Day 2: Prayer & Family.

**My apologies fro posting this morning rather than last night. Our internet is a bit spotty. :)

Pastor Rudolfo, his wife, Magda, and Margarita

The team! The end to our day of Sport Ministry.

Some of our cheerleaders! Lisa, Sandy, and Sherry.

Kenny and Stacy playing basketball with Carolina and Daniella (two children from the Managua  missionary family). 

What a blessed day! If you are praying for us, feel confident in the power of your prayers. They were definitely answered on day one in San Marcos.

We started the day off with a devotion from Zach Sizemore. He did a wonderful job encouraging us to leave our worries from home behind and give ourselves fully to God's plans for us here; to be present in the moment. This is a lesson I think we could apply during our time in San Marcos and when we return home. What can God do with worry and fear?

After our breakfast and devotional, the elders from Iglesia Bautista Jehova Yireh arrived. They stepped off the bus with arms wide open. Hugs, kisses, laughter, and genuine fellowship followed soon after. It is truly amazing to experience the instant connection and deep love that exists between believers. In spite of language, distance, and culture, we all love one another because we were first loved. After our initial meet and greet, Juan explained to the group that each member of Iglesia Bautista present had been praying specifically for a member of our team. This part of our morning was too amazing for words (but I will try...). Each member of Iglesia Bautista stood and explained some information about themselves and their role in the church. After that they asked the person they had been praying for all this time to come up and join them. Hugs followed (at times a couple of tears) and we had an opportunity to express our gratitude and excitement for the days to come. To put this into some type of perspective, I imagine this might be similar to a random stranger stopping you on the street and saying, "(insert your name), I have been praying for you every day for months. God bless you." It was one of my favorite parts of the day and a true testimony to the power of faithful prayer. So as they have been intentionally, specifically, and faithfully praying for each of us, our team, and our church, I feel compelled to ask--could our church pray for them, also? Their names may not match a face for those reading, but God knows and he honors our efforts. The names of the elders of Iglesia Bautista Jehova Yireh:

Anna Maria, Candida, Margarita, Maria, Magda, Rena, Auto, Marcos, Gustavo, Francisco, Pastor Rudolfo, and Daniel. 

After this high point in our morning... things just got better. We were able to hear from a missionary family just recently called to the Managua area. Their story was inspiring, filled with an ever present faith in God's plan.  They spoke about the Greek meaning behind the city named Managua. Mana is the bread of heaven. Agua is the water of life. They felt God calling them to bring the bread of heaven and the water of life to the Managua area. So, they did and are eager to serve God however he asks. 

Following an amazing morning, we had an ethnic meal for lunch. The main course consisted of a burger (choice of toppings) and a side of fries. I think Kenny was okay with that. :) We were fed and ready for a day of sport ministry! We arrived at the church location around 2 pm. There was a multipurpose court available for use. About 60 youth and young adults showed up to play soccer and basketball. When it was time for basketball, it was decided that there should be an "American team" vs. a team from Iglesia Bautista. The Houser duo was unstoppable with the give and go move, Zach Sizemore was making his presence known on the boards, and Kenny and Juan were professional ball handlers. We aren't sure who won, but we had a blast! 

As the sport portion of the event was winding down, Zach felt led to share his testimony. All the kids (teens) in attendance gathered around Zach and his translator, Tony. Zach shared his heart, his past, and how he was saved by Jesus Christ. His story was so compelling and everyone who heard was undoubtedly blessed. We're so thankful for Zach; for his courage and strength in sharing his story.

One more task left to be done before we could leave. The church grounds were blessed by Pastor Mark Woods and all members of the church that will be leading the Bible school tomorrow (LCBC mission team and Iglesia Bautista Jehova Yireh).

Then it was time to head home. Dinner and a time of reflection ended our busy, blessed day.  We are so thankful for your prayers and loving thoughts. Know that as you are praying at home, God is creating a "family of families" that is not restricted to Lubeck, West Virginia. We have a new family to add from San Marcos, Nicaragua.

God bless and always with love.

1 Corinthians 13:13

Hola, San Marcos!

Hola, from San Marcos, Nicaragua! We made it! After two flights and a five hour lay-over in Houston, we touched down in Managua around 11:30 pm this evening. We were welcomed with hugs from members of Iglesia Bautista Jehova Yireh (including Pastor Rudolfo). After our luggage was loaded, we enjoyed a relaxing ride to our new home for the week--Skylark Centre. We are tired but excited about what the rest of this week will bring! 

And... we have a huge praise already! Our driver, Agusto, was saved this evening! He was on his way to pick us up, and Pastor Rudolfo was able to witness to him along the way. By the time he reached the airport, he accepted Jesus into his life. God is good. :) Please be in prayer for Agusto and the new journey he has just begun. 

