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It is difficult to summarize the
experience of our week at El Ayudante, but I think the best
thing about a mission trip such as this is how you connect with
people on a level that you never do as a tourist. For many of
us, this was the first international mission. I think there was
great hope and anticipation that we would bring something of our
Lord Jesus Christ to the people here. But beloved, we are the
ones blessed. There is such a sense of family here at El
Ayudante, and it is something that words just can't fully
describe.
I wrote the above paragraph immediately
upon our return in November 2005, then I let it sit for about a
month to see if some time back at home would change my
perspective. I imagine that veteran missionaries have seen this
kind of pattern before. First the euphoria of having been part
of something that is so much greater than yourself, the bonding
experience with your team members, telling everyone you know how
much this trip meant to you and having your PowerPoint slide
presentation ready for viewing at a moment's notice. Then there
is sort of a culture shock of coming back to the US, especially
at the start of the Christmas holiday season. The contrast of
so much material wealth here compared with what you have seen at
places like the landfill in Leon makes your day to day events
seem insignificant. Finally there is a sense that we have been
very privileged to be a part of the ministry at El Ayudante,
even for just a week. For some of us, the desire to return is
almost overwhelming - we can't wait to plan for 2006.
My perspective hasn't changed much in
the last month. I think of El Ayudante and the precious people
of Nicaragua every day. As Christians, we know that our
treasures are stored in heaven, not in material possessions -
and this trip served to heighten that awareness for all of us. I
think most of us do have at least a renewed sense of what really
matters - the love of God for us and all of His children.
Thanks be to God for the family at El
Ayudante: Omar and his beautiful family, Yader, Scarlett,
Hector, Ashley, Katie, "Pooh" and the wonderful ladies who
cooked and cared for us. Thank you God for Juan Carlos and
Pastor Felix, who dedicate their lives to the salvation of the
Nicaraguan people.
Janie Bryant
Snellville United Methodist Church
Snellville, Georgia
This is my
second time at El Ayudante and I have never felt closer to
Christ than I do right now. Jesus is more real to me than He has
ever been. There is one phrase that has been going through my
mind all week: “There is joy in simplicity.” I cannot explain
with words the work the Lord has done in my life this week. I
feel a peace that surpasses understanding, and the Lord has
given me a new life perspective. Thank you for all your hard
work and dedication. Without the workers here, this ministry
would not be possible. May all glory and honor go to the Lord.
Chris
Kingsport, TN
Nov. 2004
This place will always hold a special place in my
heart. This was Houston Baptist University’s first trip to
Nicaragua – El Ayudante. I gave my testimony for the first
time here. The medical mission team was the first to visit La
Majada and Little Garden. I was, and am, so privileged to have
been a great part of it. I’ve made friendships that will last
a long time. And I hope to visit El Ayudante real soon!
Ivy Reyes
Los Fresnos, TX
What a brilliant, spiritually fulfilling experience this has
been. Our Lord is certainly working through El Ayudante. All
of the staff members have been exceptional. I’ve seldom felt
as safe, secure, and loved outside my own country as I have
here. Thank you and God bless all who pass through these
doors.
Chris Lane
Warrenton United Methodist Church
Warrenton, VA
I count it pure joy to have another chance to be a small part
of the ministry of El Ayudante. As before, I feel I’m the one
being blessed by being able to serve here. It’s wonderful to
see the seeds sown here over the last several years bearing
fruit. I encourage all those who follow to take the passion
they feel about this place and this ministry back to their
churches and communities and spread the Good Word. May God
continue to bless the wonderful work you do here.
Ray Chally
Fayette Presbyterian Church
Fayetteville, GA
This is my first mission trip ever and I had no idea what to
expect. People had told me that it would change my life. They
had told me that I would never forget it. But, they couldn’t
tell me how I would feel. What really happened is that I fell
in love! I will have the hardest time saying good-bye. I think
that I will be leaving a piece of my heart here and that I
shall be homesick for this place. I am so grateful for this
experience and the people here at El Ayudante. I will be back!
Lindsay Meder
Brighton Christian Church
Brighton, MI
What a great place…BEAUTIFUL…GREAT FOOD…GOOD BEDS…WONDERFUL
STAFF...PEACEFUL…RESTFUL! Thank you so much for allowing us to
stay and drill a well in Candelaria! You have done so much for
us! What a blessing!! God is good!!
The Living Water
International Team
Houston, TX
This is my first mission experience, and I am truly blessed to
be here. I am very glad I obeyed God’s call for me to come
here. The construction work is good but the interaction with
the children has deeply moved my heart. I long for a return
trip and continued work with the people of Nicaragua. It has
been so beautiful to see God’s Spirit at work in this place.
May all who pass through this place bring glory to God.
Roger Suro
First United Methodist Church
Valdosta, GA
This is my first opportunity to serve on a mission trip. I was
truly blessed to see God’s hand at work restoring the health
and welfare of Nicaragua through El Ayudante. Thanks to all
the staff in looking out after our every need. May God
continue to bless.
Dr. Steve
Hammond
Fellowship Bible Church
Jackson, TN
The people and experiences I have encountered here have
forever left a mark on my heart. I have been especially
blessed by seeing the love in these people’s faces, especially
the children. Thank you so much to all of the people who work
so hard at El Ayudante. I am so excited for the plans the Lord
has for this amazing place.
