Monday February 23, 2009

After our last delicious breakfast at the Hotel Robledal, Mylinda Baits lead us in a time of reflection on how this Mission Encounter Tour has impacted each of us. We shared specific times that God’s grace was evident in what we saw and experienced in both Nicaragua and Costa Rica. It was an emotional time for us as we shared how we have been so blessed and touched by all we have experienced.

Later in the morning, Emanuel drove us to the Baptist Federation Office in the town of Guadalupe. We were welcomed by Pastor Nina, President of the board of directors. Judith, the National President of the Costa Rican Baptist Women, and Tracy, the Baptist Federation Administrative Assistant.

Pastor Nina gave us a tour through the building. The Baptist Seminary is also housed in this building as well as the administrative offices. Pastor Nina told us of the accomplishments and goals of the federation. There are 29 Baptist churches and they are in partnership with International Ministries. Seven of the 29 churches have women pastors, and the Federation is striving to have all pastors ordained. Lunch was prepared by Hilda, a member of the Santo Tomas Church. There were four churches presented at our luncheon. We enjoyed fellowship as Mylinda and Judith interpreted for us.

We were on to Moravia after our visit which is a tourist shopping Mecca. Mylinda let us loose on the street lined with gifts and souvenir shops and we were accomplished some serious shopping.

The Hotel Robledal is family owned and they prepared us a “goodbye” dinner. Pastor Xinia of the Mansion of Light Baptist Church and her family, along with Judith joined us. Dottie McCrossen gave devotions, basing them on John 13… Jesus washing the feet of the disciples, sharing how we were to be servants to each other. We participated in a foot washing for each other as we sang “Jesu, Jesu, fill us with your love; show us how to serve the neighbors we have from you.”

We laid hands on Mylinda and prayed for her and her ministry. We gave God thanks and praise for the multitude of blessings we have received on this Mission Encounter Tour. May we now all go forth as His good and faithful servants.

— Janice Mott and Marilyn Gustafson

Sunday, February 22, 2009

When we arrived at Mansion of Light Baptist Church we were greeted with hugs and kisses. Worship began with a prayer asking God to bless the service. Truly the folks in this church keep the Sabbath holy. They actively share in the worship service through singing and are accompanied by a Praise Band. A parishioner opened with a prayer, a lay leader shared Psalm 133 and Pastor Xinia prayed for Ana, a church member who gave the sermon. Mylinda stood along with each participant and translated for us.

The children that Sue and Eileen had taught to play the bells on Saturday, played “Jesus Loves Me” for the congregation. Another group of little girls shared a liturgical dance and Pastor Xinia dedicated a one month old baby. It was a blessing to have children actively participating in worship. Ana preached a powerful sermon comparing the complete transformation of a butterfly through its metamorphosis to our transformation when we are born again in the Spirit. (John 3:3-7).

Following worship we divided into blended groups, with 3 or 4 of us with a group of Costa Ricans. We taught them a song in English and they taught us one in Spanish. After practice time each group sang their songs. It was a fun time, although it didn’t seem to improve our Spanish speaking ability greatly.

We were served lunch (rice and beans) at the church, and then we had the opportunity to meet with several young men that Pastor Xinia is encouraging to attend special mentoring sessions at the church.

These troubled young men are involved in drinking, drugs, and stealing, and their behavior impacts negatively on the neighborhood. In response to their negative behavior, Pastor Xinia and her congregation have taken a positive step and have invited them into the church. They have served the young men suppers, made them feel welcome, and demonstrated the love of Christ to them. Over 20 young men showed up, and they entertained us with some really awesome break-dancing. We then sat together with them to chat, and the church members served tamales and coffee. Each young man received a small gift from the church.

We had a great experience talking with these young men, and we were amazed that they seemed to enjoy being with us…13 “older” women! Mission outreach ministry is most certainly alive and well at Mansion of Light Baptist Church.

As for our fellowship experience and our newborn friendship with the women at Mansion of Light, we quickly bonded even though we do not speak the same language. The most important part of our lives is the same… we worship and love the same God.

