An exhausted team is coming to the finish gate. The last two days have been just a blur of activity. As the week goes by relationships are made by all the team members and as that time gets short the activity really steps up. We "veterans" who went on the first trip to Nicaragua in January 2000, marvel at the idea that our team captain for that trip said we were to do no evangelism, not to hold the children and not to engage people in the street. After that trip we really broke those rules and we have grown in love with the people. They touch our hearts in deep places that we hope never get hardened.

Last night we went to Villa Nueva for the dedication of the house that OMM sent $2,000 to build, for Pastor Felix &his ten children. The street was full of people and what a celebration it was. The whole team got to walk through the house and could tell that this will be a home dedicated to God! The Praise team from the Somotillo Baptist Church played and it was a real fiesta.  

Today was the final time of the sports competition. Trophies were handed out and the Word of God was spoken to the teen-agers in three different communities. During this week over 500 teen-agers accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior. The medical clinics treated over 250 patients and another 70 accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior. Pastor Diomedes told the team that just being here in Nicaragua was like opening the gates of heaven for their ministries among the young people. Because someone cared enough to come the kids are willing to listen.  

I had  two young fellows hook up with me for the past three trips. They latch onto me on Monday and don't let go until we get on the bus to leave. Yesterday Andres prayed the sinners prayer. It was almost like watching my own child accept Christ as his Savior. I think one of these boys will end up the President of Nicaragua!  

Tomorrow morning we will be hosting a celebration lunch for over 400 teachers. Brother Paul is going to be finally unleashed. He has been chafing at the bit all week. Pastor Diomedes has told the team over and over that this luncheon is very, very, very, important. Pray that a miracle happens!     Til Tomorrow.  Stephen Wetherbee