It’s crazy to think that our time in our first country is done, and that we have almost reached halfway point in the race. These have been 4 1/2 months full of joy, trial, and the Lord moving.
I would love to share some stories and just daily life in Nicaragua for the past couple of months. Sometimes social media seems to show all the pretty moments or only the good, but life on the mission field is difficult in many ways. Everyday is an adventure. Some are much more difficult than others. But also, I wouldn’t trade this season for anything. The good, the bad, and the ugly. Glory to God through all of it.
Most days our team would go prayer walking ( which I mentioned in a previous blog is going from house to house sharing the gospel).
We were able to see some people come to Christ, some rededicating their lives to Christ, and some just begin to learn about the Lord. For some only seeds were planted, but even in the times it seemed unfruitful I would be reminded that the Word of God never returns void.
Ministry was always Mondays through Fridays. Saturdays we would do adventures or just get done things we needed to in order to go into the next week prepared (like laundry) and Sundays were Sabbath, a day to rest and reconnect with the Lord. That would look like worship, just sitting with Him, and also resting with Him through community.
I was sick several times while in Nicaragua. New foods messing with your stomach, getting the flu, fever, cold. But even in the times of sickness the Lord taught me a lot.
For almost all of December my team split from the squad and went to a different part of Nicaragua. There we really got to invest in the youth and children’s program, do some painting and manual labor, and do lots of evangelizing. We were blessed to see many people come to Christ.
God taught me some hard lessons in Nicaragua, that I am still learning about. We are stepping into the halfway point in the race, and I am excited to finish out renewed and refreshed in the things the Lord is teaching me about.
It has also been crazy living without wifi, and A/C, and hot showers. I never realized how much I took these things for granted back home, yet I have been so blessed to experience living without these things, because it has taught me to rely on Him more and also not be so dependent on these things, especially wifi. It’s been difficult not being able to contact my family more regularly, but also a blessing to not have the option to be on my phone. This has taught me to go to God first, rather than just distracting myself with my phone.
Learning to live in community has been so beautiful and challenging at the same time. It has taught me to love more genuinely and be more intentional with those around me. I also never understand the full importance of community as the body of Christ until coming on the race.
A big struggle on the race has been comparison and boldness. I am learning to step into these areas more, though it is a struggle. These are two areas that I would love prayer in.
I stepped into the race saying if I even only see one person come to know the Lord, it will all be worth it. God has showed up so much, and I am in awe to say that I have seen many more than one come to the Lord. I am blessed to be partnered with all of you, knowing that without all of your support, prayers, and encouragement, I would not be standing here today saying all that the Lord has done here. Thank you for being such a huge part of this mission.
A scripture I have loved lately is John 15:5. The end of the verse says, “ apart from you I can do nothing.” It is such a beautiful and humbling thought. Everything I have witnessed through these months was done by none other than the Lord Almighty. He is the Way. He is strong in my weakness. Though I make mistakes and don’t always follow all He tells me, He shows unending grace and still accomplishes His will. Apart from Him I can do NOTHING. My breath, my life, all I am is nothing without Him.
After a short debrief in Costa Rica to get refreshed and process the last few months, my squad will travel to the Dominican Republic to begin ministry there. Please be praying for safe travels. We leave for the airport at 2am Monday morning. I am stepping into this new season expectant of what the Lord will do. Praise to our God who works all things for good and teaches us long suffering. Following Christ is not meant to be easy, but praise God because that is how we grow!
Love you all and pray you are all blessed! If you want to hear more about Nicaragua or have questions about my time there I would love to talk or text about it!
Blessings,
Mandie
