Ministry Strategy 

The Lord has called the Board of Directors, El Ayudante, Inc. to construct a complex in Leon, Nicaragua to minister to 128 at-risk children and serve as a hub for ministry into Leon and northwest Nicaragua. Mission teams have responded to God’s Call to come to Leon and are serving as agents of spiritual and social transformation by assisting in the construction of the complex and by equipping the local people to overcome the ills that beset them. Historically, Leon has been the birthplace for transformation in Nicaragua. Therefore, we are strategically located. 

Equipping the local people to overcome their ills is a broad mandate and makes allowances for all manner of involvement. The benefit of this is that it liberates mission teams to follow the promptings of the Holy Spirit. The potential drawback is that teams run the danger of running in circles without accomplishing anything of strategic importance. For mission teams to effectively navigate between the two extremes, a strategy has been developed and is being implemented. The solution is a coordinated ministry which addresses key issues. 

Coordinating ministry into Leon and Nicaragua involves:

• partnering with the Nicaraguan people

 
Jim Lowry, pastor of  Norcross First United Methodist Church, laying the
ceremonial  “first block” for Reparto Ruben Dario Community Center
with community leaders and city officials. 

• working through existing Nicaraguan authorities

“Agreement of Cooperation” signed by Mayor of Leon, Transito Genaro Tellez,
and El Ayudante, Inc. 

• cultivating working relationships with local and international ministries who share our core philosophical and doctrinal positions.

 
Living Water International, Houston Baptist University, and El Ayudante
serve together to provide clean water for a rural community

After prayer, personal observations from serving in the repartos of Leon, and seeking wisdom from local families, citizen’s committees, school administrators, pastors, doctors, politicians, etc., three primary realms of strategic importance are being addressed:

1. Humanitarian

Credibility is needed if the Gospel is to be believed. By meeting needs, we share the   Gospel in “deed” and earn the privilege of sharing the Gospel in “word”.

·        Meeting nutritional needs
We cannot eradicate hunger completely, but we can feed some needy families. Breakfast and lunch programs have been developed and funded by mission teams and administered through schools and churches.

·        Caring for the “fatherless”
Hogar Cristiano Nicaraguense (HCN), El Ayudante’s child protection center, will help rescue some at-risk children and prepare them to be leaders in Nicaragua. There are opportunities to equip the children for mission and life. Relationships have been developed with several child protection centers in Leon where there is great need.

·        Providing medical care
The lack of primary medial care coupled with the absence of basic sanitation makes a medical presence necessary. El Ayudante’s clinic will have an impact on the community upon completion. Medical teams are providing treatment to thousands.

2. Educational

By educating people, we offer a spiritual and social hope. We have been invited to work in the local schools by the Office of Mayor, Leon.

·        Capital improvements
This is a high priority! Many facilities lack a good roof, level floors, a fresh coat of paint and adequate lighting. Additional classrooms are needed to reduce student to teacher ratios that exceed 40:1.

·        Providing basic school supplies
Nicaraguan families are required to provide for their children’s school uniforms and supplies which prohibits many from attending. Schools need books, furnishings, and computers.

·        Teacher training/encouragement
Nicaraguan teachers live on US $40-60 per month as they instruct in classrooms with student to teacher ratios that exceed 40:1.

·        Classroom instruction
“Guest speakers” are a special blessing to teachers and students. Mission team members share about their professions, hobbies, or offer instruction in science, art, math, etc.

·        Universities
Leon is the primary location for universities in Nicaragua. University students are very politically active, often influencing public policy. Strategies are being developed to bring US and Nicaraguan students and professors together to exchange ideas and develop relationships.

3. Spiritual

It’s about more than getting a decision. It’s about making a disciple by engaging those in need where they are and building relationships.

·        Equipping pastors and lay leaders
Now is the time for discipleship—equipping local church leaders that they might be more effective. Providing church leaders with study materials, books, Bibles and equipment unavailable for economic reasons is key.

·        Bible Schools
Partnering with local churches in conducting one or two day Bible Schools spreads the Gospel, encourages the local church, and is a bright spot in a child’s day in a desolate place.