Nicaragua 2015 - Day 6 - Unexpected Challenges

Every morning our team has been meeting together to read through Philippians. Fittingly, today's passage (Phil. 2:12-18) was a good preparation for the day ahead. Verse 14 was a great reminder of our required attitudes in serving and being lights in the world. 

“Do all things without grumbling or disputing,”

We expected the day to be a muddy one with heavy storms early in the morning, but the rain mostly kept away after breakfast. It was then a 2-hour drive back to the site where we installed the Chlorinator yesterday. We thought it would be quick drop-in to check that the system was running and some hygiene lessons for the community taught by Omar. 

Of course it didn't turn out that way--a few of the obstacles that popped up:

- We checked the Chlorinator and it was still not producing chlorine to help clean the water. 

- Even if it was working, we realized that we forgot to bring the test kits to check the chlorine levels. 

- After looking at the tanks, we determined that the water that was being collected from the river was still too silty to drink. Even with the purification, the community probably wouldn't drink it. 

After some consultation with the community leaders, it was decided that we'd move the Chlorinator close to an old hand-dug well that was mainly being used for the cattle. The water there was pretty clear and with purification, it could be used by everyone. Having to disassemble the system, move the tanks and lava blocks, and reassemble it back together again could have been potentially discouraging, but everyone took it in stride, even with more obstacles ahead. 

We were able to get everything put back together and finally got the system working to create chlorine. However we also realized that having the community getting buckets from the well below by hand would just not be feasible in the long-term. Having to fill up 2 450 liter tanks regularly would be unfair to expect from the community. Ironically the solution was to reinstall an old rope pump that we had been replacing in other well repairs. Unfortunately, we didn't have all the materials needed to set it up--planks and power tools--so we'll have to return for a 3rd day to finish the job. 

Most of our other jobs have gone relatively smoothly, so this has been our biggest challenge so far for the trip. Sometimes it's easy to focus on doing as much as possible during our short time here, but this has been a good lesson on how our timing is not usually the same as God's timing. Through this extra work, we've had to learn patience, how to adapt to change and to pay attention to even the smallest details. It's even given us an opportunity to use our ingenuity and try something completely new. Ultimately, God wants us to do our work well so that the community can get clean water for a long time instead of rushing to finish an incomplete job. 

Anyway, we're looking forward to seeing it through tomorrow. We'll keep you posted!

Kenric

Nicaragua 2015 - Day 1 - Arrived in Matagalpa!

Arrived in Nicaragua! (L-R: Derek, Kenric, Graham, Ben, Gloria, Josh, Julie, Hilde, Gerry and Steven) 

¡Buenos días!

It was quite the travel day yesterday, but we have arrived safely to Matagalpa!

The day began bright and early today meeting at the airport by 6ish to get last minute things organized, checked in then moving through security and customs. Our travel itinerary then took us on a 3-hour flight from Toronto to Houston, a 2-hour layover in Houston and concluding with another 3-hour flight to Managua. After a quick pit stop to pick up some snacks, our final leg was a long, winding 2.5 hour drive to meet our hosts, Fedelina and Omar, at Puentes De Esperanza (Bridges of Hope) in Matagalpa. You could tell that the exhaustion of the long hours on the plane and car had taken a toll on the team as dinner was pretty quiet. However, thanks to a hearty and delicious spaghetti dinner, we were re-energized to chat, catch up on the day and play some cards before winding down.

Our trip has started with a few unexpected challenges though. We had a couple of delays getting through security having to explain the content of our luggage especially with some of the additional equipment we had to bring down. Fortunately, nothing got confiscated and we didn't have to pay any extra fees. A couple pieces of luggage are also missing—which includes some equipment and team Steven and Gerry’s personals—but we’re praying that they’ll be found and arrive soon.

The travel together though has given more opportunities to know each other--we're from different congregations and churches. It’s been great to learn more about our team’s diversity, background and experiences—some have been here multiple times, some are retired, a couple still in school, but we're all here to try to bless because we have been blessed ourselves. I’m excited to see how God will use each one of us in different ways to serve Him, one another and the people in Matagalpa over the next 10 days.

Hasta mañana,
Kenric

“For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.” – Romans 12:4-8

Intercessory Prayer

Lord Heavenly Father,

We come to you today to worship You. We are grateful that we can have this house of worship where we can praise You openly, without reservation, with all our hearts.

We come to You in prayer as you have told us in Matthew 18 "where two or three gather in Your name, there You are with us."

We pray for all those who have been affected by the Nepal earthquake. More than 8,000 have died, 19,000 have been injured and countless more who have been impacted by this event. God, we ask that you heal those who are injured, You reveal yourself in these difficult circumstances and bring comfort to those who are dealing with loss of loved ones and homes.
We give thanks for the offering that was given generously by our brothers and sisters here to help with the relief work. We pray for Partners International Canada and Canadian Baptist Ministries to be good stewards of these funds and that it can be used appropriately to best help the affected regions.
We want to continue to pray for the events in Middle East, especially with regards to the attacks by ISIS. We pray for peace in those areas, but also specifically for the safety and well-being of the Christians who face persecution for being a follower of You. We know that there will be much suffering/hardship to be a follower of Christ so we want to pray for the their safe return to their families.

