Nicaragua '16

Mike and I had the opportunity to go to Nicaragua on a spring break mission trip this spring. God showed us we were to go serve after hearing the founder of voice of hope ministries speak to our life group. Their family was so passionate about serving the Lord and being obedient to what He was asking at all costs. We both knew during a call to action church service that we were to go. It was pretty crazy and something I'll never forget. We were both so unified in this decision and taking the next step and letting God lead us. It was so amazing to watch God work out the details and everything fall into place leading up to the trip.

Matthew 28:19
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit

One of the hardest parts for me was leaving our babies. My parents came down to get them and drove them up to NE for the week. They shared time with Mike's parents when they were up there as well. This helped so much to know they were in good hands and give us some peace of mind. It takes so many to be a part of missions. It's definitely not just the people who go, but the people who pray, donate items, support, encourage, and on and on! 

This song was really encouraging...

"Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)"

You call me out upon the waters
The great unknown where feet may fail
And there I find You in the mystery
In oceans deep
My faith will stand

And I will call upon Your name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise
My soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mine

Your grace abounds in deepest waters
Your sovereign hand
Will be my guide
Where feet may fail and fear surrounds me
You've never failed and You won't start now

So I will call upon Your name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise
My soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mine

[6x]
Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever You would call me
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger
In the presence of my Savior

Oh, Jesus, you're my God!


I will call upon Your name
Keep my eyes above the waves
My soul will rest in Your embrace
I am Yours and You are mine

Ready to go 

Mike playing with the kids 

We drove the bus to different villages and did street fiestas throughout the day. We did games and acted out gospel skits. We then passed out candy and different hygiene items and tracks and Bibles.

Mike acting as a strong man trying to save sinner Sally from her sin

Got to know some sweet girls 

Pacific Ocean 

At the base in Leon 

It was so incredibly amazing to be able to serve the Lord in a different country with my husband! We were both out of our comfort zone, and it was such a unifying time for both of us to experience together! I don't know if I've ever been so proud of him! 

Mike sharing the gospel 

Mike sharing his testimony during a church service 

Bringing hope 

This little guy was so sweet! 

Street witnessing...learned so much from brothers and sisters in Christ on the streets. These people live in extreme poverty and have great faith. James 2:5-Hasn't God chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith? 

It was so awesome to watch God at work. We both had a couple of divine appointments. Mike shared the gospel with a construction worker that was sitting down on a break. It just so happened that Mike walked by at that time, and then he found out that this guy was not even from there but was just there temporarily to help with a job. So cool to see God orchestrate the details that have nothing to do with us. 

Street witnessing 

sugar cane fields 

Zip-lining the last day 

Base 

Mangos 

God really showed us the week we were there that despite the color of our skin, country we live in, language we speak we are unified when worshipping the same God together. The people in Nicaragua have great faith and passion in worship despite the constant hardships they face daily. They are so joyful! I've never met such nice people! Praise God for His work in Nicaragua. (There were 825 salvations this week) I am so grateful for all the amazing people I got to meet and see God's love through them!

This trip was such a wonderful experience. It was so out of my comfort zone.  It was so amazing to depend on the Lord for strength and to lead us in the next step!

The sweet ladies in our LG wrote notes of encouragement. 

So good to see these 2 when we got home!