Nica News – 10/30

On October 30, 2011   /   NicaNews  
      A few years ago a pastor friend of ours was working on the church building when he accidentally struck a power line.  To this day no one really knows how long his lifeless, burned and broken body hung from the platform that he had been working from.  What we do know is that his darling wife spent almost 48 hours getting him to a hospital that would actually treat him.  It’s hard to imagine but they were actually turned away from two hospitals before he got to The Baptist Hospital in Managua.  It doesn’t have to be that way….

     Mid summer one of our teams visited a village that we hadn’t been in for more than a year.  When God touches my heart about changing the plans for the day I know it’s going to be big.  On this particular day it only took a few minutes to find out what GOD was up too.  Sitting under a shade tree cooking the now famous “chicken stew” they began to call my name from the church where the Dr and some of the team members were doing medical.  A young mother had brought her 6 month old daughter that was suffering from pneumonia to see the Dr. and ask us to pray with her.  In less than an hour they sought me once again to pray for a young girl (less than a year) that probably would have died if the Dr hadn’t shown up that day.  It doesn’t have to be that way….

    The problem in these remote villages is that most young mothers have NO way of seeking help and in many cases there is NO help to be found.  Nicaragua has an infant mortality of 1 in 3 before the age of three.  We could debate the problem for days and it won’t change anything.   It doesn’t have to be that way….

     We shared with you at the beginning of the month that BWCM had been given a very generous gift to be used in the construction and prayerfully the completion of the medical clinic.  The gift was a $20,000.00 matching gift that we have until the end of Dec. to match.  At this time we are on our way to reaching our goal with almost 1/4 of our part either in hand or pledged.  Please pray about what you could do to help give many young mothers in Nicaragua an opportunity to raise their children.  The medical clinic with provide a hope that many have never known.  The provisions for running and staffing the facility are in place, we just need to finish the building.  IHL, Donald and Pammie

Dr and Mrs. Donald M Gillette
Because We Care Ministries, Inc.
P.O. Box 21806
Roanoke, VA. 24018
WWW.BWCM.ORG
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Clinic girl

On October 14, 2011   /   NicaNews  
Photo

If the church would rise up and co-labor together, the doors of the clinic could be opened. When that day happens …girls like this will receive much needed medical attention. “Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.” – John Wooden Jonge Tate lead pastor bedrock community church

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Nica News 10/13

On October 13, 2011   /   NicaNews  
Rain Rain & more rain has been the pattern of our week!  It has been raining for 10 days.  However, in the midst of the rain & schools being shut down, God still had a plan and places for us to go.  Tyler began this morning with our devotions before we headed out to the radio.  While at the radio, Tonya & Richard shared their testimonies followed by the Tate’s.  Terry, Tyler, Jordan & Tabor sang “This is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it.”  This song’s message rang true in our hearts throughout the day.
We were able to visit two villages today despite the flooding.  It was quite an adventure!  We first visited Pascuala.  It truly was a miracle to see the difference in this village from two years ago.  Many houses have been built and established.  Please continue to pray for a man named Michael, who we shared with once again, but has not yet surrendered to Christ.  His family and wife are believers.  We were also able to give out gifts to the children and share the gospel message through the wordless book.
This afternoon we traveled through the flooding waters to the Village of El Platanal.  The village had lost all of their crops due to all the flooding from the rain.  We were able to treat the sick with a doctor and nurse today.  There were many sick children with respiratory issues.  It has been a blessing to have 3 nurses on our team as well.  We were able to cook Nica stew for about 300 people today.  The people were hungry and pressing in as bowls were handed out.  Today we saw the truth of God’s word in Matthew 25:35,  “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me.”
It was reiterated once again, “What if the missionaries hadn’t come today?”  Many would be going to bed hungry.  Many would not have heard the gospel message.  We would not have seen God provide for these precious faces if we hadn’t gone. 
As you finish reading this Nica news, remember, “You were called to freedom, brothers.  Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” Galations 5:13.