We want to pray for all those who are being sent on long- or short-term missions by TCCC.

For Selina Lin, we pray for her preparations as plans to move to Japan in June.  You have called her to serve the people in Japan, and we ask that you prepare her spiritually for this new journey.
For Rev. Harding and Pastor Larry as they are with 'The Channels' singing group to minister in East Asia between until May 24th. We pray that their music will bring joy to everyone.

For Joseph and Adrienne Chan, and Andrea Ng who will be joining Mully Children's Foundation Medical Team going to Kenya this July 1-17, 2015. We pray not only for the needed medical services that they are bringing to the people in Kenya, but even through the tragedies happening, that they continually have their minds focused on bringing the Gospel and that people will be blessed by You through their interactions. We pray for their safety and security preparations for this trip.

For the Water Ambassadors team led  by Ben Yuen and Gloria Yuen, who will be going to Nicaragua in July. We pray for the team as it is still coming together, but also pray for the upcoming Water Training Camp where team members will be learning the basics of helping to provide clean water in the developing world.

We pray for the CCSA season that will be starting again next week. Our church has been blessed with so many teams. We pray that this summer, this ministry will be a great chance for us to bring  our church together to fellowship  and know You better. We pray for that the coaches, governors and players will be good witnesses for You and that our sportsmanship will be glorifying to You.

We pray for the TAG fellowship as they are away for their retreat this weekend. We pray that it has been a weekend that has been challenging and encouraging to their walk with you. Please give hem traveling mercies as they return home.

God, we know that you are the great healer. We pray especially for Alex, Angela and Jocelyn Lam. You have blessed them with another son/brother in Timothy. However, baby Timothy will need open heart surgery, but he surgery may be delayed because he's dealing with pneumonia. At this time we humbly pray for:
- an experienced team of surgeons to do whatever is needed so he can continue to grow.
- for God's healing hand to be with TImothy during the operation and post-surgery.
- for minimal complications
- to sustain Timothy's mom/dad/sister during this difficult time.

We pray for students--especially those in university--as they finish their term and exams. We also want to keep those who are seeking out jobs in our prayers. We know that these things can be challenging and stressful, but in Psalm 62, we know that our soul can find rest in You.

We pray for the rest of this worship time. Let it be a time where we can let go of all our other thoughts & burdens and instead focus on You. Let it be heart-filled and spirit-led.

We lift this time to you.

In Jesus name,
Amen

Intercessory Prayer

Lord Heavenly Father,  

  

We come to you today to worship You. We are grateful that we can have this house of worship where we can praise You openly, without reservation, with all our hearts.  

  

We come to You in prayer as you have commanded us in 1 Timothy “that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people”.  

  

We want to continue to pray for the events in Middle East, especially with regards to the attacks by ISIS. We pray for peace in those areas, but also specifically for the safety and well-being of the Christians who were kidnapped in Syrian farming villages. We know that you have warned us in Matthew 16 of the suffering/hardship to be a follower of Christ so we want to pray for the their safe return to their families  

  

Here at home, we want to pray for the revised Health and Physical Education curriculum that will be implemented in Ontario classrooms. In 1 Corinthians 16, you have asked us to “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.” As Christians, let us continue to be informed about the changes, ask respectful questions about how this curriculum will be taught in classrooms and respond to it by supplementing it and reinforcing Your teachings in the home.  

  

Locally, we know that it has been a very cold winter, so we are grateful that weather is warming up and that spring will be soon upon us. In Leviticus 25, You have commanded us to show kindness in supporting our brothers and sisters. Whether it’s welcoming the guests to our church for the Out of the Cold Program, or looking out for those in our own church, we pray that our hearts are stirred to providing to those who are in physical, emotional and spiritual need.  

We pray for the students--especially those in university--as they finish their term and exams. We also want to keep those who are seeking out jobs in our prayers. We know that these things can be challenging and stressful, but in Psalm 62, we know that our soul can find rest in You. You are our rock and our salvation.  

  

We also want pray for the relationships that we build at home, with our friends or at work. In 2 Timothy 1, You have told us not to be “ashamed of the testimony about our Lord”. Let us find the right opportunities to share the gospel of love and hope, whether it’s in word or deed.  

  

We pray for the rest of this worship time. Let it be a time where we can let go of all our other thoughts & burdens and instead focus on You. Let it be heart-filled and spirit-led.  

  

Lord, You are the God of Wisdom. We pray for Mary as You use her to share Your words and teachings. Let our hearts be open to hearing and learning so that we can grow as together as men and women of God. We also pray that beyond today’s service, we can continue to share and encourage one another with what You've taught us.  

  

We lift this time to you.  

