It’s been 2 weeks here in Nicaragua. The Lord is already working here in the hearts of the squad, teams, and locals! The Lord’s favor has been upon us ever since the departure from Atlanta. Before we left, we got word of some crazy boarder issues. The Nicaraguan government was hesitant about letting big groups into their country especially big groups of missionaries. The Lord was with us every step of the way. We made it through the Costa Rican customs with no problems and drove a bus for 6 hours to the Nicaraguan border… this is where things got a little interesting. We arrived at the border and literally walked from Costa Rica to Nicaragua. On our walk, we were stopped in the dark street by guards in front of customs. They checked out passports and made sure we were Covid free. We made it through to customs and then had our passports checked again. Here Clayton was intensely questioned about everything. Praise be to God because we made it through the border after sitting in customs for 2 hours. We then got on another bus and drove 2 more hours to base.
We are staying at a base called REAP which is on a 70 acer farm right next to a volcano. For all my ESPC people I’ve got a fun fact: the school that Charles and Sarah Kaye started is right next to base!! Even cooler fact, the Esposito’s who started REAP know Charles and Sarah. Ministry here is really cool. Every weekday we start with 5 a.m. prayer. This time is so precious because it protects our first love. We get to start our day by having quiet alone time with the Lord. Another plus to this time is the fact that I get to watch the sun rise over a mountain every morning. At 6 a.m. after prayer, we have a group devotional time. This looks different each day. We have had a time of grattitude, intercessory prayer, practicing silence and solitude, singing hymns, and more. After devotional time, we have an hour to get ready for our day. We eat breakfast at 8 a.m. and then by 9 a.m. most of our ministries start. Ministry is different each day. The ministries we do are prayer room, prayer walking, childrens ministry, dump ministry, micro-church, Hospital ministry, and farm work. Prayer walking is usually 3 times a week and we just get to go walk around neighborhood talking to people and praying for them. Childrens ministry is like VBS. It is 1 day a week and we get to prepare a Bible lesson, do crafts, and play games. The dump ministry is quite interesting. Nicaragua has one location where all the trash goes. There are people who live at the dump and get paid to sort plastic and glass. Our ministry is to go put on a church service for the dump workers and provide them with lunch. Each week someone different shares. This week, I got the opportunity to share and tell the people about how the Lord is our true vine. I got to explain to them what it means to bear fruit and what it means to abide in the Lord. The hospital ministry is where we go into different rooms to pray, encourage, and talk to families there. Micro-Church is usually held in someone’s home. Here we can share a message and they can ask us any questions they have. Our ministry days are Monday through Friday. Saturday is our sabbath so we stay on the farm and rest up for the week to come. Sunday is our adventure day where we get to go explore different parts of Nicaragua. Last Sunday, we went into town and sat at a coffee shop.
Interesting things that we see and do in Nicaragua:
- fantastic sunrises and sunsets
- dogs, chickens, horses, and cows just roaming the streets…
- people have pet pigs
- kids drink coffee
- we eat rice and beans for breakfast
- we ride in the bed of a manual truck literally everywhere we go
- we cut grass with machetes
- super bright colored houses
- copious amounts of sweet coffee and fruit juice
- lots and lots of fruit like papaya, oranges, star fuits, and guava
Living in Nicaragua is definitely a change, but the Lord’s favor is upon us. Please continue to keep us in y’all’s prayers, specifically for open hearts and minds of the Nicaraguans! People have already been so receptive of the words we bring but just continue to keep us in y’all’s prayers.
“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” -Romans 12:12
With Love,
Kate
WOAH KATE!!! this was amazing to read and so interesting to here the day to day activities. I am amazed and slightly envious that you are getting to live a life that is constant in prayer and consistent to work for the Lord and not for men. I love you very much and cannot wait to hear more!
p.s. if you wanna bring back a pet pig i would love to find a way to sneak it into my dorm 🙂
5am! Rice and Beans! Pet Pigs! It’s all so adventurous and the love of Christ you are sharing one by one, will multiply in ways you may never know. Prayers will continue for you and your team. We are so proud of you and boldness to share your faith.
Enjoyed the update Kate! I love to hear what God is doing through you and your squad!??
Isaiah 52:7
Miss you and love you!
Praying for you and the hearts of those God places before you!??
5am?! Oof. I saw your dad this morning and was asking him when we would get another blog post! I love every detail. I can’t believe you are based close to the Kaye’s school. Makes our big world seem smaller! I am praying for you, sweet Kate. For stamina to endure the early mornings, for unity with your teammates, and protection against the enemy who is surely at work against you. LOVE YOU!!
Thanks for update. Loved it. We pray for u and the path u are going. The ministry sounds so amazing. Love u much
Kate!! It is so good to hear from you, and about your time in Nicaragua. I especially like the part where you got to talk to the ppl at the dump about the vine- and remaining in Him. You are such an encouragement to all of us back home. We are praying for you that the Lord would continue to bless you, and hold you close to His heart!??
Dude this was so fun to read! I love you 🙂
Kate
I love reading what your days are like at REAP, what a blessing, we are praying for you and your team to have an impact on everyone you minister to.
Much love
Stephen and Teri Jernigan
Kate,
I’m proud of you. Keep doing the Lord’s work.
I am always in awe of how small the world is and reminded when you said the Kayes’ school is next to the base. Sounds like you know them. God amazes me! What a fulfilling day you have every day, and your writing has so much joy in it. Life is so very different and interesting. I love all the interesting facts you named. Thank you for sharing the unique opportunities that the Lord is giving you. Praying for you.
It’s exciting to hear each day is a different ministry and you are able to freely share the gospel of the Lord and the benefits of believing it’s truths. I also like to hear there is time for Q&A afterwards. Will continue to pray your efforts will begin to open their heart and minds to receive Jesus.
“This week, I got the opportunity to share and tell the people about how the Lord is our true vine. I got to explain to them what it means to bear fruit and what it means to abide in the Lord”
This is you stepping into boldness!!! I love it, way to go Kate! I’m very proud of you and can’t wait to see what God does!
It sounds exciting (in a rustic kind of way) I love that you are seeing another part of the world and another culture. Some people here have pet pigs. I think you should ask your mom to get one. Bailey has been contracting since she was 27 weeks but God has been gracious to keep her baby Olivia in her mommy condo so far. She is now 33weeks and 2 days. We are praying she goes to 37 completed weeks but at this point every day is a gift. Brooke is in Colorado still and it is very cold, I miss her. I love you and miss you! Send me some pics!!!
It is so good to hear how the Lord is at work in your heart for the people of Nicaragua, Kate. We are praying continuously for you and for hearts to be changed by the Word of God! So thankful for the work you are doing to make Him known among the nations!
Love you! ??
So amazing, Kate! Glory be to God for what He is doing through you and your team! Many prayers!