Cresthill Mission Reports

Nicaragua Partnership Project

March 2002 - Day 3

From: Steve Wetherbee
To: Lynn
Sent: Wednesday, March 13, 2002 2:29 PM
Subject: Third Day Report

I never know when the moment will come for each group that comes here, but for the first phase everyone has a task to do, but it is more a scene of different parts functioning on their own. Then comes the time when the parts meld into a team. That is what happened here last evening. I stayed behind at the big house, as teams were crusading to the four regions. About 8:30 the teams started drifting in. Supper was waiting and people grabbed their food and sat at the tables. When the final group arrived, (the group in Somotillo itself, here the invitations take 45 minutes), people were all of a sudden talking to members of the group they did not know. They were unloading from the experiences of the day (these just cannot be kept inside), and suddenly I knew, we were now a team. Despite the incredible works of God over the past two days, now, as a team, we were going to be blowing that wind of God in unison. WHAT a thing to see and feel a part of!

The first day of the medical clinic was unbelievable. There were never less than 100 people at the gates. At the end of the day, more people were waiting than when we started. So of course they are back at it today.

Tim Ray is the pharmacist, filling the orders written up by the doctors, while Bernie serves as the gate person, keeping things flowing. Silvia interprets, while the three doctors go full tilt. Haven't seen any insurance cards yet. Pam Philyaw, Silvia gives a butterfly to each family and gives the salvation message. What an beautiful tool for reaching these peoples heart.

Four teams are once again holding fiestas in the street, while the computer team wraps up its project today. Bruce Wills and Brian are helping with the final details at the school, preparing for tomorrow's dedication ceremony.

Paul Cooksey and Dan Bennett have been going to a far away area to preach and teach. They have become burdened with the amount of time these Pastors spending walking to and fro. So Friday they are going to purchase three horses, with saddles, and gift them to the three Pastors they have been working with. This is a gift of unimaginable effect. These communities will now be able to have visits regularly, and the Pastors will be overwhelmed with this. They could work all their lives and not even come close to being able to buy these animals.

Today Ian and Roberto are visiting the radio station in Somotillo to be interviewed about our efforts this week. The crusade in Somotillo is being broadcast each evening. Pastor Diomedes has a vision for the radio ministry and they will have their antennas up for information that will help us partner with the church on this effort.

I am right now in Pastor Diomedes office at the church. The Baptist School has been held here for the past year. I can hear the children everywhere. What a joyful noise. On Monday they will be moving into their new school (we confirmed that this school is the largest Baptist building in all of Nicaragua). What a difference this will make to this community. These children are so beautiful. They are well behaved and have a curiosity for knowledge and Christ. I believe you will hear the noise of the celebration all the way there in Bowie tomorrow.

In October we had one young fellow as our main shoe shine boy. He was bedraggled and sad. Before we left he was hooked into attending the school here. I ran across him this morning at the clinic. He had on the white shirt for his school uniform, was clean and neat, and had a smile that could cover this whole town. This is what it's about folks. One child at a time, creating a floodtide for Christ. I brought plenty of scholarship forms because each team member is committing to those children that are touching their hearts daily. What a place to be!!!

Tomorrow we will be attending the school dedication. We were asked to bring two United States flags and the national anthem on tape. The flag will be on permanent display on the stage in the school. They will have the Nicaragua flag, the Christian flag, the United States flag, and the flag of Israel. Think about that!

In the afternoon we will all be attending a baptism for seven new members of God's kingdom. Then in the evening will be the final night of the crusade, with everyone here in Somotillo. There will be several thousand in attendance. The Praise team will be giving a full set. The churches (several here in Somotillo are part of this crusade) will be built up. It will be an evening that will mark us all.

Tim Ray is very impressed with the music group here, and has been really burdened with the awful set of drums they have. He inquired about where we could get a new set for them NOW! We would have to go to Managua. I explained that was a four hour ride each way by bus. He looked at me in that "so what" look. Later I told Mike about my concerns about the wear and tear this would cause Tim. He explained to me that I did not understand. Tim would not be hunched in some seat in the middle of the bus. He would be on top of the highest suitcase on top of the bus, waving his hat and shouting "Yippe yi yah" all the way to and fro. I am learning every day.