A ROSE IN THE DESERT

A few years back Norma and I were in a conference in Holland in which the theme was “A rose blooming in the desert.” This morning as I woke up once again in Nicaragua, the Lord brought a couple of verses to my memory that I had not thought about in some time.

The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose. Is. 35:1. 

Yesterday we were once again in the dry, parched village of Guadalupe, La Churea.  We have written on many occasions how the Lord has taken this little village that was once a burning trash heap, and transformed it into a thriving little city, where one of the churches we partner with is located. 

What it looked like in beginning.

But this trip has been different.  We have seen that rose develop and prosper because of the prayers of some of God’s children who wandered in this desert for more than 18 years.  Now, they are blossoming and growing.  We remember only 8 years ago, when some Spanish workers came into La Chureca to cover the ash heaps. 

Thinking of How God has transformed this village brought another verse to my mind. 

He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap.  Ps. 113:7

The school before the trash heap was removed.

women prepared food for the children

That is exactly the miracle that we have seen which has transformed the lives of many people here in Guadaupe.  The trash heap has been removed and on top of the ground where trash once burned lies this prospering village of Guadalupe.  The school actually began before the trash dump was removed, and Maria Magdalena walked daily into the dump to teach the children, and tell them the story of Jesus.  She found friends to help her cook and prepare food for the children which in reality was the beginning of the Church, as she began to share the Gospel to the adults who helped in the school.  

inside the chapel of New
Jerusalem Church.

Flowers and small trees are now growing in the streets along side of the houses where once was burning embers and the stench of the ash heap.  One can now find stores, small parks, a pharmacy and two thriving Schools, one a public school and the other is in the New Jerusalem Church where we have partnered for the past 7 years.   Along beside the Church is a school, for children, up through the fourth grade.  Government conflict has kept them from continuing on through the 6th grade.  Now they also have a house of prayer that is open 24 hours a day.  A Pastor can be found around the clock, and ready to serve anyone who may come in with any spiritual need.  He or she prays in the darkness alone when no one is around.  On the side of the building below a young man is painting a sign which reads "Holy Mountain of Prayer, 24 hours a day."  On the other side is a written schedule of services which include Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday, and times of fasting on Saturday.    

The latest addition to this community of believers is a “cyber café," where anyone can come and do family business, collect their e-mail, or learn basics in the use of computers.  The cyber cafe is managed by Jose Ismael, Maria's son who was but a small child of about 9 or 10 when  when we joined in partnership with Maria.  He is now grown and very close to finishing up his university years.  Only God knows what is in store for this precious young man.  





What a powerful ministry is now taking place in this humble little village,  which was once full of houses made of sticks and cardboard boxes.  Some of the larger mansions had pieces of tin bound together with boards, palm branches, wire and binding twine. 

But God loves his own, and his promise is always there for the faithful.  These humble people have decided to follow Jesus, and there is no turning back no matter how difficult the journey becomes.  The apostles were sent from fishing to be fishers of men. And this is God's constant method in his kingdom of grace. He takes men, by nature beggars, traitors, kings and priests to be his children.  Through grace He continually provides for them and generally it is more welcomed and appreciated when long delayed, and unexpected. Let us pray that all lands and nations, which are yet dry and withered, may speedily become fertile, and bring much fruit out of these barren lands. 

Maria works tirelessly, day after day throughout the community.

only her faith has kept her little three wheeler
going for the past 8 years.