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REPORT OF MISSION TRIP, NICARAGUA, 2010
JANUARY 7TH THRU JANUARY 19TH

"Cambio! cambio!" they shouted from the sideline: change, change. The representative for the team would shout “cambio” when they wanted to pull a tired player off the field and replace him with a rested one. “Cambio! Cambio!” we would hear at strategic moments in the game. At that time, the referee would halt game play while the exhausted players ran off the field and the fresh, rested, players got into the game. I learned a lot about soccer on this mission trip. I learned more about relationship and relationships on this mission trip. I learned more about myself and the God I serve. I always warn people: If you don’t want to be changed, don’t go on a mission trip. I guarantee you, if you go on a mission trip you will be changed: and it will be a change for the better. Different from any other mission trip I have been on so far, this mission trip proved to be as rewarding and satisfying. With Marcus and Ann on furlough, and back in the USA, Marcus asked me to facilitate the team from South Dakota, on their trip. It was amazing to me, to see how a soccer tournament could be so effective in developing relationships.

Saturday the team met with the pastors, a school administrator, and other community leaders at a meet and greet, to explain their goal of sponsoring a soccer tournament and soccer clinic. I stayed at our rental house with our stuff, so I don’t know the details of that meeting. Back at the ranch, after their meet and greet, we formulated the activities and stations for the soccer clinic, scheduled for Sunday afternoon.

Sunday afternoon. Organized chaos. While the whirlwind of dust engulfed whole groups of people, the whirlwind of activity, right in the center of manc watching eyes, shifted and zigged and zagged, on the field from station to station. We were having fun, but unfortunately, locals who arrived to find their soccer field occupied and unavailable to them, were not so happy. Threats of “we will go home and get our guns” could be heard floating through the air. Group huddle. O.K. we have this information (threat), now what do we do with it? Discussion. We are not here to wage physical war with these people. We have no grudge against them. We do not hate them. We want to have a relationship with them. Conclusion. What is going on here is not a physical war, but a spiritual war. We need to engage in spiritual warfare. Solution. We decided to walk the perimeter of the field before every game and pray over every inch of soil, every wall, every gate, everything within the walls, everyone within the walls, and everyone who would be watching the activities from outside the walls. Everyone prayed their own silent prayer. In addition, Paul Rupp was constantly negotiating with key leaders of the street league: gently trying to compromise with them, to diffuse their anger and convince them, we were there for the good of the little kids, the kids that get left out of most activities. The power of prayer and reaching out in love, ultimately worked. Gradually the tensions lessened and eventually we were at total peace with the street league. In the end, we even gave them a soccer ball as a token of our appreciation for their cooperation with us.

Soccer balls galore

Someone donated 200 soccer balls for this soccer mission trip. These were not plain soccer balls. Covered with scripture, a person reading the ball could learn the plan of salvation. These soccer balls are the inspired idea of www.missionball.org.

Game time

Group huddle. Brief devotional. Prayer. Let’s play. After the game. Form a circle. Closing prayer. Teams congratulate each other with the walk past, high five, hand slap. Clear the field. Always the mission team was working at instilling in the kids, the concept of good sportsmanship, rules are rules, and there are consequences to breaking the rules. After each game, a player was chosen to receive the “good sportsmanship” award. This was well received. Now, for the extended relationship building activities. Team members kicking the ball around with various groups of kids: just plain fun time. This would go on until about dark, and then it was time to head home for the day. Tournament day one completed. Day two: repeat day one.

Funny story: who has my pants?

Don’t stand around doing nothing for too long, or someone will hand you their pants. Many kids wore long pants over their soccer shorts. At game time they would remove their long pants and look for a secure place to store them. Dave Johnson and I must have looked like secure pant racks, because they handed their pants to us (and shoes, and hats, and back packs). Who wudda thunk?

Blanco truck. The white truck, and its stories.

The soccer team from “Cristo Rey” requested transportation via the white truck. The team took advantage of this opportunity to serve and of the “teachable moments” that occurred during the ride to and from the games. There are some things that “men of integrity” don’t do, even when we are upset at a passing vehicle.