Dr and Mrs. Donald M Gillette
Because We Care Ministries, Inc.
P.O. Box 21806
Roanoke, VA. 24018
WWW.BWCM.ORG
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Nica News 10/12

On October 12, 2011   /   NicaNews  
What an amazing day this has been. After torrential rain, stopping us from many of our own plans for this week, we saw the mighty hand of God once again and His divine direction. The radio power was up today and after devotion and breakfast, the team headed to radio. Testimonies and music was given as well as the Word. We returned to the casa and held the last day of pastor’s conference. Our ladies held Bible study and fellowship once again with the pastor’s wives. We have experienced such a blessing from these ladies in the few hours we’ve had with them. It makes us realize we aren’t so different in some ways but our dedication is lacking. We came to encourage and strengthen them but instead, we were the ones encouraged and strengthened. We saw Jesus in them each day. Walking miles, crossing the river on inner tubes in pouring down rain to get here; would we do that in order to come together to learn God’s Word?  
This afternoon we visited the village of Ojoche. The people there were receptive and seemed to appreciate North Americans taking time to love them. Crafts were done, a hot meal was cooked and served, medical clinic was held, and games were played. ( including the funky chicken-and the tooty ta) We heard “laughter” in the village. The message of salvation was delivered . Rice packs were given to each family.  Leaving the village, children and adults ran after the trucks, wanting one more blessing.The team emptied their throw bags all along the road and answered the call for “carmello.”
More blessings came on the trip home. Donald stopped the vehicles and we parked on the side of the bank. We all headed down to the river and one of our team members was baptized there in the river. This is truly a Halleluiah day!

Dr and Mrs. Donald M Gillette
Because We Care Ministries, Inc.
P.O. Box 21806
Roanoke, VA. 24018
WWW.BWCM.ORG
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Nica News 10/11

On October 11, 2011   /   NicaNews  
This morning started with devotions from Uncle Kim out of Luke 10:38-42 where he talked about Mary and Martha.  He challenged us to not lose sight of why we are here and not be so busy that we fail to see Jesus.  The team anticipated going to the radio station to sing and give testimonies but God had different plans for us.  Due to heavy rain, the power was out at the radio station so we had praise and worship at Casa De Shelly with singing and testimonies from Tyler, Pam, and Rose.  Later in the morning, due to flooding only a few brave pastors and their wives made it to pastor training.  For the sake of their safety, the ministry distributed food to them and transported them home.  Seeking God’s will for the day, the team went to a school only to find all the schools were closed in the area due to the rain.  We then went to the local hospital and had prayer and presented the gospel to several very ill patients.  One thing we have learned on the mission field is to be flexible and wait on the Lord.  After lunch, we ministered to local families at the new clinic site that Because We Care Ministry is seeking funding to finish.  It is a beautiful building and will be such a blessing to so many once the final construction is completed.  We cooked stew and had the nurse see many patients including an elderly lady whose family had brought her on a wheelchair in the heavy rain.  We engaged the children/youth through soccer, face painting, jump rope, puppet shows, and a fun skit from Pastor Jonge.  We offered the gospel and praise God for the responses!  Despite the inclement weather, God is good, and we had a great day on the mission field.

Dr and Mrs. Donald M Gillette
Because We Care Ministries, Inc.
P.O. Box 21806
Roanoke, VA. 24018
WWW.BWCM.ORG
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Nica News 10/10

