July 22 Prayer Journal & Update from Nicaragua

from Von Peery

We are here in Pochocuape. At the moment I believe I am the only one still awake from our team of 13. Its been a long day. Its funny how much little was scheduled in our agenda even as we arrived but it has filled quickly. While I worked on getting internet access, the rest of the team spent time digging a water ditch, passing out clothes donations to some of the most needy on the mountain, and taking a visit to the market. Today we are going to visit a town about 1 hour away and see how the feeding programs (Feed My Starving Children) are run there. Tomorrow we head home.

Thank you so much for all of your prayers!

-Von Peery

Prayer Journal (Day 3)

Read Ephesians 1:3-5

All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ. Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure.

Prayer

Father, we thank you that you are a God that so loved the world that you sent your son so that all those who believe in him are adopted into your eternal family, the family of God. We pray that you will bless the team today with every spiritual blessing in Christ. We know how you use these trips to soften and change people’s hearts, and that is our earnest prayer for the team today. That each team member realize their spiritual blessing in Christ. That they be blessed to be a blessing. Amen.

Von’s Thoughts

Things have changed a lot since my last visit in January. The warehouse for the Feed My Starving Children food is now on the grounds. The school that opened in February has expanded to approximately 230 children. A program is under way to bring more families out of the dump to live here on the mountain. And I have changed too. Instead of simply being overwhelmed by the poverty I am able to see more of the joy of the people. A long-term visitor is leaving for the states tomorrow and some of the Nicaraguans are having a bit of a party. The pastor is engaged in a pillow fight and everyone is involved. Anyway, pray that we all will be blessed and that we all be changed, the GC team, the Nicaraguans, the church back home. And then most of all pray that God is praised.  He is good. And we all are His children. We are family.

Closing Prayer

That’s right. We’re all family, God. Thank you for growing us and growing our family to include our brothers and sisters at Pochocuape and La Chureca. Yes, life is all about your kingdom coming, your will being done, on earth as it is in Heaven. And that is our prayer, that your will be done in each team member and in Nicaragua today. And we give you all the glory. Amen.

About Von Peery
Von has attended Ginger Creek with his wife Jan and kids Caleb, Mollie and Xander for 5 years. He serves in Adventureland, on the Missions Team, and IT team in the church. Von has had the privilege of going with Ginger Creek on 3 trips to Angola State Penitentiary in Louisiana and to Nicaragua in January. He works as an Network Engineer/Consultant for Sikich here in Aurora.

Picture updates

Autumn washing the feet of a man in the dump – he cried the whole time she did it. “God bless you,” he said.

July 21 Prayer Journal

by Amanda Ford

Read 1 Corinthians 3:6-11

“I planted the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it is God who makes it grow.  It’s not important who does the planting, or who does the watering. What’s important is that God makes the seed grow.  The one who plants and the one who waters work together with the same purpose. And both will be rewarded for their own hard work. . . . Because of God’s grace to me, I have laid the foundation like an expert builder. Now others are building on it. But whoever is building on this foundation must be very careful. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one we already have—Jesus Christ!”

Prayer

Lord, thank you that just as you are growing the teams, you are also causing the seeds that they plant, the seeds of kindness to grow there at Pochocuape.

Amanda’s Thoughts

We quickly discovered the absence of mirrors here. When you put 8 women together in a room, something like that never goes unnoticed – especially when the morning comes ’round. The team meets for breakfast at 8 AM in the common room, which is a lovely place, and for fellowship during all hours of the day. Afterwards we have two hours to shower and romp about with the children, many of us converging around a well-loved playground. Between pushing children on the swings and getting acquainted we’re having a great time. I haven’t had this much carefree fun in a long while.

Not unlike a creeping vine, this place has grown. But instead of entangling, the compound is freeing. And instead of choking out life, it has vibrancy. God is at work here.  When we toured the facility, I was amazed at how much has been accomplished – the school, the feeding center, the warehouse, and the medical clinic that just opened -are all so encouraging. However we are not just here to buffer a community at an impersonal level. Our real goal is to fulfill Christ’s command to share the Good News with the world. I put out my hands, ask the children their names, their age, perhaps their favorite color. I do what I can with what Spanish I know. I pray this is the foundation for seeds to be sown. God, how I pray they grow!!

Closing Prayer

God, we are so privileged to be a part of your work at Pochocuape, a place so vibrant and freeing. A place where you are clearly working and we are thrilled to jump on board and be a part of it. We do pray that the seeds of kindness that are sown will reap a harvest in your time. Now all glory to God who is able through his mighty power at work within us to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Amen.

About Amanda

For a little over a year I’ve been coming to Ginger Creek, and I love it.  Sunday mornings I help out with Light Company and most third Thursdays serve at Hesed House. As I begin my senior year of high school in the fall, I’ll be making many important decisions about my life, but one decision I have already made is to serve.

Monday afternoon update

Our team handed out donations to 200 people on Pochocuape this afternoon. Check out the picture of one little boy’s reaction!

