Update #3

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This post is going to be out-of-order, but here are the updates from Sunday, July 21, and Monday, July 22!

Sunday, July 21, 2024

This morning our team had the opportunity to worship together with missionaries from around the world who are serving in Nicaragua at International Christian Fellowship (ICF) in Managua.  This is an English speaking service, much like our church in Watkinsville, that our family attended while we lived in Nicaragua.  While there, we found out that our teammates from NE had received the news late last night that a friend of theirs back home had passed.  I believe the service will be Tuesday while we are still here, so will you please keep Candy and Mike in your prayers as they grieve the loss of their friend Debbie?

After the service at ICF ended, we went to the 3rd service at Iglesia Verbo Guanacaste.  One of Bob Trolise’s sons was preaching God’s Word this morning.  Bob was the founding Director of Verbo Christian Ministries up until he died a few short years ago.  Verbo has a vibrant congregation with dancers and flag bearers.  Thankfully, they display the words to all of their worship songs on big screens so we can sing along in Spanish.  Verbo sings some of the same worship songs as we do at home, so that is always very special to be able to sing a song in Spanish to a familiar tune.

After church, we went to have lunch at Rosti Pollo (a nice, air conditioned, chicken restaurant) with Dr. Bayardo and his family.  We got back to the Team Center with plenty of time to prepare for our second medical clinic and still refresh ourselves from the heat and pace of Saturday’s clinic.  

After our team meeting, we were able to enjoy a visit with Bethany, the only missionary in Nicaragua sent by Mission to the World.  She and Cindy, her Nicaraguan partner in ministry, shared the work they are doing, teaching English, to advance God’s Kingdom in Nicaragua.  They have a team coming in tomorrow to conduct VBS type activities with their church in an effort to reach out to the community and draw people into the church through the events they will sponsor during the week.  Please keep this team and the church they are serving in your prayers as well.

In Christ,

Katy

Monday, July 22, 2024

Today was our second medical clinic, held at Iglesia Principe de Paz.  Some of our team remained in the roles they served in at the clinic we conducted on Saturday while some people tried out different roles.  

Principe de Paz was the first church we partnered with many years ago.  Because most of the land the church owns is taken up by the church building itself, we had everything except the prayer team inside today.  Yesterday, we were able to get outside to do activities with the children.  But the advantage to this was that everyone really got to see everything that was happing in the clinic, not just the part in which they were involved.  The scenes of smiles on people’s faces (both the Americans and Nicaraguans as we served together as well as the participants as they received much needed services and heard the Gospel of Christ) are scenes that are imprinted in my mind and on my heart. 

That evening, after another delicious dinner at the Team Center, we had a team meeting to debrief the day and then got ready for our final day of medical clinics tomorrow.

In Christ, 

Katy

Update #8

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Update from Friday, July 26, 2024

TO GOD BE THE GLORY!  Our group has experienced the wonders of God this week through so many ministries. 

Every day we experienced how wonderful the people are in Nicaragua. Hearts filled with love, generosity, and the Lord’s Spirit beyond measure. New faces meant new friends! 

The incredible medical clinics at which we shared the gospel with so many people touched my heart! 

While at the Veracruz English Academy, many of us had the opportunity to lead a class. However, personally, I know I learned more by leading the class than the students did from the lesson!!  

Friday, was our last full day in Nicaragua and was our designated cultural experience day. Honestly, every day of this journey was a cultural experience beyond measure. 

Many times we take for granted the beauty of the land that God has provided. We tend to take for granted the wonderful people we come to know through God’s blessings. With the Lord’s blessing, we made the three hour bus ride to San Juan del Sur. I really want to share a bit about all of these blessed people who joined us on the trip to the West coast of Nicaragua! 

In part, with the help of One By One, Inc. (and Faith Presbyterian Church) Regan and his wife, Blanca, founded the Veracruz English Academy! He has spent most of his waking hours with our Faith PCA team as our interpreter, our cultural liaison, a faith leader, and really most importantly, a friend to each of us! The bond that each of us has developed with Regan is one of love. Without a doubt the Lord has brought us together to bring good to this world.  

Darol was our faithful bus driver! He was at the complex before breakfast and until we were finished in the evening! Oh my goodness!! He was amazing. What a driver he was in some of the wildest traffic!!! He not only drove the bus, bus shared in our fellowship and mission throughout the time we have spent in Nicaragua. 

Olga is Darol’s daughter. She has joined us several times throughout the week. Olga is a fresh youthful addition to our group. She is a nice young lady who shared in fellowship and mission with our team! 

David, Regan and Blanca’s youngest son, served as an interpreter at the Saturday medical clinic. Additionally, he occasionally fills in teaching at the Veracruz English Academy which he did on the Thursday field trips. He works in Managua and enjoys playing volleyball! We had some great conversations about volleyball!!! David spent quite a bit of time with our team in fellowship, prayer, and mission! 

