From Steeltoes to sandals.

(this was my first attempt at blogging i wrote when i first arrived in Nicaragua)
For most of my life, well at least the last 20 years, I have lived worked and provided for my family by my own skills and abilities. I have even gone as far as being labeled a borderline workaholic. I believed that with my talents, abilities and work ethic i could succeed and build my version of the american dream. I felt that I was doing just that, I had a nice home, success in my job, respect of my peers. But I felt God calling me to do more with my life. I tried in my own way to appease both God and succed with building my kingdom. i became more involved in church activities, tried to read my bible, got together with christian friends. This worked well to build my esteem but little in God's eyes. Matthew 6 :24 states "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money."  I was trying to serve two masters.  My own dreams were shutting God out.  I had to make a choice, and I chose to give up what worldly people would call success and totally rely on God and follow Him outside of my comfort zone.  the following posts will detail my journey.  John Speigle

The study of the enemy and update

Well, lets start with the update from this week since it has been two days since I last blogged. John has been very busy this week working on preparing the church for building. He bought supplies and had them delivered and has been swinging a hammer the rest of the week. Three blisters at least to show for it. We were out there last night for a church service. John of course was asked to preach again. He was preaching on the foundation of our lives which I thought was appropriate for the occasion since right beside us they were working on the building of the foundation on the church. The two fit together quite well. These last two days have been much slower for the kids and I. We have worked on North American school and I have been tending to Kyle's arm scrape. It is taking an extra long time to heal and we are going to have to be more aggressive in getting rid of the infection before it gets worse. I'm sure it will be fine but certainly something I feel needs prayer at this point. We have received some encouraging words from someone in the states about just keeping on regarding the children's home, so we are going to hold our heads up high and trust in the Lord to do what we understand Him to have called us to down here.
Since I am talking about discouragement and the power of Satan I think it is fitting to add a little something here from the Bible. The story of Esther is a fascinating one. One that I think gets looked over a bit too easily because so many people know the basic story. I usually don't put Satan in the story of Esther much but today as I was studying I realized there is a pretty big spiritual battle going on in the story. Haman is the man acting the part of Satan. He comes with many disguises and angles to try and destroy. He uses tactics we as humans so easily get trapped by. For example, Haman is caught up in the materialism of the world, or the power. Haman wanted to be the best of the best. He wanted to be at the top of the ladder and obviously was willing to do whatever it took to get there. This would of course include the killing of the Jews especially Mordecai. He had a plan which Satan also, always has. Satan does not attack with random events. He plans out his attack methodically and knows the exact point of our failure or weakness. Satan like Haman was/is proud, petty, immoral, full of wrath and full of scorn, and basically is a destroyer. Nothing will stop Satan from hurting us and our lives. Remember why Satan fell as an angel? He was proud and desired power. Haman was the same. He wanted no other man to be given honor or authority. We have to always be ready for the attacks. We have to spend time at the different gates of the temple. Hopefully you have accepted my challenge from the last blog and researched some of the different gates in the temple that were being repaired and have spent time at each one. We have to be prepared. No general or leader will go out unprepared. They train for battle, they study the different techniques of attack and they learn about their enemy. It is the same with football. There is no football team that will spend the week just goofing off. Each team that wants to win will take the time to study videos of the other team(enemy), they will runs different plays that will overtake the opposition and they will improve themselves. We as players in a game(that would be the game of life) must also do the same. We need to study the enemy(learning the different tactics of satan from scripture), we need to learn different plays(memorizing scripture so we can defeat the enemy when he attacks) and we need to improve ourselves(reading the bible and praying). God will honor our behavior if it is pleasing and right with what scripture says. We all must realize there is a spiritual battle going on in our lives right now, today, and everyday. As North Americans, it is easy to convince ourselves that the spiritual battles are in other countries and not ours but that is a tactic of Satan. We believe we will not be attacked and so we are not prepared. My challenge to myself and those who read this is to be more prepared. Spend more time in the Word and praying so that when we are attacked God will win and not satan. He promises to help us when we pray and so we should believe.

Nehemiah, what he has for you

My bible study this morning came from the book of Nehemiah. This book is amazing. I would encourage everyone who has ever struggled to do God's will, done God's will or even thought about doing God's will to read and study this book. Even though in our minds we understand their is opposition to God's work, sometimes it is hard to put into practical terms. Nehemiah has made that very clear. If we know the patterns and ways of Satan it will be easier to see them when they come and be able to fight them with God's word. As the people returned from exile, and were rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem they were under tremendous attack not only from the outside but also from the inside. Let's look at some of the opposition the people were under. Externally they were attacked with criticism, scorn, false accusations, diversion, influence, fear and many others. Internally they were attacked with discouragement, dissension, false prophets and others. When the temple was being restored they had to repair many gates. Each gate had a name and come to find out each gate actually represents a spiritual truth. I would encourage each one of you to read Nehemiah and discover the spiritual truths of the gates. Then you will be more readily equiped to fight against the enemy when he attacks with untruth. For example, the water gate is a symbol of the Word of God. It we spend more time at the water gate then we will have more knowledge to defend and fight. The fish gate is a symbol of soul-winning. Can you imagine what would happen if everyone spent even 5 extra minutes a day at the fish gate? How many souls would be touched by the hand of God if we were to follow His plan? Nehemiah is a tremendous encouragement to those following God's will and also a challenge to those who are afraid or feel they really can't do God's will. Take the challenge and see what blessings God gives you for obeying His commands!! God's blessing comes through humbling ourselves and seeking Him.

