Saturday Update

Each day we’re visited by a herd of cattle under the auspices of a skilled vaquero. We knew the Lord would never steer us wrong! Just one of many sights here at the church build. Worked a half day today, in keeping with the labor routine for Saturday. This evening we’re preparing to participate in the anniversary celebration for the first Foursquare church in Sebaco. Grace Covenant helped build this church six years ago, and Juan Lozano, who’s making his fourth trip to Nicaragua this year, was a member of that build team.

Friday Update

Today was as much about kingdom building as it was church building. We helped put up classroom walls until 3 this afternoon when we used a soccer ball to draw children in the neighborhood to Christ. No sooner had the ball come out when children and young people started flocking to the soccer field.  After about half a dozen goals had been scored, team leader Boris stopped play to distribute salvation bracelets. But before these gifts were given, he proclaimed the good news of the gift of eternal life through Jesus as represented by the colors of each bead of the bracelet. The Holy Spirit was moving as 15 children accepted Christ on that soccer field today. To God be the glory.

Thursday Update

It was off to work today and WORK we did. Today's goal was to start wall building for the classrooms. Tired, dirty and hunger at day's end, but happy and fulfilled laboring for the Lord.

Nicaragua Construction Team in Sebaco

The GCC missions team arrived safely by the grace of God at the church construction site in Sebaco this afternoon. They were greeted by Pastors Ruben and Marcos and visited the site. Team leader Boris Fernandez led them in prayer, where they asked for God's favor to be upon them and to establish the works of their hands. And they got their work orders for tomorrow!

Team Has Arrived

The Nicaragua Construction Team has arrived safely in Nicaragua.  They are on their way to Sebaco.

Nicaragua Construction Team Flight Information

Outbound Flights - August 27

                USAirways Flight 1877: Depart Charlotte @ 7:00 AM.  Arrive in Miami @ 8:58 AM. 

                American Airlines Flight 928: Depart Miami @ 11:05 AM.  Arrive in Managua @ 11:51 AM. 

Return Flight - September 2

                American Airlines Flight 344: Leave Managua @ 1:01 PM.  Arrive in Miami @ 5:40 PM. 

                     USAirways Flight 1828: Leave Miami @ 9:00 PM.  Arrive in Charlotte @ 11:07 PM.

Nicaragua Trip Summary and Praise Report

The 2014 Summer Nicaragua Team experienced the Lord moving in our midst, in part due to the power of prayer at home and in Nicaragua. The Nicaraguan people were blessed in ways too numerous to count.  At the medical clinics, 428 patients were treated and many of those were extremely ill children.  Between the clinics, VBS where we hosted 265 children a day, and the church services, 76 people gave their hearts to Jesus and 9 were water baptized.  A video was created by the Nicaraguans that shows highlights of our week. It’s important to note that this same video was seen on television in Matagalpa every weeknight last week with the name and address of the local Foursquare church at the bottom.

The rain is coming. 

Our last night, Sunday night , at the church in Sebaco, is not shown on the video, but what God did must be shared.  Northern Nicaragua has been in a drought state for 6 months.  Crops are failing and many farmers are losing their land.  Upon exiting the bus at the Sebaco church, the Holy Spirit prompted us to pray for rain.  At the end of the message about the crippled man healed by Jesus in Luke 6, we talked about how sometimes it takes courage to obey Jesus and that we were going to exercise courage and pray for rain.  We knew others had prayed for rain and no rain had come, but we prayed anyway, like our lives depended on the rain.  A declaration of faith was made that when the people in town saw the rain coming, they would know that Jesus answers prayer and that many would come to the church to find Jesus because of the rain.  On Thursday, Aug 7, one of the team members received the text and photos below.  Praise God for moving and Praise Him for all those who will put their trust in Him because it rained.

Sunday-The Team's Last Day

Our last morning here was a baptism service for 9 new believers at the Matagalpa church.  This is the church's 4th baptism service since being built.  It never ceases to amaze how much joy it brings to everyone to see people be baptized.  Pastor Jeremy shared a message prior to baptisms.  Tonight we minister in Sebeco , then homeward bound at 4 am.

