It's a Wonderful Life-Christmas family letter to all

Well, I decided to send my family letter through facebook and blogger this year.  Since I have a few extra days this month to get things done, I am going to get my "letter of year in review" out early.  I have never really done one of these letters for our family but since we are so far from family and friends this year, and God has done so many different and amazing things in our life, I thought I would share early and with everyone we could reach electronically.  So here goes......
Just over a year and 4 months ago, God called us to Nicaragua.  We have obeyed that call and are currently living in Leon, Nicaragua.  It has been a whirlwind of a ride.  We moved down here without even knowing where we would be living.  God not only provided us with a house but neighbors who spoke english.  We have been able to minister to so many people because of the grace and love of God.  In January of this year, we met and joined a ministry called Hearts to God.  Their focus, dreams and goals are very similar to ours and we have been so very blessed by their willingness to allow us to be part of what they are doing for God.  In addition to joining the ministry God answered another great need of ours.  We had no mode of transportation down here and this ministry had a vehicle they were very willing to allow us to use while we are here.  God continues to pour His blessing down on our family.  As we worked with different teams that came down to minister we have met many friends and created long lasting friendships.  The children continue to make many friends and find different ways to reach out and touch the children of Nicaragua.  The summer months were filled with teams and working with Mrs. Raye Morgan on getting ready to purchase land in La Paz Centro.  This community is in great need of food and medical attention.  Our hopes and dreams are to start a feeding center on the land that has been purchased and be able to feed in many different barrios in and surrounding La Paz Centro each day.  We have been looking to apply to places in the states that will send down food for us to distribute.  We continue to pray that God will open doors for us to have food everyday to feed people in La Paz Centro and the surrounding areas.  This fall Sierra, John and I had the privilege of teaching a class on leadership and discipleship.  Sierra worked with anywhere from 5-20 children while John and I taught the adults about what God expects of leaders in the church and community.  By the end of the 12 week session she was doing crafts, videos about Jesus and even teaching from her own knowledge of the Bible.  Of course, we had the translator with us in the adult class so she was doing it all on her own.  God has again blessed us with a young lady so willing to do God's work and without help from a translator.  I am so proud of her and her language abilities over the past many months.
Caleb has continued to grow and change as well.  He has gone from a young boy to a young man.  He has learned to adapt to change and even has grown in the area of language.  What seemed so hard to him while we were in the states has become less of a challenge for him and he is excelling.  I am also very proud of how God has worked in his life and he has been such a willing vessel to do what God asks of him.  Never would I have thought he would have the courage to share the Gospel with a complete stranger in a language unknown to him before this past year.  God is such an amazing God.  Without a doubt, my faith and understanding of God continues to grow and change as I am able to see how He works and what part I am to play in His great plan. 
Kyle continues to change as well.  He received glasses just about one month ago and he felt it was going to calm him down a bit.  He said it helped him to feel more in control.  We continue to pray for God to help him with his distractions and I continue to believe God is doing a great work in him.  Many times he has shared the Gospel and people have made decisions to follow Christ.  It will be just a matter of time before he is out there changing the world on a greater scale. 
Sydney is also continuing to grow and change.  When we left the states she was 4 and as the year comes to an end she is heading into her 6th year of life.  Her red hair is an awe inspiring thing down here and many people see her as a beauty to behold.  She is constantly kissed, touched, looked at and talked about as we walk the streets.  She is such a beautiful little girl.  She has learned to love the Lord and allow people to touch her without crying or cringing.  She is a real trouper.  We are very happy that she is reading and just needs to continue to practice to improve.  We weren't sure how it would all work out with hearing and learning a new language before she was reading english but again God has allowed us to be very blessed and she is reading and learning a new language at the same time.  What an amazing God to make our brains so versatile. 
For many months now, we have been spending our fridays feeding families all over our part of Nicaragua.  We bring a bag of food containing rice, beans, tomatoes, peppers, onions, oil, potatoes, carrots, plantains or other vegetables and share the Gospel with them.  God has given Sierra, Caleb, and Kyle the ability and courage to share every week and even now Sydney talks about practicing so she can do the same soon.  I can only imagine how people will respond when a 5 year old shares the Gospel and asks if they want to pray the sinners prayer. 
The people of Nicaragua are so patient and willing to listen if only there were enough workers to bring in the harvest.  Sierra has even been courageous enough to share in spanish without a translator and the lady that listened was so very patient and in the end made a decision for Christ in spite of the broken spanish.  I have no doubt God was the interpreter for Sierra and the lady heard exactly what God wanted her to hear. 
John continues to astound me with his abilities to preach.  He has had many opportunities to preach and share the Good news.  His courage is way beyond what I would have ever guess he had in the states.  God again is changing and shaping us into what He wants for our lives.  I am humbled by what I see God doing each day in our lives.  We continue to be willing to do whatever God asks of us and pray that much harder that Satan will be bound. 
We have had a few struggles this year but nothing to compare to the blessings and changes God has given us and blessed us with.  The kids are happy here and so are we.  We wouldn't want to be anywhere else unless God asks us to move.  We know without a shadow of a doubt this is where He wants us and we are content to do His will.
We pray for our family and friends we have left in the states and Canada and around the world.  Your prayers and support have allowed us to stay down here and continue to do the will of God.  All of us would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.  May your eyes be opened this coming year to all the amazing things that God will do for you.  

Much love and prayers for you all,

Vanessa Speigle and family.

Positivity!

One of the biggest things I struggle with is negativitiy.  I don't normally have the "cup is half full" opinion of life.  I call it living in reality but truth be known it probably more like being negative about life.  I bring this up because I have just finished reading a book about the power of God's word and how to use it.  For example,  God says He does all things for our good and if we have even the smallest amount of faith we can move mountains.  My thought is if I continue to walk around being "in reality" but talk negativily about life then I am going against what God has said in the Bible.  I am challenged this week to realize no matter what is happening in my life God is working for my good.  That means even when I don't see it, I should be worshipping, praising and thanking God for what He is doing because it is for my good.  I pray that God will change my "cup" from half empty to half full.  I long to be a positive person and be able to show the world all the great things God has done, will do and is doing in my life.  I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

