Greetings from Nicaragua

Greetings friends and prayer supporters! 

Here we are once again in lovely Nicaragua, enjoying the abundant blessings of our wonderful Maker and Master after Norma and I traded the -7 degree Chicagoland tundra last week for a 70 to 80 degree spring-like paradise.   

Upon arrival, Norma was on the tail end of a case of shingles and I was experiencing some pretty severe back pain. But, once we got settled in and soaked up some much-needed sunshine, I saw a local Japanese doctor that a missionary friend recommended. I am now back in the swing of things and feeling good. 

Our ministry partners in Managua are prospering. God continues to bless their churches in spite of the challenges they face. Last week, Norma and I were present at the opening ceremony for the beginning of the new school year at the New Jerusalem grade school Guadalupe, what used to be La Chureca, the Managua city dump.   School director, Josefina Bricenos, did an excellent job in welcoming children and parents in the opening celebration for this year’s 274 enrollees. She opened with prayer over the kids, parents and teachers. 

Then she encouraged the kids to study hard so their futures would be secure and instructed parents to be diligent to keep their kids in school and church.  As usual, Maria sends her love and prayers to all her friends in Ginger Creek Church. 

Megan McKinley joined us for three days, as she came to make plans for an internship with Triple Threat Mentoroing.  Ginger Creek is hoping to  form a partnership with Triple Threat in Nicaragua in the near future.  Pray that God would show us exactly what is our role in this partnership ministry.

On Pochocuape Mountain, Pastor Jorge and Monica send their love and prayers too.  In 2013, they spent the year teaching the church leadership how to walk daily in an integral faith that touches all aspects of their personal lives. The results are visible and inspiring in 2014. In last Sunday’s children’s church, we were touched to watch adults joyfully share the responsibilities of organizing the service and teaching the kids the Creation story. As a result of the adults‘ joyful participation in “church body life“, the kids are vibrant and joyful as well.

The Pochocuape congregation has made great strides in their agricultural efforts and gardening skills.  They made their first income from the banana crop recently.  Though it was a meager crop this time, the potential has greatly encouraged them in their future business plan to provide income for some of the people, raise food to give to the needy in the community and teach the kids a skill for the future and how to eat healthier.   

Norma and I plan to be here only three weeks this time, and there is a lot of business to get done in that short time.  One of our major chores during the remaining time is to shore up our plans for the group trip in August.  We are looking for this Service Learning Team, to be one of the best short-term trips ever.  

Please continue to pray for us for His care and protection.  If you would like to help  this continuing ministry, and our next venture in August, you may do so by sending a check to:

Partners in Christ International

PO Box 237

Tempe, Arizona 85280-0237

(Attach a note to your check with the following text:  “Nicaragua Account, for Caton expenses”.)

As always we are your partners in Christ. 

Dock and Norma Caton.