We must do the same

Hultner Estrada

There are times when we have no strength to pray for ourselves. Perhaps for this reason St. Paul advises christians saying, "Carry each other's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ" (Galatians 6:2).

Last week we received a team of missionaries coming exclusively to pray for us and for church leaders connected with different programs of the Nehemiah Center.

This team made a pilgrimage to five cities, traveling near 300 miles, visiting twenty churches and ministries in different communities of the pacific and northern area of Nicaragua. Their tour had a significant impact on many hearts. Here we share some testimonies:

"When they said they came to pray, I felt a little strange, this is the first time we got a group coming especially to pray. Their visit has impacted us greatly." (Porfirio Maldonado, Pastor in Chinandega City).

"All the families at El Manantial community have been through times of great concern because this year the rain was not very good and we lost many crops. These brothers came to give us spiritual strength, they prayed for our plots and our children. We are very grateful”. (Gilberto Lopez, community promoter in Carazo City)

 

"The visit of these friends was very comforting for us as a 

pastoral family. Their visit taught us that we must do the same for other families." (Obed Anton, Pastor in Leon City)

"They came just when I most needed because lately I have had to deal with the loss of an aunt and a girl who was like a daughter to me. I testified to my congregation how good it feels others to pray for one and how important it is to visit other families to give an encouraging word”. (Agustina Gutierrez, Pastor in Estelí).

"Several fellow ministers know that I and my family have been struggling with health, but they have not had the time to come to our house to pray for us, but these brothers came from afar to intercede for our family. In addition, they have a model prayer that we liked and we want to implement in our congregation”. (Maria Elena Garmendia, Pastor in Estelí)

Nehemiah Center thanks John Algera, Stafford Miller, Henry Swinkels, Henrietta Swinkels and Alma Hernandez. Their time and willingness to help us bear our burdens is a reminder of those words of Jesus Christ: "Go and do likewise." (Luke 10:37)

Meet Emily

Hultner Estrada

Bethany Beachum

All that some young people need to flourish is just a little time dedicated to them from adults.  The story of Emily proves this.

Emily comes from a family of scarce resources and a home broken by the separation of her parents.  As if this weren’t enough, school has not been a satisfactory place for her either.  There she earned the reputation of being a poor student for her below-average grades and her difficulties with learning.

Fortunately, the love of Jesus has reached Emily.  Her youthful smile and hope for a better future have been returning to her since she joined a particular Bible study group.  Beyond just finding spiritual support in the group, she has also found help in facing one of her school nightmares – math class.

“After we talked about the importance of good grades as an expression of our Christian life as it is a means for future prosperity, this girl decided that it was time for a change,” explains Scott McEwan, who, along with his wife Bethany, leads this Bible study group with young girls who come from difficult family situations.  Scott is also a civil engineer and Bethany a teacher by profession.  Both decided to support Emily with her math homework.

“During the week of vacation, Emily arrived to our house each night, walking several kilometers, to study mathematics,” explains Scott, “On one occasion, she even arrived under a downpour,” he adds.

This young girl of 14 years has not only learned to master numbers, but her self-esteem has also improved by realizing that she is capable of solving complex math problems and what’s more, that she likes to do it.  “Emily is now quicker at solving math problems than either I or my wife,” shares Scott.

Recently, Emily fulfilled another of her longings which was to be baptized.  Pictured: Emily after her baptism.  Accompanying her is Pastor Rider Reyes and Scott McEwan

“We pray that the enthusiasm of this girl stays strong and extends itself to her other school subjects as well,” says Scott.  “We also pray that the members of her family wouldn’t discourage her.  This is a cultural problem in Nicarauga.  If someone does something well, it will be praised a little bit.  But if they mess up in something, they are heavily criticized,” he observes.

The Nehemiah Center wants to give thinks to the Lord for the life of Scott and Bethany McEwan and for their passion for serving youth and families that live in difficult contexts.  During the 12 months that they have been serving as volunteer missionaries in our country, they have shared their talents and resources, supporting the work of different programs of the Nehemiah Center and the safe house, Casa Esperanza.

Learn more about the ministry of Scott and Bethany McEwan.  Follow this link: http://mcewanministry.wordpress.com/