In the late afternoon after good-bye hugs at the church, our driver, Emanuel, took us to a Butterfly Farm. We had a detailed guided tour and were awestruck with the beauty of all the different species of butterflies. Of course, being women it was natural for us to gravitate to the gift shop to make some purchases before departing!

Mylinda took us to the Casona del Maiz restaurant for dinner where we enjoyed various entrees, many made from corn.

Back at the hotel Peggy shared the devotion of the Parable of the Talents with us. She then asked us to reflect upon what our individual response to this mission tour will be once we return home.

— Janice Mott and Marilyn Gustafson

Saturday, February 21, 2009

Saturday morning was bright and beautiful and we had some time to reorganize and prepare for the day’s activities, which included stuffing two piñatas for children’s activities in the afternoon. A quick bus ride took us to the Rincon Chiquito community in La Guacima where the Mansion of Light Baptist Church is located. A warm greeting awaited us by the women of the church, and we got to know each other over a dish of Costa Rican chop suey.

The lunch fortified us for an afternoon of programs which we lead for the children. Sue Fitzgerald, Eileen Smith and Pam Davies taught the children how to play “Jesus Loves Me” with chords and melody on color-coded hand bells. These were bought as a gift by a church in Pennsylvania. Marilyn Gustafson taught the children to color, cut and glue Sandwich Bag Parrot Puppets. Another group of children learned Origami with Mary Hamblett and Dottie McCrossen. They made a cat, dog and butterfly. Sarah Hicks and Peggy Burke worked with the youngest group of children drawing pictures, using stickers and playing with puzzles. All the children rotated between activities so they all got a chance to do each one. We all agreed the children were quite precious and well-behaved.

A wild and crazy time ensued when the piñatas were hung in the tree and the children all took turns swinging a stick at them and trying to break them open. The mad scramble for treats and toys was typical of children around the world. The children headed home and we had a much needed break.

The Mansion of Light Baptist Church has begun the Center for Transformation Mariposa (The Butterfly Transformation Center). This center is using “Break the Chains” funding to reach out to children and youth in the community to prevent future activities of prostitution and drugs. The women of the church prepared a candle making activity for us. Roasted coffee beans, shells from the U.S., shells and rocks from Costa Rica, artificial and fresh flowers and leaves were all assembled for us to use in the candles.

We were paired-up with a “prayer partner” to make our candles together. The candles were the same type brought to the National Women’s Conference at Green Lake in 2008. Despite the communication difficulties between English and Spanish, we managed to really connect with each other. Our candles were used to decorate the dinner table and we talked about how the light of Christ shines through each of us into the dark places of the world. The light from these women shines brightly!


Before dinner, Pastor Xinia introduced the women who are leading the Butterfly Transformation Center. Nancy is the Director of the center and Priscilla is the director of the Arts and Music program.
Nancy and Priscilla used a PowerPoint presentation to explain the Transformation Center’s goals and objectives. The ladies had prepared a delicious meal for us of fish with gravy, mashed potatoes, tossed salad, followed by layered jello for desert. The board members of the Transformation Center presented us with hand-made candle holders and led us in devotions around the theme of sharing our light in the dark places. It was another spiritual-filled day for us.

— Susan Maiocchi and Eileen Smith

Friday, February 20, 2009

Today’s adventure began with swimming in the warm Pacific Ocean, collecting rocks and colorful shells on the dark sandy beach, and relaxing around the beautiful swimming pool and gardens at the hotel. An iguana joined us for our breakfast of watermelon, pineapple and papaya, plus all the other goodies.

After a well-needed morning of rest and renewal, we headed out of Jaco, but had a brief stop to make at another hotel. The sign read “No Prostitution – No Drugs – This is a family hotel”. The owner came out and spoke to us about his values and ethics and the local effort he’s made with the mayor to stem the tide of prostitution and drugs in their community. He encouraged us to write letters to the Department of Tourism in Costa Rica to express our support of family-value motels and attractions.

Steve and Lisa’s oceanfront restaurant provided a scrumptious lunch – many of us enjoying the typical Costa Rican meal of rice and shrimp – YUM! Our travel back to Robledal Bed & Breakfast took us past Crocodile Bridge where we viewed 27 crocodiles, one of which enjoyed lunch on Violet’s fallen sunglasses. We had quite a chuckle over that. A quiet ride home through the majestic mountains provided a chance to nap and reflect on our trip. Some of us found it necessary to keep our eyes closed anyway on the narrow roads at very high altitudes.