1 Timothy

I have started an interesting Bible study this past week.  The topic is 1 & 2 Timothy.  I am excited to find out more about these books and learn from the speaker.  It seems fitting to study these books because we are also studing the history of the church with the kids.  You know, we moved many times in my life growing up and I never thought it affected me much.  However, I married a man who lived in the same house his whole life.  He is very rooted, so rooted that the street they live on is named after his family.  I have come to appreciate what he grew up with more and more.  I long to give my children a foundation and roots that go deep into God's word.  Everything in this world will pass away but if I ground my children in eternal things, I am hopeful they will stay strong through it all. 
The first chapter of Timothy which is the focus for this week has taught me many things.  I want to share with you some of the versus to think about as well.  He is talking about the false teachings happening in the church and is asking Timothy to stop the people who are teaching wrong information about Jesus.  He says, "They promote contraversies rather than God's work-which is by faith.  The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart, a good conscience and a sincere faith."  Faith is a very difficult thing to obtain.  It is hard to hold onto.  Yet, God says if we have faith like a mustard seed we can move mountains.  I was just talking with a friend down here about this idea of faith.  I liked his idea that we focus too much on the size of the seed and forget the message.  The message God is giving us through this passage is that we are to believe that we can do anything.  Instead of saying, "move this mountain" I would encourage you to fill in the blank with your troubles or anxieties.  For examply, you could say, "heal my son" or "bring my family closer to God" or any number of other things you could ask God for because we have the faith but sometimes forget.  God is in the business of doing miracles and when we limit Him to only what we think is possible we are short changing God's power. 
Now back to the Bible study comments......
Two things, if you keep reading in the passage you discover God came to save everyone.  He lists many different groups of people here.....lawbreakers, rebels, ungodly, unholy, sinful, murderers, adulterers, abusers, liars, slave traders and more.  I think sometimes we forget it was not for the righteous that Jesus came but for the unrighteous.  It seems if we are not wearing the right clothes, saying the right things and have the right stuff we are sometimes not accepted by our peers and even in our churches.  We need to remind ourselves the reason Jesus forgave us was so that we could do the same for others no matter what or who they are.  I was talking with my children about this scripture and Kyle said to me, "so next time we go out on the street and give away food we should give food to everyone."  My heart was warmed by his comment because he not only was beginning to understand what the scripture is saying but he is also realizing the need of the people. 
The last comment I have about the passage this morning is from the 12th verse on.  Paul is writing about the fact that he was such a terrible person before he knew Christ and after he received Christ on the road to Damascus he was forever changed.  I had a lady here in Nicaragua share with me her testimony.  It was a very difficult life she has had to lead from a young age.  Later, she asked me if what she had shared had made me no longer want to be her friend because of all the difficulties she had to go through.  I told her without a doubt, when someone shares their life story it only draws people closer not pushes them away. Tears welled in her eyes.  I just don't think there are many people who have welcomed her as a result of her testimony.  I am learning there are certain people and activites here in Nicaragua that are frowned upon by the majority of people and if for some reason someone ends up having to do those things they are ostresized and rejected by the people.  I am learning that perhaps God has brought us down here to undo some of that dislike and rejection.  I continue to spend time with this lady and care for her and love her.  I want her and many others to realize just because we have done bad things in the past doesn't mean we should send people away.  If that were the case, then there would have been no reason for Jesus to die on the cross.  If fact, I feel so strongly about the whole thing, I believe that is just about the only reason Jesus came.  He wanted to save people just like my friend and me.  Everybody has a story to tell, some stories may not be as dramatic but in the end we are all sinners and Jesus came for that very reason.  His sacrifice on the cross was our path to eternal forgiveness and redemption.  If we as Christians can not accept the people who are sinners(which would be everyone) then we are missing the point of scriptures. 
I would encourage you to think about the people you come in contact with daily.  Are they the people whom Jesus died for?  If so, share with them about what Jesus has done for you.  Give them an opportunity to meet the King eternal, immortal, invisible, only God and see how it will change their lives and yours. 

Victory in Christ!

Psalm 60:4-12
But for those who fear you, you have raised a banner to be unfurled against the bow.  Save us and help us with your right hand, that those you love may be delivered.  God has spoken from his sanctuary: 'In triumph I will parcel out Shechem and measure off the Valley of Succoth.  Gilead is mine, and Manasseh is mine: Ephraim is my helmet, Judah my scepter.  Moab is my washbasin, upon Edom I toss my sandal: over Philistia I shout in triumph."  Who will bring me to the fortified city?  Who will lead me to Edom  Is it not you, O God, you who have rejected us and no longer go out with our armies?  Give us aid against the enemy, for the help of man is worthless.  With God we will gain the victory, and he will tramply down our enemies.

Proverbs 11:14
For lack of guidance a nation falls, but  many advisers make victory sure.

I Corinthians 15: 50-58
I declare to you, brothers, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable.  Listen,  I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed--in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet.  For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.  For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality.  When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: "Death has been swallowed up in victory."  "Where, O death, is your victory?  Where, O death, is your sting?"  The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.  But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.  Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm.  Let nothing move you.  Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

Psalm 20
May the Lord answer you when you are in distress; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you.  May he send you help from the sanctuary and grant you support from Zion.  May he remember all your sacrifices and accept your burnt offerings.  May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.  We will shout for joy when you are victorious and will lift up our banners in the name of our God.  May the Lord grant all your requests.  Now I know that the Lord saves his anointed; he answers him from his holy heaven with the saving power of his right hand.  Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.  They are brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stand firm.  O Lord, save the king!  Answer us when we call!

Well, so I guess I was needing some encouragement from the Word about the topic of Victory.  It has been an amazing and difficult roller coaster to live in a different country and try to accomplish tasks we feel God asking us to do.  The cultural differences has been such a challenge.  Living as a family has been a difficult challenge.  Simply finding foods to eat that we are familiar with has been a challenge.  I know without a doubt that Gods' Word promises us Victory but as I have been studying the different passages in the Bible regarding this topic I am beginning to understand that the Victory God talks about is not earthly.  Our Victory is heavenly.  We will receive our reward at the end when Jesus returns.  I am grateful and thankful to God for allowing me to be forgiven and very thankful I know I will spent eternity in heaven. However, that victory which I am to look forward to is so far away.  I have Victory and I know I will receive my Victory in Christ but just like the Jews 2000 years ago, I was hoping for a more concrete and visual Victory I could feel and understand now.  The Jews were so ready for a Messiah.  They had been waiting for Him for a long time.  The Roman Empire was at peace and the stars in the sky were "lined up."  Even the magi from the east could see the signs that He was coming.  The problem was no one was expecting a "still small voice."  Jesus was not what they had hoped for and in fact he was so different from what they were hoping for that they didn't even see Him as  the Messiah.  They accused Him of being a heretic and more.  As I continue through my own life and struggles, I wonder if I am even looking in the right place for help?  I turn to God, that much is true, but am I really looking for God to answer me or am I looking for an answer from God.  The answer I think I am looking for is my answer, not Gods'.  I turn to Him during difficult times, I trust Him to order my life, I even have faith that He is in control and is leading me but when I look to Him for needs in my life, I don't believe I am looking at the same God.  I believe I am looking at a God I have created and not the one of the Bible.  It is such a struggle to keep the God I worship true to the God of the Bible.  Many times I assume God will answer my prayers, my way when in fact, He answers with what is best for me.  It is a difficult process and one that I will probably spend my life learning.  As I study Him more and continue to get to know the God of the Bible I will perhaps begin to see and hear the God I truly worship, the God of the Bible.  How about you?  Do you pray to the God of the Bible or the one you think you know in your head?

Encouragement!

Encouragement is one of those illusive things.  We can be encouraged by others or by God but somedays it just seems like everything is against us and no amount of encouragement helps.  I was looking my Bible the other day for verses that would help me to feel encouraged.  I think the one I liked best was
Hebrews 3:13.  The reason I like it so much is because is says to encourage one another so long as it is called TODAY.  I don't know of any day that is not called today.  It is good to know that encouragement is something even God thinks we need to have everyday.  It certainly isn't always easy to give or to receive but it is something that is very necessary for our lives.  So with that being said, I would like to encourage others today.  My prayer time today will be for all those who are hurting, struggling and having a difficult time in life, that they will truly feel God's presence lifting them up today.  God is the best encourager and I will have to rely on Him to encourage those close to my life since I am so far away from them.  May God be with you in a very real way today.

rejuvinated!!