The Power of God

You just never know when God is going to do something great, do ya? The simple fact that we are in Nicaragua, having given everything up, and He has provided us with a wonderful home, neighbors that know some english, friends for the kids and opportunities for us to serve. We are provided for in every way and even though we don't see what will happen tomorrow we are grateful to God for what He has already done. God is so much bigger than any earthly power or person. I am continually thankful that I don't have to fight the battles God has already won. As we continue to process and discover what God is going to do down here with us we are ever so thankful for all the prayers and encouraging words and support we receive. Thank you!!!

disappointments and praises

Well, we are heading into another exciting week. John is starting a building project for one of the pastors in the area and hoping to have it finished in 3 weeks. Wow, building around here goes up fast. He would like to have it finished before the next team comes so they can help with flooring and painting. I'm sure God's will will be done. We continue to receive disappointing news about helping with the children. We have to wait one year to apply for residency and before we apply we have to be a legal minstry here in Nicaragua. That process also takes one year or more and we have to hire a lawyer to file all the paper work. We also have to be a legal ministry here in Nicaragua before we can even be foster parents here in the country. So it looks like we will be helping in other areas for quite a while before we will ever be able to help with the children. We know now we will never be able to start a children's home in Nicaragua because of new laws that are being past and for us that is terribly disappointing. I haven't even had the heart to tell the kids about it because I am not sure what we are to do if we can't start a home. Today is a struggle to stay positive and know that God's will is being done. Sometimes giving up our dreams to follow God's will is hard. I will continue to trust in the Lord and know that whatever happens it is He who is in control and will provide for our every need. To God be the Glory!!!

the unexpected

You know God only gives us what we need even when we don't know we need it. Yesterday was an unexpected worship service and thankfully I was looking for God in it all. We were tired, hungry and not really wanting to be where we were but God blessed us last night with an amazing service of appreciation and love for family and church members. The church we went to that was supposed to have a birthday party turned out to be a worship service and pastor appreciate night. I was humbled to see the gifts of gratitude and hugs and love and tears from so many people for their pastor. To make it even more amazing in a culture where women do not receive that much status, this pastor was a women. I could tell she cared for her congregation and they cared for her. God is good and I am thankful He doesn't do what I want. Looking forward to a day of worship at a new church with John preaching again. To God be the Glory!!!

in reflection

As I ponder the last few weeks events I begin to wonder. Many times I have thought clearly about who God is and even have thought perhaps I may even understand God at times. This morning again I am reminded that God is bigger than I will ever be and bigger than I will ever understand. I look around me and wonder. These wonderful people with a good heart and love for others, how do they make it from day to day. I am humbled today realizing that my life has been such a huge blessing from God. He could have chosen any family in the world to have me be a part of and I could have been born into a very, very, very different culture and lifestyle. Yet he had me born in my family and for that I am thankful. God knows everything, He sees the big picture and even knows when we need help before we ask. Many people I have met down here are so on fire for God. They struggle to put food on the table, struggle to see their family and friends hurting and dieing and yet they worship God with the depths of their heart. Those who know Christ have such a confidence about them that could only come from God. They praise Him for everything not just the good stuff. I am challenged as I live here to realize that even when life might look bleak, God is present and working among us, and no matter what happens it is our job to worship Him. It is our job to believe all things work together for our good and it is our job to share the Gospel so others can feel that same assurance and joy. May God put many people in mine and your path today so we can share that assurance, confidence and joy with others.

busy week ending? or just beginning?