After a quick change of clothing at our hotel we headed out to the Santo Tomas Church in Heredia where we met with the Baptist Women’s Federation. The church is across the alley from a coffee finca (farm) and many of the coffee trees still had their white flowers blooming. Women from several area churches were present to warmly greet us and we enjoyed pastries and café. Four of our women shared why we made the trip to Costa Rica. They then shared skits with us about how they do women’s work in their churches. One group has a neighborhood program for adults and children teaching reading and writing. In addition to this, they have a youth club where they teach the children religious songs, Biblical stories, and prayer. Another church demonstrated their women’s planning session and laughed about how they spend much time eating and drinking café – just like us! They explained how they have fundraisers with garage/rummage sales, cookbook sales, bake sales, bazaars with hand-crafted baskets and quilts. Sounds familiar! The last presentation was women in cultural, colorful dress that danced for us.

Supper was served and we really enjoyed the food and especially the desert of warm rice pudding with coconut and cinnamon. They promised to give us the recipe. The women of the Baptist Women’s Federation surprised us with lovely gifts of Costa Rican tote bags with a embroidered map on them. By now, it was raining and very cold so a quick tour of their facility took place before we hopped back on the warm bus.

Upon returning to our hotel, Marilyn shared a “loving-kindness” devotion and prayer. Marilyn shared a reading from 1 John 4 that describes the love of God for us and His command to love one another

— Eileen Smith and Sue Maiocchi

Thursday, February 19, 2009

What a day in contrasts! Thank you, Mylinda, for organizing and arranging the day. We started off with a typical Costa Rican breakfast. We had scrambled eggs, meat, rice and beans, fresh fruit and juice.

We piled into the bus for the trip into San Jose to visit RAHAB. This center has been named after Rahab in the Bible. Twelve years ago Mariliana had a vision about a place for young women involved in trafficking and suffering from spousal abuse. In a vision she was told to name it RAHAB. Because she was an atheist at the time, she had no idea of the significance of the name. God was working out his plan. In the early days, bugs, rats and cockroaches were their visitors, but today stands a building almost completed.

There used to be a fruit farm where Rahab now stands. From the street it looked like a small house. All the fruit trees are gone now and they have been replaced with a new three story building which will be completed in another week or so. It is being used to counsel women who come to them wanting to get out of the sex trade and turn their lives around. Many of these young women have an average of five children and are single. We were given a tour and listened to Mariliana’s hopes and dreams for this place.

We had the opportunity to meet these young women who meet every Wednesday and Thursday. As we sat in a circle beside them, we shared our names and gave each of them a blessing. Were they able to understand us? No! but I believe they were able to see through our smiles and touch that they knew we cared. We were told many of them had come to Christ just before we arrived.

Several gave their testimonies as to why they were there, as well as some in our group. As our meeting came to a close, we stood hand in hand in a circle of prayer, praying in English and Spanish. At that moment I felt that we were all one. God was with us and I know great things are going to take place in the lives of these women. The star attraction was a 4 week old baby girl. She is one of three siblings.

Crocheted crosses that Vi Wiant had made were given to each of the women and we exchanged names with a promise they would be prayed for as we left.

Following lunch (including rice and beans) we started off to JACO (hah-Co). We picked up Xinia and Robin. We drove over beautiful mountains. It was not a super highway and had hairpin turns, gorgeous mountains, valley views, and lovely flowers. Have you tried to take pictures over bumps and curves?

The beauty of the afternoon culminated in watching the sun set over the Pacific Ocean and mountains at Villa Caletas.

Mylinda had been preparing us for our night in Jaco at the Beetle Bar. This is where many young women come to be met by men of all ages. They are mainly from North America or Europe. The young women are dressed in mini-skirts, low tops and spiked heels. As we watched these young girls get into a van with several men, their faces told it all. There were no smiles, just sadness. We watched and prayed as the line of taxis and vans dropped off men going into the bar. It was very overwhelming to see how lives are being destroyed by those who have no sense of caring for these girls but to feed their own egos.

