Good Morning.

I'm trying to take advantage of the Internet being “on” this morning. We have periods of time when areas are disconnected somewhere up the line.

A couple of items about “Reparto Schick” where meetings are being held. I understand Schick was a former president here years ago. That section of the city grew and grew and grew. The power company serves it, but from 2 to 7:00 p.m. power is cut off. So we have to begin the meetings with a back-up power plant, and then when lights come on in the neighborhood, we receive city power.

Another interesting about the city is that there is no “downtown” business section as such. Since the earthquake some years back, it has spread out all over the area and there are large buildings, business complexes, banks, etc., but scattered around.

Getting back to yesterday. What happened was that my “pick-up” man is a taxi driver, and since he does not work on Sabbath, his car was assigned to another driver and he had no vehicle. I guess when the word finally reached the church, the first elder was just beginning to preach, and there was no point in sending someone half an hour away to get me, as they'd be all gone by the time I arrived.

It was a good day of “rest” however, for me!

My driver for the evening meeting arrived on time. They were able to get the visuals connected to the projector and sound system, and the service went well. The topic was on the origin of sin and the great controversy.

The attendance was better than Friday night. I'd estimate it at around 240. When the buses arrive, people “rush in.” I'm not sure how or if they are keeping track of the visitors.

Pastor Leonor shared with us that he received a phone call at 1:30 this morning, and one of the young ladies from Wiemar that is at Matagalpa (north of here) had difficulty breathing and they took her to the emergency room at the hospital. We are hoping and praying that she recovers well.

This morning after breakfast our group got together and had worship, as well as a review of the Friday and Saturday night meetings. This has been followed by preparing for tonight's meeting.

This is just another chapter in the Mission Adventures of yours truly.

Thanks again for your prayers.
Harvey (and Frances. vicariously)

Monday, March 10, 2008 8:31 AM
Nicaragua-9

Good Morning!

It is a beautiful morning down here. Nice breezes keep us cool, at least up to now.

We just finished our morning debriefing and study group. Each one is now working either individually or with their partner on the sermon for tonight.

Pastor Luis Leonor left early this morning for Matabalpa to be with the folk there for the next few days. He was informed before leaving that the young lady who had the breathing problem is OK now. We are very glad for that and appreciate your prayers.

We had some technical problems at our site last night. My driver came on time so we got to the school site before the main gate was even opened.

The “technicians” arrived in good time and started to get things going. However, the portable power plant RAN OUT OF GAS! Imagine! I guess nobody planned on that. So they had to send for gas. It arrived about the time the main electricity came on for that section of the country!

The school building is a large one with a white roof, in a large yard. It was built by Maranatha about ten years ago. A very good structure. Steel beams, etc. It has a five foot metal mesh deal above the walls on up to the roof. So there is good air circulation at all times. We even have some birds flying around indoors.

When the buses arrive, the place fills immediately. We had a full house last night, and I'd say that 60 percent were children and youth. The MC introduced the people that came from at least six different sites, and we sang the traditional welcoming song.

The special music is always very good. We had a tenor who sang last night.

You will no doubt notice some girls in Pathfinder uniforms in my pictures. It is always nice to see them involved.

There is always good attention during the Jesus video segments. We played two segments last night, since we missed the first night due to technical problems.

Having so many children and youth present can be a problem sometimes, when it comes to order, etc. There was one point during the first part of the study when I felt the noise was too loud and disturbing. I told the audience (in a kind, but firm voice) that either they or I would do the talking, but not both at the same time.

I was amazed at how fast it became quiet in the auditorium. Of course, the youth are probably used to the gymnasium setting, and probably feel very comfortable chatting with their seatmates.

We are supposed to start at 6;30 and end at 8:00. But there is no point in starting until the buses arrive. I think we were able to finish by 8:15 last night. There sure is an advantage in being able to preach in Spanish and NOT need translation. The visuals for the sermons are good, and I have the audience read along quite often when there is a well-known verse projected.

I have placed a slide with “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus” at the beginning of every sermon. I believe it is an excellent way to set the mood for the talk. We sing it a capella, and sometimes have the men sing it once, and then the ladies. I even had them sing it through once with just the “oo” sound. It really sounded good. You get over 200 singers going, with all types of voices, and it makes a beautiful choir.

There is another theme song I want to use, but the music coordinator to whom I lent my DVD was not there in the evening. I hope he is there tonight and we can begin using it. It is a Peru version of “La Esperanza es Jesus” (Our Hope is Jesus), and is very powerful. They have a different version and melody they use here, but I prefer the one we've used in many previous campaigns with The Quiet Hour.

There are a few organizational details that we need to work out with the local pastor and elders regarding the meetings. The district coordinator is busy taking Pastor Leonor to the different sites, and it really keeps him busy. Pastor Leonor did come by while we were struggling with the electrical problem, and took a snap or two for his “files.” Then he and the coordinator/pastor went to another site.

The central church of this section has an elementary school on its property, besides the big one where we are holding meetings. I understand that most churches have a grade school going on their site. If that is true, that is fantastic. Christian education is needed so much in all our churches. I just regret that so many of our churches Stateside (including Provo, Utah) do not place a high priority on this phase of “evangelism.”

It is exciting to see the young people from the Sandia View Academy who are here in the hotel with us, involved in presenting these messages at their sites. We get a briefing from them from time to time. Their principal and his wife work closely with them. The students from Weimar are at another hotel a few blocks from here, and I seldom have contact with them. Everybody is busy preparing their talks for the evening services.

Last night Pastor Barr ordered a large Dominos pizza, and I helped devour
it. They have McDonalds, Pizza Hut, Budget Rent-a-Car, and all sorts of things like that here. Also some very good supermarkets, besides the open-air fruit and vegetable establishments.

Enough for now. Love you all. Thanks for your prayers.

Harvey (WB6WYS -- for my ham radio friends)

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