A weekend in Nicaragua

A broken reed He will not break, or a smoldering wick He will not extinguish, until he brings justice to victory (Matt 12:20)

I had the opportunity to travel with Michael to Nicaragua for a Pastor's conference. We arrived late Friday night (Feb 22^nd), and the conference began at 6 am the following morning. Over the next few hours about 125 Pastor's, Leaders and Parishioners arrived from up to 400 Km's away. Many had been travelling long hours by bus or by whatever means they could find, in order to attend. The focus of the day was helping the attendees to think differently about those with disabilities in their communities. The common beliefs are that those with disabilities are cursed or a judgment from God. We heard accounts of mothers having to hide their disable children away in fear and shame. There are bright spots however. We saw examples of inclusion as well. A traditional play/dance had been prepared for the visitors and the players were persons with exceptional needs. A small group of exceptional needs persons along with their leader attended the conference and were making crafts to sell.

Nicaragua is a very poor nation with a struggling and tentative economy. There are a few extremely rich, but the majority are simply trying to survive-- with the spectrum ranging from poor to extreme poverty. One night we left our hotel for a meal at restaurant a block away. Almost immediately we were surrounded by children. One stands out in my mind most of all. A small child, she could have been no more than 4. She was grabbing my hand, pleading for a few coins. I had been told not to travel with any money or wallet outside the hotel as it would make me a target, so my pockets were empty. Sully, one of our directors from Guatemala, pointed across the street to a woman who was trying hard not to being seen as 'attentive'. She stated that this child was most likely 'rented'. Any money that the child would gather from tourists would go directly to that woman, with the child seeing nothing. The money then would be used to purchase drugs. That little girl's face haunts me, what her life must be like? What does the future hold for her? It was a time in the evening that our young children would, should lovingly tucked in bed, not running and dodging cars across a crazy 4 lane road to get a few coins from tourists.

Resources are few and far between – The Pastors are working extremely hard to bring the message of hope into what would seemly be a hopeless situation. We were taken on a walking tour on Sunday afternoon through one of the worst and poorest areas in Managua the capital city. It was explained to us that the area that we were in was one of the primary cocaine and crack processing areas in Nicaragua. The Pastor's wife started to weep; I asked the translator what was wrong. She pointed to a group of young girls – ranging in age from 9 to 13, and told us that these young girls were prostitutes. It was the primary prospect for any girl – there is no other job option. She then stated that she knew that many of the little girls that were in their church were headed for this life.

The Pastor and his wife are living in the midst of this community, using their own limited resources to be a presence. This is where Christian Horizons might make a difference for those in and with exceptional need, and for those trying to stand in the gap. By standing alongside these pastors and empowering them to offer opportunities of hope by learning to read, to sew, or other potential life skill that could provide much needed income. These young girls, and boys – need to hear, learn and experience that they have value and worth, that there can be hope. We can be a part of that hope. It is a powerful part of the gospel. It is in both what we say and what we do (Acts 1:2)

I met our Christian Horizons leaders in Central America. Amazing, God filled, committed and competent people! As a ministry we need to be encouraged that we are making a difference. The need can seem overwhelming. Traveling through these communities you can feel the hopelessness, pain, despair and darkness – but you can also see in the faces of the children, and the people, a hunger for change – generousness in spite of poverty, and a belief that God is with them.

I returned even more convinced that we (Canadian Christians) have a deep responsibility to the Global community. We are wealthy beyond imagination for so many in the world. The Words of Jesus are ringing clearly in my ears "Too whom much is given, much is expected"

Pray: Jesus what do you expect from me? I already know, To love mercy, seek justice, and walk humble with my God.

Anyway, I was just thinking.

Neil