It has been a day of seeing the darkness of what life can do, but at the same time to see the tremendous beauty of God’s world.

Prayer is a powerful force we can all participate in. Not in judgment or condemnation, but in love and concern.

— Mary Hamblett and Chris Marziale

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

We were up and ready to travel at 6:15 this morning. It was time to leave Nicaragua, say good-bye to the Parajons, and begin our adventure in Costa Rica. It was a beautiful sunny morning as we flew into San Jose about 9:30. Before the flight we were given immigration slips to fill out which among other questions asked for the address of where we would be staying. I (Mary) had our itinerary for Costa Rica with me, so I told everyone that we would be going to the Rosti-Pollos in Alajuela. Going through the line at the immigration desk, no one was stopped except Marilyn. It was then she was questioned about the Rosti-Pollos, which means “roasted chicken.” We found out it was a restaurant not a hotel! Before Marilyn could get through immigration we had to find the name of the hotel for her.

Mylinda was waiting for us, along with Larry and Robin Sweeny, volunteers here teaching English. Our luggage was loaded into the bus that we will be riding in for the time we are here and off we went. Our driver for the week is Emmanuel. We immediately went to the Bed and Breakfast Robledal, and were greeted with a delicious fruit drink and fresh fruit.

Mylinda had our orientation following and got us ready for the week with our being with the Costa Rican women, our prayers walks and other activities we would be doing during our time here.

Our next stop was the Rosti-Pollos for lunch. It was a great meal and refreshed us for the trip to downtown San Jose for sightseeing. We visited several museums which tell the history of the Pre-Columbian people of Costa Rica. They crafted many of their religious and political symbols from gold and copper mixtures. Many of the miniatures represented frogs, crocodiles, turtles, butterflies and other symbols of their culture. We gathered back at 5:00 and went to dinner.

About 7:30 we were to experience our first prayer walk. Xinia, pastor of the Mansion of Light Baptist Church with nine others of her church met us to go through this experience as well. We broke up into groups of four and five and started our walk around the block. Prostitution in Costa Rica is legal. Pimping is not. The experience of seeing young women with no smiles and having to entertain our North American men especially in the Hotel Rey and Casino was one we will never forget. Our Costa Rican friends took our arms to make sure we were safe, but also to let us know we are one in Christ and we were on this journey together. As we walked and prayed, God was truly in our midst. We didn’t talk to anyone on the street that night, but it gave us the opportunity to see the pain and hurt and we are now leaving those experiences in God’s hands. As we said goodbye to our new Costa Rican friends and headed for the hotel it gave us a time of reflection individually and collectively on the night. The evening had truly been a mission encounter.

— Mary Hamblett and Chris Marziale

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Our morning at Bluefields started with a fantastic breakfast which included oatmeal, omelets, coconut bread and fruit. We toured the city and noticed the huge contrast between rich and poor, saw many churches of various denominations, the elementary schools, high schools, and universities. The day was ended at the home of Vital and Ketly. Here is where their ministry began and they served the first three years inviting adults and children into their home to hear about the Lord. They often had 70 to 100 children at a time in their home. This is their way of reaching the neighborhood for Christ. Once the ministry at Kukra Hill is well underway, they hope to begin a church at Rama.

Vital and Ketly are attempting great things for God in this very needy area of Nicaragua. We are truly amazed as we see the work of God through this ministry.

— Violet Wiant and Sharon Farral

Monday, February 16, 2009

Each day we continue to “be amazed” by the wonders God has prepared for us. Our Monday began by rising at 3:30 am, leaving for the airport at 4:00. Flying for a time above puffy white clouds, we descended into an area of green forests. With missionary Vital Pierre, we traveled by very small taxi and pick-up truck to the Baptist compound. There we met Ketly Pierre, Vital’s wife, and the church ladies who had prepared breakfast which included oatmeal, coconut bread, fresh pineapple and watermelon. We are in the second floor visitors’ dormitory called Bethel. Below is the preschool which now has 18 children and a capacity of 30. We shared briefly with these children.

