Good morning.

I just uploaded 3-16-08 into my album I think.

We heard lots of rockets going off this morning, and wondered what was happening.

Today is Palm Sunday. The San Francisco church is just across the street. I went over, and they were getting ready to receive the Palm Sunday procession.

Pretty soon people started arriving down the street and the rockets sounded louder. Children and others were waving palm branches, and then “Christ” riding on a donkey and the band playing “Battle Hymn of the Republic.”

Anyway, I photographed what I could. If you see if red robe, it is that of “Christ.” He dismounted the donkey, and they were led into the church.

I took one final picture of Pastor Barr and associate in the balcony of our hotel. Both have been somewhat sick with fever.

The first picture in this set, (3-16-09) is a frontal pictured of our hotel, taken from the steps of the San Francisco Church.

During our breakfast this morning, the waitress asked if our group prays. We answered in the affirmative. She said she'd like to join us. We invited her to our worship, but by then there were many customers arriving for breakfast. I told her we were praying for her, and understood her duties kept her away. One of our members has given her Steps to Christ, and will follow up with more literature after we go to the Adventist Book Center tomorrow.

One never can tell what influence we may have on those we come in contact with.

Thanks for your prayers.
Harvey

Monday, March 17, 2008 8:55 PM
Nicaragua-15

Thanks for your prayers, but please continue praying.

Our group of six went to Masaya this morning, and visited two of the markets. Talk about stuff for sale! Amazing! Believe it or not, the only money I spent was the equivalent of $1 to get my shoes polished! First person I've seen around on this trip doing that kind of work. Shoes looked great, for that matter.

Regarding Kari.

She went with us this morning, and we heard a little more about the attack yesterday. She was carrying her purse/handbag over her shoulder, and when the thief pulled it trying to get it off, she fell to the ground. All this time with a gun pointed at her head. The “rat” took her handbag and walked off, and Steve picked her up and they walked to our hotel. Fortunately, she did not have much money in the bag, but her glasses and all kinds of medication (worth quite a bit of $$$).

On the way back from Masaya, we stopped at a lumber mill, and they will cut two slices of a trunk off for me and my clockmaking. I forgot the rare name for the wood: dark center and white ring near bark.

We stopped at the Metro mall and had something to eat, like a Subway sandwich, French fries, and other delicacies.

Kari and Steve went throughout the mall and found a place equivalent to LensCrafters. They said she could have them finished by Wednesday evening. When Steve explained what had happened, they said, “We will have them by 6:00 this evening. Come back and get them then.” So the problem of glasses was solved. Also, she did NOT have her passport in the bag; so that will not be a problem in returning to the States. I was afraid she might want to return tomorrow; but she'll stay throughout the campaign.

Once again, thanks for your prayers.

Back to this evening. Our service was on the Millennium. There were about 140 present. The special music for this evening was SPECIAL, with larger letters than I can print. It was a three-year-old girl. She sang two full-length songs, with sound track accompaniment. Her mother was holding her, and helping with the microphone. It was simply “divine.”  I took several pictures. Wish I could have recorded it.

The pastor made a call, and 37 responded. This was very rewarding. We work together quite well, though we have different “styles” of ministry.

On the way back I was informed that one of the two buses [that brings our meeting attendees] was stoned last night as it was leaving off passengers. Glass windows were broken, and some people were cut. The bus DID NOT make a run tonight. That is one reason why the attendance was lower then expected, I don't know how this will work out but we do appreciate your prayers for not only those making decisions, but for the safety of all of us involved.

THE OLD DEVIL MUST BE ANGRY AT WHAT IS GOING ON.

I downloaded today's pictures, and will try to get them on the website. Internet was not working most of today, and they had power outage in this part of the city most of the day.

Best wishes to all. I have received many confirmations on getting these bulletins. I enjoy sharing experiences, and wish many of you could come on one of these. They are very inspiring.

Love you all,
Harvey

Nicaragua email reports: March 2-3 | March 4-5 | March 6-8 | March 9-10 | March 11-12 | March 14-15 | March 16-17 | March 21-22 | March 23