Rock, paper, scissors

Well not quite. How about paint, fans, rock. When not running and kicking a soccer ball, and holding pants, and hugging on kids and more: the team was painting, and more painting, and yes, more painting, and hanging ceiling fans and moving rock. Since the soccer activities were held in the latter part of the day, from around 8:00 a.m. until noon, team members painted school rooms at “Little Benjamin” school. And installed ceiling fans, and moved part of a large pile of “cascajo” (gravel) into the little kids play area. Alexandria, the director of “Little Benjamin” sincerely appreciated all the work the team accomplished. Sometimes Jacob played his tunes and you could hear folks singing along.

Awards ceremony

Awards ceremonies are always good. Trophy’s were awarded for 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th place teams. A “good sportsmanship” award was given to a player on one team, voted on by the opposing team. One player from each team received this award. Every player got to keep his team shirt. The icing on the cake: The team anticipated one soccer ball for the whole team. Their eyes got as big as saucers as they realized that each player on the team would receive their own soccer ball. This was way beyond any expectation. The balls were handed out deflated. The kids were told that the pastor had a pump and would pump it up for them. This was to encourage more interaction with the pastor and opportunity for relationship. The remaining soccer balls would be divided into thirds. Each third going to a different ministry for their use in future programs. The awards ceremony was closed in prayer by a young player. This was awesome. It symbolized to me, the passing on of the baton of faith, sportsmanship, and relationship, to another generation.

Can I have a ball?

An “all girls” team asked if they could have a ball. We gave them two. As a token of appreciation for the excellent job the guard did, he received a ball. The “street league” kids received a ball. One ball bounced out of the back of the truck while it was going through a neighborhood. I am sure, long after the tournament and the events of the week, talk about it and the amazing soccer balls will continue on.

What a team: you guys rock!

It was my pleasure to work with the mission team from South Dakota. To help them with their soccer tournament and projects at Little Benjamin. Their goal was “relationships”. I believe they achieved their goal, and the relationships they established, formed a firm foundation, that can be built on by others.

I got nothing!

No ball, no jersey, no trophy. Seriously I got a renewed awareness of the value of “relationship”. On one mission trip I was on, I came home with the insight: “it’s all about relationship”. On another mission trip I came home with an insight of what F.R.O.G. (fully relying on God) really meant. I was reminded on this trip that “relationship” is not something you can transfer to another person just because you want to. It is totally my responsibility to establish a relationship and then grow it. I can nurture a relationship or squelch it. Relationship is vertical, between us and God: and horizontal, between us and our fellow man. Once I establish a good relationship with anyone in Nicaragua, I can return to the USA, and at a later date, return to Nicaragua, and my relationship with that person will pick up where it left off. This is a beautiful thing.

So what did you learn on this trip Dennis?

I am glad you asked that question. Two things stick out in my mind. I came across II Timothy 1:5 in my readings which reads: “I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.” I am persuaded that the faith that lived in my grandmother lives in me also. And lastly, from I John 4:4 which says: “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world”. When the “world” is in my face, or pressing in around me; there is a certain comfort and assurance I receive by simply reminding myself: that greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. Thank you Lord for this truth. Dios Le Bendiga.

To God be the glory and honor, for ever and ever.

In Christ,

Dennis J. Dowdall

Nicaragua Report - August 11-19, 2009 - Gary Reed

As flights landed in Miami then Managua, Nicaragua on Tuesday, August 11th, we asked ourselves, "What's that smell? What are those sounds? Who are these people?" One face some of us knew was Marcus Pearson. He and Ray (Marcus' #1 helper) were there to pick Kamrie, Sam Henderson and myself up at the airport, taking us to see Managua, the sights and sounds, including several ministries.