Wow, what a summer it has been.  The last time I posted was in June and now it is already September.  We have been quite busy with teams and activities and I thought maybe today would be a good day to catch up on things and start blogging again.  It seems our schedule is more manageable again.  So here goes.......
Let's start back in July.  We worked with three teams in July.  The first one was a Vacation Bible school group and we were able to have two sessions per day for four days with 60 children in each session.  It went so smoothly.  The kids had three stations to go to and we were able to keep them in their stations and get all the activities done.  On the second day Lenin decided it was necessary to feed the children after each session so we began feeding them as well.  It is always so rewarding to feed children who are in need.  We were very thankful to God for keeping away the rain and providing for what these kids needed.  At the end of the week we passed out little stuffed turtles and the kids loved them. 
The second week was a group of young people who wanted to put on a sports camp.  We reserved the center area of La Paz Centro and with the help of the police we blocked off the roads.  We then used the area to play soccer, volleyball and even some young children's circle games.  We worked with children as young as maybe 4 all the way up to 18 year olds.  There were tournaments for soccer and each team had a turn playing against another.  In addition to playing sports with the kids we took some time to share the gospel with them.  It was a very hot week but we were able to touch many lives.  We also did a feeding distribution of 50 bags of food.  Each member of the team took several bags of food and with the help of a translator passed out bags of food and shared the Gospel.  It was a very rewarding time. 
The third week was a medical group that came to treat the people of La Paz Centro.  We saw over 1000 patients that week.  It was a busy time and many people were treated and had medicine provided for them.  Again God kept the rain away when needed and He also provided all the medicine we needed.  We didn't run out at any time!!!!  I am always thankful to God for what He does when teams come.  There are so many different things that need to happen for a medical team to come to Nicaragua and God always seems to open the right doors at the right time. 
As we worked our way into August, the teams left and we began schooling the children here at the house.  One of the biggest struggles for me is to know when God wants us to serve Him outside the house and when it is time to serve Him inside the house.  We homeschool our children and have been doing so for 5 years now.  It is a very rewarding and difficult job.  Here in Nicaragua, we have to learn to balance serving people outside the house and doing what we need to do inside.  We have really focused on school these last few weeks.  It is so important for the kids to have a routine and know what to expect from one day to the next.  We school monday through thursday and then on friday we do ministry outside the house.  We continue to feed families and teach classes on that day.  On Saturday we also do one more day of school at home but it is a shortened version of the week.  
Our feeding has grown this week to 22 families.  We continue to pray the prayer of Jabez and anticipate God continuing to provide the extra money for us to pass out bags of food.  The bags of food include rice, beans, onions, tomatoes, peppers, plantains and potatoes.  Sometimes we substitute yuka and carrots for the plantains and potatoes depending on the price of each in the market.  It costs about 5-7 dollars per bag of food.  The bag of food lasts the family depending on how many about 2-4 days.  It certainly doesn't provide for all their needs but we are here only to help and this is a very practical way to help.  We really don't want them to become completely dependant on us because they also need to do their part to provide for their families but it is good to help out a little bit each week. 
The second week in September we needed to return to Costa Rica for our visa requirements.  That trip is always enjoyable and a nice break from the day to day.  We continue to pray God will open doors for us to obtain a residency here in Nicaragua so we no longer have to leave every 180 days. 
Our spanish is slow in coming.  We just celebrated our first year here in Nicaragua and I really thought we would know more spanish.  The kids really don't communicate in spanish but they are learning words.  We know many words in spanish but speaking the language is much more difficult than I thought it would be.  I suppose it is a good thing and a bad thing.  We are able to continue to pay someone to translate for us which gives him a job but communication is very slow. 
Well, that brings us to now.  It has been a whirlwind of a time but we are slowing down and getting back into a routine.  I think now my mind is clear and I will be able to post again more often.  I pray for you, our supporters, and hope that this update finds you well.  Thank you to everyone for all your prayers these last few months and I pray God will richly bless your lives for you support. 

Hunger and Ideas

When we came down here we understood we were going to be doing God's will.  As we have lived here, we have begun to see exactly what the will of God is for our lives.  We are beginning to see the vision of how we will be helping the children of Nicaragua.  Many of you know we dreamed of started a children's home here in Nicaragua but many doors have been closed in that direction.  We still pray for God to open doors but are willing to follow where God leads and because of our willingness to simply  GO  we have seen God to many amazing and miraculous things.  When we bring food to the hungry families and see the relief on their faces because the children will have food for a few days, it is such a blessing.  God continues to put motivation in our lives to continue with the feedings at all cost.  Maybe it is because of the scripture in Matthew that I feel so driven to feed the kids.  Maybe it is God pushing us in this direction.  What I do know for sure is, we could not live down here and JUST share the Gospel.  There are so many physical needs down here.  We certainly can not reach and fulfill them all, but we are commanded to feed the hungry, to give the thristy something to drink and clothe the needy.  Sharing the Gospel is the most important thing we do down here because without it these people will have no future.  We want Nicaragua to become a changed country for God and that will take the changing of the hearts of the next generation.  We pray as a family that God will continue to allow us to have a children's home so that we can change the hearts of the next generation but in the mean time, we are finding that bringing food to these many needy families is exactly what God has for us to do.  We have about 6 months left of this year and have decided to ask God to expand our territory.  We are going to do as Jabez did in the Bible.  We feed 60 families each month at a cost of $225.00.  At the end of this year we would like to be feeding 120 families.  We are going to need lots of pray for this to happen.  As we daily pray for God to provide for us, we are asking all our supporters, prayer warriors, friends, family, neighbors, churches, and strangers if they would join us in this prayer.  Where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.  We so much want God to be with not only us but each of you that read and enjoy this blog.  God is a great and awesome God.  No matter how many doors man closes in our lives, God is waiting for us to turn to Him and He will open a mansion when we are willing to follow Him. 
For the last two months I have really struggled down here.  I haven't been able to blog or even right for the newletter.  I have been in turmoil.  I have spent many nights praying for guidance and understanding of what is happening in this world.  I am beginning to feel  closure to some of the problems we have been dealing with and a sense of freedom about what is ahead.  My prayer is that God will continue to make it very clear to us where we are to go and continue to lead us in His direction.  A direction, I have discovered, is far better than any we were trying to plan ourselves.  I thank everyone for all your prayers for the last few months.  I know they are making a difference in our lives and without it we would not still be here doing God's work.  I can not say thank you enough for your prayers that go up on our behalf. 

Scripture for today!

Phillipians 1:21
For me living is Christ and dying is gain.

I continually learn to humbly give my life to God everyday.  Many times it is more than I can handle but with the grace of God, He is helping me to let Him guide and direct my life, my marriage and my children.  I pray today for strength and peace as our family makes decisions and deals with life.  I pray also today for our many friends and family around the world who are serving Christ and walking in His path.  I also pray for those we know who do not know Christ.  I pray their hearts will be opened and God will place in their paths today someone who is willing to share the Good News of Jesus Chrsit with them. Amen

Measured as one of the best days yet.