The final member of our excursion was David Elijah who everyone calls Elias! This young man of eleven is an incredible and loving soul! Elias served as an interpreter at all three of our medical clinics. Elias attends the Veracruz English Academy. Throughout the week Elias’ confidence improved as he translated for so many of us! He also translated from English to Spanish helping the Faith PCA team with learning Spanish! Elias and Roman formed a fast friendship, so much fun to watch their interactions! Elias is a loving young man who Mike and I enjoyed our time with! It will be hard to say goodbye! 

The majestic Glory of God is so obvious when witnessing the beauty and strength of the ocean. In the vast waters we were humbled watching two humpback whales pass by us. Swimming in the warm waters in a beach surrounded by mountains on the coast of Nicaragua was a joyous and relaxing way to enjoy fellowship. This shared experience between us was one more blessing of the Lord above! 

As we returned back to the complex, we reminisced about all the joys we experienced. God blessed us with a beautiful day and beautiful friends! 

Candy and Mike McLearen

Update #7

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Good morning from Nicaragua! I'm giving you an update on our mission trips progress for July 25.

The goal for today was to continue to build up and encourage the Veracruz  English Academy. VEA Is a school directed by our missionary partner, Mr. Regan Downs and his wife, Blanca. VEA teaches Nicaraguan children in the community to learn English and also to teach them about Jesus. For example, they start their day saying the Lord's prayer in Englis and are also learning about the 10 Commandments in English. 

To encourage the students, our group arranged for two separate field trips for VEA students. In the morning, we loaded up 53 students and took them to Catarina, a large volcanic lake with a picturesque overview. We then visited Granada, the old colonial capital of Nicaragua, which has a beautiful central square and cathedral.  In the afternoon, we took a different group of 21 of the younger students to the capital city of Managua and played in a park and then took them out for a pizza dinner. We all returned to Vera Cruz happy, tired, and full.

James Splichal

Update #6

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Wednesday, July 24, 2024

Today we spent all day with the students at Veracruz English Academy (VEA).  The classes began with recitation of The Lord’s Prayer (in English, of course).  They began studying the Ten Commandments last month, and reviewed for us, focusing on the word “covet” today.  We then helped conduct classes and worked with the students in small groups.  

Those of us who have been to Nicaragua before reconnected with students we knew and for those on their first trip, friendships were developed.  After each class we treated the students to Eskimo ice cream from the vendor on his bicycle cart who parks outside the classroom all day long.  He loves it when we come to visit the school because he is guaranteed to have a good day of sales!  

The Hodges family, the NC part of our team, had to say goodbye to the students today as this was their last full day in Nicaragua.  Regan led the class in prayers of thanksgiving for all the work their family had done while here and for safe travels home.  For the rest of the team, our “goodbyes” today were just a “see you tomorrow” since we will be back with the students then.

At the end of the day we returned to the Team Center at Verbo for a special dinner with the Pastors and their spouses.  After eating, we spent time talking about the clinics: how they went and what we could do to improve them in the future. The feedback that everyone shared was so positive, from their perspectives as Pastors, from what their church volunteers had expressed to them, and also from what the clinic participants shared on the days of the clinics.  

The pastors mentioned that representatives of the government and the government’s Ministry of Health came to see the clinics.  The Pastor introduced the leaders to Dave at the clinics.  Some came to receive medical care.  They shared what a wonderful job they saw being done and how they would like us to continue to host more events in the future.  Everyone was “muy contento”!  

We had a lovely evening that served to bring the group of Pastors and our team closer together.  Dave has told them many times his presence represents so many more who pray for, and care about them in the Lord, and I think they were able to experience that support from our team.   

After a closing time of prayer, several shared how touched they were and how everything they had experienced with the three days of clinics led them to be convicted of the need to focus on the children in the churches; their churches long term plans, and the churches continuing to work together to serve the community.   

Including dinner, it was over a four hour meeting, and after we prayed at the end, no one seemed to be in a hurry to leave.  We continued to visit, and we made sure all that needed it, had a way home.  Mototaxis do not work that late.  What a joy filled night!

In Christ,

Katy

Pictures from Wednesday, July 24 - Working with the students at Veracruz English Academy.

Update #5

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Tuesday, July 23, 2024

Today we visited our third and final clinic.  In a lot of ways it was our best one yet.  There were more children than previous clinics and our children played all day with kids from Nicaragua.  They played “Blink”, “Uno”, soccer, and volleyball.  They had a lot of fun.

On day 1, I served in the glasses section.  On day 2, I served in the bracelet and craft section and on day 3, I served in the prayer group.  I think it was my favorite.  I got to meet “Mi Mama and Mi hermano en fe“.  They could not speak English, but we learned a lot about each other.  We got to share blessings with many people and I even had the two ladies pray over my family.

Ryan

Update #4

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Yes, we know Update #3 is currently missing. The team has been having a great trip, but they have not had much internet access and therefore have had trouble getting updates out. Here is update #4 and pictures from their day on Monday, July 22!!