On October 10, 2011   /   NicaNews  
                Today was our first full day at Casa de Shelly.    We started out the day with Terry doing devotion about love, serve and reflect. (Galatians 6:2, 1Peter 4:10, 1Thes. 2:8).  Then we anxiously waited to hear Terry & Oscar sing on the radio.  Patty was more than willing to give an action packed run down of her life and personal testimony.  Kim offered the message of salvation and offered scripture from Genesis about Esau and Jacob.  Per normal it was a joy to hear Don scream “Hallelujah”!!
                The morning continued with the Pastor’s conference.  Don and Jonge led the men with the topics of leadership, humility and perception.  Pam and Linea led the pastor’s wives.  We began the day with our personal testimony of when we accepted Christ into our lives.  We were blessed to hear their stories and share ours.  It is very inspiring to hear another person’s journey to accepting the lord into their lives.  Pam then led us into a bible discussion on Romans 12. As Christians we need to serve or we are off balance. The lord has blessed us all with at LEAST one gift and we need to find what that is.  She also talked about Matthew 20:28.  We have been put here not to be served but to serve.  She also spoke about Galatians. We prayed around Basilla, Jesus and Isabell for healing needs and their continuing mission work.  The ladies were treated to lunch and jewelry making.  It was a joy to get to know them and their passion for Christ.
                In the afternoon we went to the second village of the week, named Pajuil.  We went to this village on a large dump truck. On the way there, it started to pour down raining. We attempted to put a tarp over the rails on the truck, this seemed to be working at first, but then the rain started to come in from the front and the sides getting us all wet. As we headed to the village on the dirt road, the road had ditches running through it, with water filling it up.  The truck had a hard time getting up the road, after several tries, we made it. A lady at the village, allowed us to set up the medical clinic on her porch. Many people came to this, including women, children, and a few men.  Some of the team members worker with the people on the wordless book, crafts were done with the children, and handed out bubbles. Bowls were handed out for the meal that was prepared by Donald, which was NICA stew. Approximately 320 bowls was passed out by the mission team, this was completed in 6 minutes. Donald also asked a young girl carrying her baby sister and two bowls of soup, if “we hadn’t come, would you have eaten today”?  Her response was “no”. She said that her mama had been sick. She went to the hospital over a month ago and they just sent her home, without answers. Jonge then said a prayer with all four of her children.
                Tomorrow the mission team will be going to a different village and will be doing the pastors conference. We are looking forward to what God has in store for us!    

Dr and Mrs. Donald M Gillette
Because We Care Ministries, Inc.
P.O. Box 21806
Roanoke, VA. 24018
WWW.BWCM.ORG
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Nica New BIG NEWS

On October 6, 2011   /   NicaNews  
There are plenty of needs in the world that we live in today. You can watch the national news on any given evening and see a world in desperate need of help. People are hungry. People are sick. Nations are in political unrest. This is abundantly clear today and will become even clearer in the days ahead. Even more important than the physical needs in our world today, you can see a world in desperate need of the hope that can only be found in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Every once in a while an opportunity arises where both the physical needs and the spiritual needs come together in one project – such an opportunity exists in the small town of Somotillo, Nicaragua.

Nicaragua is the largest country in Central America. It is the second poorest country in the western hemisphere, partly because of the long civil war of the 1980’s and the devastation caused by hurricane Mitch in 1998. The vast majority of the five million inhabitants live in extreme poverty with many suffering from severe malnutrition and starvation. This led Pam and I to start “Because We Care Ministries” in 2000. This ministry helps people meet their need for a Savior, while also helping to meet the critical physical needs of hunger, substandard housing, shortage of water, lack of schools and education, and the lack of churches and strong pastoral leadership. Over the past eleven years Because We Care Ministries has offered general economic, healthcare, and emergency relief to tens of thousands in the Chinandega region of northern Nicaragua.

On one of the many trips that we led into the remote areas of Nicaragua, Pam and I encountered a woman named Maria carrying her daughter (Alba) down a dirt road trying to make it to the main highway. I stopped the truck and discovered that the little girl had fallen and had severely injured her mouth and face. When we asked this mother what she was doing she simply told us that she was trying to get to the main road in hopes that someone, anyone would be able to help her. Miles away from any sort of civilization, and many miles away from any hospital, Maria was carrying her daughter who needed emergency medical attention with only a prayer that someone could help. In God’s providence she found us. We took her into town and the little girl got the medical attention that she needed.  That image of Maria carrying her bloodied and battered daughter down a dirt road with nothing but hope had a tremendous impact on us. This encounter and countless others just like it, led us to begin the construction of a free clinic in Somotillo. God gave us a vision to provide free medical services to anyone who could come. Nicaraguans could come and receive various medical treatment from basic family medicine, to minor surgery, to dental and optometry services. People just like the ones who live in a village called Cinco Pinos, which is twelve kilometers (7.45 miles) away, could enjoy free medical assistance. Because We Care Ministries will partner with local doctors there as well as physicians within the Nicaragua Baptist Convention and physicians on teams coming from the United States. They have hosted several medical mission trips in the past where teams came in, helped for a week, and then went back home. This clinic would be open year-round for Nicaraguans to come and have physical needs met as well as a place where they can understand their spiritual need for a Savior.

