Pray for Nicaragua on Sunday, July 2, 2017

Lectionary Selection: Matthew 10:40-42

Prayers for Nicaragua:

Oh Lord our God how excellent is your name in all the earth. You are the first and the last and everything in between. When we see the sun, the moon and the stars, we see YOU. When we feel the cool breeze on a hot day, we see YOU. When we exhale the challenges and frustrations in our lives and inhale your love, grace and mercy, we see YOU. When we see our sisters, our brothers and our children suffering from lack of food, shelter and clothing, we hear YOU. When we see peace, we know it’s YOU.

Therefore, Dear Lord help us to be and to continue to be in Your image. The image of love, passion, fellowship, righteousness and justice. As we, the Central Moravian Church of Managua, do the work you would have us to do, and as we share Your image with others, let your Holy Spirit keep the fire under our feet and in our spirit. When we become overwhelmed with the challenges of a volatile and unjust society, remind us to take a moment to drink from your cup of life. Because we see YOU and hear YOU, we joyfully say, Oh Lord our God how excellent is your name in all the earth! Amen.

Save

Mission Stewardship Moment from Nicaragua:

Mutual support and provision is a hallmark or [sure sign] of the communities gathered around Jesus (note from NRSV). In The Message translation, Matthew 10:40 says, “We are intimately linked in this harvest work.” On Pentecost Sunday, Reverend Joiner began his sermon with a question. “He asked, What are we doing to continue the growth of the church for the glory of God? How does the Holy Spirit act in this church?” These were good questions because sometimes we are so busy with the harvest work, that we need to step back for a moment and reflect on our deeds.

There is a ministry in the church called UMMON (United Moravian Miskito Women Of Nicaragua) that visit Berta Calderon Hospital for Women several times a year bringing the good news of love, fellowship, passion and concern to women suffering with cancer. They usually bring food, toiletries and snacks to give to each woman. Prayers and songs are sang by us and the women on their journey to recovery. When we leave both of us are filled with thanksgiving and a joyful heart.

The Kings Daughters, a Creole group originally from the East Coast of Nicaragua, provide social work and assists with church activities. Sister Jeanette Hudson Antonio, eighty-four years young, uses her love of plants and flowers to keep the church garden green, colorful, healthy and beautiful. She lives quite a distance from the church but takes the bus every Wednesday night to attend Bible Study. The Juanita Connolly Clinic, managed by Jeanneth Hudson Hudson (this is not a typing error), with assistance of Vilma Lewis and Phyllis Nelson, provides a variety of health care services for the surrounding community and all of Managua. They are also members of The Kings Daughters.

AJECIM, our youth group, meets with other Moravian churches in the community to share the love and experience of God in their lives. The choir sings to the glory of God every Sunday—Spanish for the morning service and English for the evening service. The pastor and brother Renalto Benjamin visit the sick and shut-in members of the church. I provide training to leaders of the church and their members with a 21st century experience of Christian Education. I am also working with a group of teachers from various churches to develop a curriculum for the Moravian Churches in Nicaragua. Finally, more church members are participating in the yearly protest march for Women Against Violence.

Matthew 10: 40-42 also says, “This is a large work I’ve called you into, but don’t be overwhelmed by it.” Despite the many daily economical and social challenges in this country, the Moravian Church in Nicaragua continues to provide mutual support and provision to our neighbors. Yes, we are intimately linked in this harvest work. So please pray for our continued strength as we work to be the light of God for our brothers and sisters.

(Prayer and Mission Moment by Jeanette Salley)

Mission Partners in Nicaragua:

More information on Nicaragua: http://www.globalministries.org/nicaragua

Global Ministries Missionary in Nicaragua:
Jeanette Salley serves with the Moravian Church of Nicaragua. Her appointment is made possible by your gifts to Disciples Mission Fund, Our Churches Wider Mission, and your special gifts.

Save