Will You Join Me?

   I have been living in Candelaria for nearly 2 years now. I cannot imagine anything that I would rather be doing with my life! I absolutely love being a part of this community. There is nothing better than being a surrogate momma for so many children (like sweet Mayqueling pictured right) and older sister to so many youth. With all of my heart, I desire to see God’s Kingdom coming forth in this village. There is nowhere else I’d rather be. But I cannot do this alone; I need your help!
   Over this last year, my financial situation has changed. When I arrived in Nicaragua, I was fully supported. However, I am now in need of additional one-time and monthly supporters in order to continue my ministry here in Nicaragua.
    I am in need of additional support for a couple of reasons. First of all, over the last year I have lost a few monthly supporters (some due to job loss or pay cuts and others due to entering into the mission field themselves). Also, my monthly expenses have increased this past year. The biggest cause of this increase is our electricity situation. When I moved to Nicaragua, we were paying $8/month for electricity as a mission. We were switched to a metered system about six months ago which has raised our monthly bill to nearly $800/month. Electricity is expensive in Nicaragua and we are running power for our house, the church, a medical/dental clinic, and irrigation system. My monthly living expenses have increased in order to help cover my part of this electrical bill. Also there have been raises in my medical insurance and the cost of air travel. I am anticipating additional expenses in the new year as I begin to work towards obtaining my Nicaraguan residency. With the loss of some supporters and increased expenses, I am in need of and additional $350/month. This need would be met if only 7 people could commit to $50/month (or if 14 could commit to $25/month). If you would like to partner with me through a one-time or monthly tax-deductible donation, please click the “Support Me!” link on the left hand side of the page.

   I also want to say MUCHAS GRACIAS to those who have been faithfully giving to my ministry here over the past two years. This would not be possible without you!! The money that is given is used to cover my living expenses and allows me to minister here with New Song.

Over the past year, your donations have allowed me to…
* Disciple youth (like Paula and Gema- pictured left) through relationships, small group Bible studies, youth teachings, and retreats
* Tutor children in English and math
* Run a Sunday school program for 200 kids

* Empower children to dream for their future through our Adopt-a-Student program
* Build redemptive relationships within the villages of Candelaria, Nuevo Amanecer, La Isla, and Santa Matilde

   However, the money that you give does not only cover my monthly expenses. The money also opens the door for so many needs to be met within the community. I am always using personal support to cover needs that the mission is unable to cover. Your generosity makes this possible.

Over the past year, your giving has…
* Provided medical care for those who cannot afford it (like precious Junieth- pictured left)

* Helped widows (like Felix) in their distress (James 1:27)

* Fed the hungry

* Made Elisa and Gema feel loved and celebrated on their quinceneras

* Given jobs to local members of the community (We always seek ways to give jobs to people in the community because unemployment is so high here. My monthly living expenses help employ a cook, someone to clean the house and wash laundry, and a guard. Yes, I know these are things that we could cut expenses by doing for ourselves, but for these four families this is their only means of survival. Without this work, their children wouldn’t eat.)

* Provided for outreaches and Bibles for ex-gang members (like Denis) and street kids (like Emerson- pictured right) who have now come to know Christ

* Celebrated countless birthdays making youth feel valued and special       

  The Lord has done so much both in my heart and through this ministry since I have been in Nicaragua, but there is so much more to be done!! 
*There are more children to love like Jayson & Junieth (pictured left)
*There are more youth who want more of the Lord like Rosita, Kenia, Paula and Gema
*There are more children who are dreaming for the future like Marlon, Luis, and David
*There are more families in need of redemption like the family who lives at the  Corner House
*There are more hearts to be awakened in worship and intercession

   There is so much more redemption that I long to see in this village! My heart and my life are here, but I need your help to continue ministering in Candelaria. Will you join me?