Hello family and friends from Nicaragua! For my first blog post on the field I thought I would let y’all know what exactly a week looks like for me and the team while staying in Nicaragua. I’ll most likely try and make one of these for each one of the countries I’m in before I dive deeper into what Gods doing in my life. Before going into what a day looks like, I wanted to explain that we are being hosted by an organization called REAP Granada which has been established for almost 20 years. REAPs primary goal is to love the community and help provide as much possible help. REAP works with the World Race to bring racers out and give them a place to have community, as well as fun while they do mission work in the surrounding area.
To start we begin each day at 4:45 am which sounds tough, but when it gets light at 5:00 am it comes a little easier. We begin the day with prayer and worship time for an hour and then person bible reading time for another hour. We then have another hour before breakfast to get ready for the day. At 8:00 we have breakfast which consists of rice and beans with some eggs. After breakfasted we have our first ministry time of the day.
Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, would be prayer walking in the surrounding neighborhoods. And these aren’t your average neighborhoods, I would describe these more as a jungle scattered with scrap metal huts. We go around to each family and drop off a bag of rice and beans, and talk and pray with the families.
On Wednesday and Friday’s we head to a place referred to as the dump, which is exactly what it sounds like. Many Nicaraguans come here to try and find valuables that they will be able to sell as a way to make a living. Our job is to provide a meal to the hard working locals while also sharing a quick sermon. Many of the people working at the dump depend on us to be there because they know that they will get a meal that day. Also just getting to know them and build relationships is a large part of the dump ministry.
After finishing our first ministry of the day we’ll go back and have lunch which will always be delicious. Afterwards on Mondays and Fridays we’ll have our book club which is where we talk about the devotional we’re reading. On Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday we’ll do some other kind of ministry whether that be go to a local kids baseball practice and help out, or make crafts to sell with a group of women that work at REAP, or even host basketball tournaments for men. We’ll find something to do that will benefit the community.
Dinner comes up pretty soon around 6:00 which is always fantastic. After eating we’ll have team time which is a couple hours of just hanging out with the squad getting to know each other better. Bed time falls around 9:00 which we’re all very ready to get some sleep by then.
Saturdays are our sabbath day which consists of us staying on base resting for the day. And Sundays are our free days where we can go do whatever we’d like. Whether that’s go into town to get some WiFi or go Volcano surfing we make sure we spend the day exploring and having fun!
Thank you for following along with my journey, I look forward to posting more as time goes on!
Well done, son. Let the Lord prepare and lead you each day and watch the glorious things He will do through and in you.
Love to hear it brotha. Praying for you and your team.
It is so good to hear about your day and how God is using you to bless those around you. We miss you so much, but I am so excited for you and so very proud of you. You are on a grand adventure! I am praying for you everyday, that you will experience God in a deep and intimate way as He molds and shapes you for his glory.
Sounds like your days are really full. You are out there in the field being God’s hands and feet and reaching out to many that need to know how much God loves them too by meeting their basic needs and sharing part of your life with them. There will be lots of seeds planted while you are on this journey. May God bless you and your team. Prayers coming your way. Love you and miss you.
David, thank you for taking the time to share your experiences with us. I’m so excited for you, and I’m looking forward to learning what God does in you and through you. You will be a blessing to so many lives as you follow Christ in obedience. Your purpose is to know God and to make Him known. What a wonderful opportunity you have to do just that! I’m praying for you and your team daily.
So proud of you! I miss you so much, but I know the people you are leading need you more than we do at home. I cant imagine how many lives you will continue to change through Christ, including mine. Praying for your health and safety as your journey continues!
Godspeed David. It is so good to see your investment in others as the Lord leads and provides those that he has prepared. May you continue to be strengthened by his Spirit and prepared to reflect his glory. Be strong. He is faithful.
David,
Your mom recently shared your blog entry about “Life in Nicaragua” and about your mission trip to Central America with The World Race. We are so grateful you are currently ministering to the precious people in Nicaragua. You are an answer to my family’s prayers! Our desire to pray for Nicaragua started years ago when we began sponsoring children through Compassion International–all the children we’ve sponsored live in Nicaragua.
This morning (9/7/21) after interceding in fervent prayer for you and your team, I found this prayer to share with you called “The Servant in Battle” from The Valley of Vision book (a classic Puritan prayer book). Sometimes when you’re in the midst of a fierce battle, it’s hard to know what to pray, so may the Holy Spirit use the words of this prayer to strengthen, encourage and comfort you in your own prayer time. My family will continue praying for you and your team. God bless you and keep you!
O LORD,
I bless thee that the issue of the battle
between thyself and Satan
has never been uncertain,
and will end in victory.
Calvary broke the dragon’s head,
and I contend with a vanquished foe,
who with all his subtlety and strength
has already been overcome.
When I feel the serpent at my heel
may I remember him whose heel was bruised,
but who, when bruised, broke the devil’s head.
My soul with inward joy extols
the mighty conqueror.
Heal me of any wounds received
in the great conflict;
if I have gathered defilement,
if my faith has suffered damage,
if my hope is less than bright,
if my love is not fervent,
if some creature-comfort occupies my heart,
if my soul sinks under pressure of the fight.
O thou whose every promise is balm,
every touch life,
draw near to thy weary warrior,
refresh me, that I may rise again
to wage the strife,
and never tire until my enemy is trodden down.
Give me such fellowship with thee
that I may defy Satan,
unbelief, the flesh, the world,
with delight that comes not from a creature,
and which a creature cannot mar.
Give me a draught of the eternal fountain
that lieth in thy immutable, everlasting love
and decree.
Then shall my hand never weaken,
my feet never stumble,
my sword never rest,
my shield never rust,
my helmet never shatter,
my breastplate never fall,
as my strength rests in the power
of thy might.
https://banneroftruth.org/us/devotional/the-servant-in-battle/
Christy, this is beautiful! Thank you so much for interceding for my boy and his teammates! All honor and glory to our Father in heaven who hears and is working!
Thanks for the update! Seems like you’re really getting after it! Keep at it and keep learning.
David, your mom shared your blog link with our group a few days ago. I have been so blessed in reading about the work you and the team are doing in Nicaragua. I can only imagine the impact of working directly with the precious people both in the “dump” and in the community. What a wonderful opportunity God has given you to share the Love of Jesus. We will be praying often that the reality of who Jesus is be spread to those you minister to. Praise God for your willingness to take his word to people who may not have heard.
May God bless you and keep you.
Anita Deane
Hi David! So cool to read about your daily routines and all the ways God is using you to serve. I love that you’ve taken on such a meaningful way to serve and share the love of Christ. I look forward to following your Christ filled adventure. Love Aunt and continued prayers from Aunt Debbie.
David, I will be praying for you in the days ahead as you travel to your next destination. I know it will be hard to leave those you have made connections with but more friends and adventures lay ahead. I pray you will have a strong mind and body and an open heart for the lords work and for safety on your travel. Love you and miss you, Granna
So excited for the goodness that the Lord has in store for you and your team! Those are long days but they will be filled with experiences and awakenings that will bless you for years to come! Praying for safety, health and team unity! Stay humble and alert – God will do mighty work in and through you!