Prior to Josiah and Jeremy landing that night, Marcus and Ray took us by an after school program his ministry funds for 12 children, the school of 400 students in Tipitapa, future ministry plant east of Tipitapa and the church in Managua. I was familiar with these ministries from prior trips through Harvester Christian Church groups. These ministries describe the focus and mission for Marcus' work in Nicaragua, connecting with people's needs and sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Tuesday night, we picked up Josiah and Jeremy at the airport, then headed through the dark night to Granada, the Pearson's home and present day mission. We were greeted by Marcus' wife Ann and two energetic children, Will (7) and Amelia (5). Getting acclimated to the heat, the odd smells and people who spoke different than us was challenging, though with the help of Ann and the children, we learned about the beauty of their country. Little did we know, we were sleeping amongst the cows, horses and chickens outside their home, including different types of bugs, lizards, mosquitoes, frogs and scorpions.

Wednesday began our work at the preschool and church in Granada, which consisted of a good size church building, several classrooms and office for the school situated on 10 acres or so. Adding a second classroom, along with water lines, bathrooms and small kitchen is not an easy chore. Along with Marcus' workers, we placed concrete slabs between columns to form the walls. Sounds simple, though with a little blood, a lot of sweat and muscle, we (10 of us) lifted the heavy slabs into place and worked well together as if language was not a barrier. When slabs were too heavy, Sam, Kamrie and Will kept busy with painting, clean up and frog harvesting.

That night, after dinner and hearts (cards) you would think sleep would follow. NOT, a hot, sticky night with mosquitoes lurking around, some slept without a problems, others like myself found a restless night on the cot. Though, we arose early the next morning, Amelia to preschool at 7am and we off to work before 8am with another day of sweat, this time trenching water lines, pouring concrete, painting and fencing. After lunch, we stopped by a special needs agency to meet and discover what they did to help people with mental retardation, psychological handicaps and those who don't fit into their society. We met the director, exchanged e-mails and found another open door to help. Also that afternoon, Kamrie was able to meet with the leaders of several Bible studies, one in particular was with teenage prostitutes. Both the special needs agency and Bible studies sparked her passion for serving and a mission that has followed her home.

By our third day of work, Jeremy was conversing easily with our Nicaraguan partners, along with Josiah who seemed to get the hard jobs. Our team of sweat hogs seldom complained, nor shied away from difficult tasks. Josiah was good at directing tasks and leading by a hard work ethic, while Jeremy seldom rested and often shared an interest in our befriended workers. Kamrie and Sam were often given odd jobs they completed with ease, not giving way to the heat, side affects of the food or mundane tasks. Midway through our work, I found myself watching teamwork, less directing and more supportive since together with Marcus' workers we were a well oiled machine.

Now don't get me wrong, we played too! A night on main street Granada, an afternoon on zip lines through the canopy of a forest preserve, another afternoon at a volcano and open market gave us the tourist feel. Though we didn't forget our mission, playing with our Nicaraguan friends, participating at Granada church youth service and visiting several churches in Masya and Managua to preach and support their mission. Marcus asked me to teach at the Granada youth activities night on Seeking Peace and Pursuing It, along with preaching at a new church outside of Managua on Anger and The Bible.

In our new connections with the Nicaraguan people, cities and environment, we overcame awkward feelings of being the minority and found common interest with the people. This missionary life became somewhat comfortable as we were consumed by God's work while following the life of the Pearsons. The Pearsons knew the valuable experience of seeing God's grace at work would spark a calling to simply see needs and serve.

As I look back on this trip, I see a new classroom being constructed by faith that children will come to learn and grow, to experience the love of Jesus Christ and accept God's Word and salvation. I am encouraged to know the buildings on the Granada campus are the seeds for more growth and to see firsthand the ministries in Managua, Masya and Tipitapa are continuing by the grace of God. I am challenged by the continued needs at the Granada campus (new preschool teacher, rooms we started are not finished), a new outreach to a special needs agency and Bible studies with high risk teens. Also, $4000 is needed to complete the classroom, bathrooms and kitchen at the Granada campus. As the Pearsons are organizing leaders and projects in preparation for their year of furlough in the States, I look forward to helping them in whatever way I can to support their work for Christ.

Kevin Daniels - October 2008 Missions Trip Report

The focus of this mission trip was like every mission trip that I have been connected with to encourage the Missionaries, connect, and build relationships with the locals and to change the hearts and minds of the travelers. I believe this trip accomplished all three.