We had an exhilarating 30 minute boat ride moving at about 50 knots across a lake and up the Escandido River, to Kukra Hill. There were dense forests on both sides of the river. We were driven in sub-compact Hyundai taxis to the new Kukra Hill Baptist Church which is just being completed. Today was the first day of classes in the school that meets in the church. Forty-five children are enrolled in three classes. The building materials have been mostly donated and the work done by volunteers. It is done in cement block covered with plaster. The thousand+ blocks were made one at a time by the volunteers. The floors are all beautiful tile. We visited with Carol and Dave Matheson from Central Baptist Church in Springfield, IL, who have been here as volunteers since October. Carol teaches English. Dave, the carpenter, has made 120 desks for children, 6 desks for teachers, and a conference table and chairs for the teachers work room in addition to many other months of construction on the building.

We visited with Pastor Joel who gave his testimony of being led to the Lord and discipled by Vital and then sent to seminary. He has one more year of seminary but is currently pastor and director of the school at Kukra. As part of his training, he studied music so the church could sing together. He played the guitar and sang with the children. We walked through the town visiting with the people. This ministry has reached out into the community in such a way that the church staff and workers are welcomed.

After the delightful and exciting boat ride back to Bluefields, we enjoyed yet another delicious meal with the church community. The main course was a rice dish which included vegetables, beef, chicken, shrimp, all finely mixed with rice. Several church members shared their testimonies all giving praise to God for the ministry of our missionaries, changed lives, and opportunity to serve. Interestingly, while the children have Sunday School, the adults go into the community, door to door, witnessing and telling the community about Jesus.

One gentleman told how he had come to know the Lord because his young daughter was attending the after school classes. He heard the missionary having devotions with the children each day when he came to pick up his daughter from the class. This has been an amazing outreach to the community.

The day was closed by singing happy birthday to the lady who had done our cooking, working hard for us on her birthday. We gathered around this lady, laying on hands and praying for her. It was a fitting close to an inspirational day.

— Vi Wiant and Sharon Farral

Sunday, February 15, 2009

Sunday was a day of “AGAPE” at First Baptist Church of Managua. Some of our women provided crafts for the children during Sunday School. Others went to the adult class, taught by a young student from the Baptist Seminary who also teaches English. The lesson was about healing on the Sabbath with the question, “What is the Sabbath for?” During the worship service we heard the magnificent church choir directed by Joan Parajon. There was a 52-voice choir with 19 men. We sang; we fellowshipped shaking hands; and we celebrated last week’s birthdays. Vi thought that people were going forward to give an offering and hurried up front. We all kidded her since we knew it wasn’t really her birthday. The pastor, Dr. Gustav Parajon, was at a Baptist Peace Conference and a seminary professor preached. During the month of February their emphasis has been on Baptist history. One other highlight in the service was a solo by a nineteen year-old girl. Joan later told us a bit of her history. She had been active in the church when she suddenly ran away. Everyone looked for her and prayed that she would return. She did and slowly began attending again. The night before she had sung at a Valentine’s party and Joan’s son-in-law heard her, and asked her to sing today. She reluctantly agreed. Before singing, she gave a beautiful testimony about God’s forgiveness and love for her, and sang “You Love Me.” We were all touched.

We went back to AMOS for a delicious lunch (grilled chicken and trimmings). Some went sightseeing with Claudia. Others were repacking for our trip to Blue Fields while two of us were left to write this blog.
—Sarah Hicks and Dottie McCrossen

Saturday, February 14, 2009

Valentine’s Day, and here we are in the beautiful country of Nicaragua. Fortunately Chris and her magic SKYPE allowed us to call our loved ones for a short visit. Others in our group, Peggy and Janice, thoughtfully had brought valentines to share. There are always those in a group who think ahead.

It had been a day of LOVE, both philos and agape. Dr. David (Parajon) had lovingly dedicated his time to us as he introduced us to hospitals in Managua. Health is a constitutional right in Nicaragua but that does not mean that health care is always available, especially in rural areas. Our first visit was to a government hospital, (Roberto Calderon) one which serves all people, whether or not they can pay. The paint was peeling and the facilities were not what we would expect in the US. However, we found something that made up for any lack, nurses and doctors who cared deeply about their patients. We visited with an intern in his last year and two young women who were finishing their specialty in radiology.

