“CRWRC has always had a wise word to offer…”

Bethany Beachum & Hultner Estrada

With this quote, Luz Urania Largaespada describes the contribution that CRWRC has made to the growth of the Nehemiah Center, one of the institutions CRWRC has worked with in Nicaragua promoting the transformational development of families, communities, and the whole nation.

Since 1962, the Christian Reformed World Relief Committee (CRWRC) has contributed to helping thousands of people who live in poor communities find the roads to work their own way out of poverty.  “We are happy and our hearts are moved by the 50^th anniversary of CRWRC,” expressed Pastor Daniel Boniche, director of the Nehemiah Center.

The work of CRWRC strives to connect people with their God-given dignity; it is work that demonstrates the love of the Savior and His love for justice and mercy.

In the words of Pastor Boniche, “CRWRC has been very involved with the Nehemiah Center since its beginnings, and each time we have come up against a new challenge, CRWRC has been a resource for the appropriate training to overcome the challenge.”

Luz Urania Largaespada, coordinator of trainings at the Nehemiah Center, emphasizes the contribution CRWRC has made to the formation and training of personnel, pastors, and leaders in a way that integrates the different networks and programs.  “We have received training in the topics of Results Based Management, Education Based in Dialogue, and the Dimensions of Transformational Development – all key components of our work.”

“We have been trained in all of the justice themes we promote,” adds Luz, “Topics such as HIV-AIDS, domestic violence, and human trafficking.  CRWRC has allowed us to share these topics with other national and international partners and has also given us economic resources to carry out specific projects geared toward families, churches, and communities that have been affected by these social issues.”

Teresa Bobadilla, director of Christian Medical Action, another one of CRWRC’s partner agencies, stresses the Holistic Mission element of the Christian Reformed World Relief Committee’s work.  “This is a component that has strengthened the efforts of community development that many people are carrying out in their communities and families,” she states, “Therefore we want to congratulate all of those who collaborate with CRWRC in different countries around the world and especially in Nicaragua.”

Luz Urania Largaespada points out another detail that has been significant in the partnership between CRWRC and the Nehemiah Center, “The fact that the representative of CRWRC shares an office with us has been a great support.  He has been a source of consultation and constant accompaniment during this time, not only in the topics that correspond to the institution but in other issues as well.  Every time we have consulted him, he has had a wise word to offer us,” concludes Luz Urania.

Our best wishes for all the brothers and sisters of CRWRC.  Keep up the spirit of bringing acts of comfort and mercy to the most downtrodden.

Pastors of Knowledge and Understanding

Hultner Estrada with Bethany Beachum

“We learned that we shouldn’t talk badly to our children.”

A sister in Christ testified that when she was young, her father told her, “I want you to study and to exceed so you will be prepared when your husband abandons you.”  This is how he raised her – with this mentality that marriages always fall apart.  So what I learned is that I should not set my kids up for a failed future.

With these words pastor Marcos Pérez expressed his satisfaction for having participated in the Mentoring in Biblical Counseling course.

“Some that I can say I have taken from this mentoring is the topic of the Five Love Languages.  Despite having 14 years of experience in ministry, this was something new for me, and I have been able to incorporate it into my life – as much in my own marriage as with other couples I counsel,” adds sister Glenny Peralta.

This course exclusively for pastors lasted one year.  A total of 13 pastoral couples coming from Masaya, Managua and Ocotal graduated from the course.

“We were taught to become better listeners and to take on the problems of others to become more effective counselors.  Through a class on the Principles of Psychology, we learned that we cannot spiritualize everything, rather we need tools to identify the real causes of problems,” summarizes Pastor Modesto Barrera.

The course Mentoring in Biblical Counseling covers such topics as Fundamentals of Biblical Counseling, Financial Advising, Internal Health, and Conflict Resolution.

“I feel better equipped.  Now I have answers to many things which I didn’t before,” says Pastor Jairo Barrios.

“Curiously, every meeting was a message that spoke to our hearts.  Each time we came, the mentoring we received was on a topic that we needed at that moment or about a situation we were in the midst of.  My husband and I would always say: ‘This is no accident, this is the Lord preparing us,’” adds sister Martha Rizo.

Pastor Pedro José Rivas told us, “The topic of Conflict Resolution impacted me greatly.  It has helped me in my ministry, in my own person, and even in my own marriage.  Another new thing I learned was the concept of “quality time,” and now my wife and I are putting it into practice.”

Finally, Pastor Juan Quintana shared some comments with us, “I thank God for this opportunity he has given and because I felt as though I was taken into account.  In five years of being a pastor, this is the first time I have been invited by an organization to be trained in Biblical Counseling and this has encouraged me greatly.”

The Nehemiah Center thanks the participants, the facilitators, and the brothers and sisters that have made the Mentoring in Biblical Counseling possible.  Thank you to those who we are seeing fulfill the promise of Jeremiah 3:15.

Then I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and        understanding.