Nicaragua Fall 2011 Day Four
Today was bittersweet. I mentioned yesterday that I knew it would be rough, and sure enough it was. No matter how hard I try to describe this experience, I fear I will never find the words to do so.
Class began as usual at 8:30am, and before I knew it, it was 4:00pm. As I prepared to make my last statement, I briefly reflected upon the moment in my mind and then it was over. We all stood together as one of the young men closed our class with a prayer. My teaching time with the students of the Bible Institute of Central America had come to an end. After the prayer was concluded, I received a hug from each of the thirty-two students one after another. My heart grew warmer with each embrace. Several made encouraging comments, while others spoke a couple of the only English words they knew… thank you.
I feel truly blessed to have had this experience with these extraordinary students of God’s Word. I am not sure if I could have listened to myself for eight hours a day, but these students were attentive from the opening prayer to the closing. To hear how each of the students planned to use the information to the benefit of God’s Kingdom in their communities was more encouraging than I can describe. I pray that I will someday have the zeal that these Christians have in their hearts.
Reflecting back on this week, I can confidently say my life has been enriched once more by God’s amazing love. Tomorrow we will spend the day “scoping-out” a community where we plan to plant a congregation in March. We have a few other children to visit and pass clothes and food out to as well. Thank you God for allowing me this opportunity to serve You!
- Jake