  

In Jesus name,  

Amen  

Intercessory Prayer

Lord Heavenly Father,

We come to you today to worship You. We are grateful that we can have this house of worship where we can praise You openly, without reservation, with all our hearts.

We celebrate You and rejoice in the birth of your Son, Jesus Christ. You brought Him here to bring love, hope, but most importantly salvation to those who receive Him as their Savior. We pray for this week’s Christmas service and that we’ll find opportunities to invite family, friends & colleagues to hear Your message and celebrate this truly joyous occasion.

Lord, as we approach the end of the year, we reflect on your blessings, whether great or small. While we are truly thankful for giving us so much, we also pray that we are not consumed by material things. You have blessed us with homes, jobs, but most importantly You have given us family, friends and this church community.

We pray for the students--especially those in university--as they finish their first term and exams. We know that school can be challenging and stressful, so Let the next couple of weeks be a time of rest and a chance to reconnect. We lift them up to you to give them focus when they return to school for their next term.

Even so, we remember those of us who are experiencing some times of hardship or brokenness. God, we know that You can restore. In our loneliness, we find solace and comfort in you. If we have broken relationships, we pray for wisdom, discernment and a heart of compassion to reconnect and mend those relationships. If we have lost our job or experiencing some financial hardship, we trust in Your will and timing to provide. We know that you will meet all our needs.

In our church, we want to pray for the ongoing ministries and small groups. We pray for the pastors, deacons and leaders in the church. We pray for that we look to you for guidance so that the ministries are glorifying to You and lead others to seek You. We pray for our small groups and the opportunities to serve, learn and grow with one another as a community of believers.

Lord, You are the God of Compassion. Thank you for blessing our church with people and resources to serve those who are in need--whether it’s physically, emotionally or spiritually. We want to continue to pray for the development of ministries at Gibson. We pray for programs that will meet the needs of the community. We also pray for the preparation of the Out of the Cold Program that starts in January. We pray for the relationships that we can build through Gibson or Out of the Cold. Use us to find opportunities to share our stories--your story--and be a witness for You.

We pray for the rest of this worship time. Let it be a time where we can let go of all our other thoughts & burdens and instead focus on You. Let it be heart-filled and spirit-led.

Lord, You are the God of Wisdom. We pray for Ian as You use her to share Your words and teachings. Let our hearts be open to hearing and learning so that we can grow as together as men and women of God. We also pray that beyond today’s service, we can continue to share and encourage one another with what You've taught us.

We lift this time to you.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Intercessory Prayer

“Father, hallowed be your name.
God, you are Omnipotent. You are almighty and rule over all things.
God, you are Omnipresent. We know that the Holy Spirit is with us at all times. You grace us with your presence whenever and wherever we need you.

God, you are Omniscient. You are all-knowing. You know our very thoughts, our feelings, our desires, our needs and our brokenness.

Your kingdom come.
God, we thank you for bringing the Festival of Hope to Toronto last weekend. We are amazed that 10,000+ people came out each night to hear your message of hope. We give praise for those who committed themselves to you and declared You as their saviour. We continue to pray for those who may not have been ready to do that, but we pray for the seeds that were planted and that we can continue your work to open their eyes and hearts to You Lord.
God, we give thanks for all those who have served You this summer in missions. We give praise for their desire to share the gospel and Your message of hope and love to those who do not know You yet. We pray that as they share about their experiences, it will also open our hearts and encourage us to consider doing the same.
Give us each day our daily bread,
God, we give thanks for our jobs, the friends and families that you have put into our lives, the homes that we have, this church where we come to worship You. All these things you have provided to sustain us.
God, we also want to pray that we will regularly seek and rely on You through prayer and scripture. You are our daily bread that will renew us day by day.

and forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone who is indebted to us.God, we acknowledge our sins against You. We are not perfect and we know that we have hurt You with our acts and thoughts. We come before you now to repent and ask for Your forgiveness. Just as you forgive us, we pray for reconciliation and forgiveness to those that we may not be right with. We pray for opportunities to build and strengthen relationships with those who are close to us.

And lead us not into temptation.”
God, we want to pray for wisdom and discernment in our daily lives. We know it can be challenging in our workplace, schools and homes to live lives that are glorifying to you. We for pray for your spiritual guidance so that we can make choices and decisions that will reflect You so that we are the men and women that You want us to be.

All these things we ask in Jesus name,
Amen

Wise words from Kari Jobe

“Wait for the Lord;
be strong, and let your heart take courage;
wait for the Lord!”
- Psalm 27:14 (ESV)

“God’s timing is perfect, you know, and everyone’s walking through things that they’re having to trust the Lord for His timing,” She went on,“My favorite scripture verse is Psalm 27:14, it says, ‘Wait on the Lord, be of good courage and He will strengthen your heart.’ So, I know that He’s had me wait, I’m in my thirties right now, you know, He’s had me wait because His timing is perfect.” She then continued,

“So, those of you girls who are listening and you’re single, God has a perfect man for you and it will be the best timing when it’s the right time and it’s God’s time,”