This is just a short post for now. Tomorrow will come early with breakfast at 8 am and Zach Sizemore leading our morning devotion right after. We'll have a hectic schedule and more updates to come. We love you all and thank you for your prayer and support as we begin this mission in San Marcos, Nicaragua. 

In His love. 



1 Corinthians 13:13

Give before you receive.

Vera Cruz, Nicaragua 2009

I was reading through some of my older posts from our last mission trip. I found this quote:

Today I sat in church and listened to the pastor preach about giving. "You must give before you can expect to receive," he says. He encouraged and instructed everyone to give. He used a story of his own experience. A missionary within the church was trying to raise support to "go out and proclaim the word." When the "support" came in, he realized he could not live off the support provided by the church. He was shocked and upset. The pastor said again, "you must give before you can expect to receive. Too often we only expect to receive and forget that we must also give."

With this in mind, I have something I hope to give in preparation for our mission trip in February to San Marcos, Nicaragua.

In my missional journeys I try to avoid simply asking for donations. If I ask you to sacrifice for a mission, I must also show sacrifice (other than the trip, itself). So...

I am now taking orders for crocheted scarves; prayer scarves. I am accepting donations, only (only give whatever He puts on your heart--whether that amount be $1 or $100). As I make these scarves, I will pray over them and for whomever might wear them. Once the scarf is made, you will have two options:

1) you can keep the scarf as your own or give it as a gift to a friend;

2) you can donate the scarf back to the Latrobe Street Mission in Parkersburg, WV (If option 2 is chosen, I will send you a picture of the donated scarf). 

Latrobe Street Mission is a locally funded mission. They are only supported by individuals (like you), community churches, and local organizations. They currently house 60-65 homeless individuals (including children) from the Parkersburg area, provide warm meals for dinner and breakfast in the morning, and give each person that walks through their doors hope and love because of their unyielding faith (1 Corinthians 13:13). For more information on Latrobe St Mission, you can click on the link above. 

Instructions for Placing Scarf Orders:

*To order: please email me (crislip4@gmail.com), reply to this post, or send a private message to me on facebook. 

*Include: Color preference (if one), choice of Option 1 or 2 (see above), delivery preference, any additional prayer requests.

*Questions: also, email (crislip4@gmail.com), reply to this post, or send a private message to me on facebook.

Our mission trip to Nicaragua is scheduled for departure on FEBRUARY 15, 2013. So, if you are so kind to place an order to help one (or two) missions, please do so as soon as possible. I hope to be working non-stop until then. :)

Thank you so much, in advance! I know many of you are constant supporters of missions and are missionaries, yourselves. Bless you, always. Thank you, thank you, thank you. And, as mentioned in my previous post, if you find the time or ability to pray (prepare) & send well-wishes for our trip in February it would be much appreciated. 

Always in Love, 

1 Corinthians 13:13

"Work is love made visible." Kahlil Gibran

First completed scarf >>>

Thank you for your orders and donations! :)

Prepare yourself.

@ Iglesia Esperanza near Managua, Nicaragua

"We have been in prayer and fasting in preparation for your coming trip." 

I'm sorry, but I have to repeat that statement one more time: "We have been in prayer and fasting in preparation for your coming trip." You are preparing for our trip? How selfless; how genuinely Christ-seeking of you. These words came from the head pastor of the church we will be visiting in Nicaragua this coming February 2013. It is easy to get caught up in legalities, specifics, details, and prices as discussions about Lubeck Community Baptist Church's (LCBC) first official mission trip continue on in preparation.

Preparation: the action of making ready or being made ready for use. 

So, as we prepare, we make sure we "cross our T's" and "dot our I's." We check schedules, lists, times, dates, commitments, costs, reservations, transportation, and so on. Our preparation continues on and on in order that we might be made useful when the time comes. What will we use as study material? What books should we order? Who will our translators be? And so on... as it goes. We prepare. My mind is conditioned for this type of preparation--who, what, when, where, and how? But... do we sometimes forget to ask, "why?" 

"We have been in prayer and fasting in preparation for your coming trip."

Preparation for our new family in Nicaragua includes these same things, yes, but it also includes this additional element that I am ashamed to say I've neglected in my "preparation." They pray. "Okay," I think to myself, "prayer is great and we should be praying as well." They fast. "They refrain from eating? You mean they choose to go hungry in order that God's glory would shine through in our combined ministry?" That is an entirely new level of preparation. I realize I may be rambling on this topic, and for that I apologize. I remain in awe of this renewed perception of preparation; this Christ-seeking, spiritual preparation. So as we make ready for our trip in February I plan to prepare more fully. We can plan all we want... but, in the end, it is His plan that matters; not our own. And as in all things, can we not take this idea (spurred in mission and connecting with our brothers and sisters in Christ) and apply it to our daily lives here; our daily struggles, walk, mission, journey?

