We met as a team this morning at the Gables house to discuss things Tommy and Linda had left for us to do. We were planning to setup which projects to do each day, but because of the strike it became more of which of these can we do without driving outside the city.
We took the truck in for some work including: pulling out the dented fender, fixing the front passenger door, and putting all the bars on the back for a tarp in rainy season.
Scarleth and I took the rest of the day off with it being a Tuesday so the strike did not really affect us much today.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Monday, May 5, 2008
Leon Monday
Today I spent time doing some errands around Leon. Marcela has been asking me a lot of computer questions lately, and she decided that she wants me to come down in the mornings for breakfast at her house and help her to get more familiar with email and other basic things on her computer. She also got me to bookmark some websites for her to use the bible and work on her English.
Oscar, Larry, and I grabbed lunch together after they did some errands of their own. After lunch, they headed to Chinadega to meet about some land purchases in Santa Matilde by IHBC. I looked at some possibilities of how to put internet in to Marcela's office. I also spent sometime just walking around Leon and relaxing.
There is a current strike going on against the high gas prices nationwide. There are no taxis, buses, or trucks running for public transportation. Last night it took Oscar and Larry hours to get back from Chinadega and Juan Diego the same from Manauga because of trucks and buses parked across all the roads into Leon. Some bicycles and motorcycles could get around, but they are hoping to make everyone that uses gas to stop driving as part of the strike.
My mom just got a ticket to spend the last week of May here...she will be staying with me Monday, May 26-Monday, June 2 when the Gables return..VERY EXCITED for her to be here in 3 weeks!
Oscar, Larry, and I grabbed lunch together after they did some errands of their own. After lunch, they headed to Chinadega to meet about some land purchases in Santa Matilde by IHBC. I looked at some possibilities of how to put internet in to Marcela's office. I also spent sometime just walking around Leon and relaxing.
There is a current strike going on against the high gas prices nationwide. There are no taxis, buses, or trucks running for public transportation. Last night it took Oscar and Larry hours to get back from Chinadega and Juan Diego the same from Manauga because of trucks and buses parked across all the roads into Leon. Some bicycles and motorcycles could get around, but they are hoping to make everyone that uses gas to stop driving as part of the strike.
My mom just got a ticket to spend the last week of May here...she will be staying with me Monday, May 26-Monday, June 2 when the Gables return..VERY EXCITED for her to be here in 3 weeks!
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Pablo's New Bike and Pedro Speaks
This morning I went and got Pastor Pablo of La Isla a new bike. His has rusted to almost nothing, and the gears have been bad for about 3 months. He had mentioned the need to Oscar and I Friday night. He was very happy to get the new bike, that money was raised for by my mom and FBC of Boone, NC.
This afternoon, before going to setup for evening service in Candelaria I got to stop by his house and deliver the bike. Pablo was propped up inside the house with a towel and some ointment on his legs treating an infection. He won't use his prosthetic legs for a couple days while that heals, but then he can enjoy his new bike. I hope to get some pictures soon once he is using it.
Tonight Pastor Pedro spoke at his 1st of 5 Sundays while the Gables are in the states. His focus for the 5 Sundays is the teachings of what it takes to be a disciple. Tonight he shared from Luke chapter 14.
The Cost of Being a Disciple
25 Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said: 26 "If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters—yes, even his own life—he cannot be my disciple. 27 And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.
28 "Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it? 29 For if he lays the foundation and is not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule him, 30 saying, 'This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.'
31 "Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Will he not first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand? 32 If he is not able, he will send a delegation while the other is still a long way off and will ask for terms of peace. 33 In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple.
The service went very well. Pedro's wife, Maria, and older brother, Felix, came with us as well as Felix's 10 year old son, Ezikiel. Rigaberto shared bible stories with around 35 children ages 4-12.