As we visited the rooms we saw many sick patients with families sitting nearby. There are no facilities for families who come from a distance. Some sleep on the floor, others bring in a chair in which they will sleep all night. Various social agencies provide the families with food. This hospital is a center for HIV patients, many who will be treated and able to leave. Others will die there. We had prayer with some of the patients who asked. One young man had suffered from a stroke, the result of his disease and he could not move or talk. His brother sat by him weeping as we prayed. It broke my heart. We entered the male cancer ward, noting the amazing number of young men. The main kinds of cancer being treated there were lymphoma (growing phenomena), leukemia and colon. There is also a growing concern over the number of children diagnosed with leukemia. The cardiac center had all much older patients. The nurse was deeply concerned because they had only one monitor which had to be shared by all of the patients.

We saw many examples of our White Cross funds at work. Previously, patients had been on beds without sheets. In many of the wards there is a shortage because of the need for sheets to be washed several times a day and making them last only than a few months. White Cross had also helped with the drastic need of medicines for opportunistic diseases. Last year 940 patients had been treated in the outpatient clinic. Anti-virals provided by White Cross were given to 480 patients. Education is also being provided for them and their families.

We also visited the hospital Bautista which is a private hospital still owned by the Baptist Convention of Nicaragua. It is beautiful and modern with sophisticated equipment. Dr. David once directed this hospital which was established in 1930.

We had lunch with the Nicaraguan Baptist Convention women who are now celebrating their 40th anniversary. We were impressed with their mission statement, “Each Woman an Evangelist.” Several of their national officers shared with us what they are doing. They are preparing for their women’s conference which will include praise, worship, testimonies, dialog and fellowship. We were thrilled to hear they support a missionary on the coast who is working with groups of different dialects. Our women were also given an opportunity to share what is happening with American Baptist Women in the United States and Puerto Rico. We ended with a circle of prayer.

In the afternoon we visited an active volcano, did a bit of shopping, and ended up with a fun time at a local Nicaraguan Restaurant.

Friday, February 13, 2009

Have you ever seen a nurse on a motorcycle speeding up a very bumpy mountain trail? Or a horse hitched to a stop sign? These are just a couple of the unusual sites we experienced today.

Today’s journey took us 2 ½ hours out of Managua into the mountains over rocky roads that gave us a bit of a taste of what bull-riding might feel like. Arriving at a small rural community school in El Cerro, we watched in awe as Dr. Laura examined a young boy’s ear and throat. As she worked, she was also teaching Jacqueline, the community health promoter how to do an exam. There were also 3-4 other ladies who serve on the local health committee looking on. Dr. Laura isn’t just a doctor, she is a teacher par excellence who is on a mission to enable the local people to do “triage” care. This frees up her time to reach a larger region and a greater number of people. Jacqueline is just one of 15 health promoters serving in 23 hard-to-reach communities. Her region serves villages up to 1 ½ hrs. from her home. She dispenses medications and does basic first-aid.

During our visit at the school, we interacted with the 18 students by making parrot puppets, singing songs, handing out treats and serving them lunch. We also handed out school kits provided by White Cross funds. The students, ages 5-13, were all taught in the same room. They were thrilled when we gave them colored markers for their puppets. The regional nurse, Rosita, was also there giving demonstrations of proper hand washing and teeth brushing which promotes better health.

We were invited to Jacqueline’s home, a two-room mud-hut with dirt floors, tin roof, outdoor kitchen and latrine, and no running water. Our hearts were touched by the obvious needs of this family as well as others living in this community. Here we delivered one of four over-the-counter medical supply boxes also provided by White Cross.

Dr. Laura is known to literally run from San Jose de los Remates, the location of one of their region clinics, to El Cerro School, a distance of 1 ½ miles. She loves to run, she loves to climb mountains, and she loves working door to door with the people. They serve approximately 9000 people from this region alone. There are four other regions where they serve.

On our return trip through San Jose de los Remates, we were passed by the Nurse, Rosita, speeding by on her motorcycle. Dr. Laura gave us a tour of the AMOS clinic and the pharmacy located there. Just before we drove out of town, we were startled to see a horse tied up at a stop (ALTO) sign.

