September 2009/Andrea G Burgess
Serving with New Life Nicaragua Re-Nutrition Center, Managua, Nicaragua.
Greetings! J
As soon as I arrived back in Nicaragua, I had the joy of visiting Los Cedros, seeing the smiling faces of the children with whom I shared 2 years of my life. The occasion was to deliver the final handmade blankie to Samuel, much to his delight! Thank you to Theresa Williams and family for making a blanket for every child!
It was encouraging to see the beginning of a rich harvest from the seeds sown from those 2 years. The children are growing and developing beyond what I could have imagined when they first came to the orphanage, especially concerning their dramatically increased social skills. I was amazed at their achievements in communication between each other as well as with the adults Psalm 126 v 2 (paraphrased) I was filled with laughter and shouts of joy as I said, “The LORD has done great things for them.”
Introducing New Life Nicaragua, (Vida Nueva) Orphanage and Re Nutrition Center
After volunteering from time to time at Vida Nueva on my days off from Los Cedros, the Lord led me to serve with this ministry full time. What an honor to have been invited to join their team!
The Re Nutrition Center was opened in 2005 to treat children from all over Nicaragua that suffer from acute starvation and chronic malnutrition. Take a look at the website (www.newlifenicaragua.org) to see how this ministry, founded by South Carolinians Tim and Chris Bagwell, is carrying out the Great Commission by being God’s hands and feet here in Managua, Nicaragua.
My primary role is a progressive work of individually tailored holistic development.
It will begin with complete developmental assessments of each one of the children. After that I will work with them on an individual basis, and in small groups, to encourage them to reach their full potential in all areas of development and to become who God created them to be. I am inspired by Chris and Tim’s enthusiasm in this particular area. They have even dedicated a special area as our “Therapy Room”, where the children can enjoy their special one on one time, rather than always being one of many. Please lift the children at Vida Nueva (New Life) up in prayer as we begin to work with them on a daily basis.
We took two of the children from Vida Nueva to the beach for a new experience. They were quite nervous at first, but gradually built up their confidence to get down from our laps and play in the sand. My grandchildren had given me some coloring books and crayons for Rosalinda, so I was thankful to see her there and to have the opportunity to share them with her.
Immersion Experience!
Initially, I was reluctant to attend an all Spanish Ladies retreat mid Sept, but I was nudged to a point where I knew I had to go! I was a little nervous at first, but it was a very rewarding experience to spend the weekend with 150 other women who love The LORD and wanted to learn more about: “The transforming power of The Holy Spirit.”, as well as a fun time of fellowship. I made a new friend who has become very dear to me. The conference was the very first of its kind in Nicaragua, and highly successful. God blessed us all with this time together for growth, rest, restoration and joy. We can now go forward and minister to others from the overflow of His love.
Independence Day of Nicaragua is celebrated on 15th September. I attended some colorful, spectacular fiestas with some of the children from the orphanage. We want them to be aware of their heritage and culture!
Before closing…. did you know:
- Nicaragua is now the poorest country in the western hemisphere.
- It is ranked 112th in the Human Development Index.
- 75% of its citizens live below the poverty line (United Nations Human Development Report 2002)
- 45.15% live in extreme poverty (Care International UK)
- One in every three children in Nicaragua is malnourished while 9% are chronically malnourished (Pan-American Health Organization).
- The national unemployment rate is around 54%, in addition to considerable underemployment.
- According to the World Fact Book, economic activity is divided into 30.5% agriculture, 17.3% industry, and 52.2% services.
Nicaraguans struggle to feed their families, provide for their children, and to simply survive day to day.
This is an understatement and most of these figures are well below actual fact because many areas remain unreported. I will write more soon about some upcoming projects and outreaches that Vida Nueva is working on in order to reach out to some of the poorest of the poor communities here in Nicaragua.
To better share my experiences here in Nicaragua I have posted some pictures to the Vineyard website. I would love to keep updated on what is happening in your life with your family. Please e-mail me at AndreaGBurgess@Hotmail.com Hope to hear from you soon, God Bless!
much love, andrea X
Vineyard of Gainesville