This afternoon, before going to setup for evening service in Candelaria I got to stop by his house and deliver the bike. Pablo was propped up inside the house with a towel and some ointment on his legs treating an infection. He won't use his prosthetic legs for a couple days while that heals, but then he can enjoy his new bike. I hope to get some pictures soon once he is using it.
Tonight Pastor Pedro spoke at his 1st of 5 Sundays while the Gables are in the states. His focus for the 5 Sundays is the teachings of what it takes to be a disciple. Tonight he shared from Luke chapter 14.
The Cost of Being a Disciple
25 Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said: 26 "If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters—yes, even his own life—he cannot be my disciple. 27 And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.
28 "Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it? 29 For if he lays the foundation and is not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule him, 30 saying, 'This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.'
31 "Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Will he not first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand? 32 If he is not able, he will send a delegation while the other is still a long way off and will ask for terms of peace. 33 In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple.
The service went very well. Pedro's wife, Maria, and older brother, Felix, came with us as well as Felix's 10 year old son, Ezikiel. Rigaberto shared bible stories with around 35 children ages 4-12.
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Saturday Catch-up
I am spending today to get all of my online things, and other tasks around Leon complete. We will be back in the village tomorrow afternoon and evening when Pedro begins his 5 week mini series for Adult Sunday night church.
Friday, May 2, 2008
No School & Youth Group
With the kids out of school again today baseball attendance was high and Leo ran a long practice. I got the truck lined up to pickup people from La Isla and Santa Matilde an hour earlier to come and play soccer, volleyball, and basketball before it got dark.
Yasmina and Brenda wore their new shirts and 5 new boys came from La Isla for their first Friday night. We had 2 new people from Santa Matilde and 4 from Candelaria.
After the outdoor game time, we had an opening prayer and Scarleth led some funny games. She did some silly icebreakers and got more of the kids meeting people outside their small comfort zone of 2-3 kids.
Pedro shared from 1 Timothy and spoke on characteristics of young adults. The kids had great attention and he had a lot of fun and jokes mixed in to keep them tentative. The night went very well and more kids are getting comfortable sitting closer to the front instead of on the walls in the very back.
Yasmina and Brenda wore their new shirts and 5 new boys came from La Isla for their first Friday night. We had 2 new people from Santa Matilde and 4 from Candelaria.
After the outdoor game time, we had an opening prayer and Scarleth led some funny games. She did some silly icebreakers and got more of the kids meeting people outside their small comfort zone of 2-3 kids.
Pedro shared from 1 Timothy and spoke on characteristics of young adults. The kids had great attention and he had a lot of fun and jokes mixed in to keep them tentative. The night went very well and more kids are getting comfortable sitting closer to the front instead of on the walls in the very back.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
May Already!?!
Can't believe we are already in May. May 1 is actually Labor Day in Nicaragua so Leon is dead. Traffic is almost nothing, and only a few busses are even running today. There is no school for the kids today or tomorrow for a 4 day weekend. We went out for baseball and the numbers were much higher with all the boys who normally have afternoon class ready for practice. After Scarleth shared a Bible story and I got attendance, we went to visit in La Isla.
Three girls we really like from youth group are the Lira Mendoza sisters. Glenda turned 17 mid April and Yasmina 19 last Friday. Maria will be 21 May 31st. The 2 younger sisters are in afternoon class, so I only see them on Fridays with for 2 hours with 100 other people. I got them some birthday shirts and wanted to spend the afternoon visiting, plus record their interviews for Friday night. Scarleth got to spend some time talking with their mom, Rosa, about how things are going in church and Sunday school.
12 year old Rosa from Candelaria who always helps us setting up the church and other things rode out with us. She spent a good hour climbing trees and collecting Mangos from their yard.
Three girls we really like from youth group are the Lira Mendoza sisters. Glenda turned 17 mid April and Yasmina 19 last Friday. Maria will be 21 May 31st. The 2 younger sisters are in afternoon class, so I only see them on Fridays with for 2 hours with 100 other people. I got them some birthday shirts and wanted to spend the afternoon visiting, plus record their interviews for Friday night. Scarleth got to spend some time talking with their mom, Rosa, about how things are going in church and Sunday school.
