A group of 35 volunteers from 5 different states spent the spring break in Empalme de Boaco, Nicaragua.  The group’s mission was to share God’s amazing love with the people of this rural community while working in a variety of teams.

The medical and dental team worked together in the community health clinic for 4 days and was able to take care of 587 patients.  Dr. Raquel Bravo, a general dentist from Miami, Florida took care of 60 patients each requiring multiple teeth extractions.   Most patients are women and children from nearby communities, many of whom have to walk hours to get to the clinic. All the patients received anti-parasitic medication and a 1 month supply of multivitamins.  The clinic staff also distributed a tooth brush and a toothpaste to all patients and taught them how to properly brush their teeth. Children up to the age of 14yrs received fluoride varnish for the prevention of cavities. Over 2, 250 prescriptions were filled in our pharmacy and given to the patients free of charge.

The children’s team was able to minister to over 100 small children during the vacation Bible school. The children enjoyed coloring, crafts, Bible stories and games. The week ended with a celebration attended by over 150 children. Each child had the opportunity to participate in the breaking of 4 pinatas and each received a handful of candy. The children had a wonderful time just being kids and receiving unconditional love from the team members. Many of these kids do not have an opportunity to be kids because of the degree of poverty in their lives. Many have to work from as young as 6 yrs old to help their families eat. They enjoyed side walk chalk, bubbles, playing with ballons, jumping rope and so many other activities. It was heart warming to see their big smiles as they eagerly waited patiently for the activities to begin each day.
This trip was our first time organizing a soccer sports camp. 200 children ages 8-14yrs were signed up to attend the camp prior to our arrival. Each child was provided with a peanut butter sandwich and gatorade during camp. The baseball stadium was used to practice and teach the children different soccer skills. All the children received a soccer jersey and a water bottle donated by Upwards Sports. The teams proudly marched around the stadium wearing their soccer uniform on the last day of camp. The ministry’s goal is to start a sports program to give children a healthy and fun alternative to the dangers of street life.

Our construction team was able to improve the lives of 2 families during our week in Empalme de Boaco. With the help of a couple of local volunteers, the team placed a metal roof, wood framing, and concrete flooring to 2 homes. The team also left materials to local community leaders to complete 2 other homes in the near future.
Our evangelism team had the privilidge to pray for hundreds of people and the blessing to lead 16 new believers to the life transforming knowledge of Christ Jesus. Our work in Empalme is only temporary without the work of God in people’s lives. Only God can make a change that lasts in Empalme de Boaco. It has been an honor to be able to witness and participate in the work that God is doing in this community.

If you are interested in participating in the next mission trip please contact Beatriz Juncadella by e-mail at mosensito@hotmail.com or Susan Baron at   laluzministries@ymail.com

 The outer banks work team or “miracle men” arrived at the Managua International airport  February 27th and travelled by bus to Empalme.  They worked daily sun up to sun down for 6 days, and were able to dedicate the new church building the evening of March 4th.  The church overflowed with local members and visitors from all over the area eagered to be part of  the exciting event.   Something never witnessed in the entire region had taken place,  “the six day church,” as people called it, was truly a modern day miracle.

Marcy and Dr. Wendy Ho in the Pharmacy

The children’s ministry team was able to love on about 200 children who participated in the vacation Bible school.  They played games, read Bible stories, colored activity sheets and enjoyed a pinata party throughout the week.   Second and fourth grade students from High Point Christian Academy in North Carolina collected and donated most of the supplies used in the VBS.  This was a great way for these students to reach out to children around the world and make an impact in their lives.   The children in Empalme are so hungry for attention and love that they are constantly hugging you and holding your hand.  Many are neglected or abused and forced by their family’s economic situation to work from an early age.  One of the ministry’s main focus is on children because they are the future that will change Empalme. 

Jennifer with a group of children

The construction team was able to improve the homes of two families in desperate situations.  One of the families consisted of both parents and 6 young children.  The mother, Juana, explained that when it rains, her home would flood and she would scoop the water out with a small bowl.  Her dirt floor would then become pure mud that covers you up to the ankles.   Each of the families received a new metal roof and a cement floor that will keep them dry and safe.  The cost of these improvements is $700/home.  

One of the homes in progress

Our week ended with a day trip to Nicaragua’s oldest city, Granada, and a boat ride around lake Nicaragua.   Everyone who comes to Empalme for the first time has a life changing experience.  It is amazing how much you learn from people there.  Despite all the suffering and despair that is all around, people have the biggest smiles.  They are so thankful for what they receive.  One lady told us that when her family hears that we are coming to Empalme, they are so excited that they are not able to sleep the night before. 

 It is a rewarding experience that you will never forget.  If you would like to join us in our next trip please contact Beatriz Juncadella at mosensito@hotmail.com.

The clinic provides urgently needed medical care to the impoverished population of Empalme de Boaco and surroundings.  Most of the clinic patients are women and young children who have very limited access to quality health care.  The clinic is opened 5 days a week and is staffed by a physician and nurse assistant.  All medications and treatments are provided to each patient free of charge.   Thanks to the generosity of private donors the clinic has been able to make a direct difference in the lives of thousands of people since September 2007.   If you would like more information or would like to make a financial gift please contact Susan Baron at laluzministries@ymail.com.

The team will bring medications for the clinic and craft supplies for a fun vacation Bible school.  You can help us by collecting multivitamins, over the counter medications such as aspirin, acetominophen, antiacids, etc, toothbrushes and toothpaste and any craft materials. 

If you are interested and would like more information, please contact Beatriz Juncadella at mosensito@hotmail.com or Susan Baron at laluzministries@ymail.com

Tickets will be on sale at the beginning of October and are $25/person.  Please contact Susan Baron at laluzministries@ymail.com or Beatriz Juncadella at mosensito@hotmail.com if you would like to purchase tickets.

Last Monday, September 21, 2009,  a leadership team from La Luz de Cristo Ministries met with Dr.  J.L. Williams , founder of NDI, and Mr. Coy Tillet, head of the construction team, to finalize the plans for their  upcoming visit to Nicaragua.   The team will consist of 25 volunteers who will build a metal building in one week.   This trip is scheduled for the second week in February 2010.   Currently the church has over 80 members and meets in the clinic building. 

We give thanks to God for His faithfulness as well as to New Directions International for their support and generosity.

If you are interested in participating in a short term medical mission trip or would like to make a financial contribution please contact Beatriz Juncadella, MD at mosensito@hotmail.com or make your contribution through this web site.

The inaguration will be Tuesday April 7th at 3pm.  We invite all of you to join us in prayer and thanksgiving to God in this day.