Cresthill Mission Reports

Nicaragua Partnership Project

March 2002 - Day 6

From: Steve Wetherbee
To: Lynn
Sent: Saturday, March 16, 2002 4:55 PM
Subject: Sixth Day Report 

Well, here we are, all back in Leon, with Terry and the rest of Open Eyes Ministries. We have all arrived safe and sound. This is a large group and I can report the miracle that except for a few scrapes and sore stomachs, no maladies or serious physical problems have occurred.

This week has been a miracle. I'm not sure I reported this the last report, but there was an incredible moment during the closing rally Thursday night. The flag of Nicaragua was on the right and the United States flag was on the left of the stage. During the height of the lead praise song by the Somotillo praise group, both flags were raised up and waived, so that there presence filled the whole stage. The United States and Nicaragua united in glorious praise to God the Father. Several of us were on our knees weeping that we should experience such a moment. It is hard for me to write this even two days later without tearing up.

Friday was a day that was tagged on the backend of the trip because we are leaving on Sunday instead of Saturday. There was nothing really planned. But God sure had His plans. We held our day of fire on the hill behind the new school, conducting fiestas, door to door evangelism, and a medical clinic in the school.

We closed all that down at 3:00 pm and figured that we would glide through the rest of the day. Then we thought, well lets hold one more service in the new school, and open it to the community. Then at 5:00 pm we had to cancel that because some work had to be done at the new school and we couldn't use it. So then we decided to just go to the First Baptist Church, line some chairs up in the courtyard and start playing music. We started at seven o'clock and it was just our group there, strumming the guitar and playing the keyboard. I had to leave for an hour to meet with Sharon Strasser to discuss her managing the scholarship program from there (which to the glory of God she has agreed to do), and returned at about 8:30 to the church. The chairs were then about 3/4 occupied and Pastor Painter was really flying in his message of passion. What a powerful time.

After that Ian (from Calvary Baptist Church), led a time of invitation, (about 20 responded), and then called for the Pastors, then everyone to come forward and lay hands on Pastor Diomedes. So the whole group circled around (about 50 people) and we exhorted Diomedes ministry there in Somotillo.

We were then of the opinion that we were now completely drained and there was nothing left in the tank. So here comes Diomedes, in a quiet and meek voice, crying for salvation upon Somotillo. Silvia was interpreting. Then Diomedes asked the whole Maryland group to come to the sidewalk and take a chair. He then felt led of God to do something none of us had probably experienced, and said what it was. Silvia started crying, just as I am now even writing this, and could not speak. Finally, in a weak voice we were told that Diomedes and his ministry leader in the church were going to wash and dry each of our feet. We all started crying with the feeling of we should be washing their feet. So Diomedes started the service, with the ministry leader following by putting our socks and shoes on. I was on the very end, and it took about one hour for Diomedes to get there. Now here is the amazing part. As emotional as we were, I saw something I could not believe. After Diomedes finished washing my feet, his brother in Christ came to put my socks and shoes on. Bear in mind he had been at this for an hour. He bent over my knee and put my shoes on and as he did tears streamed onto my knee. This servant of God had been washing for a hour and had been streaming tears for an hour. Then I touched his shirt and it was completely soaked, and I mean completely. These people have the passion.

There are at least 100 stories like this. We have come as close to experiencing the fellowship of believers as we feel is possible this side of Heaven.

In a few hours we will be having share time and I know that Gods spirit will not be contained. The passion is so built up. Our most sincere joy is bring that fire home with us. See you all tomorrow!!!