YHC and his daughter embarked on Nicaragua to bring the Gospel to the people of Ometepe Island. Ometepe Island is the largest island on a fresh body of water in the world. It is comprised of two volcanoes Merida and Concepcion. Merida is the smaller of the two and has been dormant for thousands of years. Concepcion is the larger one, approximately a mile high, is active. Approximately 30,000 people call Ometepe Island home. During this time of the year the temps get in the low 90s with high level of relative humidity. Nicaragua is the second poorest country in the Western hemisphere.
This would be YHCs 5 trip to Nicaragua and Olivia’s first. A total of 5 nights 6 days was spent on Ometepe. The days were comprised of joining a local pastor, Francisco, and his wife, Marlana, on home outreaches in his communities. YHC has assisted pastor Francisco on 3 other occasions during visits to the island. Prior to the outreaches YHC purchased 20 five pound bags of rice, 20 3 pound bags of beans, 20 5 pound bags of sugar, and 20 1 liter bottles of oil. One of each was placed in a cloth re-usable shopping bag along with items of used clothing, toothbrushes and toothpaste. The packets were distributed over the days to needy families. We accepted prayer requests from them and prayed with them. Seeds were planted into the lives of many people we visited. The common prayer requests were health and rain for their crops. One mother requested that her home would never go without food. These are all simple requests that many of us in the states take for granted. We visited approximately 3-4 families per day.
In addition to the outreaches a visit was made to a school for hearing impaired children which is run by American Missionaries Mike and Joan Vilasi. They lived in Columbia prior to going into the mission field about 15 years ago. YHC attended a home bible study at pastor Francisco’s home. It was there that YHC was asked, and humbly accepted the opportunity, to give a message to pastor Francisco’s church for Sunday morning services. YHC also visited with friends made over previous visits and offered prayer.
YHC made a trip to Ojo de Agua for a time of unwinding and relaxation. Ojo de Agua, translated, eye of the water, is a natural spring constructed into a swimming pool. After days of outreaches and ministry it is important to unwind.
Upon leaving the island YHC visited with members of the Nicaraguan National Police. YHC has made 3 visits in the past delivering simple items of police equipment that are taken for granted. Whistles, flashlights, traffic safety vests, and sunglasses. Even paper, pencils and pens are appreciated by these officers who make approximately $150.00 a month.
After spending the night in Rivas, Nicaragua YHC and Olivia visited Volcano Masaya volcano National park and the Masaya market before continuing on to Managua to spend the night with friends and then go to the airport the next morning to go home. Olivia celebrated her 16 birthday on the 9th. A visit to “Buffalo Wings” restaurant and to a coffee shop for cake and coffee. The staff gladly sang happy birthday in Spanish for Olivia who had indicated this was a great birthday and a great trip.
In looking back on this trip YHC was most impacted by this one than any other. The things we take for granted in the US on a daily basis is what the people of Nicaragua need the most.
T-claps to my brothers at Jumanji for their encouragement in the months leading up to my trip. To friends and family who have supported my financially to be able to embark on this trip and others. To my wife for allowing me to go where my heart wants to go. Aye!
Great work and thanks for sharing your experiences.