Saturday Update

Another fantastic day of ministry to 265 children. Jesus and joy was present all day.

 

 The team had the honor to participate  in the graduation ceremony for 15 Bible Institute Graduates.  To date, Grace Covenant has helped 52 leaders graduate from a 3 year program.  A surprise at the graduation... First pastor Michelle address was broadcast on television.

 

Friday Update

Journey through the day with us...

The children loved these "live puppets."

Making the Bible come alive.  45 children opened their hearts to Jesus.

Praying with sincerity

Oh yeah, we got game!

Going through the "happy tunnel" to get lunch. It broke us to see many of the children who live in the city garbage dump save their box lunch for their family.

The afternoon was spent at the church, distributing shoes and washing children's feet. We served alongside our Nicaraguan brothers and sisters.  Very special time.

This young boy received Christ while getting his shoes.

2nd Day of Medical Clinics

  

Preparing for a Day of Ministry

During our medical clinic in San Ysidro, our hearts went out to this little girl. She was malnourished to the point the dentist had to find food for her to eat before they could work on her. She had to have four teeth pulled. There were more to be taken out but the dentist could not have her endure more. When the dentist explained to her mother that the antibiotic needed to remain cold, the mom said, "I don't have a refrigerator." The dentist explained how to dig a hole in the ground to keep the antibiotic cool. We ended up giving the pastor $40 so the mom could afford to have the little girl's 4 additional teeth removed on Monday.   When the mother arrived she was very cautious about being in the church and speaking with people in the church. But by the time she left, her heart was more open to the pastor's care and to the love of Christ.  The people of this church will continue to visit this family and hopefully one day they will all be part of the church family.  We will never know this side of heaven, what this day meant to a family watching their little girl suffer with rotting teeth and very little hope. Thank you for sending us to Nicaragua.

1st Day of Medical Clinics

 

 

We experienced a great outpouring of God's love in the first medical clinic held in the new Matagalpa church. Unfortunately, of the 279 patients we treated, many were very sick children with temps of 104 or higher. We were grateful to be able to help these little ones. 21 people opened their heart to Jesus.   It was rewarding to have some of the boys who attended the baseball clinics last year come to the medical clinic just to see if some of their coaches returned.  We leave early on Thursday for a rural town about an hour into the mountains.  Everyone is praising God for the wonderful fellowship we are experiencing.

Nicaragua Update

Off to a great start this morning with  praise and worship on the hotel roof.  Prayed for the people of Matagalpa as we prepare to host the first of 2 medical clinics.

Belize Missions Trip Summary

Our Belize Team was humbled to serve and love on our brothers and sisters in Belize. This year marked our 10-year anniversary partnership with Grace Covenant and Belize, it was a special time of celebration and renewed vigor. God moved in us and through us all week as we talked, laughed, cried, hugged, prayed, and worshipped together with our extended Kingdom family all across Belize.

Our first ministry opportunity was Sunday morning, July 13^th. Several hundred people gathered at LifeNet Church in Belmopan to worship. It was a blessing to witness a tongue spoken by one person and an interpretation from another congregant that edified and united the church.  After this special time of worship, our team lead children's church by utilizing puppets, skits, crafts, a message, games and snacks all incorporating the idea of our Identity being formed in Christ while Pastor David preached this theme to the adults. Our efforts were well received as we prayed with many people, both adults and children.

The next day our team headed from Belmopan up to San Ignacio in the mountains of Belize.  The team checked in the Venus hotel and then headed over to the Lighthouse Church in Santa Elaina. We partnered with young people and adult leaders to pass out flyers for the VBS which we would lead the next day. Each member of the team was given the opportunity to share a devotional with the group and to share their testimony throughout the week; this became some of the most impactful times of ministry as different team members shared their personal God-stories at each place of ministry.