It has been an exciting week. We are in full swing helping at the Compassion school and really enjoying it. This week I asked to help with preparations for the preschool class. I am humbled by what they do with what they have. It certainly is much easier to teach in the states with every possible supply you could need; however here they pretty much just use paper, glue and colors. Yet their class is exciting and entertaining for the kids. Sierra asked today why they teach so differently down here. I had to explain to plight of the country and how so many of these children will not be heading to a good job that will supply their families with what they need to live. School down here is to teach the children how to survive in their country, keeping clean as best they can, eating once a day or maybe two, making sure they have shoes and other things. The expectation is so different down here. It really is hard to explain. At times I feel like we just live in a hotter climate and at other times I feel like we do really live in a third world country. I get frustrated with the political situation at times because there is so much more the government could do for their people and yet they aren't. I wonder sometimes how North America ended up the way it did. God definitely had His hand of protection on it while it was developing. Well enough rambling........
We are looking forward to seeing Managua in the daylight today and perhaps tomorrow a trip to the beach. Saturday we have been invited to a celebration at one of the churches and Sunday John is preaching. Monday for John begins an exciting adventure of being the foreman for a construction crew to build a church for a pastor in the area. It should take about three weeks. In the meantime we are both preparing to teach, preach and serve. Thank you Lord for all your goodness and love. We will continue to follow God and allow Him the direction in our lives.

Psalm 121:2

This was our memory verse for today in Sunday school. I decided instead of hoping the kids would be able to memorize it and put it to heart, I should. My help comes from the Lord, maker of Heaven and Earth. I have no idea how I am going to do what they have asked me to do down here. I have some experience in the subjects they want me to teach and some experience in the classroom but I am certainly not an expert. It is hard to know how to teach someone especially when I hardly know them or where they are at in their journey. I am praying God will lead me to the right material and the right resources. Maybe even the right person in the states to help me figure it all out. I know there are many experienced leaders and teachers out there. God will help me in this I know but it is very scary to try and even begin to organize it and create it from scratch. I understand I came down here to serve and so that is what I am going to do. I remember once in Harrisonburg I was told often God doesn't call us to something we are really good at because then He doesn't receive the glory. Perhaps this will be one of those times he calls me to something I am not that great at so that when it turns out great, God will receive all the glory. I ask for prayers from all those who read this as I begin to prepare to teach the children in English and music and to train the teachers. I will be having a training session every week starting in November to educate and train the teachers to better manage their classrooms, learn how to keep the children's attention, and how to transition from one theme to the next. They do not follow any specific curriculum this year at church and so I am hoping to help them organize one. Also, they want me to educate the teachers in such a way that they are encouraged to come to church and participate in activities at the church. I am wondering if we offer some sort of Awana at the church if that would help them feel more comfortable about coming? I will continue to pray and ask God to lead me as I prepare.
John is going to be starting a sports camp at the beginning of November as well. He will be working with many, many, many children. They will start the camp working on baseball but many females in the area would also like to see soccer be a big part of the camp. If you could pray for him as he begins to prepare for this time. Please pray that he will be organized and clear in his motivation for doing this and God will draw some other men to him so he will have help.

week in review

What an exciting week it has been and we are only half way through. Last night went really well. I spoke from the passage in Samuel about Hannah. I used the internet to find an outline of the story and we worked through the lessons we can learn from Hannah on being a Women of Faith. It was actually really exciting to speak. I thought I would be nervous so I did alot of praying and God helped me to relax and just enjoy myself. I was able to share with emotion and pleasure the stories and lessons from Hannah. The time at the school this week was also very enjoyable. The children are all adjusting the best they can. Sierra has made several friends already and the girls in her class are very welcoming. Caleb is working on it as well and has a few of the boys inviting him to play kick ball with them. It is good for him to have to broaden his horizons although at times he doesn't think so. Kyle has melded with his class well and doesn't seem too bothered by the language barrier. He has made a friend in class and he thinks his name is Toby. Hearing the childrens' names is very difficult for everyone. Some of the names are similar to North American names such as: Elizabeth, Pamela, Madalyn, Martha and Cindy but others are more difficult. They put letters and vowels in places we normally don't so it is hard to hear the name. I'm sure in time it will come though. Sydney and I have enjoyed the three year old class and she was even given her own notebook on wednesday to put pictures in along with the other children in the class. I am amazed and humbled by how so many teachers and children have welcomed us with open arms and are so willing for us to be a part of their program. The pastor of Jericho Baptist church is the CEO for the school and he is very interested in us helping. We are planning to sit down on Saturday with him, the director of the school and the program director to see what their ideas are for helping with the program. I am excited to be a part of what lies ahead.

teaching, learning, teaching

Looks like another exciting day at school for us. We will again spend the morning at the compassion school where Sierra has already made several girl friends. Caleb is struggling to understand the language and feel comfortable in a foreign situation. Kyle just blended right in. He has joined the class of other very distractable kids. It works well for him. Sydney of course, is in the 3 year old class and was learning about creation and when God created day and night. I sat in on the little ones class because I figure she will talk slower and use more hand motions when communicating because she is working with such small ones. It will hopefully help my spanish. I am planning to speak tonight with a group of ladies about Hannah and share about how God will prevail in all situations that are in His will. I have never done something like this before and am quite nervous. Hopefully God will use me tonight for His glory.

