The 2015 NYAC VIM Arrives in Nicaragua - A Beautiful Start

Pastor Alex da Silva Souto writes:

May you have trusted that God's grace was all that you needed on this Sabbath day.

We started our day enjoying an amazing breakfast at the best place we have stayed in Nicaragua.  The lodging we normally stay at was completely booked, and as God would have it, we ended up at the cutest little posada, with the friendliest staff, best food I've had in Nicaragua, and guess what ...?!??!
Front gates decorated with butterflies!!!!
Butterflies has been a great icon for us since Holy Week, and it seems to a constant on our path of faith.

We spent this sabbath morning by a cradle lake called Laguna de Apoyo.
We froliced in the refreshing emerald waters of this volcanic lake, then enjoyed a delicious lunch while feasting on the beauty of God's creation.

After breaking bread with great joy, we headed out to the Masaya artisan market. There our team members had a chance to witness the exuberant craftsmanship and artistry of Nicaragua, and support the local economy by bringing some souvenirs back home.

By now you might be thinking, aren't these missionaries going to church at all on the sabbath day.  Yes, we are faithful followers of Christ, and we did go to church to offer God all the praise that God deserves.
Sunday evening tends to be the prime time service on the week, and we were blessed to worship with the devoted members of the "IGLEMEN" Evangelical Methodist Church of Nicaragua at "Laureles Sur".

We were received with the typical Nicaraguan generous hospitality and invited to praise God for the lives of the fathers in the church and the "MaPas" [mothers that are also fathers for they children].
The reading came from the lectionary just like the readings that you were doing there at home.  The sermon was offered by a General Board of Global Ministry originally from Bolivia.  She offered a very positive positive message that invited all the generations present to reflect on their images of fatherhood.
A talented group of girls led the worship with an spirited liturgical dance, and singing from the top of their little lungs.

It was a moving celebration and delicious fellowship dinner afterwards [rice & red beans, chicken, beef, salad and tortilla].

We did quite a bit of driving today; which provided us with exposure to many different realities of our siblings in Nicaragua.  We even passed by a festive Pride Parade, and our missionary, Belinda said that they were very brave LGBTQI & allies

Tomorrow we start the day by joining the AMC weekly devotional, where the entire AMC central office staff get a chance to reflect on God's will for them as individuals and as a community.  And they also get a chance to start their week together as co-workers and faithful followers of Christ.
After devotional we get back to our hammers, power saws, brushes, brooms and other tools of concrete ministry [pun intended].

May your week start and unfold with God's perfect will,

pastor alex