Verbo Nicaragua Update
Thanksgiving Day, 2007
Dear Friends,
I hope you had a pleasant Thanksgiving. Though actually highly appreciated by Nicaraguans, the lack of their celebration, affords me some office time this morning to permit me to truly wish you a lovely time with your family and loved ones.
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Verbo Nicaragua has now grown into 12 churches. Each church is pastored by men of counsel, with a strong vision for their particular locale. Privileged as the ‘national director’ my challenge is towards the equipping of these men and their wives in ministries in very different situations. Ranging from the very rural indigenousness communities to urban centres. Certain needs are common to us all; healthy communicative marriages, our personal walk with Jesus, and a solid commitment to the church where the Lord has placed us. However economic realities, the absence of educational possibilities and varied cultural backgrounds must be taken into account. Patterned after the mode in which the Lord Himself spoke, lived, and walked amongst us, some of these very cultural truths, so easily understood by the 1st century Jewish mind, may require studious pursuit to able to be properly understood today.
To assist us with the creation of the meaningful presentation of the gospel in its Biblical fullness, the Verbo Bible Institute was laid upon the heart of Dr. Arthur Hall. I am very proud to say that we have one of the best prepared theologians in the nation. Artie’s mastery of ancient languages, as well as his PhD in Old Testament Theology, is introducing practical depths, into the hearts of over 100 members of the church. Excitement for God’s word is taking on an even fuller dimension.
Our ‘social ministries’ and the care we have for ‘our neighbour’ was put into high gear with hurricane Felix. We are now building homes in the flattened community of Betania, 40 minutes outside of Puerto Cabezas and in La Esperanza, an impoverished and much damaged sector of ‘Port’. We’re also bringing down hundreds of pounds of bean seed from El Salvador for the urgent needed agricultural problems in many communities. About 97% of the crops were wiped out and hunger is a major issue of concern in this area.
Verbo found itself in Puerto Cabezas in the midst of assisting international organizations, as well as private volunteers from many different church denominations. The home of our pastor Earl Bowie and his wife Damaris has become grand central station. Grace, vision, and wisdom have been bountifully released upon this family. And our little housing developments are the first actual constructions being raised up.
Please keep us in your prayers. Our expression has spread into so many venues of this country. The list is impressive, but ‘only by the Lord’s grace’ can highly questionable vessels be found worthy of His Kingdom’s service. We love God, and want to see the name of His son ‘Lifted upon High’. Raising a Christian standard is finding an exceptional opportune time in Nicaragua. The light in darkness requires heavenly intervention. That the pen of Nicaragua might write the message of God’s love and kindness sincerely upon the parchment of a lost and dying world
Thank you in advance for your prayers for the work in Nicaragua, as well as the emotional and spiritual help we’ve received from many of you. We appreciate any financial gift you can give to the work in Nicaragua.
All Our Love and Blessings,
Bob and Myra Trolese
