After many years of merely observing the work of Dr. Donald and Pam Gillette and Because We Care Ministries, my husband Steve and I finally felt God’s call to accompany them on a trip to Nicaragua just a few months ago. Like so many others, I thought I knew what it meant to be a missionary in a foreign country but I soon found out that my ideals were far from reality.
While we were there, we witnessed the absolute epitome of poverty as we had never seen it before. We were astounded at how the most basic human needs such as food, water, shelter and clothing are well outside of the reach of many Nicaraguans on a daily basis. Day after day, we worked alongside Donald and Pam distributing food, clothing and most importantly, sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Jesus made it very clear to us all in Matthew 28:19 when he said “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost”. Certainly, not everyone is called by God to literally “go” but we are all called to do something in support of this Commission. Since we have been back in the United States, Steve and I have been working with our local church to raise funds to build a house for a family in one of the villages that we visited.
Clearly, Because We Care Ministries could not reach the people of Nicaragua at the levels they do without the financial support of others. For many years, donations from folks just like you and me have funded mission teams, housing projects, food, and medical care for the people of Nicaragua who live a life that many people cannot even imagine. The Bible tells us that “God shall supply all your needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19) and for many years, we have seen that evidenced over and over again on behalf of this ministry.
As Steve and I prepare to return to Nicaragua in a few weeks, I am praying fervently for the Gillettes and their mission there. You see, several years ago, Donald and Pam both left their careers behind to minister to the people of Nicaragua full time. What a testament to their faith and obedience! Certainly, theirs is not an easy life but so very rewarding. For those of us who haven’t been called to the mission field full time, I believe that our financial support of this couple and their ministry is another way that we can be obedient when Jesus says “go”.
Tina Stone
Beaver Creek Church of the Brethren
Floyd, VA