Wow, what an amazing day we have yesterday.  You see, Nicaragua celebrates Mother's Day on the 29th of May.  I have two days to celebrate now, because we also as a family celebrated mother's day on the 10th.  Anyway, I want to share why yesterday was so great.  We started out with the work of cooking a meal for all the mothers.  The cooking began at 10 and we finished at 4.  It was a lot of work but I was able to fellowship with many ladies from the church in La Paz and we had a great time cooking together.  I stopped in to visit a little girl who has been recovering from surgery and is having a hard time of it.  We gave her medicine, took her temperature and talked with her about how to better care for herself following the surgery.  We had fun running to several different places to try and find some food for us for lunch and ended up finding a place that makes fried chicken.  It was delicious.  We returned to the church to help with final preparations for the mother's day service.  Lenin and Sara prayed for my daughter as last night she preached her first sermon to the whole congregation.  I had tears in my eyes.  She spoke on the visible truths of Jesus excistance.  The topic was her choice and she did all the preparations herself.  She spoke confidently and God was filling her with the words she needed to say.  I think she talked for about 25-30 minutes.  I knew God was going to use our children for His glory but I didn't expect this.  God is such a great God.  I am glad He is in charge of our lives because His story is so much better than any life story I could create for myself.  Praise the Lord, To God be the Glory.

Growing in Faith

I have read posts on facebook lately about many people struggling in life.  I can't agree more.  Life can be very difficult at times.  As I also struggle here in Nicaragua to do God's will and live a life that will honor and glorify Him, I look to the Lord for help.  It is always one thing to talk about letting God take care of us and trusting Him with all our needs, it is quite another to actually do it.  I have memorized and understand Hebrews 13:5 which says Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you, but taking that extra step to put my faith in Him has been such a big struggle.  I know the bible says count ourselves blessed to be persecuted but since I have lived in the states the majority of my life, persecution hasn't really been a big part of my christian walk.  As I talk with the local pastors here and see and learn how they live and what they experience, I know their faith is stronger.  The spirit world forces them to either sink or swim.  Without faith they would sink and therefore as they swim their faith grows deep.  The persecution and evil they believe in and experience creates a life of daily faith in God.  Poverty and uncertainty of the future create a daily faith in God.  I have never had to wonder if I will eat again today or whether I will have food for tomorrow.  I don't always rely on God to provide for my needs because I have been able to go to the grocery store if I needed food.  It's not that I don't want to have a deep faith in God, it is just that without trials, persecution, and difficulties in life, my faith doesn't grow.  Reading the bible, praying, singing, going to church, they are all wonderful activities but their main purpose is to educate us about God, not really instill in us a deeper faith.  My prayer today is that God will enlarge my territory and protect me from harm but also to deepen my faith in Him so that I can count myself blessed.  My prayer for our family and friends in the states and around the world is for God to lift each one up and be the Great Comforter to all.

Boxes and Change

As John and I with the family continue to serve God here in Nicaragua there is much time for self reflection and inner soul searching.  I would venture to say that when this is all over I will have a much better understanding of who I really am and how people really see me as a person and representative of Jesus Christ.  I find myself constantly telling the children to mind their behavior.  The thing is, down here the only reputation we have is the one they see.  We are unable to explain ourselves, our words, or our actions. What we do and how we do it is the only connection the people here have with us.  It has boiled down to the simple behaviors we really didn't think much about in the states.  If one of the kids talks with a rude voice, or pushes another, or retaliates against a child who is getting on their nerves.  All these actions or reactions are watched and looked upon and judged by those around us.  We are supposed to be servants of God.  I have always wanted our children to behave well, but it was for different reasons.  Now, I am having to teach the kids the message of their behavior affects what people think about Christianity.  The last thing I want to do down here is become the stumbling block for a new believer or unbeliever.  Once again, I am humbled at what God has asked us to do here in Nicaragua and am continually being reminded that it needs to be for His glory.  In our weakness, God will be shown stronger. 
To God be the Glory!

Humility

One of those traits that are really hard to learn because of the nature of the beast.  These last few days of been ones of learning humility.  I don't really think I came down here with pride but even in my understanding of where I stand in my Christianity, I realize that I am still so young.  The people in ncaragua have such a greater faith and understanding of who God really is.  The spirit world here in Nicaragua is real.  I am real.  When we lived in the states, I understood in my head the Holy Spirit existed but I really never tried to wrap my brain around it.  I kept my thoughts on the side of the fact that God is good and therefore so is the Holy Spirit.  The problem I didn't really think about was the fact that there is another spirit that is also very real and alive and causing trouble in the world.  Whether we want to believe it or not, Satan is real and so are his host of angels.  He is constantly working in our lives even when we don't think so and he is constantly looking for ways to destroy any joy and hope we might have in the One True God.  He is just as real and the Holy Spirit and when we choose to ignore that fact we are living a very one sided life.  Casting out demons, speaking in tongues, praising the Lord without inhibitions, and simply just showing God how much He deserves our worship is real.  Before I lived here in this type of culture, I always knew those things were real in my head but now I am beginning to see them for myself and actually experience some of them.  I pray that God will continue to open my eyes to the real battle we are facing every day and for peace that He will continue to protect not only my family but the many believers and unbelievers here in Nicaragua. 
On a very different note, I wondered if there are any people out there that would be willing to help an 11 year old boy get surgery.  He fell off a wall when he was two, they didn't set his leg and now his leg is so distorted and bent that he can't even walk.  We met him this afternoon walking on two arms and one leg while his damaged leg just hung there.  We are going to start the process of getting him to a hospital and making arrangements for the surgery but from what we understand because the injury was so long ago they will charge him to make it better.  I am told it will be very expensive and as we begin this process we will very quickly learn exaclty how expensive it will be and will gladly share the total cost of the surgery with those who are interested in helping to make him better.  Please pray for him, his name is German.  He is eleven years old and without the help of those who can, he is destined to live a life of poverty because he is unable to stand and walk.  We need your help to get him surgery.  Please prayerfully consider helping with the cost of the surgery and let us know at jvspeigle@hotmail.com.  Thank you for your prayers in this matter.
To God be the Glory!

Food for the hungry? have you eaten today?

We look forward to bringing food to 15 families this morning.  Many of them will only have food for as long as the bag lasts.  We put 2 lbs. of rice, 2 lbs. of beans, oil, tomatoes, green peppers, onions, carrots, and potatoes in the bag.  It really only lasts about 4 days if that.  We bring food again the following friday but I wonder how they make it through the other days.  I was talking with David a friend of ours that we bring food to about the brooms he was making.  They are hand made and probably take about one hour or more to make smooth on the handle.  I asked him how much he would get for the brooms, he said $.50.  I couldn't believe it.  For all the work he will put into one broom his wages will be only .50 cents.  I don't believe it is possible even in Nicaragua to live on that low of an income.  He is supporting 2 small children and a wife.  He told me a wonderful story that really helped me to keep in perspective what life is truly about.  David is a believer and loves the Lord.  His wife is sick most days and wonders around La Paz all day.  David is solely responsible for the children and providing for their needs.  Martha is the wife and she does come home at night but not every night.  David thinks she has cancer but her mind is not able to understand such concepts and so doesn't seek help from the medical clinic.  I was overwhelmed by all that he has to deal with and told him I would pray that God would help him and Martha.  He said,"don't worry about my poverty.  Jesus was a very rich man and he was born in a poor stable.  If Jesus can be poor so can I.  I would rather you pray for Martha and the children.  I know the things of this world that I have or don't have won't matter and when I die I will be rich in heaven."  David really understands what matters in life and as I looked at his situation and thought how unbearable and unbelieveable it was, I realized his perspective on his life is a blessing from God.  I ask that as you go about your day today, you whisper a prayer for David and Martha and the kids.  They so badly need help with very basic things in life.  Food, clothing, water, keeping the kids clean and healthy, and for Martha to understand how much she really needs to go to the doctor.  This family has been blessed by God and now it is our turn to bless them phsically and spiritually by supporting them in prayer.
To God be the glory!

