Leaving on a jet plane...

As you are reading this, I am en route with a small team, to meet the team already in Nicaragua.

Nicaragua is the largest country in the Central American isthmus, bordered by Honduras to the north and Costa Rica to the south. Nicaragua achieved its independence from Spain in 1821. Since its independence, Nicaragua has undergone periods of political unrest, military intervention by the United States, dictatorship, and fiscal crisis. Prior to the revolution in the 1960's and 1970's, Nicaragua was one of Central America's wealthiest and most developed countries, but is now one of the poorest. The population of Nicaragua, approximately 6 million, is multiethnic. Roughly a quarter of the population lives in the capital city, Managua, making Managua the second largest city in Central America. The main language is Spanish, and Catholicism is the main religion.

Jesus said “Go and make disciples…”. Going is easy, except when it’s hard. Whenever I travel and have to leave I feel so conflicted as there is so much to do here, but it always works out with, or without me around. I thank God daily for a great team of senior leaders and pastors who love, and would do anything for this church. Please take time to thank God for the pastors and leaders of Living Hope who make an impact in your life, and who do all they can for this ministry.

It’s funny how one of the smallest words in the Bible can carry so much promise. “GO”.

The plan is that we will meet with close to 1000 pastors in three different cities and teach them what it means to be dangerous, to take risks, and to reach their city. When I land in Managua on Wednesday, I will be meeting with pastors and city leaders. On Thursday we will be in Esteli, meeting again with pastors. On Friday we will be training pastors, and then doing the crusade on Saturday.

How can you help? P.S. = Pray and Support.

PRAY

Our team needs your prayers as we enter a country of political and religious unrest. The risk are real, but so is our God. I love this verse in Philippians: “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

I would ask everyone who can, to meet for one hour of prayer at the city campus 12pm Thursday 26th, Friday 27th, Monday 30th, and Tuesday 31st.

Prayer makes a difference. The bible talks over and over about the simple act of asking and believing that God will answer. Check these verses out:

“Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it” John 14:13-14

“And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.” Matthew 21:22

Below is a calendar of the daily schedule, and a few things to pray for. Even if you cant make the midday meetings, please make it a part of your day somehow to pray for the team, and believe with the team for greater things.

SUPPORT

You can choose to support in a couple different ways. There are definitely still some financial needs that have not yet been met. I am so grateful for all that has come in, and with just another few thousand we can meet some needs of the local pastors and the ministry into their cities. You can give specifically to Nicaragua at weekend services, or online here.

As I shared this weekend, support also means being at church when I’m not. I know we are fighting against a cultural tide but it means a lot to me, and more than that it matters to the heart of God, that the church is the church with or without me. As I am preaching in another country, you will be in capable hands back home. Please come and support, serve, and celebrate with us all that God will do.

I look forward to being back with you next weekend as we continue in our series. Pastor Kris will be talking to both parents and teenagers this weekend about how important it is to walk in restoration and honor. You really don’t want to miss this weekend.

Pastor John

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