Jessica Hoffman
Jacksonville, FL
This trip made my third to Leon, Nicaragua but this was my
very first opportunity to work with El Ayudante. I have to say
that this ministry is top of the line. The guesthouse is a
beautiful haven, the food is TREMENDOUS, and the staff are
true servants of our Lord. Everything this week and everyone
has pointed directly to Jesus and everything has been done in
His name and for His glory. I couldn’t have asked for a better
experience.
Sarah Beth Kerr
Sullivan Baptist
Kingsport, TN
What a privilege it has been to mission again in Nicaragua and
to see the progress that has been made here at El Ayudante and
in the surrounding area. It is breathtaking and knowing there
is more to come is truly awesome! The Hand of God is
definitely moving in this city. His love was made known to all
the people we came in contact with. Thanks to the staff of El
Ayudante. God bless you all.
Julie Ledbetter
St. Paul’s United Methodist Church
Clarksdale, MS
I thank God for blessing me so greatly, by leading me to
minister in His name, in partnership with El Ayudante. The
personal relationships I have experienced here, with the
children and adults of Nicaragua, and with the youth and
adults of my home church have been a once in a lifetime, life
enriching moment in my life. Thank you, El Ayudante! I am very
impressed by your accomplishments, and also, just as
importantly, by your long range plans.
Bob Doenges
Warrenton United Methodist Church
Warrenton, VA
I have
experienced God in a whole new way! The people of this country
warmed my heart and I was blessed more than I imagined. No place
I’ve visited can compare. Thanks be to God for telling me to
come serve His people.
Leigh Ann Drew
First United Methodist Church
Jackson, TN
The most favorite part of my experience, besides experiencing
the children’s faces, has to be the time spent listening to
Omar share the vision of El Ayudante. The plans God has for
this place are truly great. Keep the vision going by believing
God, calling on His name, and pressing on.
Diane Cocke
First United Methodist Church
Valdosta, GA
I know that we can’t change everything in Nicaragua in a day,
but I do see change from 10 months ago when I was here. The
community is different. The children are still very happy, and
it warms my soul to see their smiles. Thank you God for allowing
me to see joy in such small faces and to see Your hands and feet
in action. May God bless this place indeed.
Robin Bradley
Northside United Methodist Church
Jackson, TN
This past week was a true faith strengthening process. This
was the first mission trip I have been on and was blessed to
share the experience with my 10-year-old son and an awesome
group from Norcross. God is working in this place, and I pray
that others who come will share in God’s love that emanates from
this place.
Steve Space
Norcross First United Methodist Church
Norcross, GA
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While in Nicaragua, I had such a great time and made some
wonderful memories. This mission trip was a new experience
for me and I will never forget it. But such an outlook was
the result of a long process of personal growth.
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Only after I decided to go on the trip did I realize the
commitment that I was going to have to put forward in order to
go. As
the trip drew closer and closer, I became very nervous about a
lot of things: my first plane ride, the thought of bugs
everywhere, the potential to catch some strange disease, and
visiting a different country far away from home.
So
as I began to pray about the trip, the Lord led me to a verse in
the Bible that gave me comfort: “The LORD protects you; the LORD
is a shelter right by your side. The LORD will protect you from
all harm; He will protect your coming and going both now and
forever” (Psalm 121:5, 7-8). As I read this verse it helped me
understand that God was in control and He would be with me the
whole time. I also realized I was concentrating too much on what
was going to happen to me, and how scared I was.
As a result, I had forgotten the real purpose of our mission
trip.
Our
youth pastor shared another verse and encouraged us to make it
our goal for this summer: “We recall, in the presence of our God
and Father, your work of faith, labor of love, and endurance of
hope in our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thessalonians 1:3). Our goal
on this trip was to have our work produced by faith, our labor
prompted by love, and our endurance inspired by hope in our Lord
Jesus Christ.
Finally the trip to Nicaragua came, and after a long day of
flying we arrived and started our week by going to the middle
school for El Jardincito. I enjoyed playing with the kids for
the first time. It was amazing to see how happy they were even
though it was scorching hot, and they had no air conditioning.
They were even happy to be at school! I also noticed that even
though we couldn’t communicate that well with them, they still
wanted to be with us and get to know us.
As
we continued to work at other schools, I began to notice
something truly inspirational: even though the people didn’t
have much, they were so content and pleased with what they did
have. It made me realize how blessed I am to have a roof over my
head and food on my plate each day.
One
of the best parts of the trip was taking pictures of the
children. Every kid there wanted his or her picture taken, and
they all thought it was so neat to see themselves on my digital
camera. I was able to bring back so many memories with me.
My
earlier fears slowly disappeared as the trip progressed. Now
all I wanted to do was care for the kids as much as I could and
show them in deed how much Jesus loves them.
I
had such a great time working together with the youth and
sharing Christ with the people of Nicaragua. I learned that
instead of feeling guilty for all that I have been blessed with,
I should use what God has given me for His glory. That is what I
plan to continue doing. Nicaragua was so much fun, and I look
forward to going back!
Sarah Joy Johnson
Youth from Fellowship Bible Church
Jackson, TN
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