Nica News 3/06/2013

On March 6, 2013   /   NicaNews  

Paula, my wife, and I have made a total of twenty trips to Nicaragua with BWCM and Dr. Donald and Pam Gillette. Like most of you that are reading this, you know that if we go, as we are told “to go” with an open mind and heart we will be changed. You also know the needs that exist in Nicaragua. . . food, water, clothing, shelter and the list goes on, not to mention the need to “proclaim the Gospel.” As you well know, Donald has no qualms about asking for support for the works of the ministry, but he is hesitant to ask for support for Pam and himself. I am asking on their behalf, that we stay behind this team and their mission. About two years ago they both left their secular jobs to devote their full efforts to this ministry. This of course was a leap of faith. With the ever increasing cost of everything the Gillettes need some monthly support. Since opening Casa de Shelly in January 2005 I estimate that at least two thousand people have stayed and served at the Casa. If just ten percent of these folk could and/or would commit to just twenty dollars ($20.00) a month that would relieve the burden from the Gillettes on how to continue and let them focus on the work at hand. In closing I would like to quote James from the Bible (I love James) James 2:15-16 NRSV “If a brother or sister is naked and lacks daily food, and one of you says to them ‘Go in peace; keep warm and eat your fill,’ and yet you do not supply their bodily needs, what is the good of that?”. So if we say to Donald and Pam “good work, keep it up” but don’t offer, give our support, ‘what good is it’.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and please give it your prayerful consideration.

Kim T. Edwards

Bethany United Methodist Church

West Jefferson, North Carolina

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Nica News

On February 28, 2013   /   NicaNews  

1 Peter 4:19

English Standard Version (ESV)

19 Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.

After a little more than 12 years serving here in Nicaragua one VERY important lesson that both Pam and I have learned is a complete dependency on Holy God. Another key lesson we have learned is "be careful " what you ask for. In January 2012 we ask GOD to stretch our tent, basically asking God to use us in a greater way here in Nicaragua for HIS glory. I stand amazed at the many doors that GOD has opened and the number of people that HE has brought into our lives.

Since early November we have been able to share with more than 300 Pastors in both Nicaragua and Honduras. Our leadership training will expand into Costa Rica beginning in May. With each passing day the demands for "teaching" and "training" continues to grow. The first question ask in Duyure Honduras yesterday was, "When are you coming Back." We have truly seen the desire of these Godly men and women to grow and become better and more effective leaders for Christ. Along with this growth in number comes a GREATER demand on BWCM for supplies and food for those that are attending class. On a day when these men would be in the fields working to provide for their families they are now in class. We try to provide food for them to take when it is available to make their day a little easier. We truly thank those that have helped in purchasing books and supplies.

Our mission here has not changed, it has only expanded. I’m working to fill my extra time in country with the training center (farm) and pastor/leader training. Our plan is to continue to grow in each area as GOD provides. Today we are continuing to reach out for more teams to share in the work. We are looking for new contacts (churches) that has a desire to do missions. If you have family or friends in other churches that would like to see and hear about our work please ask them to contact me.

With all this said I need to make a personnel appeal. Over the past 18 months we have seen a continual erosion of our monthly support. I have learned over the past 12 years that there can be any number of reasons and it doesn’t really matter. I realize with the state of the economy and many other factors that it is increasingly more difficult for folks to give. We need very urgently to find at least 30, $100 a month contributors. We are asking churches as well as individuals to help us by increasing your giving or start giving. If it’s only $10.00 a month, praise GOD. Pam and I are just asking for your help over and beyond what you do in your local church. If you are unable to give we truly understand but please don’t stop praying for us. We are Trusting GOD in a might way. I have been teaching our pastors that where GOD leads God provides and I believe that with all my heart.

PO Box 14132
Roanoke, VA. 24038
WWW.BWCM.ORG

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Nica News 1/26

On January 26, 2013   /   NicaNews  

“I raise my eyes towards the mountains. Where will my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.” (Psalm 121-1-2 CEB)

Our Nica News includes both Friday and Saturday as yesterday was a full day. We started Friday at the radio station with Barbara and Becky giving their testimony and Owen presenting a message. We returned to Pascuala to paint another house and to clean trash along with the villagers of the main street. After lunch, we went to Santa Teresa where we engaged with the villages, fixed them a meal, and distributed Manna Fest bags. Once we returned to the Casa, we traveled to Corinto on the coast to watch the sun set into the Pacific.