With that said (and in proper perspective), here is the tentative list of things we plan to help with while we are in San Marcos, Nicaragua:

• Vacation Bible Study
• Afternoon Sports Ministry 
• Visit a drug rehabilitation center
• Visit a nursing home
• Visit several members of the community the church is praying for with devotion
• Host a revival
• Pastoral and Church Leadership Training Sessions

As it stands, this is the tentative list of activities for the February trip (2/16-2/23). We are getting closer and closer and, as such, we should begin to prepare more and more. If you, the reader, could prepare for us, as well, we would greatly appreciate it. 

More to come as the date of departure draws closer...

In love.

1 Corinthians 13:13

"Next Time"

August 16, 2010... was the last day I posted in this blog. It seems only a day ago when we were traveling the Nicaraguan coast, getting stuck in mud pits, and praying that He bless our efforts along the way. I titled the last blog, "Until next time..." I'm happy to inform you--that time is here. 


Before I go into detail about upcoming trips, I want to first provide a follow-up on any loose ends from my last post. The Vera Cruz Baseball Association efforts went into "hibernation mode" until January 2012. Doors didn't seem to be opening as they should in order for the association to really take off. To make a long story short, we have been reminded of a tested and age-old lesson--all things in His time. However, in recent months we have been in contact with Regan Downs, and he seems optimistic about advancements with the league. He reports the possibility of fields we can use to facilitate the league. We (Brad Wright, Brad Hall, and myself) plan on returning this December with the intent to run introductory baseball clinics for communities such as Vera Cruz and San Marcos. Details of the trip are still pending, but we are excited to see what role the Vera Cruz Baseball Association might play in ministering alongside the church families established in each community. More information to come as time and planning progresses...


The International Baseball Academy of Central America has not made a substantial amount of progress due to a lack of funding (as I understand). They are still looking for potential contributors. If you are interested, please contact me (crislip4@gmail.com) or the IBACA organization directly through the above link. The land has been purchased, but development cannot begin until they meet a certain amount of funds donated/investments. Does anyone know Nick Swisher personally? Ha I'm sure he could be a huge help to those student-athletes in Central America that might not have the opportunity to play baseball or attain a higher-level education otherwise. Just a thought... you never know! :)


Now, about the future... 


As I mentioned before, I'm planning on making a return trip with "the Brads" this December. We hope to spend time assessing interest and need while teaching the basics of baseball and expressing our testimony to the youth of each community. While we are excited to see where this process of planning will take us, we are also very aware that this has to be His plan. We need to join him where He is already working--most often than not, He'll be two steps ahead. As we search for his "footprints" to follow in our preparation, we prayerfully ask that He search our hearts and bless our efforts. More to come...


The second trip "in the works" will be through the West Virginia Baptist Convention. Juan Aragon, Mark Houser, and Roger Ledbetter are the leads for this mission. So far we know several facts about this trip:


1) We will be going to a San Marcos, Nicaragaua
2) The trip will be in February 2013
3) We are taking a team of 12-15 individuals
4) We will be connecting with a church plant there entitled "Iglesia Bautista Jehova Jireh/Baptist Church Jehovah Yireh."
5) We look to learn from each other, build relationships, and create an international partnership between our two faith communities.
6) So far, we have been requested to plan and implement a bible school and a community revival. 
7) We hope to implement sport ministry in the future, as well. Basketball and soccer are both extremely popular, as we've been told. Who knows... maybe one day the "E"lite Sports Center could minister to "E"ven more youth through their "E"xcellent athletic talents and instructional abilities (I couldn't help myself... I may have been reading too many of Uncle Terry's Monday morning "E"mails :). 


With all of this information to process (and still "search for his footprints to follow" as we go), we must also find a way to raise funds for the trip. Keep checking back as I'll have more details, dates, and events that you can enjoy while supporting a good cause. I know right now we plan to have a yard sale (or two), a potential car wash, a 3-on-3 basketball tournament (if facility and time allow), and so on as we brainstorm. If you have any fundraising suggestions, please feel free to email me or comment below. They would be much appreciated. :) 


Again, I thank all blog-reading faithfuls that have been waiting two whole years for "the next time"... and are still reading at this point. ha I promise it will not be quite so long for the following update. You are wonderful, you are loved, you are unique, and you have a purpose. He promises us that (John 3:16, Jeremiah 29:11, Jeremiah 1:5). 