I have been using the same missions model on the last several trips and believe that some key components have proved worthy of repeating. These key factors are:

• Strong interaction of travelers with locals, interpreters and missionaries. I try to start the process and let it run until it needs another push in the right direction. I focus on leading the trip, not leading the objective of the trip. Adults are mature enough to make their own decisions about most things given enough data points.
• Bible studies. These are led by travelers once or twice a day on pre-determined and pre-assigned topics. I request that these discussions be prepared well in advance of the trip and be presented in-country (to only the group) with possibly a missionary being present for encouragement. These times, usually only an hour or so, bond the team, and build the team by hearing from the heart. It also allows the team to catch frustrations or anxieties early on. Venting seems to keep everyone calm.
• Personal testimonies. An expectation is set prior to departure that everyone (believers) on the trip should be prepared at a moments notice to tell what Christ has done in their lives. I believe this is a great way to minister to the team, the missionaries, and the local people. This is a concept that I have tried for the first time on this trip and feel that it is worth repeating.
• Constant monitoring of physical health conditions. Ignoring basic needs turns the traveler's focus inward, rendering just about everything else ineffective. For this reason, I continually ask travelers individually, "Are you ok?" for catching a physical problem early seems to be paramount.

This trip was extremely smooth. We accomplished our goals. The team united early on and remained healthy (both spiritually and physically) and enjoyed multiple aspects of the trip. The work of Marcus' team progressively gets better. They seem to try new things often and have little regret if there is defeat. Perhaps the abundance of success puts defeat in perspective. The schools no doubt are most impressive with nearly 400 students currently enrolled. Signs of healthy local-led ministries are abundant. It was obvious our team was impressed with the work Marcus and his team is doing. The long term nature of this ministry is bearing fruit.

A morning in El Serrano

I am guarding the truck (my shift). I'm not sure what I'm guarding against, everyone seems to be content in their own little worlds, with little desire to venture past their current focus, however we did learn that a man was hung from a tree just a day or two ago, so perhaps I should continue my watch. (Editors note: the man was beaten to death, not hung, he was a wealthy rancher who refused to pay his laborers). Marcus and the truck driver are eating (their shift) inside what has been named a church. The building looks like all of the others, lava stone and concrete, a tin roof and one window, with the exception that there is a sign stating "Independent Christian Church" just over the only door. The shutters are open and you can see some movement inside. I can hear a male Latin singer with his nylon guitar practicing in the church/dining room/gathering area/sanctuary. He is probably just passing the day, because there are few actual songs being sung. Most of the music is the practicing of a chord or short note strings.

Our team is in the community center across the stone road and is busy sharing the gospel with over 90 young minds, ready to absorb anything. Next to the church is a grandmother with a grandson on her lap sitting next to the boy's mother. All are sitting on the front porch, passing the time of the day. A motorcycle passes in one direction and a horse and rider in the other. Another horse spatters through the mud, along the side of the road and the rider allows this for her horse is not shoed. Two girls and a young boy are sitting on the fence quietly chatting and smiling. The topic must be interesting for they have not noticed another happening in the world. A bus down shifts, belches a diesel puff, and the twenty some passengers sway in unison. Each event seems to be in a serial fashion, one patiently waiting on the other. Change is fairly slow, the basic human needs are being satisfied and certainly no one is in a hurry. Few seem to have any intentionality about what will come next. There seems to be no hurry or even any agenda. I'm actually beginning to wonder myself. Welcome to October in El Seranno.

Ami

I am so excited to be joining Marcus and Ann in their efforts in Nicaragua, but mostly I am excited to be doing what I know God has called me to do. I look forward to seeing the way he works in the lives of the Nicaraguans and how he will work in my own. As of now, so many things are in process to get me ready to go: the plane ticket is purchased (there you have it, I am committed!), insurance is purchased, international cell phone service is, well, in process, and there is much, much prayer.

At the moment, my biggest challenge is finding the right curriculum at a reasonable price. Since I am going with the express purpose of teaching English, and through that, sharing Christ, I long to do it well. Please join me in praying that God will guide my hand and heart in this and everything He places before me. I am also praying for the ministry that will occur outside the classroom. Since I will be living in the same town in which I teach, I am excited to get to know the families of the students, getting to know my neighbors, sharing with them and learning from them, while being a light of Christ's love.