Today we slept in a little later and then went to the village of El Portillo in the mountains. We held a worship service where Owen preached and Donald brought the invitation and called for a decision to follow Jesus. The children had “Crafts with Carla” and the interpreters engaged the children in song. We left food to be distributed by the pastor. This afternoon we traveled to San Francisco where we once again engaged with the villagers, prepared a meal, and distributed food.

Before we close, we would like to say something about the age of our group. Eight of us came from North Carolina and East Tennessee. We range in age from 60 to 73. We are telling you this because we want you to know that age does not matter in this ministry. There has been much for us to do, and we have managed the tasks handily. God can use all of us to meet needs both at home and in Nicaragua.

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Nica News 1/23

On January 24, 2013   /   NicaNews  
"When word reached the apostles in Jerusalem that Samaria had accepted God's word, they commissioned Peter and John to go to Samaria." (Acts 8:14)

We started the day today with a devotion that challenged all of us to step outside our comfort zone to accept the word of God and live faithful lives that others can see. This morning began with the usual trip to the radio station to hear Kim, Kent, and Owen present messages about God's love in their lives and the promise of God's love in the lives of the listeners. 

Our first journey this morning was a trip to Pascuala where the men came prepared to paint one of the houses built by Because We Care Ministries, but, as with Tom Sawyer, some of the village boys came quickly to do the painting for them. These are houses built by the ministry with the understanding that the villagers take responsibility for building and maintaining their homes in the manner of Habitat for Humanity's "sweat equity" concept. Though we did not prepare a meal for the villagers, we did hand out bags of food to each family. There are 29 homes currently in Pascaula which were built by BCWC Ministries with a 30th home waiting for funding. 

After lunch, the team took another long trip to Guacimal accompanied again by the doctor. The doctor saw as many villagers as she saw yesterday. All of the children receive parasite medication along with whatever the doctor feels will help individual issues. The team prepared a meal for the village–everyone seemed appreciative and polite. There were the usual activities with the children and more food packages were passed out to each family. 

These trips into the villages are long and dusty, but we receive more from the experience than can be imagined: "Then they will reply, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison and didn't do anything to help them?' Then he will answer, ' I assure you when you haven't done it for one of the least of these, you haven't done is for me.'" (Matt 25:44-45)

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Nica News 1/23

On January 23, 2013   /   NicaNews  
"Jesus called them (disciples) to him and said, 'Allow the children to come to me. Don't forbid them because God's kingdom belongs to people like these children.'" (Luke 18:16 CEB).

Today was a full day, starting with wakeup at 6:00. Following breakfast and devotions, it was on to the radio station for the morning broadcast. Carla and Kim gave testimonies, and Owen gave a meditation centered on Isaiah 43:1-4. When we returned to the Casa, some shopped for groceries and others went to the clinic to clean up from ongoing construction. As a note of interest, the building of the clinic began in 2006, and we are hoping that construction will be complete by February. It has been a slow process due to funding and government regulations. After filling the truck with trash, we took a trip to the landfill where we unloaded the trash, and in the process, presented testimony and distributed mannafest bags to several whom we met there. To further explain, it is important that you realize that citizens will scavenge the landfill for any possible food that might have been dumped there. 

After lunch the team took a L-O-N-G trip to the village of El Danto. A doctor accompanied us, seeing over 100 patients, distributing medicine and administering parasite medication. Other team members prepared a meal, played soccer, and jumped rope. They also painted fingernails, colored with the children, and painted faces. Several team members shared the gospel with various groups of villagers. A busy day, for sure. It is interesting to note that word had gone out earlier in the day to this remote area. There was no organized village, but instead a gracious family that allowed us to set up at their house while we waited for villagers to come great distances for medical services and food. There is such a great need throughout this country, and we pray each morning for discernment on how to meet some of that need and how to be faithful disciples.
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Nica News 1/22

On January 22, 2013   /   NicaNews  
"I'm not ashamed of the gospel; it is God's own power for salvation to all who have faith in God . . . God's righteousness is being revealed in the gospel.. . " (Romans 1:16-17).
     A team from North Carolina arrived in Somotillo early this afternoon. Seven members of Bethany UMC in West Jefferson, NC,  and one member from First Baptist in Gatlinburg, TN, flew into Managua from Greensboro on Monday night. 
     After a lunch provided at the Casa, the team loaded up in two trucks and took the Good News and food to La Fragua. Carla did a cross craft activity with the children, and Donald, using three boys from the village, told the story of God's love and salvation through Jesus Christ: "God shows his love for us because while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8). Of course, we could not leave without painting the girls' and women's fingernails, giving the villagers bracelets, distributing meal packs, and cooking a big pot of stew. For those who have been on a mission team here, you will understand what we mean when we say that we "distributed" clothes, toys, and "caramelos" on our way into and from the village. 