The following day was VBS at Lighthouse Church in Santa Elena.  98 kids showed up for crafts, sports, snacks, a mini-drama, and a message with all areas focusing on our identity in Christ. 33 of the children made commitments to Christ.  In the evening the team led a church service at Arms of Love in San Ignacio where Don Bishofberger and Natalie Johnson shared their testimonies and Pastor David spoke.

The next day was VBS at Arms of Love Church in San Ignacio.  130 kids came out as we led with the same theme through crafts, sports, a mini-drama, a message and snacks. 35 of the children made commitments to Christ. In the evening the team led a church service at the Tabernacle De Fe (of Faith) in Benque, Belize. Aisha Sangare, Christine Bishofberger, Joanna MacCutcheon, and Aaron Hosea shared their testimonies and Pastor David spoke on James 4:8; drawing near to God. The night ended with a powerful prayer time where 2 received the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

The following day we traveled back to Belmopan and in the evening the team led
the LifeNet Youth Group at Pastor Lee's house. Maria Kozoman, Skye Linfoot, Zoe Hosea and
Chris Sanchez all gave their testimonies of how they are discovering their identity in Jesus. Pastor David followed up about how we see ourselves versus how God sees us.  We then led small groups and had some great interaction with kids who were very open about sharing what was on their hearts. There were many divine connections and hope and restoration filled the room.

The next morning we ministered in Mayo Mopan, a Mayan village just outside
of Belmopan.  Our team partnered with local leaders and we canvased the village for all the children to meet us in a particular field. Then we broke off into groups as they started gathering in – there were over 80 kids gathered in various groups playing soccer, duck, duck goose, listening to stories, and much more. In the groups our team was able to spend time with them, share the gospel, and pray with the precious kids.

In the afternoon our team headed to Marla's house, a girl’s home in Belmopan, to spend time with girls who had been removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect. Natalie Johnson and
Jessica Sanchez shared their testimonies and had everyone in joyful tears about the victory of Christ in their life. It was a very moving time and genuinely inspired the girls at Marla’s House.

In the evening we hosted the largest leadership event ever at LifeNet Church.  Nearly 80 leaders from churches across Belize united together to grow and learn. Pastor David led a leadership development course while our team served dinner. Our hope was to make these local leaders feel special. Having limited leadership development resources or events, it was Pastor David’s desire to leave the local leaders motivated, inspired, and well-resourced to continue making disciples who make disciples long after our team heads home. Pastor Lee and Pastor Caleb will continue to mentor the leaders by utilizing a book called "Disciples of All Nations" along with a workbook from the night that we gave to each leader in attendance.

It was hard to say good bye after such a fruitful week, however, we must return to our homes, our families, and our local mission field. Each member of the team now has a special place for Belize in their hearts that will never go away. God bless Belize!

Nicaragua Team Update

Getting ready to share Good News in Nicaragua

Praise Report - Thank you to all who have prayed for the medical clinics to be approved.  We received approval from the Nicaraguan government late last night.

The team is expected to land in Managua at 12:45PM.

Nicaragua Flight Schedule

Outbound Flight - July 29

USAirways Flight 1737: Depart Charlotte @ 7:00AM.  Arrive in Miami @ 8:56AM. 

American Airlines Flight 928: Depart Miami @ 12:10PM.  Arrive in Managua @ 12:45PM. 

Return Flight - August 4

American Airlines Flight 994: Leave Managua @ 7:15AM.  Arrive in Miami @ 11:50AM. 

USAirways Flight 730: Leave Miami @ 2:59PM.  Arrive in Charlotte @ 5:08PM.

Belize Update

Day 4 (Tuesday) - VBS at Lighthouse Church in Santa Elena.  98 kids showed up for crafts, sports, a mini-drama, a message and snacks.  33 of the children made commitments to Christ.  In the evening the team lead a church service at Arms of Love in San Ignacio. Don and Natalie shared their testimonies. Pastor David spoke about how to grow in Christ.