12 year old Rosa from Candelaria who always helps us setting up the church and other things rode out with us. She spent a good hour climbing trees and collecting Mangos from their yard.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Larry to the Village
Oscar and I got up early and met at the Gables house to have a conference call with Linda and Susan in Atlanta. We worked about 2 hours learning more about the PowerChurch software and asking Susan questions, to have a better feel of finances.
In the afternoon, Larry went with Scarleth, Leo, and I to Candelaria. Leo had baseball practice and Larry got to see Pastor Jose and a few others that he hasn't seen in over a year.
Larry is here on his 21st trip in the past 6 years. He has been in Candelaria to see a lot of the original buildings, sports fields, and basically every project that has happened until this year. The dental clinic was new for him, and the lights/fans in the main church. He enjoyed getting to see the new well and the green garden.
I got to go visit with Evenling and Alejandra for dinner and watch Aladdin tonight. I also got to meet their uncle, Juan, who is 25 years old.
In the afternoon, Larry went with Scarleth, Leo, and I to Candelaria. Leo had baseball practice and Larry got to see Pastor Jose and a few others that he hasn't seen in over a year.
Larry is here on his 21st trip in the past 6 years. He has been in Candelaria to see a lot of the original buildings, sports fields, and basically every project that has happened until this year. The dental clinic was new for him, and the lights/fans in the main church. He enjoyed getting to see the new well and the green garden.
I got to go visit with Evenling and Alejandra for dinner and watch Aladdin tonight. I also got to meet their uncle, Juan, who is 25 years old.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
TUESDAY OFF
With the Colons long days teaching the Target, and then the final week of getting things lined up for the Gables trip, we have hardly found a minute to rest. I got to sleep in Tuesday and just try and catchup some of my own things around Leon. I got some time to talk with Larry and hangout at Marcela's house.I got 2 full garbage bags of clothes, toys, books, etc that I had wanted to bring and donate in February and did not have room. My mom got it all to Larry and he brought it to me. I spent some time cleaning up my room and then organizing the gifts for age group and clothing size.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Working Hard to See Gables Off
From sun up until Freddy drove them to the airport at 9 PM, we worked to see the Gables off and make sure everything is in order for May.I worked all day finishing and burning both of Linda's DVDs, Pastor Tommy's spiritual side of NewSong DVD, and a collaboration DVD of Tim's 5 weeks here with pictures and videos.
Oscar and Linda worked on all the finance things for 2008 for Linda to take and discuss with Susan at ACC.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Gables Last Day in Village
Linda and I worked more all morning on getting the first DVD done, and started on the 2nd for a group of men from Holland that have done a lot in Masayah, Nicaragua who we are hoping to have help us with expenses of the dental clinic.We went out for Sunday afternoon and the evening service. Pastor Pedro and his wife Maria joined us so that Tommy could introduce them and put him in charge of Sunday nights for the month of May. It was Maria's first time in the village, and she and Pedro enjoyed meeting people there.
Tommy countinued his teaching from 1 John and then the end of the service was about 20 minutes of goodbyes, hugs, pictures, etc. The Gables do not leave until late Monday night, but they will be in Leon all of tomorrow, so the people in Candelaria will not see them for almost 40 days.
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Saturday Church Meeting
Linda and I spent the morning putting more of our video reports together. A DVD we will be sharing with their friends and family when they get back to the states.
With the Gables taking the full month of May to visit family and friends and raise support in the states, we needed to have a meeting with pastors, people in small business, and other church leaders.
The Gables put together a full packet of how things need to run with them gone. They spoke about respecting Scarleth, Oscar, Leo, and myself in their absence. They also let the church know that Larry was going to be here to drive the team around and help with any emergencies.
