We did not know what to expect as we drove over the mountain on Thursday morning to Matagalpa. July 19th is Liberation day in Nicaragua. The government sponsored a huge gala in Managua and paid for transportation for all who wanted to attend. We had been told that many businesses would be closed and everyone would go to the celebration. One gentleman went so far as to say we should cancel classes! As we were leaving Jinotega there were many buses and trucks filled with people heading to the celebration. Driving into Matagalpa the city was very quiet. Even so, we continued with our course trusting God for the outcome.
We had a great day, the weather was perfect with a nice breeze all day to keep us cool. The children arrived eager to learn and attentive. Millie, Chilly and Willy were on their best behavior and Michelle and the gang did an awesome job. Moving into the afternoon the city remained quiet but God was faith in drawing people into his presence. All of our teachers had the opportunity in multiple sessions to share their stories of how Christ has and is continuing to transform their lives. Mike shared in the closing assemble that as a teenager he had to choose to follow Christ not merely participant in his families religion. Catholicism is the predominant religion in Nicaragua. The majority of the people know about God, but do not know that they can have a relationship with God. As we were leaving after the last session a young man who is attending the classes told Mike that Bill had given him something to think about tonight. Mike asked what he would be thinking about? He replied religion verses relationship. Most people here know religion, pray that God will continue to use us today to help them understand the truth about a relationship with Jesus Christ.
As you think about it today pray for us as we continue to share the gift of English and most importantly the gift of Christ Love with our students here in Matagalpa. Pastor Javier will be sharing the gospel in the closing assemblies through out the day today. We are praying and hopeful of a plentiful harvest for the kingdom!
