New Around the Mission
Church Continues Hands-On Work in Nicaragua
September 13, 2011
This past June, 13 members of St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church in Churchville, Pennsylvania, embarked on their seventh annual mission trip to Nicaragua. What began in 2005 as a one-time visit with an international non-profit organization has blossomed into a ministry partnership with Verbo Church in the impoverished community of Santa Maria, built and inhabited by survivors of 1998’s devastating Hurricane Mitch.
“The survivors and their children live with little work and less opportunity,” explains the Rev. Chris Freisheim, who leads each trip. “For the folks we visit, we can never underestimate the joy it brings to them.”
This summer, the team continued its ongoing work in several areas, primarily a Vacation Bible Camp for the children of the community. Typical daily attendance was 150, ranging in age from 5 to 16, and Verbo Church leaders assisted with the singing, crafts and games.
“A key component of our ministry is training local teachers,” Chris says. “While our team prepares the lessons and skits, our focus has been on raising up teachers within the church to run the program. I strongly believe that this has helped the Verbo Church Sunday school program to grow significantly.”
After Bible Camp, St. John’s team members led men’s and women’s Bible studies. They also spent time visiting homes and doing evangelism in the community. While spiritual growth in the village is Chris’ main objective, the team also conducted a work project, building an extension to the church’s porch roof to house its daily lunch program for children.
“There is nothing quite like working hand in hand with the local residents to improve their daily life,” Chris says.
Despite bugs, heat, humidity, fierce thunderstorms, dust, electrical outages, cold showers, and a diet of rice and beans, Chris finds great joy in seeing members of his congregation, year after year, getting outside their comfort zones and serving those God has called them to serve. In addition to the annual team trips, the church helps provide a medical program to support needed health care supplies and a student sponsorship program with more than 20 students—three of who are now in University.
“Having been a part of the work in Nicaragua for the duration, I know that the Lord has blessed and continues to bless the work in Nicaragua,” Chris says. “Please keep Verbo Church, Pastor Jose Domingo Lara, and the people of the community in your prayers.”
Learn more at Nicaragua 2011.
Posted By: Cynthia P. Brust
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