The meeting took about an hour and a half and we addresses a lot of important topics, with times to answer questions and concerns. Of the 40 or so people there, everyone seemed ready to work together and keep things running as close to normal was we can during the Gables US trip.
Larry Sellers got to Leon this afternoon, and is resting after a day of travel at Marcela's house. I will get up with him tomorrow to get a lot of things he brought down that I could not pack in my original trip.
With the Gables taking the full month of May to visit family and friends and raise support in the states, we needed to have a meeting with pastors, people in small business, and other church leaders.
The Gables put together a full packet of how things need to run with them gone. They spoke about respecting Scarleth, Oscar, Leo, and myself in their absence. They also let the church know that Larry was going to be here to drive the team around and help with any emergencies.
The meeting took about an hour and a half and we addresses a lot of important topics, with times to answer questions and concerns. Of the 40 or so people there, everyone seemed ready to work together and keep things running as close to normal was we can during the Gables US trip.
Larry Sellers got to Leon this afternoon, and is resting after a day of travel at Marcela's house. I will get up with him tomorrow to get a lot of things he brought down that I could not pack in my original trip.
Friday, April 25, 2008
Colons Home, and Youth Night
This morning Tommy, Linda, and I sent the Colons in a taxi to the airport for their return back to SteeleCreek Charlotte, NC. They 
were unbelievable in their 4 days in the village. They both led the target 3 straight days for 3 hours each day, and Pastor Gilberto led the evening services on Sunday then Tuesday-Thursday. The congregation was really moved and we had around 10 professions of faith in the nights he spoke. Having a Spanish speaking pastor makes such a difference, and we are very thankful for all the Colons did here.
Scarleth and I ran youth group, and with Tommy under the weather we brought Pastor Pedro along to speak to the teenagers. He is a young pastor born in Leon, but has been living in Portland for years. He and his wife and 2 girls have just moved back to Leon because he has a call to start a church here. We met him when Pinnacle was here, and Tommy asked him to come along with us anytime he wanted, and we have hoped he would be available to speak on Fridays and Sundays during May when the Gables are in the states.
Scarleth and I started the night with a game we did at Montilemar
with pictures, songs, soundbytes of different athletes, celebrities, presidents etc and the kids have to run to be the first in a chair then give the correct answer. They seemed to have a lot of fun with that and Daniel led some good worship.
Pedro spoke on making good decisions, and how what you do as a teenager makes a world of difference in the rest of your life. The kids had great attention, and once again we saw how much better a service is without the dead space time of speaking English and them waiting to hear it in Spanish. We are really excited for him to here and help us in May and hopefully more after.
were unbelievable in their 4 days in the village. They both led the target 3 straight days for 3 hours each day, and Pastor Gilberto led the evening services on Sunday then Tuesday-Thursday. The congregation was really moved and we had around 10 professions of faith in the nights he spoke. Having a Spanish speaking pastor makes such a difference, and we are very thankful for all the Colons did here.Scarleth and I ran youth group, and with Tommy under the weather we brought Pastor Pedro along to speak to the teenagers. He is a young pastor born in Leon, but has been living in Portland for years. He and his wife and 2 girls have just moved back to Leon because he has a call to start a church here. We met him when Pinnacle was here, and Tommy asked him to come along with us anytime he wanted, and we have hoped he would be available to speak on Fridays and Sundays during May when the Gables are in the states.
Scarleth and I started the night with a game we did at Montilemar
with pictures, songs, soundbytes of different athletes, celebrities, presidents etc and the kids have to run to be the first in a chair then give the correct answer. They seemed to have a lot of fun with that and Daniel led some good worship.Pedro spoke on making good decisions, and how what you do as a teenager makes a world of difference in the rest of your life. The kids had great attention, and once again we saw how much better a service is without the dead space time of speaking English and them waiting to hear it in Spanish. We are really excited for him to here and help us in May and hopefully more after.
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