Candelaria

There is something about these muddy roads in Candelaria that reminds me of Jesus.  Roads lined by the little cement houses in which eyes or hands peak out to say hello.  The people inside are either cleaning, cooking, or resting in their conversation with one another.  They probably have time to talk with you. You stride along with another speaking of life and what makes it valuable or maybe just of a funny story as Jesus did with his friends that we call disciples.  You stop to talk with someone happy to see you, or to go into pray for someone who is sick.  The entrance of their house is marked by poles lined with barbed wire which follow the lines of the property. "Buenas!"  Usually is welcomed with the response, "Pasa adelante." (Walk forward)  You greet them by a kiss on the cheek.  They will tell you about their children, how they are doing, how the family is doing, and sometimes they offer something to drink. You will more than likely sit in a plastic chair, on a bed, or just stand.  It is usually dark with only the light from outside the door giving you vision of the dirt floor so tidily swept.  Pictures of loved ones are usually framed in some unusual manner along the cement wall.   The most important thing to them? Each other.  You can feel the delight of God walking these roads.
     Just a few weeks ago, a young man who once a part of a gang in Managua moved to this countryside village and heard the message of the grace of God.  That no matter where we've been, if we give our lives to God, His power will change us and renew us.  He recently made that choice. He, his wife, and two boys are now part of New Song.  His heart was so affected by God's heart, that he wants to show other guys from a similar background, this joy and freedom that he has discovered.
      Last time I visited, another man gave his life to God after finding out about this grace as well.  He has recently decided to marry one of the women who had lost her husband several years before and has been raising two girls alone ever since.
    A lot of the people are amazed by this idea of grace.  That it is the power of God that changes us, it isn't by our own strength.  People's lives are changing because of this message, because it is indeed a life-changing message.
I've had the joy of watching one of my good friends embrace the broken and hurting women who meet together on Saturday afternoons.  She has been able to hear their stories in the past few years.  I've gotten the privilege to pray with them too. I've gotten the privilege of holding their babies and playing with their children.
    This January I'm planning to move from the hostel to the base to be on these roads to live life with these people and the other missionaries who live down there. I've been in the process of taking on some administrative tasks while in Matagalpa. When I move down there, I will be helping with administration, hospitality with incoming teams, and the worship ministry. I am so excited for this time that is coming and cannot wait to share with you all that God is doing.  I'm so glad you're able to share in this with me.