Hey, y’all. Thank you for subscribing to my blog and for checking in! The past few weeks have been awesome.
I left for training camp in Gainesville, Georgia on August 27th. Camp was a sweet time of listening to sermons, walking through scenarios we could encounter on the field, and building community with the other members of my squad. On August 31st, my squad left the States for Nicaragua. We landed in Managua and were shuttled from there to Granada.
The ministry that our squad is working with is called REAP Granada. Instead of specializing in one type of ministry, REAP seeks to love and serve the community of Granada by meeting its physical, relational, and spiritual needs. The broad nature of this mission has allowed my squad and I to minister to the community in a variety of ways.
Here in Granada, there is a local dump that provides work for the community of people that seek it. By salvaging materials to be sold, these individuals are able to make the money necessary to provide for themselves and their families. I have had the privilege of serving lunch to this community a few days each week and—on one occasion—to preach a short message with our squad leader, Sam.
Prayer walking has been another staple of our time here. This has consisted of walking through rural Granada to pray for people, deliver food to those that need it, and to tell people about Jesus.
On our first day of prayer walking, we stopped at a couple’s house. After listening to us speak, the husband—an older gentleman who had some trouble walking—expressed his hesitancy towards pursuing the Lord. He feared that his struggle with alcoholism would discount him from having a relationship with God.
I resonate with this man’s fear. I have made countless mistakes in my life. I’ve hurt people with my words, my actions, my immaturity, and my ignorance. How could God want anything to do with me?
??Matthew? ?9:10-13?: While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
The whole point of Jesus living the perfect life that we couldn’t live, dying the death that we deserve, and being raised back to life was so that it would be possible for anyone who calls on the name of Jesus to be saved. This invitation—for salvation and relationship with a God that loves us deeply—is open to ANYONE. Not some people, or just people that are “good.” Anyone. Jesus loves you and He wants a relationship with you.
I am grateful to be reminded of this truth today. My love goes out to anyone reading this. Cheers from Granada!
So good to be able to “hear” you in the words you write. It is so true that God loves us all, at any time in our lives. When we are at our best and our worst. All we have to do is reach out and believe – an there he is. Keep up the good work – all my love Aunt Kate
I think we can feel your big smile from here. We are so happy that you are out helping and guiding, while spreading the word. You are where you are supposed to be. Stay safe, have fun, and remember all of us back here – love you very much!
Nicholas, I believe that you are exactly where you are meant to be. You embody the word “Christian” as you minister to the physical and spiritual needs of others. May God bless you and keep you safe! Thanks for sharing your journey with us!
Love it brother. God is with you, for you, and in you. Onward my friend!!
I love hearing how you are doing Skippy! I am so proud and amazed by everything you do! Sending you lots of love!!
Great blog Nick! Love the humility coming through this page. God’s using you!
So happy to hear from you,Nicholas. I am so proud of you and the blessed work that you are doing. Keep safe. Lots of love,Nana