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A spanish song “Creo En Ti” resounded in my head as I awoke to the cold & silence of my bedroom in Redding CA. The silence used to be a delight, but after having woken up to the chirpping of birds, crows of a rooster and beautiful voices of “Hola, buenas dias!”, in the last 2 weeks in Nicaragua, this silence was not appreciated. I MISS Nicaragua!!!
The time spent in Nica was amazing. I have never felt so many emotions in a 2-week period, as I have just had. There were waves of emotions from the highs of delight in understanding a new culture, to the joys of worshipping in the Lord’s Presence Nica-style, to the affections of hearts connecting beyond language barriers, down to the lows of sadness in seeing precious hearts encompassed in poverty. Argghhh! I’ve always prayed, “Lord, break my heart for what break yours”… and He truly has. My heart is broken – so broken for a people so beautiful & hungry for more of God.
Yes, I saw more miraculous healings in these 2 weeks than I ever have in my lifetime so far. At the Name of Jesus: tumors dissolved, cancer gone, blind eyes & deaf ears opened, knees & backs healed, arms & wrists could move again without pain and evil spirits flee!
Yet the healings that impacted me the most were seeing hearts touched & healed by the Love of Jesus. His Love never fails! It was profound – tears were shared as we hugged, hugged and hugged even more. These moments were so precious as Holy Spirit brought comfort, joy & peace into these Nica-hearts. His Love surrounded them & me. I learnt so much from just not doing much, but just letting Holy Spirit do His work.
Our team visited trash dumps and showered the kids there with Jesus’ love. We face painted, blew animal balloons, painted their nails, sang songs, and just giggled & laughed like there was no tomorrow. There a few little girls (no more than 7 years old) who would jump up on me literally and then wrapped their little arms around me and would not let go. Those moments were precious. My heart was tugged and it took everything in me not to breakdown, as I wondered how many of them never have been hugged before, or had someone told them how beautiful they were. Even though all I could say was “Te Amo” (I love you), every time I said it, their eyes would brighten up and little giggles were heard.
We also preached, ministered & taught in the local Churches & a ministry school. Our team spent most of the time in Dario, a little town about an hour away from the capital city of Managua. The local Church “Ministerio Rey de Reyes” was where we ministered at the most. The humility and servant-hearts of Pastors Harry & Jairo were truly admirable. They taught me about a lot about honour, just by the way they walked it out everyday.
The Nicaraguans were so hungry for God! I saw the scripture in Matthew 5:6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled”, came alive! Holy Spirit filled every one of these hungry & thirsty hearts in a way I’ve never seen before. The encounters manifested like a picture of the Day of Pentecost, with tongues of fire resting upon every single person – from the youngest to the eldest. The prophetic words of Joel 2:28-32 came alive!!! Those encounters “ruined” me for life. I don’t want to live life any other way – and I learnt this significant truth from these beautiful Nicas.
We could only have done what we have done with the help from our translators, Kevin, Eduardo & Mario. These people have so much in them, it was an honour to partner with them. Although we only had a day with Kevin & Eduardo, we quickly became friends, and it was so good to see them activated & now continuing the momentum of bringing Jesus’ Love & Power everywhere they go.
Mario was with us for a whole week and we became fast friends. Mario & I would be the last 2 to go to sleep every night, and I relished every conversation we had. It’s amazing to hear & see what God is doing in his life, and I’m so excited for what’s ahead, as God has more for him, more than he can ever dream or imagine! On the last night in Dario, it was such an honour having Mario translate, as I preached. My words could only go so far in English. Mario not only interpreted my words, but he carried the very heart of those words in Spanish. At the end, almost the whole church responded to Holy Spirit’s touch & received His Love & Power. Mario, it was a true honour to partner with you. You preached every word – you are awesome! I count it a privilege to know you – for realz!!
As for our team (Team Dario), I am lost for words as to how much each & everyone of them impacted me in a short period of 2 weeks. Our leaders Paul & Jenny were amazing leaders. They were so empowering and would do anything to let the rest of the team shine, instead of themselves. In doing so, they shone even more brightly, as we could all see the light of Jesus in them. They are true leaders. Paul & Jenny, thank you for everything you have done. This trip would not have been so incredibly wonderful had you not been our leaders. I truly treasure your friendships.
Our team bonded like family. We shared some profoundly reflective heart-felt conversations. I learnt so much on this trip from each one of you. You deserve a real applause for being so awesome – you guys are legit!! The way you carried the Power of Jesus with such incredible Love is extremely humbling. I would wanna go on every mission trip with you!
God has truly broken my heart for Nicaragua, and I will be back “fo sho”!!! <3
“Recibe toda la Gloria, recibe toda la Honra, precioso Hijo de Dios!”
p.s. photos of the trip are loaded – click on links on right.
Thank you Praise for always wanting to know not just what am I doing, but how am I doing – the real condition of my heart.
