Dear BMDF,
The trip to Mata de Cana, Nicaragua was a great success! It began with a miracle from God. The cargo, containing the food and other necessary provisions, had been shipped months in advance, but had gotten stuck in customs for weeks. News that previous teams had not received their cargo ruminated in the people’s minds, but fortunately customs released the cargo right before they closed on the same evening the team arrived. BMDMI’s warehouse in Nicaragua had already been exhausted of their storage supplies from spotting previous teams who cargo had not been released either. But by the sovereignty of God, we would not go without! This encouraged us greatly, feeling the presence and blessing of God on our team!
Fifty-six U.S. Christians, mostly from Tulsa, Oklahoma, outfitted our team. Our mission was to bring the love and life of Jesus Christ to a small agricultural village. We had heard that the previous pastor of the local church became too weak and unhealthy to continue leading the church and a new 16 year old pastor had taken his spot. In appearance, he was of average Nicaraguan height, skinny, and of course youthful. Darrell, the BMDMI missionary, bragged about the heart of the young pastor and spoke of his excellent work in the training classes he attended. At the time, the local church only saw about ten people on an average Sunday and the village was becoming spiritually dark. We hoped to help the young pastor spark life into the village with God’s Word and Love.
The mission team was broken down into smaller groups like medical, dental, pharmacy, cooking, maintenance, etc. Three particular teams that I found somewhat unique on the medical mission trip were the evangelism team, the “line team,” and the veterinarian team. I believe these three teams translated all the medical, dental, and benevolence work into glorification and accreditation to Jesus. In essence these teams, with their translators, mobilized the medical efforts from humanitarian works to true spiritual revival. The evangelism team presented the gospel 3-4 times a day for each group of 250 patients. In between services, the team would hike through the villages, visiting the elderly who may not be able to walk to the tent, moving door to door sharing the story of Jesus, fulfilling the great commission. In all five of the medical/dental trips I have been a part of, this team seemed the most armed (with great translators) and driven (Spirit filled) to change people’s lives for eternity by proclaiming the gospel.
The “line team” was another great example. Again with translators’ aid, the line team shared the gospel and purpose of our trip to the Nicaraguans waiting in line. The night we stayed at the missionary home, before going to the village, one line team member, a music was practicing his rope tricks and how to display the gospel that way. His purpose for going was clear, and it showed through his actions. The team member was not interested in sight seeing or taking a break from the hustle and bustle of the United States. His purpose of being on the trip was to tell an “Old old story, how a savior came from glory!”
The most unique aspect of this mission trip, compared to others, was the work of the veterinary team. A team of humble American farmers, cowboys, and vets vaccinated approximately 575 animals to protect the Nicaraguan’s livelihood. It was so inspiring to be around such humble men. No wonder Paul refers to farmers as examples of how Christian life is in this world (2 Timothy 2). But the hearts of those they touched were a special group as well. The spiritual soil of the Nicaraguan farmer’s hearts seemed to be a very fertile ground for the spiritual seed. After the vet team worked so hard to stabilize herds of cattle one by one, they would share the gospel. Time after time the Nicaraguan farmers would accept the message. Normally the medical clinics are flooded with women and children. With the vet team there, the men in the community were not left untouched. In my opinion, any mission team going to a rural village would be incomplete.
450 Nicaraguan’s accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior. We must have seen over 3,000 people in our clinics and various ministries. Obviously many did not accept Jesus, but this just confirmed in our minds the professions of faith made were true. It wasn’t popular to become a Christian in this town, and the people weren’t going to believe just to appease us. They are proud people, confident in their beliefs, honest in their questions, and frank in their skepticism. Every soul that can escape the lies of satan and come to a knowledge of the truth is hardly a work of our human efforts, but a miracle of God. To see 450 people’s lives changed for eternity and for so many to have a new hope brought me to tears at the end of the week while singing praises to God.
The faithfulness of God to His word was made more evident in my life. In Matthew 24:14 Jesus said, “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” This proclamation of the Lord is being carried out each week by these mission teams. It made me realize the end is at hand and to be ready. Not only ready but I must have an urgency to carry the gospel to my classmates, patients, friends, and family at home. The hour glass is ticking and with the Lord’s hand reaching into forgotten jungles and corners of the world, it may not be long and the end will be here. How unwise would it be to not understand the season? How joyful it is to know the one who loved me so is so near?
It is my hope that the church in southern Nicaragua has been encouraged, edified, strengthened, empowered, and blessed by the Spirit of God. The significance of 450 new believers in this area could change the country. God chooses the weak things in the eyes of the world, like a 16 year old boy, to lead his people. He chose David, when he was a young man and the nation of Israel was blessed. Hopefully the BMDMI will not have to return to this village again, but that this village will send out the missionaries and resources to others now. I honestly believe the seeds planted in this village can produce that kind of fruit.
Once again, I would like to thank BMDF for all of its financial support and prayers. This organization has meant so much to me in my service to the Lord. Thank you for all your hard work and efforts that enable me to have these experiences without taking on a financial debt. It is a wonderful feeling!
In Him,
Ronnie Faram
Posted on
Tue, September 20, 2011
by faram