Through the power of God this ministry has been expanded beyond the city limits of Managua to the rural mountains and plains of Nicaragua.

“…I was hungry and you gave me something to eat…I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me…and you came to visit me. I tell you the truth whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine you did for me.” Matthew 25:36; 40

—Sue Fitzgerald and Pam Davies

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Great is Thy Faithfulness!
Again the group gathered for breakfast on our second full day in Nicaragua. God had blessed us with a clear warm morning.

At 9 AM we left for a visit to the First Baptist Church of Managua. We were met by the president of their women’s ministries group, Isabelle Gallegos. Isabelle is active in the Central Region and at the national level of the Nicaragua Baptist Convention. She led us on a walking tour of the church buildings. Our first stop was the church kitchen where we met several of the Baptist women who were busy cooking lunch for seniors now living in the Baptist nursing home. We were greeted warmly by all the women. We watched the ladies cook and it was really interesting since many of the ingredients that they used for chicken soup were a reflection of the culture and climate. One of those ingredients was yucca root which is a bit similar in texture and taste to boiled potatoes.

Our next stop in the church was the beautiful sanctuary with huge stained glass windows and an interesting architectural ceiling design in the shape of a cross. The history of this church dates back to 1917. Their original building was lost in an earthquake.

We then sat down with Isabelle and David Parajon in an outdoor space used for fellowship and sports events, where she spoke to us about the various ministries of the church’s women’s group. One of six of their mission ministries is cooking a meal once a month for the Hogar Senil Baptist Nursing Home. We went with the ladies to deliver the food.

Upon arriving we were warmly greeted by the nursing home’s administrator, Marguerite. There are thirteen residents and eight staff members at the facility. We enjoyed a lunch together, and the soup was absolutely delicious. After lunch the residents sang for us and then we sang for them. It was a very moving experience. One gentleman even sang a solo. Music most certainly can create a universal bond.
Other areas of ministry that the women’s group is involved in includes: work at the women’s jail, fund-raising, Bible study, and leading a ministry for the young. They hold three retreats a year. We shared with them about our AB G.I.R.L.S. resource material, and they are very interested in receiving copies.
We sang all the way back to AMOS and finished the work we started yesterday on the school kits. We then packed medicine boxes that will be taken to San Jose de la Remates tomorrow.

Dr. David Parajon and Chris presenting desperately needed medical supplies to the Hogar Senil Baptist Nursing Home, provided with White Cross Funds.

We ended the day with a delicious dinner at AMOS, returned to the hotel to watch a film about Central American immigrants crossing the border into the US and had our daily devotion and prayer.

— Marilyn Gustafson and Peggy Burke

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

"For God So Loved the World that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting Life."

Praise God from whom all blessings flow as we gathered for breakfast in the hotel dining room our first morning in Nicaragua. It was beautifully decorated with water goblets and silver charger plates at each place setting. What a surprise that was! Breakfast was delicious.

After breakfast we made our short trip to AMOS where we were met again by Rafael (our driver) and Claudia (our translator). We started our journey and trembled as we were stopped by the local police and then we went to prison giggling and laughing all the way.

When we arrived at Tipitapa prison we were searched and all of us had to give up our mirrors, cell phones and photocopies of our passports. After the search we very anxiously entered the prison, where we found Joan Parajon, missionary and mother of David Parajon alone in the room with 28 male prisoners. She was playing the keyboard and they were singing the songs of Zion with spirit and enthusiasm.

We all held our breath as we took our seats in the room filled with the prisoners, but soon we were relaxed and enjoyed the blessing of their beautiful voices in song. We were especially impressed with the joyful expression on Joan’s face and the men’s faces also. She directed them in a full concert of sacred music and their voices rang out throughout all the cells of the prison.

Many of the AB Women were led to respond with "Thank you" and words of encouragement extended to the men and we were especially blessed when Dottie McCrossen stood and recited to the men John 3:16 in Spanish. The men blessed us in response with remarks of thanksgiving for being there. One of the prisoners, Antonio, said "although we are from different countries, we are all together because we share the same Lord."

