MITCHELL

July 23, 2009

Nicaragua News

Friday is children's ministry day here at YWAM Nicaragua. Most of our students who attend our elementary school as well as their mothers and siblings too young or old for school come ready for active songs, a Bible based drama, open discussion, and snack. Today the drama was on Moses and God's plan for his life. Afterward the leaders had an open discussion with the kids about God's plan for their lives and what they thought they would be when they grew up. There were many who raised their hand and said various careers but one stood out most in my mind and impacted me greatly. This young girl has the highest grade in my third grade English class, her work is very neat, her hands always ready to help, and her smile is breathtaking. As she walked up to the mike I wondered what she might say, wondered what she wished to become, what her dream for her future was. I was so proud when she boldly said "I want to be a doctor." This may not seem like an odd thing for a child to say, nor something so hard to believe could happen, but for all of these kids their lives are at risk everyday, and their futures are impacted by their lives now. Most of their parents do not have jobs and are illiterate, and as sexual, and physical abuse are prevalent in many of the homes, there is much emotional damage, as well as physical problems because of malnutrition. To the world, because of this girls surroundings, it may be believed that she will never accomplish much but to me and more importantly to God she has an amazing future before her because He has a plan. I was so greatly impacted by what she said because I humbly realized that I was part of that plan. In God's plan for my life he brought me here to accomplish his plan for this girls life. I believe that this is the case for all of us no matter what we do or where we go, it is not just our plan unfolding, God is using us in other peoples lives towards his purpose for them. Perhaps this young girl will change her mind about her career goals but my hope is that she will realize her value in God and live her life with that knowledge.

We have seen so much of God's goodness and provision in the past months. Both John and I have been working with summer teams that have been coming in and much has been happening in the small community of Barrio Berlin where the base is located. Two new houses were built for families in need, the whole barrio received free eye care, glasses if needed, and a pair of new Crocs! The most recent team brought supplies for the school such as construction paper, glue, markers, pencils, crayons, and scissors. These were much needed! When the pre-school teacher I assist saw all the materials she jumped up and down repeating "Gloria a Dios!!" Which means "Glory to God!!"

One of the teams also gave a gift of $2,100 toward John's water project! This is almost half of what is needed for the entire project and John looks forward to making this dream for the base a reality. To be able to take a shower whenever you needed to, wash your hands so you knew that you were helping prevent yourself from getting sick seems like things to take for granite but to our base it something to look forward to. We are so thankful to God for these teams and for placing on their hearts to give to this community.

God is so very real. He is not just a far away being but is here, a friend, and daddy with loving arms to cradle all his children in. We came to realize this even more in the past month. We were thrilled to find out we were expecting a baby in January but sadly we lost our baby. It has been a hard stage of life, a stage we never thought we would have to endure but God has truly shown his love to us supporting us through friends and family, and when no one was around he continually poured out his calming presence and abundant peace. We are so thankful to all of you who have written us and comforted us, your love has helped us in our healing process.

As many of you know Tanzi has been having intestinal problems since Christmas. It has become clear that this problem is not just going to go away and we are taking steps to figure out what the problem is. A doctor in Georgia is generously willing to give her a colonoscopy at no charge and her parents have given us the funds to get to Georgia as well as a quick trip to Alaska and Washington. We plan to leave Nicaragua for Georgia July 23rd and feel very blessed that we will be able to see our families.

Prayer Requests:

1. Safety during travel and medical procedures, and for a positive diagnosis.
2. For our minimal monthly expenses to be met so that we can continue to serve in Barrio Berlin. If you would like to know more on how to support us in our service here please e-mail us at johnandtanzi@gmail.com .

Thank you for your love, prayers, and support, we are so grateful for all of you!

Love,
Tanzi and John