July 20 Prayer Journal

Read: Psalm 42: 11 and Jeremiah 29:11

“Why are you down in the dumps . . .?  Why are you crying the blues? Expect God to act. And I will praise him once again. He puts a smile on my face. He’s my Savior and my God.” “ For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Prayer

Lord, it takes a lot of faith to send our teens off to Nicaragua. But we can find such encouragement in your word and your promises. For they’re your children, Lord, and you have a plan and a purpose for each of them. And you have their best interest at heart. Help us to expect you to act in their lives and in ours.

Valorie’s Thoughts

In preparation for my teens’ trip to Nicaragua, we searched and searched our house for our huge red suitcase, searching every room and closet and shelf two to three times but couldn’t find it. How could we misplace something so big and so bright? Then we encountered another obstacle. My son Kal has Cystic Fibrosis. He needs breathing machines that help his lungs every day. We knew he would be unable to travel with his big machine, so the doctor wrote a prescription for a wireless, handheld device. I turned the prescription in to the pharmacy and left, planning to come back a few days before the trip to pick it up. When I returned, they said they couldn’t find it anywhere and I’d have to order another one online and have it sent express to my house. There wasn’t time or money for that. The kids were leaving in 2 days.

I left feeling somewhat discouraged but God gave me confidence in Him. Back home, we had 20 minutes to find that missing big red suitcase and get it to the church to fill it. I prayed and walked downstairs into the basement and what do you know? The suitcase was there on a shelf that we had looked on twice before but hadn’t seen it. I said “Kal, wait! Let me clean out the pockets first.” I looked in the large compartment . . . nothing! The medium-sized pocket . . . nothing! I searched the last small pocket and MIRACLE OF MIRACLES . . . there was a new handheld wireless breathing device. We had NO idea we even had one.

God is faithful. He didn’t allow us to see that bright red suitcase until we needed to–after having our faith tried and tested. God knew He’d reveal its contents (the breathing device) when we needed to be reminded of His love and His provision. His timing is perfect.

Closing Prayer

Thank you, Lord, that you are a faithful God, and a miracle-working God. When you show up in the ordinary, everyday things, we know that we can trust you in the big things. We can entrust our kids’ lives into your hands, knowing that you will be there with them every step of the way. For with you all things are possible. Amen

About Valorie (pictured with son Kal)

I am a professional painter and decorator. I have been in business for 13 years and love every minute of it. I am also in the destination/event business and provide “meeting planning” services (greets, transportation) for big companies.  I love escaping with music, creating, dancing, work outs, helping others and praying for my beautiful sponsored children, Pwandy in Haiti and Somi in India! I have two teenagers, Kalvin and Rachael, who went to Nicaragua on the high school trip. I am so happy they are back and I just love hearing them talk about their time there!

First day in Nicaragua!

We are in Nicaragua! Here are some updates from our day so far – stay tuned!

Today we watched Game #2 of the baseball league championships on Pochocuape.

We brought a lot of donations for the men. Normally we have very little men’s clothing – they are THRILLED!

The new warehouse on Pochocuape – filled with Feed My Starving Children food!

Next up: Middle school trip!

Our first July ‘09 team just got back yesterday, and it’s been amazing to hear the stories of transformation in their hearts. The students took hundreds of photos of the children they befriended in Nicaragua, and it’s great to see the joy on their faces. They have all said that they would go back in a heart beat!

We have two trips back to back this month! Our second group left Sunday. We have some middle schoolers going on this trip, and adults as well. Most of the people have never been to Nicaragua before. Please pray for them throughout the next few days as they serve the people in Pochocuape and the dump.

Also, be sure to check back here on the blog for up-to-the-minute pictures and updates throughout the week!

Prayer Journal (July 19)

This group will return home today. Please pray that they have a safe trip and that everything goes smoothly. We also have another group leaving for Nicaragua today. There will be a few middle school students and some adults going on this trip, so please keep them in your prayers as well.

Prayer Journal
DAY 7

Read Romans 12:1-2
“And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice-the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”

Prayer
Lord, that is our prayer. That you will change the way we think. And that we will know your will for us, your students, your church, your good, pleasing, and perfect will.

Marcia’s Thoughts
I’m back from Nicaragua and life is back to normal. Or is it? It never really will be. The scenes in the dump are so horrific and yet God is there and His love for the people who live there is being spread around by people like you who gave THINGS. “Things” like shoes and clothes seem so trivial when the horror is so great. But they need those things, and they are the vehicle by which we get to demonstrate the love of Christ. I am so grateful and so humbled that I get to do this. I get to be on the front lines of hell and bring that cup of cold water to participate with God in reaching out to those who are close to His heart. Wow.

When I got home I asked myself: “Marcia, what can YOU do today and every day to live with different priorities so that the least, the last, and the lost are taken care of?”

These are the kinds of questions I want to keep putting to myself. Not just today, but for a long, long time. I want to hold my own feet to the fire about how I spend, how I think, how I prioritize, what I think about, and what I strive for. I desperately want those things to reflect the heart of Jesus.

