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
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
Monday, February 22, 2010
I don’t know about you but sometimes I need a little bit of prompting to be reminded of what to pray for.
Haiti Earthquake Aftermath Montage from Khalid Mohtaseb on Vimeo.
This worked well for me. There are no words, just pictures of people that need the love of Jesus. I dare you to watch and not be prompted to pray.
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Submitted by Mark Johnson, 3:42 pm
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
The first load of food has already arrived in Nicaragua and as a church we can’t wait to send a whole bunch more.
Thus far Cedar Grove has filled 261 containers for the people of Leon, Nicaragua. Start praying now that God will use these containers to reach the people Leon with the gospel and come join us as we pack a large shipping container with these smaller containers on Feb 27th from 9 am - Noon.
Each container represents a family that will receive the food and supplies that we have packed to help meet their physical needs and we pray that more than anything it will encourage them to seek Jesus who is the only one who can meet their spiritual needs. With each container comes an invitation to attend a two night festival where the gospel will be clearly presented and they will have an opportunity to get plugged in with a local church.
Here is a quick update of the work that has already begun.
Updates - February 4, 2010
• The work on the festival is taking form each day. We have been working with the local pastors and they are very excited about the festival. On February 6th, we will have our first counselor training session and we will do training every Saturday until the week of the Festival.
• We now have the full support of the Mayor of Leon. His support is really helping open doors!
• We have organized a team of [youth] leaders to be in charge of the “youth project.” We are equipping them so they can motivate a larger group of youth to help with the promotion of the festival.
• We distributed much needed food to the Mayor, the police, the minister of education, the minister of health, two orphanages, and two radio stations that are highly influential to Leon. All of these institutions are grateful and supportive of the festival.
• We have begun the first stage of publicity in the city!
• We have begun preparations for another large pastor’s meeting that will take place February 22… this will be our 2nd of many more.
• We are making a plan to be able to invite the university students and each faculty member to the festival.
Pray for us as we continue to press forward in preparations for “Fiesta Pinolera” We are confidently expecting God to do unprecedented works in Leon, Nicaragua, and beyond!
Read more about what is happening in Leon, Nicaragua and follow Mike’s ministry on his blog.
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Submitted by Cedar Grove, 10:16 pm