Day 5 (Wednesday) - VBS at Arms of Love Church in San Ignacio.  130 kids showed up for crafts, sports, a mini-drama, a message and snacks. 35 of the children made commitments to Christ. In the evening the team lead a church service at the Tabernacle De Fe (of Faith). Aisha, Christine, Joanna and Aaron shared their testimonies. Pastor David spoke about how to grow in Christ.

Day 6 (Thursday) - Left Arms of Love Church in San Ignacio and headed back to Belmopan to LifeNet Church.  Today the team, Pastor Lee and his kids and a few other leaders from LifeNet Church went Cave Tubing at Cave Branch. Everyone had a great time and it was nice to cool off in the natural spring waters of the caves and river.  In the evening the team led the LifeNet Youth Group (at Pastor Lee's house). Maria, Skye, Zoe and Chris all gave their testimonies this evening and all did a great job.

Pastor David spoke about how we see ourselves and how God sees us.  We led small groups and had some great interaction with kids who were very open about sharing what was on their hearts.  We made many good connections this evening.

Day 7 (Friday) - We are headed to Mayo Mopan, a Mayan village just outside of Belmopan.  We will lead VBS and love on the kids.  In the afternoon the ladies are headed to Marla's house, a children's home, to love on girls that have been removed from their homes due to abuse, etc. Karen and Jessica are sharing their testimonies there. In the evening we are hosting the largest leadership event ever at LifeNet Church.  63 leaders from churches in Belize are coming together to learn how to lead better.  Pastor David will be facilitating the evening on "leadership," and Pastor Lee will continue to mentor the leaders even after we leave by utilizing a book called "Disciples of All Nations" (which will be given out at the dinner).

Belize Mission Team Updates

Day 1 (Saturday) - Team arrived safely in Belize City, Belize about an hour later than expected due to a delay in our flight leaving the USA.  The team met Pastor Caleb and Pastor Lee.  After settling into the El Rey Hotel, we had dinner with Pastor Lee, Robin and his kids.  The team spent the evening preparing to lead the Sunday services at Pastor Lee's church.

Day 2 (Sunday) - Several hundred people gathered at LifeNet Church Sunday morning.  Pastor David preached the sermon Sunday morning on Identity in Christ.  The message was well received and the worship awesome.  In another room the rest of the team lead children's church by utilizing puppets, skits, crafts, a message, games and snacks.  For many on the team this was their first opportunity to prayer with the people of Belize.  The team reinforced the message on Identity and Christ and how we need to grow in our faith.

In the afternoon Pastor Lee took the team to a swimming hole, which was a great team building event.

Day 3 (Monday) - In the morning after breakfast the team headed from Belmopan up to San Ignacio in the mountains of Belize.  The team checked in the Venus hotel and then headed over to the Arms of Love church.  The Arms of Love church is one of several churches in Belize that GCC has helped support over the past 10 years.  This year is the 10th Anniversary of the Arms of Love Church in Belize.

The team partnered with young people and adult leaders from the Arms of Love church to pass out flyers for the VBS which we would lead on day 4.

Each member of the team was given the opportunity to share a devotional with the group and to share their testimony throughout the week.

More to follow,

Pastor David & Aaron Hosea

Belize Team Update

The team has had issues posting updates to the blog.  The church office will post one as soon as possible.

2014 Belize Summer Mission Team (Airport)

The entire team gathered at the airport at 7:30am for their first day of what will be a life changing trip for all.  Team members:  Pastor David Brown, Aaron, Karen and Zoe Hosea, Jessica and Chris Sanchez, Joanna MacCutcheon, Aisha Shatsa, Skye Linfoot, Maria Kozoman, Natalie Johnson and Christine and Don Bishofberger.


Due to bad weather our flight was delayed for over and hour after the team boarded the plan.  Even though we sat on the Tarmac for a long while, spirits remained high.  God is so good - Aisha was waiting on her passport right up until 2 days before we departed.  It arrived just in time!  God has a plan and a purpose for each and every member of this team.  It is amazing how God has gifted each of us with abilities and talents that compliment one another.  "Un-Belize-able" Belize here we come!