what a week ahead

If looks like we are finally starting to run down here. We spent the morning at a school supported by Compassion International and there were approximately 100 children. The afternoon has about 200 children. And on saturday they have a different group of children as well. The younger children meet monday through wednesday from 8:30-10:30 and the afternoon children meet from 2:30-4:30. The Saturday class is for older kids and they teach them a vocation. They have asked me to teach the kids on whatever I feel like teaching them. I am excited and overwhelmed all at the same time. I am not a teacher by degree so this will be interesting. I do know I will have to completely rely on God to help me plan and create the programs to teach the children. If any of you teachers out there have suggestions for teaching children with a completely open lesson plan I would love to hear some ideas. We are planning to spend the rest of the school days at the school this week. I think it will be a good place for the kids to make friends and learn some spanish. God is continuing to provide for all our needs and we are learning to be patient.

just the beginning

What an amazing Sunday we had. Children's church in the morning and then an incredible sunday evening service at a church with an air conditioner. What a relaxing time to spend 3 hours in A/C. The preacher was a great story teller and did a good job of acting out Joseph on his way to power. The kids were amazing. They hardly noticed they had been sitting for so long. God is definitely keeping them in His control.
We are off this morning to a school with 100 children in the morning and even more in the afternoon. I am thankful for all the doors that are being open for us and I enjoy watching God work. I will continue to pray that God opens everyone's eyes to His work down here and that our hearts will be obedient to His call. Look forward to pictures and stories from the school later this week.

A Day of Rest

Today has been a wonderful day so far and it isn't even over. We have shared Bible stories with many children, listened to teaching from John and I have been amazed at how his preaching has improved over the past 2 years. The last time I heard him preach was Dec. of 2007. God is definitely doing a good work in John. I was able to teach and play with over 25 kids this morning. We did the story from John 6 on the feeding of the 5000. We went pretend fishing and memorized John 6:48. I decided since the lesson was about bread and fish I would share a snack of bread. I think it went well. After the service the two ladies in charge of children's ministry and teaching and the pastor of the church asked if I would be interested in helping with the compassion project they run during the week and if I would do some training for the teachers. There are 12 teachers in all I will be working with. I am very excited about what God is doing down here and am also very grateful God has found we worthy to be apart of it. I am humbled to think that I could contribute to a program that is already so amazing. This church from the little we know of it has outreach programs going on regularly. The bullentin board was just full of different opportunities the people in the area can be apart of. They are having a festival of some sort on the 18th of this month and are planning to give out food and clothing and play games and do all sorts of other things I couldn't understand because they were written in spanish. I will be praying God will use us to help them with all their outreach programs. They were very welcoming and friendly. In about 1 hour we have been invited to visit another church with one of the interpreters so we will head to another church. I am excited to see what this one is all about. I get the picture down here that each church really has it's own unique way of working. I guess that is similar to the states but in other ways is quite different. Continuing to look forward to going to school in the morning and spending time with the children. God is good!! Amen y Amen

weekend frenzy

It looks like John has a busy weekend after all. He will be preaching tonight at a local church near by and then again in the morning. He would covet your prayers as he tries to focus on what God would like for him to share about. Also, I am praying about what God will have me teach from, this wednesday as I share at a women's conference. Not sure how many will show up or even where they are at spiritually. It is kind of hard to teach when I don't know where they are at but will rely on God to lead me to the right scripture and lesson for the day. It looks like this will be a regularly scheduled activity for me occuring every two weeks. I will need to work on teaching material for women!! I certainly have lots for children and we are hoping to work more closely with them but are following the Lord's leading and going where He places us. Couldn't sleep last night so I did quite a bit of research on Proverbs 31 and the virtuous women. It is amazing all the things that women are able to do with the help of God and His leading. We both covet your prayers and will keep you posted how things are shaping up.

end of week review

It has again been an exciting week. We spent most of Monday getting to know another children's home in the area and meet another family from North America that has also recently moved here. Tuesday and Wednesday were spent doing North American school and trying to decide if we need a juicer or if we should just live without it. We also interviewed two interpreters we were considering hiring and a cook/cleaning lady for the house. Thursday was spent starting an art project with the children that takes several days to complete. We are working on a paper mache statue. We had to look for rocks to start and shape them into the statue we each wanted to make. Friday we spent finishing covering our statue with newsprint and glue. We also had the cook/cleaning lady start on friday. She took us shopping for food and to purchase a tortilla pan to make homemade tortillas, nicaraguan style. We had a wonderful lunch, much better than what I was cooking that's for sure. Of course, there is always going to be one picky eater in the bunch and so not everyone liked her cooking. Hopefully we will begin to adjust to the new foods. We are looking forward to a busy weekend with John preaching twice and later next week John will preach again and I will be doing some teaching at a ladies conference. Grateful for all that God has done for us and are learning to be patient beyond the idea of patience. Thankful for all the prayers that are being said on our behalf and confident that God is taking care of us daily.