God is so amazing!

What a wonderful day!  The breeze kept us nice and cool, the people were comforting and loving, the service was a tear jerker, and all my kids are now asleep in bed.   We shared the movie "Facing the Giants" with the church in La Paz this evening.  It was a spanish version and even though I couldn't understand most of it, I have watched it in english several times and every time I watch it, it is a tear jerker.  God is just so big and strong and amazing.  He can really bless us if He chooses and our lives are just not the same without Him.  I pray that many people who watched the movie tonight will be encouraged and feel God's love in a real way this week.
To God be the Glory!

Different Culture, Different World

Well, as our family continues to learn and grow here in Nicaragua we often get eye opening experiences.  I know that all humans have similar tendancies but when faced with a different culture it can be amazing how different we can also be. 
We had a wonderful time today in La Paz Centro.  They have dug close to 150 holes for the plantain trees and about 10 feed into the well.  You know everything, and I mean everything, is done by hand.  They said the well would end up being about 20 meters deep and that again is going to be dug all by hand.  I keep asking John if there is an easier way but unless God blesses us with a huge amount of money, by hand is the way it will be done.  I look at some of  the projects that the people here in La Paz are working on to better their lives and think to myself, this task is impossible.  Yet, when I look at the people working, their faces and body expressions say they can do it and will prevail in the end.   I am humbled by what I see.  So many times in my life I see a project and decide before I have even started whether I will be able to do it or not. Often if I think it is too difficult I won't even start it.  I believe after learning so much in this culture about life and perserverance, I have really been missing out on many blessings because I have chosen not to start. 
We also had the priviledge of attending a civil wedding.  That was interesting to say the least.  I was surprised when the lawyer began talking about why two people might get married and that is should be for life and not just for a few months.  He even talked about how God will bless them and take care of them.  I thought civil weddings didn't include God.  Another new experience to open my eyes to different cultures and different worlds. 
Today Natalie turned two.  Some of you may remember her.  I talked about her back in February. She is the one that has a head smaller than my hand.  She was in a bicycle accident last thursday.  Her ear was split by a barb from a wire fence.  I gave her some ointment for her ear and prayed it would heal without trouble.  I saw her today and her ear is almost completely healed.  I am so thankful her mom knows how to care for her so well. 
I am just extremely thankful for all God has allowed us to do and see here in Nicaragua.  He has truly blessed us and I pray continually that we will be a blessing to those around us.  We came down here to share God love with others and to make a difference in their lives. 
May God receive all the Glory!!!!!

Praises and Thanksgivings

True Worship

I know something that I have really started to take for granted down here is the way worship is done here in Nicaragua.  The people pour out their hearts no matter what other people think.  The arms wave in the air, the feet dance and praise our Lord, even the children shake tamborines and ribbons.  There are so many beautiful things about worship when it is true and free of constrictions.  We sing many different songs at church and the style of the song varies from quick paced to quiet and worshipful.  I think my two favorite songs I know most of the words to are:  Lavanta mis Manos (Raise your Hands) and Dios esta Aqui (God is Here).  Yesterday Caleb and I went through our worship songs we can play on the guitar and worshipped God for about one hour.  It was the most precious thing I could ever have done with my son.  He is so talented and his heart is so pure.  He sang all the songs and played the ones he could and just put everything he had into it.  I pray that as he continues to grow and difficult times come into his life he will rely on what talents God has given him to get through. To God be the Glory. 

Busy schedule

Wow time just keeps on flying.  Just when I commit myself to blogging every day for the month of May, I miss several days.  Okay this time I will be more careful and really try to blog everyday. 

We have had such a wonderful week and have a very full schedule ahead of us.  This week we will begin a clothing ministry, continue with the feeding ministry on fridays, begin to work on finding plants and trees for the property, help the farmers dig a well and begin to prepare the fields for planting, somewhere in all of this squeeze in school and build a set of bookshelves for our school books, help a little girl get her surgery done here in Leon, and follow up on a pregnant lady who needs prenatal vitamins.  Not real sure if we will get it all in but certainly have to try.  God is good and He will provide a way for us to get done what needs to get done in His timing.  Thank you Jesus for your constant help and assurance.

Lost and Found

This week has been one big roller coaster.  We started out this week excited about the new team that was coming and planning on doing a medical.  Lots of hours go into a week like this and we were very thankful we had a few nurses that had done it before.  We saw over 1200 patients this week and many people made confessions of faith.  However, during the week John and I both lost things that were precious to us.  John misplaced his wallet at the beginning of the week and Sydney misplaced her bag of favorite clothes.  We did lots of praying and asking around for help to find the stuff but without success.  Finally, today we had both things found along with an amazingly cool day from a very refreshing down pour of rain all night last night. 
One of the team members almost was drowned at the ocean today and the story is just amazing.  God truly does use us in mysterious ways.  The gentlemen that pulled her out of the ocean and got her breathing again didn't know Jesus Christ as his saviour and when she told him she wanted to see him in heaven with her someday because of what he had done to save her life he said he also wanted to be there and accepted Christ as his saviour.  There have been many things and people lost this week and God has redeemed them all.  I know without a shadow of a doubt that God is watching over us and taking care of us down here.  He has sent a very special lady this week to help us with Kyle.  Sometimes when parents are at the end of their ropes God will send a redeemer and that is what He has done this week.  I can not thank Him enough for what He has done for our family this week.  Not only for helping us find the stuff we had lost but to bring redemption and grace back into our family.  I will never forget this week and what Molly has done for us.  May God richly bless her life for what she has done.  To God be the Glory

long time without writing

Well, life seems to be settling down again into a routine I can live with so that I am able to give some thinking time to blogging again.  I apologize to all those who have wondered what has happened to me in the last few months.  Blogging takes thinking power for me and these last few months have required a lot of thinking for me to get through them.  So many things have happened in the last few months.  Just to name a few.....John was in the states, we have helped with several different teams, many difficult decisions we being made by our family and the kids have been missing their friends.  It really all adds up to excuses for me not writing about what is going on but I have decided it would be better to share some of my thoughts with you regardless of how busy life gets down here.  We came down here to serve God and share with our many friends the wonderful and powerful things God is doing in Nicaragua.  I vow to continue to do that no matter what Satan tries to throw at us.  I thank everyone for your prayers and care during these past few months and the ones that follow as well.  I know we are being lifted up in prayers and without that we would not be able to stay here in Nicaragua.  Thank you, Thank you, Thank you.  May God richly bless you as you also serve Him in prayer for us.  To God be the Glory.

Feeding the five thousand?

