Point Harbor Missions & Outreach

Final Thoughts About Our Trip

2008-08-06T18:44:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share some final thoughts. We have been back two days now and since returning I have had time to process the experiences of our time in Nicaragua. I wanted to apologize for the difficulties some of you had when trying to post your comments. We also experienced difficulties as we tried to add the slideshow and make our posts. Pastor Earl's computer has dial-up, which we were thankful for, but as you know the connection can be slower and uploads take much longer. Another difficulty we encountered was the constant power outages. Many times we were not able to make posts because the power was out. By the time it came back on we were engaged in other activities. Even though we have returned from our trip I will continue to share with you some of the experiences, which we were not able to post while there. By the end of the week I hope to replace last year's slideshow with pictures from this year. Between all team members I am sure we have over two thousand photos. Keep checking back to see the updates. I am somewhat under the weather right now so it may take longer than I anticipate, but I will work on it as I am able.
This past week wasn't just about a group spending time together. The experience was very spiritual, as well as emotional. The sharing of such an experience and the feelings we encountered can't help but draw you closer to one another. It created an intimacy you don't find with just anyone. I wouldn't change one aspect of this past week, even if I were able to. Each aspect added to the trip the very effect it was supposed to have, right down to the very sociable mosquitoes who visited every opportunity they could, the cold, but very refreshing showers, and the consistent power outages every day. How wonderful to experience Nicaragua firsthand the way the people of Nicaragua have to live. The only difference, we knew at the end of the week we would be able to walk away from what we consider the "inconveniences."
I am so thankful for the opportunity we were given to witness God at work. There are times when something happens and by faith we know God's hand was in it, such as an unexplainable and miraculous recovery from a terminal illness. We may see these evidences of God's work many times throughout our lifetime. However, during our visit to the Verbo compound in Nicaragua, God's work was not only seen, but felt every day. It was so amazing to soak in the powerful presence of God all around us. I am thankful for such a gift. The best way to explain it, was like seeing God up close with His arms wrapped around the Verbo compound. A very profound experience. If you ever have the opportunity to participate in a mission trip, don't hesitate, it is a privilege to serve God and see how he uses you for His kingdom work and you will be thankful for the experience.

God Bless,
Holly

August 1st, 2008

2008-08-02T11:59:00.000-07:00

Yesterday afternoon we went to the river. Along with the children, some played king of the mountain, did back flips off the branches that were out over the water and jumped off the cliff. In the shallower waters the children had created a world of inflatable toys, splashing and laughing.

We started off this morning with a trip to the open air market to attempt to purchase one weeks worth of food (Five pounds each of rice, beans and sugar, 1 litter of oil, and a bar of soap) for a family of five. Our translators were informing us that we were only able to purchase approximately one third of the items for the same amount of money this year compared to last year due to inflation.

In the afternoon we accompanied the Verbo Ministry to the local jail. It is hard to put into words what each of us experienced while there. We had a time of praise and worship singing, prayer and an invitation to salvation was offered. James, Pastor Tom and Pastor John shared moving testimonies with the inmates. Blanche distributed Gideon Bibles to all the inmates who seemed to really receive the message and the outreach with open hearts. We then helped the Verbo Ministry distribute food.

Visit with Emilio and Bible Study with Pastor Earl

2008-07-31T16:46:00.000-07:00

I know the visit to Emilio's home has already been mentioned, but I wanted to comment on it again. The visit to this man and his family was a very humbling experience. By American standards Emilio's home is just a small shack. But for Emilio and his family it is a blessing. His old home along with his livelihood, "his accordian" was leveled by hurricane Felix, which hit Nicaragua last year. This occurred after the team built Emilio's new home. The visit to Emilio this year was paramount to the future of his family. Some of the Nic team not only visited Emilio last year, but they participated in the construction of his new house. To see Emilio and his family in their home a year later was a touching experience. The purpose of the visit was to say hello to Emilio and his family and to deliver the accordian that someone donated for Emilio. When Emilio lost his accordian, he no longer had a way to take care of his family, his livelihood was suddenly taken away from him and he had to resort to begging to feed his family.