This is a completely new experience (go figure) and I am both thrilled and a little terrified. It is a great test of confidence in the Lord to trust Him here - please pray that my heart stays secure in the assurance of His love and power. As He says, "do not let your heart be troubled and do not be afraid" . . . "I know the plans that I have for you, plans to prosper you, and never to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future".

God is great and I am seeing and will continue to see that first hand. Praise to His name in Christ Jesus, Amen.

Dennis - May 2008 Missions Trip Report

My mission trip experience started on April 1st, when our mission team left Harvester Christian Church. We arrived in Managua and got settled in, for the night, at the Provadenic. The next morning we caught a prop plane and flew to Siuna, where we took a pick up truck to our next stop: Alamikimba. In Alamikimba we stayed overnight, in order to connect with our boat the next day. That night we showed a Christian film in the roughest part of town. They had already had the Jesus film shown there, so we showed something different. The next morning we visited the "barge" project and Fred tried his hand at welding aluminum while Keith and I and Jackie examined the monkey, taper, and furry critters that looked like lemurs. After that we took our boat down the river to "Dos Amigos". Most of that ride was in pouring down rain. I think we got out of the rain, about a half hour before we arrived at Dos Amigos. There we showed the "Jesus" film to a capacity crowd (on a sheet, hung on the outside of the church). While waiting for it to get dark, we handed out Bibles, door to door, and distributed the baseball equipment we brought for them.

The next day, we took our boat to "Limbaika". This time we made it without getting soaked. After we got our equipment set up, we had time to visit with the people and interact with the kids. Some of the kids were eager to clear a baseball field with their machetes, thrilled with receiving the baseball equipment we gave them. There we were able to show the film, inside the church, to a standing room only, crowd. We were impressed that there was no whispering and/or giggling going on during the movie. Everyone kept their attention on the screen and on what was being said in the movie. They hung on every word. After the movie ended, and everybody left, we packed up our gear, and moved the pews, so we could make the floor, our sleeping quarters for the night.

We opened as many windows as we could, so as much air could blow through as possible. Throughout the night, you could hear the bats soaring overhead: a good sound, as they were probably eating mosquitoes. Early the next morning, around daybreak, we heard an eerie sound, that at first sounded like the wind howling outside. When I looked out the window though, there was not a thing moving because of wind. I thought the sound, sounded maybe like what the Bible says the sound was on the day of Pentecost: like a rushing mighty wind. Come to find out, it was the monkeys in the jungle, howling to each other. Kinda like roosters crowing at daybreak. It was a sound we will never forget.

We left Limbaika that morning and returned to Alamikimba. Fred and Keith worked on the starter for a while, so we could get the truck running and head out for our bumpy pickup truck ride back to Siuna in order to catch our plane back to Managua. We had missed the last plane for that day, so we stayed overnight in Siuna, hoping to catch an early plane the next day.

In Siuna, Jackie and I took a walk, looking for some different shoes for her; found and bought them at a neat little shop. Two gringo's, walking around in Siuna, like we knew what we were doing. What a site that must have been. We continued our walking tour of Siuna, then nearly ended up in jail, because we took a wrong turn. The police politely pointed us in the right direction. We were down the hill, and back at the air strip, our point of origin. Later that evening we found a restaurant, right across the street from where we were staying, and had a wonderful meal. There was a baseball tournament going on in town, so we watched different teams walk by our vantage point, on their way to the stadium. The next morning the plane landed on the gravel runway, and we were on our return flight.

Back in Managua, (Sunday) we went to Marcus and Ann's house, took very much appreciated showers, and rested. At 4:00 we went to the church in Granada, and after church went to Amelia and Wil's favorite pizza place.

Monday our whole team embarked on visiting projects that Marcus and Ann have, going on, in Grandada, Tipitapa and around Managua.

