Day 6: A few more freckles...

Kathryn Hard at work! 

Pastor Mark Wood painting a classroom.

Lisa, the professional "gate" painter!

Sandy with a good friend who also gave her testimony this evening.

Sandy giving her testimony during the service tonight at Iglesia Bautista Jehova Yireh.

Kenny and his good friend Salvador. They are twins!

Roger with Salvador and Salvador's lovely daughter.

Juan with his mother at the church service this evening. :)

Sandy started us off today with a wonderful devotional time after breakfast. She brought in a lot of personal elements from her own life. She focused on the strength we receive from God to live through our challenges and hardships. It was a wonderful start to our day, and we are so thankful to have Sandy as a part of our team in Nicaragua.

Around 7:45 we left for a (different) local elementary school in San Marcos. This school did not ask for school supplies, but a new paint job, instead. We strapped on our gloves, applied sun screen, and went to work early this morning. Some of us were sanding down the walls and iron bars, others were painting the classrooms, and still others were painting the gates and window bars outside. It was perfectly organized chaos. The only challenge was not getting paint on your skin. This paint is oil-based and will only come off if paint thinner is used as a cleaner. Some of us did not discover missed spots of paint on our legs and arms until we returned to Skylark. It looks like we'll return home with "a few more freckles..." :) 

After our work at the school was finished for the day, we had some time to freshen up and eat dinner before heading back to Iglesia Bautista Jehova Yireh for an evening service. During the service, Sandy decided she would give her testimony to the congregation. Her words were incredibly moving, and she did an amazing job speaking in front of so many people. Again, we are so proud of Sandy and so happy she is here with us in Nicaragua! 

After Sandy's testimony, Pastor Mark Wood took the pulpit to deliver the message. At the beginning of his sermon, he informed us all that his home church, Calvary Baptist Church, was praying for the church service at the very same moment. Again, I say to "the Church"--your pastor represented God well tonight and your prayers were heard louder than you know. You will all be blessed to know your prayer helped at least 12 individuals come forward to be saved or to rededicate their lives to Jesus Christ. God is so good. They came in response to your faithful prayer, God's love, and the delivered message through Pastor Mark. Tonight he elaborated on verses from Mark 10:17-22. This illustrates the story of the man that was "good." He asked Jesus, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?" (v.17b). Jesus spoke with him but soon found that the man was not willing to give up everything for Jesus... only some things. Pastor Mark encouraged us all to give up those things that we rely on; those things that come between us and God. He petitioned us to look within ourselves and find anything that we might worship or put before God, instead of only worshiping the one true God. His message was captivating, full of energy, and propelled by your prayer. Again, never doubt your prayer is heard and fully answered. 

Before the night could end, our interpreter, Erika, asked to speak once more. She opened her heart and gave her testimony for this week. She explained (once again) she has not been to church or looked to God in four years. She said she came into this week thinking she would just be translating for a team of Americans. However, as the week progressed, she felt God put her in this place and position for a reason. Tears began to flow as she saw her daughter and her cousin (recently rededicated to Christ, as well) staring back at her from the congregation. She explained that being around the mission team, the church (Iglesia Bautista Jehova Yireh), and in God's presence has allowed her to come to terms with her life and to walk with Him once again. Praises all around. His plan is always perfect. 

Every night as I recap on the day, I keep wondering, "How can this be so perfectly orchestrated? This can't be real." But I am here to tell you--it is so real. And it is perfectly orchestrated by a perfect God who loves us more than we'll ever understand. As we know, He is always working in the favor of those who love him (Romans 8:28). 

We love you all. I will say it again--thank you, thank you for your prayers. They are felt every day. 

Always in His love,



1 Corinthians 13:13