To accompany the team to deliver the accordian was such a privilege. The accordian represented so much more than a gift. For Emilio and his family it was a blessing. No longer would he have to beg to take care of his family. Emilio was overcome with gratitude as he said, "The same church who gave me my house, also gave me this accordian." We all understood the significance of this moment to him. It was a very emotional moment as he played the accordian for the first time. Many tears were shed all around. We said our goodbyes to Emilio and his family. As we left we were greeted by neighborhood children. Upon seeing the cameras they became very animated and asked us to take their pictures. They also wanted to play with us. We took pictures and played with them for a moment before we had to leave. As we looked back we saw a few children chasing the bus and a few others climbing on the back of Pastor Earl's truck. I saw him scolding the children for jumping on his bumper as he was trying to back up. A few of the children managed to climb on the back bumper of the bus as we were pulling out of the driveway without being detected. We went to the back of the bus to look at the children chasing the bus and discovered we had a couple of stowaways. The translators made them get off, unwilling as they were to let go. What a joyful experience.

Earlier in the day we had bible study with Pastor Earl. He shared many things with us about the various local ministries Verbo participates in. He also explained how the government is attacking his ministry at the school by levying fines on him for some of his employees. Initially, when he started the school he asked about paying the employees salaries and the requirements and has paid what he was told to pay. Now years later, the government comes to him and tells him he owes 6000.00 in fees/fines for the employees at the school. They know he is on a budget and does not have this money, and they have told him if he does not come up with the money he faces additional fines and they will close the school. It seems they are jealous of his ministry and the things he is accomplishing. Since the governemnt does little to take care of their citizens they view him as a threat because of the success of his ministries. The Verbo school is one of the best in Puerto Cabezas and is open to the community as well as the children in the orphanage. I did not attend any of the classes at the school, but those who did enjoyed their time with the children. The visitors witnessed student presentations, along with regular subjects being taught to the students. Pastor Earl also shared with us about other areas in Nicaragua. He is truly a man called by God and a blessing to Puerto Cabezas, as well as other communities in the area. It takes a special person to do the work Pastor Earl has done in Nicaragua. The community is fortunate to have him.

Holly

God Bless,

Holly

Posted July 31, 2008

2008-07-31T12:59:00.000-07:00

Please feel free to leave us comments so that we know what you guys think.

July 31, 2008 Nic Team 2008

2008-07-31T11:41:00.000-07:00

Hola!!! Greetings from what they call Port, here. On Wednesday, we were pleasantly surprised that our whole team was able to visit Emilio and his family in Esperanza. The blind man that the team built the house for last year. He was glad to see us and we were able to present him with an accordion. The accordian is what he uses to make his living and last year his was destroyed during a storm. Upon receiving the accordian he played us a song. It was very moving to reconnect and see the house that God allowed to stand during hurricane Felix. It was also an amazing experience to be able to bless him again. Emilio and his family were very greatful to God and our group. God has truly blessed the work that we have been able to do for him and his family. While there we also got to visit with some of the local children. We took pictures which they loved and one even tried to hitch a ride on the back of our bus.

The men continued a work project and assisted in completing the offices for Pastor Earl. They mixed concrete and carried lots of cinder blocks. They finished pouring the inside foundation of the wall. They will go back until the job is finished.

In the afternoon we had VBS again with the children. We shared with them that Jesus is God's Son and that we should celebrate who he is. In one group the children shared what that could celebrate about God by drawing pictures. Many of the children drew Bibles. One boy expressed how important God's word is to his life. It is amazing how these small children can comprehend the greatness of God and his word, and they can express it so well. Some of the groups had the children sing as well. A couple of groups sang "Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah. Praise ye the Lord." We were also able to give them journals so that they could write down their thoughts about God and prayers to God.

