“…let your ‘yes’ be yes…” James 5:12

Hello from Granada, Nicaragua! We made it! These past couple weeks have been sweet, eye opening, challenging, and encouraging. The people are so kind and welcoming. Although we just met, I know there will be many hard goodbyes in January. It’s been cool experiencing and learning a new place and culture. God is so kind, and I’m so grateful to call Nicaragua home for the next few months.

This is the dorm building where my squad lives.

WHAT IS GOD TEACHING ME?

What does it mean to truly let your “yes” be yes? The Lord has been teaching me that it requires obedience and the heart posture of “not what I want but whatever you have for me, God.” I’m learning that when we remember why and for whom we are doing such things and fully surrender our will, so much freedom is found. Whether I’m cutting grass with a machete or praying over a one-month-old baby sick with dungue fever, it is all for the glory of God. There becomes a contentment and joy that is foreign to the world through trusting God’s plan and stepping out in obedience to whatever and wherever he leads you. Each “yes” may look different depending on what God has in-store for your life, but I pray that the Lord uses it to transform your life and those around you.

TRAVEL

My squad headed to the airport on October 14th around 10pm (eastern time). After sleeping for about an hour and a half, the day began with a 5:30am wake-up call to get ready and prepare to check-in. Check-in went smoothly, and I was able to call my family for a few minutes while waiting. Thanks God! While in line at security, there was a couple behind us, and the man said, "You are missionaries going to share the gospel, aren't you?" No one in our group had mentioned anything to them, but he said he could just tell. Then we took the plane train and got to our gate. We got some snacks, prayed as a squad, and boarded the plane to Costa Rica! I got to sit next to my teammate, Hannah, which was super sweet. On my other side was a 21-year-old girl going to Costa Rica for a two-month teaching internship. It was cool to hear parts of her story, tell her the Good News of Jesus Christ, share my testimony, and offer encouragement. Leading up to travel day, I was praying for divine appointments throughout the day. This was surely evidence of God answering that prayer.

We landed in Costa Rica, and a couple hours later were on our way to the Nicaragua border where they did not want missionaries coming in. We had all our packs in a fifteen-passenger van, and the twenty-six of us were in a van together. It was raining, and I loved it so much. About an hour from the border, our bags had to come in the van with us. That was fun and made memories for sure. Twenty-seven people, twenty-six packs averaging fifty pounds each, about fifteen pillows, and twenty-six backpacks all in one van! We arrived at the border and after about two hours, by the grace and provision of God, we made it through the border!!! We all hopped in another van, and we were off to Reap Granada. Two-hours later, we arrived and were warmly welcomed by the many dogs and two of the interns. After getting all our stuff to the rooms and showering, I got to sleep around 2am (mountain time). 

You are so good, God.

MINISTRY

For the first several weeks in Nicaragua, we are serving alongside the Reap Granada ministry. Their focus is evangelism and discipleship, but we are blessed to have several different opportunities.

• Prayer walking: We walk the streets while praying for the Lord’s guidance. This often leads to sharing the gospel with those we encounter, going in homes, talking to and encouraging the people there, and praying with anybody and everybody.
• Dump church: The dump is where all the Nicaragua trash migrates to. About once a week, we go there to lead a church service and serve them lunch.
• Micro church: Many people host church in their homes throughout the week, so we join them a couple times a week and share a message.
• Farm work: We help with any work that needs to be done around the farm where Reap is located.
• Children’s ministry: We get to plan everything from music and Bible stories to games and crafts. Then we lead and love on children in the community through those things.
• Hospital: God is a comforter and healer, and we are able to go into the hospital to meet people, share the love of Jesus, and pray over them.
• Prayer room: There is a room on base specifically set aside for worship and prayer. We are blessed to have part of our ministry spending time in there giving glory to God and talking with him.

My team ready to go to the hospital which
has been one of my favorite ministries.

DAY-TO-DAY

Monday through Friday typical schedule:

4:30am – Wake up!
5-6:00am – Individual prayer and quiet time with the Lord
6-6:45am – Pray and praise God all together
7:30am – Breakfast
9:00am-3:30pm – Ministry
12:00pm – Lunch
5:00pm – Dinner
6:30pm – Team time

Saturdays are Sabbath, so we rest and enjoy fellowship with one another. On Sundays, we have off from scheduled ministry and can go explore Nicaragua in all its beauty.

 SIMPLE JOYS

• Holding hands in a circle to pray before each meal
• Nicaragua bananas
• Keeping count of how many cats I see
• Facetimes calls home
• Walking all around the farm barefoot
• Cold nightly showers
• Communicating with broken Spanish and non-verbal cues

Together Hannah and I have bought
and eaten forty bananas.

I've seen 24 so far ;)

 Please pray that I continue falling deeper in love with the Lord and his people. May I place my full reliance on Him and seek him first. Also, please pray for divine appointments.

To the ends of the earth,
Madilyn