Last week, some of you know, my Daughter, Madeline and I flew to Nicaragua on a missionary trip. “It never ceases to amaze, and shame me, when I see how much those who live in poverty cling to their faith in God. It’s enough for them.” We made a “makeshift” church on a worksite one day. The building was little more than dirt floors and walls. The roof is tin and there is no air conditioning. The pews are turned over buckets, yet over 100 people have crammed themselves into an area the size of a Taco Bell dining area to experience the power of the Word.
This place of gathering is filled with Americans and Nicaraguans… bound by the power of faith.
The cultural immersion, in the capital city of Managua, and that of Chinendega had given us a chance to experience poverty beyond anything we had ever experienced before. “Children as young as five years old try to sell items or wash windshields in busy intersections to make money. You will encounter children every day who are asking for money or something to eat.” 60 percent of the capital is without power. Some rural areas have no running water and those that do can’t filter the iron and unusable minerals.
Nicaragua is the second poorest country in Central America, ahead of Haiti. Fifty-seven percent of those in poverty reside in bigger cities like the capital. Natural disasters have been a big factor in increasing poverty. Remnants of fallen buildings can still be seen from the great earthquake of 1972.
The worst house I have ever seen was lived in by an older lady who had draped black plastic over tree limbs for a roof. Cooking took place over a fire. That was it. Another lady’s house was constructed of cardboard.” The high poverty rate attributes to the almost 60 percent illiteracy rate as many parents cannot afford school uniforms. So here’s what I took away from our recent visit. These people are absolutely no different than you or me. They have been born into different circumstances. They smile, they laugh and they love. Man do they love. They have a profound love of god and thank the lord each day for what they have. I guess, for the most part, they don’t know what they don’t have. They’re happy and loving. They aren’t pissed because they don’t have AC, or because the WiFi is down. There is no complaining about a lumpy bed or another meal of rice and beans. These people love company. They give warm hugs and welcome you into their homes. They are a breath of fresh air. I look at them and I watch them smile… ear to ear smiles. These are truly god’s children. They are no different than you or I. Well, they may actually be a little happier.
Have a great weekend!
TERRY Talks 