Nica Training Camp
Hebrews 12:1-2
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith."
"So, how was Nicaragua?" That question doesn't seem so hard, but Wow, is it a challenging question to answer. I'm struggling to figure out how to sum up 11 days of great training with over 350 national leaders who are part of Vida Joven (Young Life) in Nicaragua or other Central American countries and I really can't do it justice.
It truly was an amazing time of sharing, training and growing together. Some of the leaders have been part of doing youth ministry in Nicaragua for many years. Many others were young people who came to know the Lord through the ministry of Vida Joven there and are just taking their first steps to become leaders to others. Still others were there as they begin similar ministries in Panama, Honduras or El Salvador. I believe all of us at the camp, regardless of age, experience, or country of origin, were deeply impacted by God's presence.
On our final night at the camp we had a time of prayer that turned into real praise and worship. While this was going on I was struck by the thought of what a real privilege it was to be in that place. I was there to help lead the training camps, help equip leaders, and help the Vida Joven leaders become better trainers - i.e to give to others; but in the end, I truly believe I'm the one who was privileged to be there because I was able to spend time with amazing young leaders who help me see God through them and grow in my faith. These young leaders grow up in a deeply damaged society, often with incredibly difficult economic situations; but despite all the obstacles in their lives, they've come to know Christ, which has changed their lives and they have a real desire to share that good news with others. What a blessing to join in praise and worship with them and what a privilege to walk alongside them.
At our final meeting time we gave space for people to share how God had used the time to impact them and leader after leader came forward to share ways God had used the time. Someone noted it wasn't just the young leaders coming forward (which is probably more common), but that many of our experiences leaders were sharing how God had used the time to deeply impact them. One of those leaders, Chico, is in his 20's and incredibly funny and talented. He's struggled over the years with trying to stay focused on God as he's also felt a real pressure to make lots of money and be seen by others as successful, which at times has pushed him away from ministry. Chico got up on stage and mentioned how God had really spoken to him when one of the leaders had referenced John 21, where Jesus asks Peter if he loves him 3 times, and when Peter says each time that he does Jesus' reply is "feed my sheep." Chico felt that was a direct word for him - that his real calling isn't to be seen as successful by others, but it is to feed God's sheep and do that with excellence so others can come to know that love. What an impact - this training time started helping him hear God's call to him more clearly and redefine what success is. And he was just one of a line of leaders who shared heartfelt words and sometimes tears about how God was speaking to them and working on them through this time.
Praise & Worship at Camp from Jenn Miedema on Vimeo.
So, how was Nicaragua? It was truly amazing, a real blessing, a great time of seeing God work and a real moment of grace. I wish I could fully put it into words, but I can't. All I can do is say thank you for helping pray for and support these leaders, because God shines through them in amazing ways. They are truly a great cloud of witnesses - what a joy it is to see the impact that has had and will continue to have on Nicaragua.
In Christ,
Scott
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith."
"So, how was Nicaragua?" That question doesn't seem so hard, but Wow, is it a challenging question to answer. I'm struggling to figure out how to sum up 11 days of great training with over 350 national leaders who are part of Vida Joven (Young Life) in Nicaragua or other Central American countries and I really can't do it justice.
It truly was an amazing time of sharing, training and growing together. Some of the leaders have been part of doing youth ministry in Nicaragua for many years. Many others were young people who came to know the Lord through the ministry of Vida Joven there and are just taking their first steps to become leaders to others. Still others were there as they begin similar ministries in Panama, Honduras or El Salvador. I believe all of us at the camp, regardless of age, experience, or country of origin, were deeply impacted by God's presence.
On our final night at the camp we had a time of prayer that turned into real praise and worship. While this was going on I was struck by the thought of what a real privilege it was to be in that place. I was there to help lead the training camps, help equip leaders, and help the Vida Joven leaders become better trainers - i.e to give to others; but in the end, I truly believe I'm the one who was privileged to be there because I was able to spend time with amazing young leaders who help me see God through them and grow in my faith. These young leaders grow up in a deeply damaged society, often with incredibly difficult economic situations; but despite all the obstacles in their lives, they've come to know Christ, which has changed their lives and they have a real desire to share that good news with others. What a blessing to join in praise and worship with them and what a privilege to walk alongside them.
At our final meeting time we gave space for people to share how God had used the time to impact them and leader after leader came forward to share ways God had used the time. Someone noted it wasn't just the young leaders coming forward (which is probably more common), but that many of our experiences leaders were sharing how God had used the time to deeply impact them. One of those leaders, Chico, is in his 20's and incredibly funny and talented. He's struggled over the years with trying to stay focused on God as he's also felt a real pressure to make lots of money and be seen by others as successful, which at times has pushed him away from ministry. Chico got up on stage and mentioned how God had really spoken to him when one of the leaders had referenced John 21, where Jesus asks Peter if he loves him 3 times, and when Peter says each time that he does Jesus' reply is "feed my sheep." Chico felt that was a direct word for him - that his real calling isn't to be seen as successful by others, but it is to feed God's sheep and do that with excellence so others can come to know that love. What an impact - this training time started helping him hear God's call to him more clearly and redefine what success is. And he was just one of a line of leaders who shared heartfelt words and sometimes tears about how God was speaking to them and working on them through this time.
Praise & Worship at Camp from Jenn Miedema on Vimeo.
So, how was Nicaragua? It was truly amazing, a real blessing, a great time of seeing God work and a real moment of grace. I wish I could fully put it into words, but I can't. All I can do is say thank you for helping pray for and support these leaders, because God shines through them in amazing ways. They are truly a great cloud of witnesses - what a joy it is to see the impact that has had and will continue to have on Nicaragua.
In Christ,
Scott
Comments
Post a Comment