Day 4: Fun in the sun!

The team at the elementary school, San Marcos, Nicaragua.

Rhonda, Marcos, and Reyna attempt to communicate using translations booklets. This was entertaining. :)

Sherry Wood, Pastor Rudolfo, and Anna Maria praying for the classroom teacher who accepted Christ.

Mark speaking to a class about Jesus and His love for them. (Stacy, Lisa, and Tony accompany him)

Fun with the Parachute!

Up !

All smiles. :)

Beautiful Isabella (with Stacy in the background).

Roger teaching the children how to play.

More smiles. :)

Zach speaking to another class with the translation help of Pastor Juan.

Juan's mother, Juan, and Pastor Mark Wood at the Bible School today.

Sherry Wood taking pictures at the Bible School.

Rhonda with Rudolfo, Jr. (Pastor Rudolfo's son).

Kenny doing what he does best--playing with the children at Bible School. :)

I know this next statement may come as a surprise... but we had another amazing day. :) Today Lisa led our devotional following breakfast. She really brought up some amazing insights that started a great discussion--one so involved it would be hard to capture it all here. She mentioned her role as a mother and how much she values that part of her life. She elaborated by speaking about the role of women and men in the church. Discussion even stretched in the direction of young adults--their faith, their involvement in The Church, their views on life, etc. Like I said--interesting, deep, and an excellent start to our day, overall. 

Next on the agenda was a trip to a local elementary school to deliver school supplies. We dropped off the supplies in the main office where we met the principals and administrative staff of the school. They asked us to break up into three groups and visit all the classrooms. So, we did. :) We went to the classes and spoke to them about Jesus. In some classes we passed out bookmarks and cards with scripture. In some classes, we prayed with the students. We were asked by one class to take the students outside for an activity. The parachute worked so well. I've never seen so much joy in one place. The pictures, alone, can attest to this. On a more personal note, this was the most fun for me. I could play all day and be perfectly content. I think the rest of our team might agree. :) 

More importantly, Pastor Mark Wood was speaking to a particular class about Jesus Christ. After he spoke, he asked if anyone wanted to accept Jesus into their lives today. As the translator finished speaking the invitation in Spanish, they noticed the teacher of this class was in the back of the room sobbing. She came forward and accepted Christ into her life at that very moment. Sherry Wood, Pastor Rudolfo, and Anna Maria prayed with her and encouraged her in the beginning of her walk with Jesus Christ. Praises, once again! God is good. 

We said our goodbyes, left the school, and headed back to Skylark for lunch. After a short break, we were on our way back to Iglesia Bautista Jehova Yireh for another day of Bible School. Today, Pastor Mark Wood (3-6 yr old), Kathryn (7-8 yr old), and Meredith (9-14 yr old) taught the different age groups. The Bible School has been such a blessing to all of us. We had about 50 yesterday, and today we were told the count was closer to 70. More praises! The students enjoyed the Bible lessons, songs, arts and crafts, games, and a time of reflection before snacks. 

As we were cleaning and getting ready to head back to Skylark, we had an unexpected surprise--Juan brought his mother to the church so we could all meet her! What a wonderful woman. We expected nothing less. She raised a wonderful, Christ-seeking, compassionate man, and we all know the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. :)

Today was truly wonderful (just as each day before). I will repeat this often--we cannot thank you enough for your prayers! They are felt every day. If possible, we could use some specific prayer for Rhonda, Sandy, and Stacy. They have been a bit under the weather today, but are hopeful for a strong comeback tomorrow.

We love you all. God bless you and goodnight!

1 Corinthians 13:13