Blessed and Humbled in Nicaragua

February 2, 2011

The children came to the church yesterday afternoon to be interviewed individually.  The team talked with each child about their current situation and updated their information for our files.  The group talked about the interviews that evening, sharing the highlights from their time with the children one-on-one. 

The question “What is the best thing that has ever happened to you?” brought the following responses by the children in Nicaragua:

“Children of Promise.”

“Knowing God.”

“Being able to come to church.”

“Being baptized.”
“Opportunity to study.”

“Winning a medal.”
“To live with both parents.”

“To be alive.”
“When my mother comes to visit.”

“Going to the Pacific Ocean.”
“When God healed my mouth.”
“Becoming part of the church, knowing the pastor and Juanita, and having a family.”
“Being with my mother.”

“A new baby in our house.”
“Meeting the Lord.”

We continued visiting homes of the children today.   One special home we visited was that of a child who was sponsored during this time by a group member.  We were able to introduce Julie Hostetler to her child at the child’s home.  We marveled at the two-room home with dirt floor.  The two rooms were a small sitting room and one bedroom.  The family of five sleeps in one room.  Cooking is done outside over the open fire.  The family was lucky enough to have an outhouse and an outdoor shower area.  As the child opened the gifts Julie brought, all the family was elated.  There were many hugs, and as the time drew near to leave, it became hard to say goodbye.  A bond has been formed, a new friendship, a connection that will grow over the years and over the miles.  What a privilege and joy to observe the contentment of both sponsor and family as this new relationship took form.

In the afternoon we visited the colonial city of Granada, and then worshiped with the congregation of the Church of God in that city.  They are a young, lively group.  Since they do not have anyone to play the keyboard, I was privileged to play a few songs, and Juanita Blanco and I sang a duet.  Juanita preached a dynamic message on how we handle adversity.  Blessed is the word most often used to describe our time with the Granada Church of God.

Blessed.  That word can be used to describe so many of our experiences in Nicaragua.  Another word that surfaces is humbled.  We are in the midst of such great leaders and such servant examples. 

Last evening we attended the worship service in Jinotepe.  Jonathan Poveda, a sponsored boy, sang several songs to the delight of the crowd.  Even though the language barrier was very real, the Spirit spoke to hearts, bypassing the use of language.  The service was led by young people.  It has become very evident that Juanita and Guillermo are investing in and raising up young people of commitment, service, and leadership.

Sometimes as I sit back and observe all that God is doing around the world, I ask myself, “How is it that I find myself in this place, seeing God work in the lives of so many children?”  I am blessed and humbled.  The group members on this trip echo the refrain:  “We’ve been blessed and humbled.”

Paul Maxfield

Executive Director