We said our good-byes and made our way to the El Paladar restaurant for a wonderful buffet luncheon. Joan Parajon shared with us about her music ministry in Nicaragua for the past 40 years. During the last 15 years in addition to her church music ministry, she has directed the choir at the prison. Two hundred and fifty men have participated in the prison choir and only three have returned to prison after being released. This choir surely provides a life changing experience for the prisoners.

After lunch we returned to AMOS where David and Laura began to share in great detail about their lives and ministry. We interrupted our orientation to assemble school kits for White Cross. There were approximately 348 kits put together that we will be delivering to the village of San Jose de los Remates on Friday. We reassembled to hear the rest of the AMOS story and finished the evening with a delicious meal prepared by an AMOS staff person.

What a fun and wonderful day this was! We laughed, we cried, we worked, we listened, we talked and prayed.

We were all in one accord at the close of the day. We spent time in reflection over the day and had a wonderful devotional period.

— Marilyn Gustafson and Peggy Burke

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

“Now glory be to God! By His power at work within us, He is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope!” Ephesians 3:20 NLT

As we prepared for our landing into Managua, Nicaragua, this afternoon, God’s glory was evident in the mountain peaks and the land below. The thirteen of us were excited and eager to be greeted by our driver, Rafael, and Claudia, our interpreter. Rafael with the help of 4 other men hoisted over 800 lbs. of luggage atop the AMOS van. That didn’t include our carry-on bags that we carried on board the van. Please know that we are leaving at least 100 lbs. of that weight in gifts of vitamins, toys, shirts, candies, books, felt, etc. with Drs. David and Laura Parajon in Managua. Some of the rest of our gifts will be carried to Ketly and Vital Pierre in Bluefields, Nicaragua, and to Gary and Mylinda Baits in Costa Rica.

Driving through the streets of Managua on our way to our hotel, we were struck by the poverty in the housing, most without paint, and the rundown condition of many of the businesses. We also saw a Pizza Hut and a Kia dealership which is hurting from the world economic crisis. Gasoline is $6/gal. Most every house and business had bars over the windows and doors. We arrived at our hotel, Casa del Sol. In sharp contrast, it’s a beautiful enclosed fortress of luxury with large beds and white linens, beautiful terra cotta bathrooms and marble rock floors. We are forbidden to walk outside the walls for safety reasons.

AMOS (A Ministry of Sharing) is only a few blocks from our hotel, but Rafael was back to drive us to our dinner there. Drs. David and Laura and their son, David, were waiting for us shortly after we drove through the gates onto the compound. There were smiles all around as we greeted each of them. Dr. Laura shared a brief orientation about our week as we ate a delicious dinner of chicken and rice with “strange” but delicious veggies.

We ended our first evening on our mission field with devotions centered around allowing the Holy Spirit to work in and through each of us as we minister in Jesus’ name. A dear friend told me twice today that we should “prepare ourselves to be amazed!” Yes, by His power at work in us, He is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope! After a time of prayer, we left with high expectations of what God would do tomorrow.

— Pam Davies and Sue Fitzgerald

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

It has been almost a year since the plans for American Baptist Women’s Ministries Mission Encounter Tour have been started. I remember last February, 2008 making my reservations to go plan with our missionaries the tour in which we are now taking.

The thirteen women who will be making this trip are from Arizona, California, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Montana, New Hampshire, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island. Five of these participants are AB Women Presidents.

We have met here in Miami getting to know each other, celebrating three birthdays and having devotions and prayer. Our flight will be leaving for Nicaragua at 3:15 this afternoon, and there is excitement in the air and to see what God has planned for us to see and learn.

As we begin this journey, I am reminded of the trips the disciples made as they began to share the love of Jesus throughout the country side. I pray we will be ambassadors for Jesus as we worship, share, pray and have fun with those we meet.

Your continued support through prayer and checking the blog each day is welcomed. God has been with each of us as we have prepared not only in the things we’ve packed but through much prayer. He is before us, in back of us and beside us as we travel to Nicaragua and Costa Rica

Come and join us through the blog as we travel. There might be times the internet connections will not be available, but when we are at a place we can send our stories, please stop in and visit.

Talk to you later.

Chris Marziale

International Ministries Consultant to AB Women’s Ministries
Mission Encounter Tour Coordinator