You can help make this vision become a reality and help meet a tremendous need. Currently the clinic building is unfinished. There are people who are ready to serve and plenty of people who need medical attention. The only obstacle left is to finish the construction of the facility.  In order to help meet the financial burden of completing the building, one of the donors for Because We Care Ministries has graciously offered to match any donation towards the clinic up to $20,000. That means that if you can give $100 then he will match it and make it a a $200 gift. If you can give $1000 it becomes a $2000 gift. If we can raise $20,000 then he will match it and make it a $40,000 gift, which will allow the clinic to open up as soon as possible. Will you prayerfully consider joining in this effort to meet the physical and spiritual needs of the people within the Somotillo area of Nicaragua?  This matching gift challenge will last through Dec. 31, 2011.  

If you would like to help with a financial contribution please send your gift to:  Because We Care Ministries
                                                                                                                P.O. Box 21806
                                                                                                                Roanoke, Va 24018

You may also go to our website and donate online.  Thank you in advance for your financial/prayer support.  IHL, Donald and Pammie

Dr and Mrs. Donald M Gillette
Because We Care Ministries, Inc.
P.O. Box 21806
Roanoke, VA. 24018
www.bwcm.org

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Nica News – 9/30

On September 30, 2011   /   NicaNews  
      Good morning and Blessing to all………..This morning Pam and I will be flying out to Hudson, KS to cast our vision for BWCM and share the gospel in two different churches in the area.  God continues to open doors and blessing BWCM with NEW PARTNERS.  As I set here this morning and look over the past 11 years I stand amazed at all that GOD has done and allowed us to be a part of.  Sometimes we get a little tired and frustrated with “Nicaragua.”    When this happens I just have to remember that it’s all about Jesus and it’s GODS work not mine.  Very thankful that God has chosen us for HIS task in this beautiful country.  Seeking your prayers as we begin year 12 and be GODS hands and feet in a place we love so very much.

We are asking that you pray about how you can join us in our “MannaFest program for 2011.  As I have shared with you over the past couple of months, these are very difficult times in Nicaragua.  It’s not an unusual situation it seems the conditions are like this each year and won’t improve until after the first of the year.  Through MannaFest we are able to distribute FOOD BAGS to many hungry and struggling family.  A $10.00 donation will feed a family of six for about a week.  I’m asking all my Pastor friends to pray about joining with us to “feed the hungry.”  We are  praying that our friends will look into different opportunities that they can use to introduce “MannaFest” to family and friends.  We need your help in Jesus Name…..IHL, Donald and Pammie

Dr and Mrs. Donald M Gillette

Because We Care Ministries, Inc.

P.O. Box 21806

Roanoke, VA. 24018

WWW.BWCM.ORG

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Manna Fest 2011

On September 22, 2011   /   NicaNews  

 

Isaiah 58:10ESV  If you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday.

 

Proverbs 28:27ESV  Whoever gives to the poor will not want, but he who hides his eyes will get many a curse.

 

     Blessings to All……Late 2010 Pam and I began to pray very intensely “Jabez Prayer,”
“Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my border,”  1 Chronicles 4:10A.   I really didn’t know what that was going to look like but we did know that was our hearts desire and very comfortable that was the will of God for BWCM.  God really answered our prayers by opening doors to new villages in The North West parts of Nicaragua.  People often ask, “How do you find these villages?”  The answer is simple, travel a road that you know and turn right or left onto a dirt road you don’t know and you’ll find people somewhere.  We literally did that last week and GOD brought us into a village of around 350 people.  I think about the fact that in the last couple of weeks we have been introduced to several new villages.   That leads me to wonder, how many more are there and where are they?
With those thoughts in mine I need to remind you of our Christmas Bag, “Manna Fest” program that is starting up this month and running through OCT.  Each year Pam and I spend Christmas in Nicaragua so we can distribute food bags and toys to as many as possible.  We are very thankful for all toys that have been given since early June and we will be able to supply at least one toy to several thousand children.  The food bags are very simple, I can purchase enough food from a local vendor to supply a family of  6 for about a week at a cost of $10.00.  The needs are great, last week our team was able to cook a hot meal for thousands and I’m pretty sure today they have nothing.  I ask a villager, how things are going and his answer was simple, “We are in very difficult times.”
This year we are asking Pastor’s and friends of BWCM to help us in an unprecedented way.  Would you please set aside one Sunday and take up a special offering for, “Manna Fest?”  If all our friends (BWCM’S) would donate the price of eating out just one meal we could feed a family of six for 1 week.  I’m asking that you pray about what GOD would have you do and respond accordingly.
May God be honored as we are obedient to the scriptures and “Feed The Hungry.” 

