Even If… God is!
An Update on WHPC’s Partnership with CCP in Nicaragua
by Nancy Pickett
Prior to Covid-19 and recent government unrest, WHPC had both a consistent financial and physical presence in Nicaragua.
Even if WHPC is currently not as physically present, our WHPC missions still has a substantial financial and spiritual presence.
One example of WHPC involvement in Nicaragua Missions is:
Colegio Christiano Presbiteriano (CCP). CCP is our oldest and dearest school ministry. They are in one of the poorest neighborhoods, but shine as a true example of how God can take that which has been cast off and make it pure and vibrant.
When WHPC first started supporting CCP through our Family Mission Trips, it was at risk of being closed. Not only was CCP in serious disrepair, but they also struggled to get even poorly educated teachers. Students lacked hope and there was little to no parental involvement. When the children did come to school, they were hungry and were not motivated to do well with their studies. After almost 16 years of support and dedicated, Christian leadership CCP is now a thriving, sought after school. Teachers are well trained, and the students thrive because they have hope. Christian leadership is strong, and parents are eager to be involved in their children's educational growth. Students are nourished spiritually through AWANA and Christ centered teaching. They are nourished physically through our WHPC feeding program.
Just this past October over Zoom, Pastor Stephen and I shared a wonderful visit with Directors, Pablo, and Sarah Kim. Thanks to Vivian Min for her gift of translation. I am forever grateful for people who can act as mediary for Kingdom work.
Even if: WHPC is not physically touching CCP we are receiving glowing reports of success.
Even if: we are not present to see it, our favorite Malinche Tree is in full bloom!
Even if: The government is making life miserable, causing the more highly educated young people to flee for other countries; the school continues to grow and receive awards for excellence.
Pablo and Sarah shared that their discipleship program currently has fewer college age students. However they have hope that those who have stayed will remain in the program and continue to work toward becoming Christian leaders and educators.
Many of the students who participate in Pablo and Sarah's discipleship program become their strongest teachers at CCP.
Even if:
* The government is making financial demands that are intended to cripple CCP and other ministries; God’s work will not be thwarted and they like other missionaries are learning how to work around the red tape.
*CCP continues to thrive. They pride themselves in offering special educational programs and after school extracurricular activities. AWANA and Christian discipleship is a priority.
*They are able to keep up with maintenance and improvements. Just this year WHPC provided much needed funds for the building of a new classroom. CCP is growing and they strive to provide adequate space for optimum learning.
Even if:
* The pressure of serving and being obedient to God’s call can feel overwhelming; God is opening new doors for respite and spiritual nourishment.
* Both Pablo and Sarah have a strong faith. They love teaching and their love for the gospel is infectious. No matter how long between visits, they open their hearts and welcome us as though we are the most important people in their lives.
*Visiting over zoom brought the same warm welcome. They glowed with warmth and enthusiasm for both Stephen and me. They shared a firm commitment for the work that they are doing at CCP. They know beyond a shadow of a doubt that they are called by God to be in Nicaragua serving HIS people.
Stephen and I walked away with a renewed commitment to pray for CCP and God's work in Nicaragua. They are so thankful for WHPC. Pablo and Sarah asked that we extend a warm greeting to all of you. They are honored by our strong history and dedication to Nicaragua missions.
Even if… God is!