I now understand a little of what Jesus did with the 5 loaves and 2 fishes when he was feeding the 5 thousand.  We were given a gift of 50 lbs. of rice and 50 lbs. of beans.  With joy and excitement we have been able to feed 16 families for the last two weeks.  We added onion, peppers, tomatoes, potatoes and oil to the bags of rice and beans.  We have enough rice left to probably do it one more week. The big bags of rice and beans cost 40 dollars each.  The cost of the veges was about 25.  That would make it possible to feed 16 families every week for about 30-40 dollars.  Isn't it amazing how far food can go down here.  I know we don't have much to give away but they say it lasts them about 4-5 days.  They are so good at stretching the food so it lasts and using every part of the meat or vegetable they are using.  Nothing down here goes to waste.  When they eat chicken or fish the only thing left on the plate is a very small pile of bones.  Not even the grissel is left.  
Having mom here and for God to allow her to be a part of the feeding has been so pleasant.  I'm glad we were able to share those moments with her.  She is heading home this week and then it will be just 4.  What a strange and quiet house we will have before John and Kyle return from the states.  We covet your prayers of protection on travelling for mom, John and Kyle. 

Good Times

This has been such a good week with my mother here.  We have been to several church services and been able to see the land that was bought by a ministry down here.  They are going to use the land to start a larger feeding center, build a mission house, build a house for the pastor of the church they work with and a coop garden with animals to boot.  It is so amazing that God would consider me and my family to see and be a part of this project.  I am humbled to know that God is using us to do His will.  I am thankful the doors are beginning to open here for us to minister to the people.  I am excited to share about the three families we gave food to last week.  They were very thankful and we are going again this morning to give them food but this time we are adding about 7 other families.  So that brings to total to 10.  It will cost about 10-15 dollars a week to feed each family.  We give them rice, beans, oil, onions, peppers, and then if money allows we are providing every other week a few healthy vegetables.  I am so excited to be able to do this. 
On another note, Sierra and Caleb have joined a dancing group here in Nicaragua.  They go to different churches and do presentations.  Tomorrow night will be their second presentation.  I am so glad God has included them in this ministry.  It has boosted Caleb's self-esteem and Sierra of course absolutely loves what she is doing.  They are supposed to practice with the group every day but since we don't have transportation their everyday they only practice about 3 times a week.  They are quick learners so it doesn't seem to bother them much.  We continue to pray that God will provide the things we need down here to do ministry.  To God be the Glory. 

Sad good-byes and Happy Hellos

Yesterday was a happy and sad day all wrapped into one.  We were able to get Katie and Kyle off safely to the airport and heading to the United States.  There were several tears and I had to do a lot of praying and trusting that the Lord will be with them as they return to the states without me.  I did however have a wonderful time picking up my mother.  She has decided to spend several days with us and it was just very good to see her again after so many months.  As she gave me another set of sheets for our bed, I smelt them and realized how much I really did miss her.  Isn't it funny how we can live without something for so long and then all of a sudden realize how deeply one can be missed.  Anyway, we are enjoying each others company for a few days. 
Sierra and Caleb have an opportunity to dance with other church members this Sunday and we are excited they allowed us to participate in the program.  I wasn't sure Caleb would really do it but he even has a smile on stage which warms my heart. 
Lots of prayers and guidance is needed for making decisions regarding Eliazer.  They went ahead and did some kind of surgery yesterday but from what I understand it won't fix the closed fontanelle problem.  We will have to wait a few days to see what exactly they did to him and how it will affect the situation before we can move further.  I want to thank everyone who has been praying for this situation and I will continue to post updates regarding his condition as I become aware of them. 
I also would like to thank everyone that has been praying for John while he is in the states.  There are so many doors opening for him and we are really seeing God work.  Thank you very much.

May the little children come....

Well, it was a successful day yesterday.  We provided food for three families in great need.  I had Katie take pictures and will be posting them as soon as I figure out how. 
I was disappointed to find out the doctors have decided not to do the surgery for Eliazer.  They have other children in greater need.  I don't really understand how they can say that when his brain is being damaged everyday they leave it the way it is.  We are hoping they will choose a new date today for the surgery but they are just not in any hurry to do anything about this little boy.  For those of you who have not caught the earlier information about Eliazer, he is 4 months old, has hydrocephalis, a closed fontanelle, a detached retina and no tear duct in his one eye.  We have been working to get his surgery for over a month now and they just keep putting it off.  I don't think they realize what is going to happen if they don't do it soon.  If anyone in the states ever thinks socialized medicine would be better because it is free they are very wrong.  Send me their email and I can tell them story after story after story about children who badly needed surgery and have not received it yet because of the system and the way it is set up. 
I am excited and sad today if that is possible.  I have to say good-bye to Katie and Kyle today because they are returning to the states.  However, my mother has decided to join us for 10 days down in the hot beautiful sunshine.  Sydney in particular is very happy about this.  I don't think she realizes she will no longer be able to play with Katie.  It has been such a blessing and joy to have Katie here with us these last few weeks.  She has been able to translate thank you letters from children and organize medical supplies and it has warmed by heart to see her just enjoy and play with the children down here.  There were many children last night at church that asked Katie not to leave and really wanted her to stay.  I pray that God will bring her back here some day to stay for a long time.  May God richly bless her life for her willingness to serve.

Children are a gift from God

Wow what another week we have been through.  Yesterday was so heart wrenching.  We were helping distrubute backpacks for the children who need to go to school.  Some of the children were living at the dump in La Paz Centro.  I specifically noticed a mother with three children.  Her youngest child was maybe just under 1 year old.  He was hungry and wanted some milk from the mother.  She was unable to provide for him.  I couldn't stand it.  He was crying because he was so very hungry and the mother could do nothing about it.  Later in the evening I saw another little girl about the size of a new born here in the states.  She was probably 3 years old with a stomach as small as a new born baby.  Her legs couldn't have been bigger around than a large carrot.  She was so incredibly skinny and had trouble walking properly.  I wanted to take them home and feed them for the rest of their lives.  Some days are easy.  Yesterday was not. 
The kids and I spend the evening talking about these two families and did a few calculations.  It would cost us about 40$ to feed these two families each week with rice,beans,onions, peppers, oil and maybe a carrot or two.  I think we are going to just add it to our budget.  Maybe even add 100.00 to our budget and try to find a few more families to add to the list.  I know God sees these children and loves them very much and since we are here we need to do all we can to help ease the burden in their lives. 
We also had a gentlemen come to our house yesterday and ask for food.  I gave him what we had and asked him to come back on saturday with his family and wife.  He said he has three children.  I will take pictures and post if he shows up again.  It is so hard to see how difficult it is to find food for these children. 
We are also planning on bringing food to Martha and David.  They are the family that we have been trying to help but it is very slow.  We continue to pray for the mother and hope she will be willing to have surgery sometime this year.  We also pray that God will open the door for us to help the children during the day with food and health issues so they can heal from the problems they have.  Please join us in this prayer because where two or more are gathered so is the Holy Spirit.