And while we're talking about "mushy stuff" like love and how unique we all are... try to tell someone special you love them today. We could all use a little more of that, I think. <3


Have a wonderful, blessed, inspired day. 








All my love and thanks,


Meredith




1 Corinthians 13:13

Until next time...

Today was my first full day back in the "states." It's been a ride (literally). I'm glad to be back with family and friends after our short trip, but I still miss being there. It's a difficult feeling to describe. Here I can be with family and friends, and I can work on the projects that have been sparked over the last 10 days. But when I'm "there" it feels right. We'll see how these next days, months, and years unfold. As updates arise over time with progress, missions, and developments, I will continue to use this blog as a "newsletter" of sorts with all relevant information, links, and pictures.

For now, here are the main projects we need to focus in on as our immediate goals:

1) Vera Cruz Baseball Association---Headed up by Bradley Wright (USA) and Regan Downs (Vera Cruz, Nicaragua)

The Vera Cruz area is in desperate need of baseball instruction, organization, leagues, clinics, camps, equipment, fields, etc. I could go on and on. In any event, the first "trial run" of a little league baseball association in Vera Cruz will take effect in January. Until then, all the equipment, time, support, and suggestions you may have will be greatly appreciated and put to good use. Vera Cruz is a community with great potential. Right now many of the neighborhood kids are drop-outs, druggies, drunks, and thieves as a lifestyle and as a means for existence. This league will be an exclamation to their already fevered love for the game of baseball. Keep kids busy and they'll walk a straight line. Show them discipline and they'll succeed on their own accord. Show them you care and they'll care for others.

2) The International Baseball Academy of Central America---Headed up by Roger and Carolyn Keeling of Gran Pacifica, Nicaragua.

The Keelings are amazing people. Please look into their organization. They are doing GREAT things in places that most would turn away from. Their main need to make the IBACA a reality is funding. If you know of anyone or any organization that might be interested, please do not hesitate to let us (Brad Wright and myself) know. This will happen; and when it does, lives will change. Phase 1 requires nearly $2 million. There are three phases. An influx of investment and opportunity for these kids such as the IBACA will make an indescribable impact on the future of Nicaragua and its youth.

This is only the tip of the ice burg. There are developments that need to be made, contacts to develop, and meetings to move forward. As all these things progress, so will updates and blog-things.

I love you all!! As always... none of this would ever be remotely possible without your dedication to the betterment of others and your selfless, kind heart. Thank you! :)

Until next time... "10-4 Good buddy!"

Meredith

1 Corinthians 13:13

Friday the 13th... we are so lucky

Day 8: Friday Aug 13, 2010

Last night was the first time Brad uploaded all the pictures he’s taken so far on this trip with his phone. As they were uploading to his iPhoto software, each picture flashed on the screen for a bout half a second each. It was kind of surreal. It was literally the past 8 days “flashing before our eyes.” Looking back on all the awesome memories we’ve made in such a short period of time, it makes me wish we could stay longer on one hand, but eager to return home and get to work on the other.

There is so much more to do here. Nicaragua is place where people don’t tell you, “no, that’s impossible.” Maybe that’s why I feel so compelled to be here. I’ve always had dreams and ideas. Here, they make sense…mainly because anyone you speak to here thrived on their own dreams that seemed impossible at the start. There is a process; there is a need for a plan; there are steps to take, but these things can’t be put into motion until faith backs up the future.

So this morning, as beautiful as it was, came quickly and is passing by in the same manner. Yesterday was a blast; today will be quick; and tomorrow will be tiring.

Yesterday was spent mainly with friends—saying goodbyes, for the most part, and following through on a promise we made to 3 little girls back home. If you remember the lemonade stand story from a previous entry, we kept our end of the bargain. We put the $100 toward a pizza party for the kids at Remar Orphanage in Vera Cruz. We all had such a great time. It was so needed. I think Brad and I had more fun than the kids, to tell you the truth. :) As we were all eating pizza and drinking “gaseosa” together, Brad video taped the kids saying “Thank you!!” to the girls from the lemonade stand (Katherine and Audrey).

Along with visiting the orphanage, Brad and I also ironed out some details. We had somewhat of an ad-hoc meeting that morning prior. We went over the week, the conversations, the connections, the people, the possibilities. I think we came out of the morning with some great ideas and a direction to take the next few months. It’s a great feeling to have options, we just need to narrow it down a bit. As I was thinking over our “options” I found this:

We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair;

--2 Corinthians 4:8—

As we try to make sense of this week and add action to the passion, this verse is encouraging.

I love you all! Only one or two more posts from this particular adventure to go. I’ll be sad for that, but encouraged for where this trip might lead us in the future.

Thank you! Always, thank you! :)

Mere

1 Corinthians 13:13