Closing Prayer
Father, we pray that the teens will experience a deep sense of community unlike anything they’ve ever experienced before. Cement friendships, Lord. May they (and we) ask those tough questions and expect you to answer. May the seeds that were planted in Nicaragua continue to grow and produce a harvest of student leaders. Thank you that you bless those who go and those of us who give our THINGS! We are so grateful and humbled by how you are growing us all through this journey that is so close to your heart. Help us to live today and every day with different priorities to better serve the least, the last, and the lost. So be it, Lord. Amen.

About Marcia Williamson
I’ve been at Ginger Creek since 1988, and I’ve served in various ministries over the years. Right now I’m serving as the Global Missions Director. I’ve been to Nicaragua in October 2008 and in January 2009, and I love it there. I’ve been sad to leave and excited to go back each time. On a personal note, I’m married to Kevin Williamson and I’m a home school mom of our five kids.

Prayer Journal (July 18)

Prayer Journal DAY 6 Read Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Prayer Lord, we give you all the praise for what you are doing in each teen’s life today. May your love flow through them; your grace be sufficient for whatever you bring their way. Patty’s Thoughts Monday and Tuesday were very reflective days for Dan and me. We still can’t quite believe the impact the trip has made on our lives. The faces of the children and mothers and the workmen still “haunt” us-knowing that we have shelter, food, and shoes on our feet is, frankly, overwhelming. We can still smell the dump and feel the dust and smoke on our skin. The young man that was high on glue-his red eyes-his disheveled hair-his lost look . . . these images have made lasting impressions. We believe we have been “placed” at Ginger Creek for a reason. We believe that one of the reasons was to experience Nicaragua and in some small way make an impact. We are blessed and we are better Christians because of this experience. God’s love knows no boundaries. He showed us His love countless times during our journey. I hope our experience and reflections of the trip encourages others to take the leap of faith to join the journey to Nicaragua in the future! Closing Prayer Lord, we marvel at how much you love us. You call us your children. And that is what we are. Adopted into your eternal family. We pray for each teen that their experience and reflection (yes, Lord, do cause them to reflect . . . a lot!) will encourage other teens to take the leap of faith to join the journey to Nicaragua in the future. And may this trip impact the teens to take a firm stand for Jesus when they go their separate journeys. Amen! About Patty Luessenhop My husband Dan and I went to Nicaragua earlier this year. We looked forward to the opportunity to serve the children and families in Nicaragua and work side by side with new friends from Ginger Creek. We believe God brought us to Ginger Creek for a reason, and we are now better Christians because of this experience. We’ve felt a strong connection to the church and its mission of serving others. I am currently an Executive Director of a large suburban senior retirement community and have built my life and my career around serving others. I’m a loyal Illini and continue to pray for another Rose Bowl or NCAA Basketball appearance in the next few years!

Prayer Journal (July 17)

Prayer Journal
DAY 5

by Von Peery

Read Colossians 1:9-13
For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves.

Prayer
Lord, we don’t appreciate enough what you have done for us. Thank you, thank you, thank you for rescuing us from the kingdom of darkness. Thank you for people like Maria that devote their lives to rescuing others. We pray for changed lives today, Lord! That you will lead the teens to those whose hearts are open. That they will come back with incredible stories of you using them to impact others.

Von’s Thoughts
Gehenna, the name of the Jerusalem garbage dump, the metaphor Jesus used to describe hell. Yesterday, we went to the city dump of Managua. Even as I write this I’m reminded of Jesus’ words and tears come to my eyes when I think of people living in such a wretched environment. We were warned to chew gum to keep down the effects of the stench. Fires burn all over-some started by those trying to make a meal but other fires from the garbage that have probably been smoldering for days maybe months.

We went to deliver clothes and shoes. The spot of our giveaway was a church in the middle of the dump pastored by Maria Magdalena. She saw the need and came to lead the church. She travels there daily to minister to the people. Years ago Steve Camp composed a song where he said he wanted “to build a mission just a yard from the gate of hell.” Maria has taken the battle inside its walls.

As we were leaving I said “gracias” to Maria, one of the few Spanish words I know. She hugged me and said “thank you” to me. We climbed on our bus and put on hand sanitizer. As I sit here now, I realize the dirt is gone from my hands but my heart has been broken by a servant of God and those she seeks to deliver to him.

Closing Prayer
God, break our hearts, break the teens’ hearts, just as you broke Maria’s heart so many years ago. God, our lives are blessed and enriched by knowing this faithful servant Thank you for her faithfulness and obedience to you. Her faith challenges us. Her vision and passion excite us. We believe that the vision she has for La Chureca is a God-given vision, and you will reward and bless and bring transformation to that place in your time.  Amen.

About Von Peery
Von has attended Ginger Creek with his wife Jan and kids Caleb, Mollie and Xander for 5 years. He serves in Adventureland, on the Missions Team, and IT team in the church. Von has had the privilege of going with Ginger Creek on 3 trips to Angola State Penitentiary in Louisiana and to Nicaragua in January. He works as an Network Engineer/Consultant for Sikich here in Aurora.