Discovering Talent

Listening to presentations about the Nehemiah Center programs

The first group that visited Nicaragua came from southern Ontario, Canada from January 15-24 to learn more about the Nehemiah Center and work on the roof replacement project. This church had raised the larger part of the funds necessary to replace the thatch roof over the rancho area as well as the tile roof in the office complex. They felt especially satisfied to be able to unload the new materials themselves.

Unloading new roofing materials

There was one team member who couldn't participate in physical labor or painting, but she wanted to minister to the people at the office and help in any way that she could. We suggested she could teach the ladies how to bake things, pray with staff and practice English with the young people. Not all of our plans worked out the way we envisioned, partly because of lack of communication and partly because of lack of structure; however, Gertie was a blessing to the people at the Nehemiah Center. Some ladies learned how to make new recipes for cookies or cakes. The kitchen staff learned a new casserole recipe. Program coordinators were prayed for and remembered. And the kids? They liked having something to do when they were hanging out after school with Gertie, practicing English, baking, or doing crafts.

Saraí is in the green shirt, interpreting for a puppet show

One of biggest things that impacted me from Gertie's time with the Nehemiah Center was finding out that one of the teenage daughters of a couple working at the Nehemiah Center was really good at English! When Saraí was around, Gertie sent the translator away. This young woman, whom I have watched grow up but never really interacted with, has proven to be a leader, translator, and good with kids and languages. She not only helped Gertie a lot with the other kids, but when we needed someone for a day a month later for a community event with another group, Saraí jumped into translating puppet shows on the fly, organizing kids for crafts and helping out in all sorts of ways. It was incredible to witness the gifts God has given her and find this resource so close to us at the Nehemiah Center!

Saraí directing the kids in a game of parachute