can check out some of our mission pictures here

Mission Nicaragua :: Day 1

Hey we've made it!  Touched down here in Nica and boarded the bus for the Buzbees.  We had an incident free day, ate overpriced airport food and tried to catch a bit of sleep on the planes since most of us have been up since 5:30am.

But we've settled in and are really excited about what God has in store for us on this mission.  Each mission and each team is so unique and I was reflecting on the fact that this is the 10th mission team (I think... old age memory loss is setting in) that I've lead down here.  It's pretty cool to think all the high school and college students that have been a part of our Nicaragua teams over the last 9 years and how God has used this mission to save the lost, call others to a deeper walk and given all a greater understanding of our purpose as Christians being taking the Gospel to the ends of the earth.

We've had a few wrinkles in our plans, but it just reminded me that they should never have been our plans anyway.  In our team training, we talk a lot about being flexible and following God's plans over ours and I think we are going to really learn how to do that this mission.  We are still following the framework of previous missions, but it definitely will be a new a different experience.  But in true God form, He shows up in our weakness, dependance and brokenness and that is the attitude we are praying for individually and corporately as a team.

We appreciate all of you partnering with us in prayer.  We'll do our best to keep everyone updated here, on Facebook and also on Twitter.