from Kathy

So, it’s our last full day here in Porto Cabezas, and I’m blown away that the time has gone by so fast, and so thankful that I got to be on this trip. 

I had the privilege to speak with Barb at a women’s group Wednesday night.  Barb and I were told there may be 15-20 women there.  Apparently, the Bible study was advertised on local radio stations, and we had over 100 women!  Barb and I taught on Matthew 4:19 about becoming fishers of men.   I also gave my testimony as I taught, and we broke them into small groups to discuss other verses that related to following Jesus, His working in us, and becoming fishers of men.  I shared that I had prayed for God to show me who He wanted me to share Christ with, and during the small group time, the interpreter told me that she was so moved by that, and that she’d never thought to pray to God for Him to show her who to share Christ with.  She was going to do that, and was excited to see who God would reveal to her.  I was excited and humbled that evening.

My main focus this week has been as a support for the Pastor’s conference.  Walking to the church the first morning of the conference, and seeing all the pastors lined up to be registered, I was filled with emotion.  These men and women had traveled for days, on boats, in buses and taxis, to hear what the Americans had to say about God.  During the three days of the conference, the men and women went from being very reserved, not wanting to share in their small groups, to all talking at the same time!  They were understanding, for the first time, what the purpose of the church is, what their role as a pastor is, and how to make disciples who make disciples.  It was incredible to see God work in such a dramatic way.

This morning, a bus filled to the rim (with Miskito pastors and women standing all the way down the aisle, and 3-4 to a seat) came to Pastor Earl’s house where we gave them each a 35 pound bag of flour, sugar, rice, salt and margarine so they would have food for their families when they returned home.  Many of them had six day journeys ahead of them, but they smiled from their seats and reached out their hands for one last touch.  I sobbed all the way around the bus as I shook as many hands as I could reach, praying the whole time that the things they learned and that God would use them to change Nicaragua and the church here forever.  And I fully believe He will.

Kathy Towne