Monday, April 26, 2010
140,000 people heard the good news of Jesus proclaimed, and thousands came to know him as their savior.
The food containers that our church packed were distributed to the people of Leon.
Pastors, their families, and their churches were encouraged.
Even the government and local officials were impacted through this event.
We encourage you to read and see even more at Mike Silva’s blog. Praise God!
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Submitted by Mark Johnson, 10:22 pm
Sunday, April 25, 2010
In the next few posts we will be sharing what God is doing in Leon, Nicaragua and how Cedar Grove has had the privilege of being involved. Below is the advertisement that was broadcast across Nicaragua that explains what the festival is all about.
We can’t wait to hear more.
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Submitted by Mark Johnson, 2:49 pm
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
If you haven’t been following along I really encourage you to check out Cindy’s blog about her time in Ethiopia serving.
This morning was Sunday, so we all went to Desta’s church, only he wasn’t there. He preaches every Sunday so to get a break he convinced all of us white people to give a message. … Steve did some math and estimated there were 1,200 in a space that in North America would have held half that. When it became time for us to speak I was so nervous I don’t quite remember what I said but I do know I read from 1 Corinthians 3
By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should be careful how he builds. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 3:10-11
… All the elders of the church, some students and other concerned citizens came to the meeting and I believe the presentation went fairly well. We had time for a few questions at the end of the presentation. The way questions are phrased in this culture is really interesting. They first start out by praising God, then thanking the team, and then they ask their question finishing off with another thank you.
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Submitted by Mark Johnson, 10:02 am
Monday, March 29, 2010
A few weeks back our youth had the opportunity to participate in the 30 hr famine event put on by World Vision. The goal was to allow our youth to understand how the rest of the world lives and to create a passion within them to do something about it.
As the youth gathered together they learned about many of the issues facing much of the world.
As a result of the 30 hr famine the youth were able to raise $1,100 for world vision and a new hunger for helping the homeless within our own community. We have now partnered more closely with Open Heart Kitchen where many of our youth will now be involved in meeting the needs of the homeless on a regular basis.
Like Jesus, we don’t want to only be aware of the world’s physical needs. We also want to follow Jesus in meeting the spiritual needs of people.
“I tell you the truth, you are looking for me, not because you saw miraculous signs but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. On him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.” … “I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.” John 6:25-40
We do not want to be blind to physical and spiritual needs of the people around us and the 30 hour famine was an awesome tool that God is using to open the eyes of Cedar Grove youth.
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Submitted by Pastor Tom, 9:44 am
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
As soon as we stopped for a break in one of the little towns all the children rush the van windows, tapping on them for money and to buy gum or CDs or whatever else they are promoting. Of course you are not supposed to give them any money straight out, which is an odd thing to remember. Handing out money perpetuates a culture of begging for the children and there are so many children there you would run out of bills before hands. Also you have to remember that we are not the only white faces traveling though this country and one hand out can lead to a stream of continued tapping for organizations that are trying to establish a better income source for the countries poor. A short-term hand out will not solve the long-term problem. Hand outs are not why EMI has come, so I resisted. It is very hard to turn away from a sad 5-year-old with her hand out.
Cindy is starting to share about her adventures with Engineering Ministries International in Ethiopia. We will be checking in every once in a while to share some of her story and to see how God is using her there.
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Submitted by Cedar Grove, 10:46 am
