Good evening, family and friends! Day three of our time in Nicaragua has been outstanding. From Hotel San Juan de Leon, we left for our first full day in our respective service sites. Split into two groups, one team returned to Verbo Leon, and one team visited Posoltega.
At both sites, each respective team exchanged greetings with the leaders of the church there. From youth leaders to head cooks to security guards to singers, it was incredibly encouraging to see the church, the body of Christ, working throughout the world. It is motivating to be reminded that we are are all children of God, and that we are united in Jesus Christ. Our leaders shared a little bit of our roles at the Williamsburg Community Chapel and how it was a privilege to be able to visit Nicaragua and worship and serve alongside them.
After a brief devotional, teams toured the community that surrounded the church, gaining a better sense of the daily lives that are led there. Exposure to their homes and their streets really put into perspective a new reality; though we see them at the church or the feeding site, enclosed by people who care for and love them, they live much of their lives in areas that are not as safe or as friendly. It really affirmed the necessity and blessing of the local church, and made us all the more joyful to know that these kids do have a place to go for physical, emotional, and spiritual provision.
Following the tour we assisted in serving lunch before another VBS lesson. Much like yesterday, we helped kids wash their hands, and relayed trays of cups and plates or bowls from the tables to the kitchen and back. In our VBS lesson we shared the story of the prodigal sons, emphasizing that no matter how far we run or how far away we feel from God, He is always there pursuing us, offering forgiveness and love.
Returning to the hotel for dinner, we washed up and settled down and got ready for Porch Time. Abbey shared from her past experiences in Nicaragua, and how surprising it had been for her to come here and see Jesus already alive and active. This idea of incarnational ministry, that Jesus is alive and can be seen in us and in the Nicaraguans, can be a challenging one to grasp. How do we live in Jesus? How does Jesus live in us? Small groups discussed the preconceived notions of how we might be serving the children here, and how our expectations have been challenged. We also discussed what barriers exist that prevent us from seeing Jesus in others on a daily basis. Please be praying for us this week that we can walk faithfully and confidently in Jesus, through the Holy Spirit, and that our eyes would be opened to the work He has already begun here!