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Nica News 1/02

On January 2, 2013   /   NicaNews  
Another day in the mission field of Nicaragua ~ God is so good!  We began our morning with the regular radio broadcast and for the first time in the history of Because We Care Ministries, Dr. Gillette joined the team in our song!  The song of the morning was "Just a Little Talk with Jesus" and it was very fitting for this day, and every day.  We prayed that God would guide our path throughout the day and that we would be exactly where he wanted us to be and he did exactly that.

We spent the morning on the road to San Miguelito where we found many families that were hungry and in desperate need.  We distributed Manna Fest food bags to multiple families along with toys, candy and oranges.  These bags will feed an entire family for at least a week so you can imagine how excited they were to receive them.  Clearly, God led us down this road to minister to all of the families in need but one particular family caught the attention of the entire team.  When we pulled up in front of one house, a small girl and her younger brother came running out to get some food.  When we asked where their mother was, they told us that their mother was in the hospital.  After a few more questions, we determined that these children were at home alone and there was no food in the house.  A lady that lived nearby told us that she was looking after them but God certainly knew the desperation of these children and put them directly in our path today! Thank you Lord!

After the Manna Fest distribution, we headed out to Villa Esperanza.  We took the bounce house and the children of the village were ecstatic to see us coming.  They ran out of their houses to follow us down the road and watch the house being set up.  While the children played, we prepared the stew that they would later eat.  Once again, God provided more than enough! The line for stew was very long but after everyone's bowl had been filled, there was stew remaining in the pot!  Praise God that so many children and their parents were able to enjoy more than one bowl of the delicious stew!  

Although being able to provide for the physical needs of these children is a blessing to us all, the opportunity to share God's plan of salvation with the people of Nicaragua is the most important mission of this team.  We shared with each of the families on the road to San Miguelito and Villa Esperanza.  We prayed with many to accept Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior!  God is good!  

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NicaNews 12/30

On December 30, 2012   /   NicaNews  
Another day on the mission field and today, God showed up in a big way!  The day began with prayer and Bible study among the team and we prayed for God's blessings on our efforts for the day.  We traveled to the market to purchase supplies to make stew in one of the villages and candy for the villagers.  Once we arrived back at Casa de Shelly, we prepared the ingredients for the stew and packed bags full of Christmas toys to be given to the children in La Flor.  In addition to the toys, we had three cases of shoes that were to be distributed to the children.  Once all of our preparations were complete, we headed out to be the hands and feet of Jesus.

En route to La Flor, we distributed candy and small toys to the villagers along the way.  When we arrived, the village was in the middle of their church service so, with the permission of their Pastor, we joined them.  Hearing of our arrival, children began arriving at the church anxious to see what we might have for them.  We shared the Word of God and the plan of salvation with the children and their parents and many prayed and asked Christ into their lives.  After sharing the gospel, we began to fit the children with their new shoes and distributed their Christmas goodies!  What a blessing to see their faces light up and hear their laughter! After we had given out all of the shoes and toys, we headed back to Casa de Shelly to replenish our supplies and grab some lunch.  Of course, when we arrived back at the house, we had the most delicious chicken tacos waiting for us.  Still excited from the morning's mission, we quickly ate and began to reload the truck with toys, candy and the ingredients for our stew.  Once we had all of the supplies in place, we headed out once again.

We drove several miles down a dirt road to the village of Laredo.  Secluded and far from town, the people of this village were more than happy to see us coming!  Upon arrival, we immediately began to engage the children with games, jump rope and sidewalk chalk.  As many of the team played with the children, others were beginning to prepare the stew.  It's hard to imagine the significance of the stew ~ people who haven't had fresh vegetables or meat for a very long time seemed to understand it clearly.  As the stew began to boil, the children and their parents ran into their homes and quickly returned with anything that they could carry their stew in ~ they knew it was time to eat!  The children formed two lines and waited patiently until it was their turn to receive their stew.  What a blessing to know that each and every person in Laredo will go to be tonight with a full tummy!