In Granada we visited the preschool, "Arco De Bronce", (the bronze bow) based on Psalms 18:34. There, they hope to add an additional class room, looking to the future, where they hope to get full accreditation, and go from a preschool, to a grade school. Also on the grounds of the church in Granada, Marcus has a prototype, bio gas producer. He is looking forward to assembling the "overhead" that Gary Schneider donated, to use in lifting the heavy lid of the bio gas, in ground, silo.

In Tipitapa we visited the "Little Benjamin" school, where they hope to add a second floor, above the director's office and computer lab.

We went to the sewing project that Valeria is spearheading and to a very poor neighborhood where they hope to build an outreach center for an after school program. Right now, Dinira is providing this outreach, in her home. While we were walking through this neighborhood, a machete fight broke out at the bottom of the hill, and we lingered at the top of the hill until the dust settled and it was safe to return to our vehicle.

Monday night we stayed at the Provadenic, so the rest of the team would be near the airport, for a bright and early plane ride home, on Tuesday morning. Keith started off Tuesday morning with letting the door to their room slam shut, with the key to the door locked inside. Jackie told me what had happened and we quickly put on our thinking caps to try to solve this dilemma. Before we knew it, Keith had found the guard, and their door was open.

Efrim gave them a ride to the airport, and me a ride to my next destination: meeting up with Bill Beltz. It was a little tough to see them off, and not catch the same plane home. I took a deep breath and thought o. k., now for the next part.

I spent two days with Bill, visiting project sites, supported by the NICE foundation and learning more about the goals and future efforts the NICE foundation hopes to pursue. Eventually I made my way back to Marcus and began my "workshop" quest intertwined with my assignment of taking pictures of the kids at the Tipitapa school and gathering "family" data to be used in the student sponsorship program.

After taking photos and gathering information, I would enter the photos and information into the computer, and merge the two together. Our goal was to account for every student in the first grade. We did that, and got all of the third grade also.

Marcus had me scheduled to give 7 workshops. My workshops were a lecture presentation about sexual purity for men. I also dealt with "accountability", "forgiveness", "judging", and "restoration". While I gave my workshop in Somotillo, we also had a medical clinic going on at the same time. The medical team treated 110 people during the time we were there. Seven churches from the surrounding area, sent representatives from their churches to attend my workshop. It was rewarding to see different denominations cooperating with each other.

I was invited to speak at the "Restoration" church. That was my largest crowd: probably over 120 people. They insisted I use a microphone there: something I was not used to doing. I liked it.

In "Leon" there were two, female, police officers in the crowd. That was different.

At some churches I answered lots of questions, but for the most part, they were kinda shy to ask anything. At one engagement, we offered "write in" questions, so they could remain anonymous. That worked well.

One of my interpreters wanted my permission to use my outline, to teach the same lessons to his youth group. What a privilege to share God's word with so many people.

I met and networked with many, many, good people, who love the Lord, during my continued stay. Every one of them was a blessing to me.

The overwhelming consensus seemed to be, that what I was saying, was on the mark, and needed to be said and heard in Nicaragua. I thank God for the opportunity to speak boldly and firmly on topics that are precious to God's heart. Topics that men and women need to ponder; as they seek to live lives of holiness and purity.

Sunday, April 27th, I attended my final church service at the church in Granada.

On Monday, we started the reverse process, of getting ME back to my starting point at the Provadenic.

At Dinira's house we dropped off school supplies that the Girl Scouts had donated. At Masaya we dropped off some tin and a school desk, and the rest of the Girl Scout donated school supplies. In Managua, Marcus and I checked out the Volvo boat motor and picked up brake parts at an auto parts store. After Ann finished her grocery shopping, she and the kids, Marcus and I and Valeria met at a restaurant for our final dinner together.

Marcus, Ann, Will and Amelia, dropped me off at the Provadenic and headed out for their long, tired, ride to home. I settled in for my long, sleepless night, of waiting for 4:00 a. m. to arrive, so I could return to the good ole USA.

There are many details, to numerous to mention. Many adventures that will be fondly remembered in the days to come. I will say, this mission trip was the experience of a lifetime, one I hope I will never forget, one that I hope, forever changes my life.

TO GOD BE THE GLORY
      FOREVER
            AND EVER
                        AMEN

fully relying on God:     dennis

May 8th, 2008