Sunday, November-16-08, Nicaragua KPC Men’s Team Report
Today was our first Sunday in Nicaragua and was packed with activity and experiences for the men’s team. We started the morning with breakfast as usual. Pastor Melvin told us a story of healing and prayer that inspired us. Most of the women’s team was scheduled to depart this morning. Upon request we had a worship time that concluded with the men singing “How Deep the Father’s Love” accapella while surrounding the women as our final send off.
We all piled into the van and attended the Remar church “Cuerpa de Christos” in downtown Managua. Here we learned to dance with Don Vickers leading. This Church is rather special in that it ministers to recovering addicts and focuses on its healing ministry. The children from the orphanage are also attendees. The music, the bannering (with tambourines), the prayers and the healing altar call greatly moved me. Even the sermon, although in Spanish and incomprehensible to the team, was clearly a Bible based message that touched the congregation. We all agreed later that some dancing at the front of the church during worship was much needed at KPC. Don, bring your dancing shoes!!!
The remainder of our day was immersed in observing God’s natural power and splendour. We journeyed to the “Parque Nacional Volcan Masaya” and peered into a sulphur spewing crater of an active volcano. I considered the devastating earthquake of 1972 from which Managua has never recovered along with this live, smoking abyss within site of the city and I had a glimpse of both the beauty and fragility of this country. We wiped the sulphur from our eyes and drove to the eco-park that contained the zip-line. En route, we passed through lush, fertile country-side with huge trees and green fields. It was refreshing to escape the crowded and stifling atmosphere of Managua and see life in the surrounding countryside. I particularly noticed the wild poinsettia’s with brilliant red leaves – a reminder of the coming Christmas season.
The zip-line was pure fun. Strung between platforms suspended in century old trees, the team traversed its way down a forested slope overhanging coffee bushes. At one particular tree we met a pack of howling monkeys. This bunch was rather irritated that our bunch was in their tree tops without their permission. Our guides egged them on and next thing we knew we had a shouting match on our hands.
We finished the day with a chicken dinner at a Nicaraguan version of Swiss Chalet. Most of us were unsure what we actually ordered until our plates arrived.
The tradition of “porch time” continued and we all gathered on the outdoor veranda to process the day, have devotions and pray. Charlie presented his testimony that left most of us speechless and praising God for his blessing. Thanks Charlie for your message and song.
We all decided to follow Pastor Melvin’s tradition of praying for healing at 3:00 am in the morning. Without hesitation we all gathered in the dark and prayed over Mark.
Sorry no pictures until later after supper
Written by Doug Gray