(The following update was written Tuesday morning, July 23, 2024)

“Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:15-16 NIV 

After a great Nicaraguan breakfast at the Complex, it was time to share the gospel! Monday was the second of three community medical clinic days. Our team partnered with two local Nicaragua churches. The clinic was held at Principia de Paz church's building.  The togetherness of everyone involved was absolutely amazing. The Principia de Paz church, the Verbo church, the Veracruz English Academy translators, Faith PCA Ministry Partners, and the Faith PCA Mission group did so much more than provide a medical clinic. Our cup runneth over! Words cannot express the feelings that spread between us all as we felt God’s love spread through us.  As over 250 patient came in to share their lives at this community event, each patient was able to see one of the five doctors on hand to address any medical issue. The gift of prayer, necessary medicine, an eye exam, eye glasses, wordless bracelets, support, encouragement, and face painting were all available to patients and children. We were reminded in one of the Sunday sermons, the day before, that a church is “the people” not “the building!! This was never as true as the way our “church” shared the Lord’s word with every one on Monday!!! What a joy when at least eleven individuals put their trust in Jesus and gave their hearts to Him. At the end of the day we departed with hugs, pictures, more hugs, and so many smiles. Again, the peace felt by God’s love is overwhelming it leaves me so fulfilled! This is a Mission trip, yes? However, I have not yet determined “who is helping who”!!! The warmth of the Nicaraguan people is so welcoming and hospitable. The love and peace of God shared by each church is overwhelming. My husband and I have been on an emotional high every day of this trip. Back at the complex, we shared yet another incredible meal! Chicken with a white sauce, rice, beans, and iced tea second to none! After dinner, we had our team circle to talk about the day. An amazing day for all. Plans were made for Tuesday!!! Blessings to all as we continue this outreach in Nicaragua! We have an amazing God!!! Hasta luegp friends!!!! Candy and Mike McLearen

Update #2

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Happy Sunday morning!

The team had an amazing first day in Nicaragua yesterday. We held our first of three community medical clinic days. Our team partnered with three local Nicaragua churches and the clinic was held at Hermanos En Cristo church's building.  

The clinic is advertised by the churches as an outreach to the community. Six doctors ( five Nicaraguan doctors and me) saw over 200 patients. The clinic also  provides a complete pharmacy with medicines for cough and cold, diabetes, high blood pressure, skin, rashes, dizziness, nausea,  diarrhea from viral illnesses, and parasites and other conditions as well. Volunteers from the local churches did a great job in preparing the clinic and helping it run efficiently. 

The medical clinic is much more than just the doctors and nurses. It's really a community event. There's a station for people to pick up new glasses as well as for face painting and bracelet making for kids.

The best part of the clinic is that it gives an opportunity to share in the lives of patients. Every person that came into the church received prayer and encouragement.  It is a fantastic opportunity for local churches to serve the families in their surrounding area.  Every patient and their families that come into the clinic receive prayer, support, and encouragement. We were privileged to see two people put their trust in Jesus and give their hearts to Him.

We ended the day having a delicious spaghetti meal together at the team center along with several of our Nicaraguan friends. Some of our team members enjoyed going to a local Quinceanera celebration.  We then ended the day with a time of group reflection and prayer. 

I'm looking forward to see what the Lord does with the rest of our week! 

Jamie Splichal

Update #1

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Friday, July 19, 2024

Hi all,

We arrived safely in Nicaragua!  The team includes members from Georgia, Nebraska, and North Carolina.  You may recall that Friday was the day that all the cyber issues were occurring with the airlines and other institutions nationwide, which lead to delays on all 3 of our initial flights.  The GA and NE teammates arrived to Miami in time to make the scheduled connecting flight, but after their delays, the NC teammates were scheduled to arrive one hour after our connecting flight was set to depart.  We were praying and already exploring other options for getting them to Nicaragua as soon as possible when God did what only He can do.  The connecting flight changed from “on time” to “delayed”.  This delay was due to the fact that the crew who would be staffing our flight was running behind schedule due to their delayed flight from Charlotte.  As it turns out, the pilots and attendants bringing our NC teammates were the same ones who would be transporting us on to Nicaragua!  So we were all able to travel to Nicaragua together, just arriving a little later than originally expected.  But God’s hands were definitely all over our travel today.  Thank you for praying us there safely!

After arriving safely, we loaded up the bus with our luggage and left for Veracruz.  We had a little time before dinner to get organized for our first medical clinic tomorrow (Saturday) and get settled into our home away from home while we are here.  

Today was our friend Regan’s birthday!  We had taken a few party decorations from home and Dave had made arrangements for a cake to be there for us to celebrate.  After a delicious dinner of chicken, rice, tajadas, frijoles molidos, and fresh squeezed pitaya (dragonfruit juice) we surprised Regan and Blanca by celebrating Regan’s birthday with the fantastic looking cake.  We ended the day with a team meeting, giving thanks to the Lord, for He is Good.  God made His presence known in many ways today and we can’t wait to see how He works and uses us at the clinic tomorrow!

In Christ,

Katy Crumley on behalf of the team.