 

When you see the desperation in their faces when you pull into a village, and then you see the hope in their faces as they line up to receive food, and then you see the smiles on their faces as you leave, you know you have been a part of something glorious that day. (Matthew 25:35-40)
Chris Dowd
Executive Pastor
Bedrock Community Church

 

I can’t get two people out of my mind. The 10 month old child who was so hungry couldn’t help herself and reached her hand in the hot bowl just given to her mother and cried because it was so hot, nor the eyes of the old woman who stood in line for the only hot meal she would have for at least a month. God help me not to complain but to do something in Jesus name.
Dr. Bill Ashford
Associate Pastor, First Baptist Church, Roanoke, VA.

 

Dr and Mrs. Donald M Gillette
Because We Care Ministries, Inc.
P.O. Box 21806
Roanoke, VA. 24018
WWW.BWCM.ORG
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Nica News – 9/21

On September 21, 2011   /   NicaNews  
Isaiah 58:10 ESV  If you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday.
Proverbs 28:27 ESV  Whoever gives to the poor will not want, but he who hides his eyes will get many a curse.
     Blessings to All……Late 2010 Pam and I began to pray very intensely “Jabez Prayer,”
“Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my border,”  1 Chronicles 4:10A.   I really didn’t know what that was going to look like but we did know that was our hearts desire and very comfortable that was the will of God for BWCM.  God really answered our prayers by opening doors to new villages in The North West parts of Nicaragua.  People often ask, “How do you find these villages?”  The answer is simple, travel a road that you know and turn right or left onto a dirt road you don’t know and you’ll find people somewhere.  We literally did that last week and GOD brought us into a village of around 350 people.  I think about the fact that in the last couple of weeks we have been introduced to several new villages.   That leads me to wonder, how many more are there and where are they?
     With those thoughts in mine I need to remind you of our Christmas Bag, “Manna Fest” program that is starting up this month and running through OCT.  Each year Pam and I spend Christmas in Nicaragua so we can distribute food bags and toys to as many as possible.  We are very thankful for all toys that have been given since early June and we will be able to supply at least one toy to several thousand children.  The food bags are very simple, I can purchase enough food from a local vendor to supply a family of  6 for about a week at a cost of $10.00.  The needs are great, last week our team was able to cook a hot meal for thousands and I’m pretty sure today they have nothing.  I ask a villager, how things are going and his answer was simple, “We are in very difficult times.”
     This year we are asking Pastor’s and friends of BWCM to help us in an unprecedented way.  Would you please set aside one Sunday and take up a special offering for, “Manna Fest?”  If all our friends (BWCM’S) would donate the price of eating out just one meal we could feed a family of six for 1 week.  I’m asking that you pray about what GOD would have you do and respond accordingly.
     May God be honored as we are obedient to the scriptures and “Feed The Hungry.” 
When you see the desperation in their faces when you pull into a village, and then you see the hope in their faces as they line up to receive food, and then you see the smiles on their faces as you leave, you know you have been a part of something glorious that day. (Matthew 25:35-40)
Chris Dowd
Executive Pastor
Bedrock Community Church
I can’t get two people out of my mind. The 10 month old child who was so hungry couldn’t help herself and reached her hand in the hot bowl just given to her mother and cried because it was so hot, nor the eyes of the old woman who stood in line for the only hot meal she would have for at least a month. God help me not to complain but to do something in Jesus name.
Dr. Bill Ashford
Associate Pastor, First Baptist Church, Roanoke, VA.
Dr and Mrs. Donald M Gillette
Because We Care Ministries, Inc.
P.O. Box 21806
Roanoke, VA. 24018
WWW.BWCM.ORG
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