Much belated update

Wow, time really flies down here.  I was checking my blog files and realized I haven't blog for quite some time.  The days are filled with so many activities and before I know it the day is over and I am exhausted and ready for bed.  There doesn't seem to be much time to blog but knowing I am connecting with many friends in the states and allowing them to understand what we are doing continues to encourage me to keep at the blogging process.  So that being said here comes an update for the last several days.
We have been enjoying the company of one of our close friends this last week and a half.  She came down here the day after she passed her boards to become a licensed nurse.  She also has much interest in doing mission work down here in that capacity.  We continue to pray God will open the door for her down here to work with us and the children in need of medical care.
We continue to increase the work we are doing in La Paz.  The members of the church have asked that I teach them conversational english so two weeks ago I started teaching at the church.  I have about 20 students ranging in age from 8 to adult.  We have plenty of fun and lots of laugh because I really can't help them associate an english word with a spanish word because I don't know enough spanish yet.  It has been a challenge to figure out how to explain things to them in english when they don't understand very much of it.
We have also enjoyed Mrs. Raye Morgan coming down for a few weeks.  She is in charge of the ministry Hearts to God and Hands to Work.  Their ministry also works in La Paz and helps Lenin and Sarah with their church.  We have been delighted with the invitation from Mrs. Raye to join them in working out in La Paz.  Many exciting events and activites have been happening for that ministry.  This past week they purchased land out in La Paz that will help the community in so many different ways.  Lenin and Sarah will have a house built for them because they ministry in La Paz but currently live in Leon and the drive is about 30 minutes one way.  The ministry is also planning on starting a garden for the community to help with.  They will be planting vegetables of every kind and several more fruit trees on the property for the community to help grow.  If the community helps with this project they will also be able to benefit from the produce that is grown out there.  Mrs. Raye is also planning on building a mission house for the teams that come down and work in La Paz.  It will be such a blessing for them to be able to live in the community in which they work.  The people in La Paz are so welcoming of them and really have a great need in the community.  We have been so excited to see how God is really working there.  We continue to pray God's blessing on the ministry.
On another note, some may have been following the story of Eliazer these last two months.  He is a little boy aged 4 months old now with several medical problems.  The problems were discovered during one of the medical teams.  We have been helping Eliazer to try and get to the right doctors so they can do corrective surgery on his fontanelle and in the process have discovered he has several other problems.  The latest information we have found is as follows:  He now has been diagnosed with hydrocephalis as well as a closed fontanelle, additionally we think from the CAT scan he is also unable to see out of one of his eyes because he has a detached retina and no tear duct has grown in that eye as well.  There appears to be no real fix for his eye but they are planning on doing some sort of surgery on thursday of this week at 5:00.  I will continue to get more information and of course post anything new regarding his situation as soon as I find something out.  My heart just breaks for Eliazer. So many of his medical problems could have been avoided if his mother had been able to have proper medical care while he was inside her.  There are so many children down here in the same situation.  For example, we have been getting better acquainted with another mother how is currently carrying a child as well.  She was told two weeks ago the baby has an irregular heart beat and was encouraged just to go home and rest more.  That was the solution to the problem.  It might turn out just fine but without proper medical care it could also turn out terribly.  There is such a great need for doctors down here and certainly a better medical system to help these young mothers carry the babies full term and have them start out life healthy. 
Another family we have been working with I want to give you an update on:  David and Martha some of you know are in great need.  Martha needs surgery and the babies have been diagnosed with scabies and mal nutrition.  We visited them last week and found they have moved to a different location and the babies although they were improving from the scabies are not completely healed yet and they  should be.  David and Martha say they will continue to treat the children for the bug but because they no longer live close to the church there is no one that can help them look after the kids and they are on their own now.  When we visited their "house" little Martha the three year old was just screaming her little heart out because she was so afraid.  My heart continues to break for them and since they have moved away our hands are tied with what we can do to help.  Martha is not planning on having surgery and continues to bleed.  She refuses.  What can we do when someone doesn't want to get better.  God will have to intervene in this situation because we have done everything within human possibility to make it better and are no longer able to do anything more.  Please join us in praying for these families and ministries in La Paz.  We need several miracles in the next few days and weeks for these situations to improve.  May God receive all the glory and may we all know that what ever  happens God has a purpose and plan for each of these peoples lives.

Open doors!

Sometimes when God closes a window He opens a door.  We just spent an amazing morning preparing and feeding about 130 children living in La Paz.  We even were able to feed one of the teachers because she picks her students up at the feeding center and walks with them to school.  How cool is that!  I found out they feed these kids every day of the week and it is something different each day.  I'm not saying it is tons of food but it was certainly enough for one meal.  We have been so blessed to work with Lenin and Sarah from the church in La Paz.  They have invited us to do so many different ministry opportunities with them.  I am grateful to God for all He has placed in front of us to enjoy and be a part of.  We have not been able to return to the Compassion school since last December and some days it is hard.  I would like to continue growing those friendships with the teachers and with the kids.  Perhaps God will work it out so we can do both.  As I look forward to the future, I pray that God will continue to open the door in La Paz.  There are so many children's opportunities for us there and right now we are in Leon.  We need to have a very clear path to move to La Paz and I am not sure if we have it yet.  I pray that God will guide both John and I to the same conclusion of where we are to minister down here in Nicaragua. 

relaxation!!

We have spent a wonderful 2 days enjoying the beach.  We don't do it often but with Katie here for a few weeks we thought it would be a good idea to say hi to the ocean.  I am always amazed at how God created everything.  The sun setting over the horizon, the ocean sharing so many treasures from the sea and how strong the water is to take and give the sand back.  Each time we have come the geographical area of sand and rocks has changed.  It reminds me of the verse about God giving and taking away.  I'm not sure where it is found in the Bible, but it is just like the ocean giving sand and taking it away.  I feel refreshed and ready for some new ministry options and have a renewed excitement to see what the Lord has in store for us down here in Nicaragua.

Life is short! In memory of Mario

As I sit here and reflect on life, I am humbled and made to understand that life truly is very short.  The Lord God only gave us a small amount of time here to make a difference.  We don't know when or how our life will end and taking our life and putting it in God's hands is difficult.  Our family mourns today the loss of an 11 year old boy that was the son of the pastor of the church we minister at.  He was only 11.  His life had just begun.  He rode his bike, enjoyed life, played baseball and shared in the ministry of his father on earth and His heavenly father.  I never saw him without a smile.  I am sure his smile touched many lives.  The memory of Mario will be carried on in the work of his father and family and the church, but our hearts will forever be changed by him. 
I would encourage you, as you read this blog, to pray for the family and many, many friends that will be hurting for some time to come.  I would encourage you, as you read this blog, to think about your own life and what you have been doing to further the kingdom of God.  I would encourage you, as you read this blog, to consider doing more for God.  I would encourage you, as you read this blog, to reach out to that person you have been avoiding and make it right.  I would encourage you, as you read this blog, to make things right in your relationships with others and with God.  We don't know when our time will come to an end and if we wait too long and don't do what is right, we will miss out on what God has planned for us. 
My heart breaks tonight as I remember and look at pictures of Mario.  May God reach out to everyone hurting tonight and give comfort and healing to those Mario left behind.  To God be the Glory!