After VBS we had dinner and then went to church in the pouring rain. It has rained every day except the first day we have been here. But, we don't mind it to much because it cools things off. Pastor Tom preached last night on his testimony and how it works for him in witnessing to others. Since we were cold and wet we went back to our rooms to get dry and went to sleep.

July, 30, 2008

2008-07-30T10:32:00.001-07:00

Hola Familia and Amigos,
We might as well practice while we are here. A language barrier exists for many of us who do not know Spanish or only a little. On this trip we only have one person who can speak Espanol in our group, Pastor John's mother, Blanche. Our mission guide from Orphan Network, Steve also speaks Espanol. There are a few others visiting who were here before us, who serve as translators for us when we teach Vacation Bible School to the children. Amazingly enough, even though a language barrier exists between us and the children, it does not seem to be an obstacle. This just reinforces that the language of love transcends all other languages. Although, we may not be able to tell them everything we want without finding a translator, we speak to them with our hearts and they respond.
This morning after a breakfast of fresh fruit including "the best pineapple many of us have ever tasted," and pancakes, we gathered on the porch for our morning bible study. Today we reflected on the initial impression many people, including ourselves, have when first hearing about or considering going to Nicaragua. We first think of all the things we will have to give up or do without, such as air conditioning, hot water, television, electricity, cell phones, and networking sites. Rarely do we think about what we will gain. Actually, what we gain far outweighs, anything we have to give up. It is hard to explain, but what we gain is priceless, it cannot be measured in monetary means, it is also hard to measure it with words. It is something you feel as soon as you see the faces of the children, the pain and joy in their eyes, the smiles on their faces, the laughter as you play with them, the excitement when they see you coming to visit them.
We talked about meeting the physical needs of the people with the resources we so many with the five loaves of bread and two fish, we will try to approach this from a problem solving perspective, if we are like Andrew, we immediately have a lack faith and see this as impossible task. If we think as either of these men think, we will certainly be frustrated before we even begin. However, if we use the faith of the little child who offered the bread and fish, we know that all things are possible with Jesus. We don't need to concern ourselves with what resources we have, God will give us all we need, when we need it. Maybe it doesn't take as much as we believe. The needs of the people here are great there is no doubt about this. But, their expectations are not. They are content without all the conveniences some of us consider necessities. The power goes out, no worries, they just roll with it. It is a powerful example of how we are slaves by all the possessions we own. Without all the distractions we have in the United States, we experience time for each other, time for God, and time for the children.
The presence of God is very evident here inside the Verbo Compound. The staff here show God's love by the wonderful meals they prepare for us, in the time and care they spend washing our laundry by hand, and it cleaning our rooms, and making us comfortable in every way they can. The children show us love, and we show them love, and the spiritual and physical needs are met. We may have to put up with a few inconveniences, but none of us seem to mind. What we gain is much more than what we have to sacrifice. Until next time...........

July 30, 2008

2008-07-30T10:16:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,
It is the rainy season here in Nicaragua and we are experiencing torrental downpours, which come up quickly. This happens 24/7. Last night it was interesting when we arrived at the church for Pastor John to preach and 2 minutes later the power went out. No worries! Those that were smart enough to bring a flashlight just turned them on. It would have been a first for Pastor John to preach in the dark, but he was prepared. However, just in the "Nic" of time, Pastor Earl had the generator working and it was business at usual. During the sermon, the torretntal downpour started and sometimes it was louder than the pastor and translator, but nothing seemed to faze either of them.
The sermon was based on something Pastor John has shared with Point Harbor. It was the three was to share God's plan of salvation with others. Come See, Works For Me, and Christ is Key. The sermon was very enjoyable for the Nic team as well as the people of Nicaragua. The sermon was preached with a translator and it was fun to watch his expressions and listen to him as he translated what Pastor John would say. Sometimes the translator would pause as he searched for a word for the translation. Pastor John would then try a similar word. It was funny, but in a good spirited way. The people of Nicaragua found Pastor John as funny as we do. Everyone enjoyed the service. Afterwards, we headed across the street in the downpouring rain, for our nightly porch time where we can share our feelings and reflect on what impacted us during the day, as well as an ice cream treat. Then we walked back to the compound for showers and z's. The sound of the rain quickly helped lull everyone to sleep. More to follow. Holly