When we headed out to Laredo this afternoon, we had no way of knowing how many folks would turn out with their bowls for some stew but God knew exactly how much we needed and every bowl was filled.  When the last bowl was pushed forward for a ladle of stew, the pot was empty!  Clearly, God showed up when we needed him most and provided just what we needed for the people of Laredo.  Thank you Lord for your love and goodness!
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Nica News 12/17

On December 17, 2012   /   NicaNews  

Isaiah 54:2

2 “Enlarge the place of your tent,
    and let the curtains of your habitations be stretched out;
do not hold back; lengthen your cords
    and strengthen your stakes.


     Early 2012 found Pam, myself and several of our team members walking the property at the training center and asking GOD to show us how HE wanted us to "Enlarge the place of our tent."  While we were praying we actually wrote this verse on four stakes and placed them in the four corners of the property.  In my heart I know that GOD was leading us to reach deeper into the heart of Nicaragua, to build stronger relationships, and to reach more of the unreached in our part of the world.


    Pam and I want to THANK EACH OF YOU for your support and prayers.  2012 brought many new missionaries to Casa De Shelly.  As we began to stretch our tents we were very thankful for those that came alongside to support the work and help the Kingdom grow.  We praise GOD for the many teams already booked for 2013,  many of which will be "first timers."  We continue to pray that GOD will illuminate the minds and hearts of other churches and leaders to join BWCM in our Kingdom work in Nicaragua and Honduras.


     There is lots of "new life" at the training center as we close out 2012.  We have replaced all of our 300 chickens through the year so that we start out 2013 with a very young flock.  These chickens will continue to be used to help families learn to sustain life.  With the help of  several generous gifts we were able to completely replace both our sheep and goat herds.  We now have upgraded both herds to be of the highest quality possible to obtain in Nicaragua.  In the month of Dec. we had several newborn sheep and goats and all are doing very well.  Our prayer is that milk and cheese production can begin after the first of the year.  We will have to continue to grow both herds so that we can "stock" our trained families.


     Pastoral training will continue in both Somotillo Nicaragua and Choluteca Honduras in 2013.  We will also begin working with pastors in both Leon and Managua Nicaragua on a limited basis.  We do have plans in place to do three, one-day training sessions in various locations in Costa Rica.  These one-day sessions are designed to challenge the local Pastors to be the men of GOD that are leading their churches and growing the KINGDOM.


    PRAYER REQUEST FOR 2013

1.  We are working on a new well, pump and filer system for Casa De Shelly.  It has become necessary to drill a deep well to supply the house.

2.  We are praying for a new 30-passenger bus.  Transporting the teams from Managua to Somotillo has become very expensive.  We have sold the old bus and trusting GOD for the provisions to purchase the new one.  This will also make it possible to transport the teams to Chinandaga, Corinto and Leon to work in villages that seldom get  missionary support. 

3.  Personnel support….As I type this letter we are literally 60 days from having to leave the field.  Over the last couple years we have seen the monthly support dwindle for various reasons.  Unfortunately being a Faith Based Ministry, out of sight means out of mind.  We ARE trusting GOD for HIS provisions.  Over the past 12 years HE has met our every need in a timely manner and we trust He will meet this need as well.  Please pray about what GOD would have you or your church family do in this matter.

4.  Pray daily that everything Pam and I do will bring HONOR and GLORY to GOD.


     We are praying that you have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! 


IHS, Donald and Pammie

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Nica New

On November 13, 2012   /   NicaNews  
Leviticus 19:9
[ Love Your Neighbor as Yourself ] “When you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap your field right up to its edge, neither shall you gather the gleanings after your harvest.

     On Saturday Pamela and I will be returning to Nicaragua for two weeks of service.  Our plans will take us to Honduras for a week of Leadership training and Preaching.  So very blessed to be in several different churches and meet with so many men of GOD.

     Our plans will have us returning to the States on Dec.2 for about three weeks of planning and prayer.  We will place the order with local merchants for the "Manna Fest" bags that will be delivered during the Christmas season before we leave.  Thank you to all that have supported this and we look forward to hearing from others.  I would like to close this out by Nov. 30th so we can place the order have all the bags delivered by Dec. 22 when we return.  In His Service, Donald and Pammie

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