Children and God's love

Okay, I know God said let the little children come unto me but what do you do when the children are struggling to live.  I have spent the last 2 days in agony.  I have seen a family that is struggling to survive hold on so tightly to their own children that they can't see the pain they are causing them.  I know the mom and dad of this family love their children and want to take care of them but if they can't and the children get so sick they die, HOW CAN THAT BE RIGHT!  I know, I know, God is in control.  I tell myself that every minute of every day that I think about this family.  I want the kids to be with the parents because that is how God designed it but if the parents can't feed the children and provide for their basic needs what does one do about it.  Their is a plan and God will receive the glory in the end and I know I only came down here to do His will but when my heart is breaking and the children are hurting how do I just sit by and pray.  It isn't enough. I want to do more for this family yet they are content to continue to provide what they can for the children even if it isn't enough. 
I was completely amazed that this little 8 month old girl was just sitting not even fussing about her circumstances.  She is covered from head to toe and every where in between with sores from a parasite called scabies.  This parasite causes itching so bad that it would keep an adult awake at night.  This little girl slept soundly last night at our house.  God has given these people who suffer an extra measure of something so they can survive and be okay.  That something I am sure I don't have and most North Americans don't have.  To know that a child is in pain and yet the child doesn't cry out or carry on like our North American children do when they get offended or their feelings hurt.  What an amazing love God has for these people. 
My prayer is that God will provide a way for us to help this family and many others like it. 
Maybe it will be a home for the sick, where children can come for treatment and get better before they have to go back home.  Maybe it will be a home for children that don't have a good place to live.  Maybe it will be a home where God's love prevails and the children are healed and don't have to live away from their parents but they also don't have to live in the filth that is making them so sick.  Oh Lord, I pray that You will open the doors for us down here to help these little children come to You and know that you are the Great Healer and Provider.  Amern

time flies

Time moves so fast.  I am reminded daily of how important it is to use our time wisely because we have such little of it.  We have been enjoying our time with a special friend of Sierra's from the states this week.  We have shown her where we go to school, where the best ice cream is, how to get around on public transportation and many other places. 
For those of you who have been following the story of the 3 month old needing surgery we have been trying hard to get help for him this week.  The system here is very slow.  We did however, manage to take her to the children's hospital in Managua on Thursday and they have done the x-ray on his head and have decided the next course of action is to have an appointment with the head of pediatrics.  This appointment will be next week wednesday.  Please continue to pray the damage to the brain will be minimal and that it will be repaired after they do the surgery.  I would also ask that we all pray the head of pediatrics will see the need to the surgery quickly and not put it off for too much longer. 
I know God has a plan for this little baby boy and I know we can only do as much as we are allowed to with the help of the doctors here but I am still going to pray for a miracle.  The family really loves this child and he would be growing up in a good loving home so he deserves every chance he can to succeed and survive a healthy, normal life. 
John will be leaving in a few weeks to go back to the states for a month.  He needs to do more fundraising and sharing what we are doing down here so that more people can get involved and help.  With all that is going on in Haiti it will be hard to focus on Nicaragua but we are praying God will open doors for John and provide a platform where he can share what is happening here.

so much need for praise and prayer

WOW! what an amazing week!  We were able to treat over 1200 patients this past week with medication, vitamins and parasite medicine.  God is so good!!!  The team from Oklahoma touched many peoples lives including ours.  We worked all week in 5 different places near or around La Paz centro.  In the last place we were at on Friday, we encountered one family in great need of prayer.  Their little boy is 3 months old and his fontanelle has already closed.  The nerve damage to his brain has already begun and if there isn't a surgery soon it will be irreversible.  John and I and our interpreter Michael are working very hard to find a doctor in Leon or Managua to do the surgery.  We have about 2-3 weeks to get it done before his brain will be permanently damaged.  Please pray with us that there will be a doctor here in the area willing and able to do the surgery this week so the little boy will begin to recover. 
As well, we would like you to join us in prayer for a famliy in La Paz centro with two little girls.  The mother is in great need of surgery and she is too scared to go to the hospital.  The father has said he will take her if we will help with the children.  Of course, John and I have excitedly agreed to help with the children, but they have not yet taken the steps to get the mother to the hospital.  Please pray that the father will do the right thing and the mother will be willing to go when the time comes so the family can also begin to heal. 
Right now we are enjoying the pleasure of having Sierra's friend from the states join us for two weeks.  Abigail is 12 and seems to be enjoying her time here.  We pray that her life will be impacted greatly through God's love and she will see all the amazing things God is doing down here.  Serving God is a sacrifice and brings a return far greater than anyone can imagine.  I pray that she will also see that. 
We look forward to a brief reprieve this month of February before the teams from the states begin to come.  John is planning on travelling back to the states in the next few weeks and I would again ask that you join us in prayer that he will be able to make the proper contacts so we can find enough support to stay for several years. 
We continue to praise God and trust that He will provide for our every need.  There were so many answers to prayer this week with the medical team that I know without a doubt God will continue to answer our family prayers to allow us to continue to serve Him here in Nicaragua. 

God is Good!

What a wonderful week I just had.  I was able to do some training for the teachers down here all week.  God provided an abundance of materials for me to share with them and some refreshments as well.  Much of the material was new to them and they took many notes.  I was so happy to share some of what I know with them and they also were very grateful for the time I spent with them this week.  School starts for them next week monday and I pray that many of them will put into practice what I shared with them.  Please join me in praying for the Compassion school as it starts a new year and that many children will learn about the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

Weather, whether, whether you like it or not!

It sounds like many people on the east coast are dealing with some terribly cold weather.  Snow, wind, storms!  Actually, the weather down here has been unusual as well.  At least for us it is unusual.  The wind has been very strong.  From what I understand we are heading into a very windy time, so windy it is dangerous.  We will have to see how it all turns out.  I certainly don't miss the 10 degree weather and am thankful more and more each day for the wonderful glorious warmth we have down here. 

We have certainly enjoyed all the well wishes people have sent us over the holiday season. 
We continually covet your prayers and support as we enter into a new year with many, many new experiences.  The presence of our Lord and Savior is strong down here and from what we read His presence has been moving there in the states.  Happy New Year to everyone and may your new year be one of accomplishments for the Lord.

A new year!

How exciting!  God has not only given us a new year, but a new decade and a new chance to be His arms and legs and body for Christ.  I am hopeful this new year will bring many more people to Christ and the saving grace of salvation.  With God before us, who can be against us.  We are blessed to be down in Nicaragua and serving the Lord.  He continues to provide for every need we have.   Praise the Lord.  As I was reading on facebook this morning, many people were sharing what they hope to accomplish in this new year.
As I reflect on this past year and what I would like to see happen in this new year, I come to the conclusion that without God's help I will not be able to accomplish anything.  Therefore, as I decide what goals I would like to make, the first and foremost goal will be to spend more time in the Word of God.  To earnestly seek Him and know that He is God.  Among other goals, I would like to see the children's home we came down here to start actually start.  God will have to do so many miracles for that to be accomplished and I will continue to pray for miracles.  I know that God is in the business of miracles and if I have enough faith God will see to it that all things work together for His glory.  Another goal I will strive for is to be more patient.  Many times if I could have been patient for a longer time life would have worked out so much better.  I know in my head that if I could wait on the Lord and His timing it would go more smoothly, but my heart sometimes pushes me to places I wish I wouldn't go.  It is similar to what Paul said in Romans 7:15, "I do not understand what I do.  For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.  And if I do what  I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good.  As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me.  I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature.  For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.  For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do--this I keep on doing.  Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it."  What an amazing truth about life.  We constantly struggle to do good and many people here in Nicaragua believe that if they are good they will go to heaven but it clearly states here in the Bible that we can not ever choose to do good because of our sinful nature.  How humbling to know that no matter how hard I try I will never make it into the Kingdom of Heaven without the saving grace of Jesus Christ.  I pray that as the new year gets underway that God will bless your life as you focus on Him and give your life over to His power and glory. To God be the Glory!! Happy New Year!