July 29, 2008 Nic Team

2008-07-29T17:26:00.000-07:00

Our day began in many different places. The men began working on the offices. LaShawne and Samantha went to the Hospital to tour the Pediatric Ward and got to meet several interesting patients. LaShawne has now been recruited for the next couple days to work in the mornings. The rest of the team got VBS supplies together. In the afternoon the team was able to initiate new and continue previous relationships with the kids in the orphanage. We played baseball, parachutes, soccer and of course UNO. Our VBS was very successful we got to know the kids even more. We were able to share with them how BIG and REAL GOD is in the Bible and in our lives now. We are about to head to church now to hear Pastor John preach. Talk to you soon.

Arriving in Managua and in Verbo

2008-07-28T17:20:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,
We arrived at Norfolk International Airport at early 0' thrity this morning ready to set forth on the trip to Nicaragua. We all pulled together to redistribute the weight in our bags and make it through without incurring any extra charges for the baggage. During our first flight it was quiet as we reflected on what God had in store for us. Others used this opportunity to catch some much needed z's. Each flight was fairly brief lasting around 2.5 - 3.5 hours. On the flight from Houston to Nicaragua we experienced a little turbulence, which left a couple of us a little nervous, but we survived. We manuevered our way through three airports without any problems. The only causualty was some of us did not receive our baggage today. It is at the airport, but there was not room on the plane for it without exceeding weight limits, so it will be delivered tomorrow. We definitely enjoyed our time together getting to share experiences and information about ourselves. We arrived at the Verbo compound, where we were shown to our very nice rooms. Then we enjoyed a most delicious chicken and rice dish with fried plantains. Now we have some time to freshen up. We will meet a little later for Bible study and then we will get some much needed sleep. Today, although filled with excitement, and the blessing of each other's company, we are ready to decompress and catch some z's. Tomorrow we will try to upload some pictures. Talk to you tomorrow.

God Bless,
Nic Mssion Team

The Mission

2008-07-21T08:56:00.000-07:00

Nicaragua Mission Team 2008
Pastor Tom, Pastor John, Blanche, Caitlin, Connie, Holly, James, Jarvis, Joe, Jonathan, LaShawne, Lauren L., Lauren N., Nancy, Rachel, Samantha, and Tanya.

We would like to thank everyone for their support and prayer; as we prepare for this trip, as we travel, and during our service in Nicaragua.

Our desire is to honor and glorify God by sharing an outward expression of His love with the people of Nicaragua and all others we come into contact with during this trip.

The Nicaragua Mission Team's purpose is consistent with Point Harbor's mission statement:
"Point Harbor exists to glorify God, by making and multiplying Christ-like disciples; locally, nationally, and globally."

We take with us God's plan of salvation to the people of Nicaragua and pray for the acceptance of His gift to touch many lives.

"For this is what the Lord has commanded us: 'I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.' " Acts 13:47 NIV

For more information about Point Harbor Community Church mission/outreach visit http://www.acswebnetworks.com/pointharbor/article116848.htm

Nicaragua Trip Preparation

2008-07-20T11:43:00.000-07:00

As the Nicaragua Mission Team prepares for their July 28th departure, Please keep them in your prayers. Also begin praying that the hearts of the Nicaraguan people will be tender and ready for the gospel. Thank you for your prayer support!

Welcome!

2008-07-16T06:03:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the Internet communication link for all Point Harbor Mission trips and Outreach events. This is where you will find up-to-date information from our teams in the field. Please visit this site often, pray for our teams, and feel free to post your own comments, too.