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Nicaragua/Wisconsin Wesleyan Partnership
Construction & Medical Ministry Team Report

February 11-19, 2009

Construction Team Report # 7

USA team members:
Betty & Darrell Wright, Bob Karstensen, Brian Sharpley, David Woods, Harvey Woods, Kent Peterson, Mike Knox, Lois & Ken Baker, Neal Moss, Tim Schneider, Todd Kohlhepp, Tom Dettle, Vernon Woods

Wisconsin Wesleyan churches represented were Eau Claire, Mukwonago, Rice Lake, Spooner, and Wisconsin Rapids. Of the 15 team members, 8 were first-timers.

Nicaraguan team members:
Pastor Alfonso and members of the congregation: Luis, Nelson, & Alfredo. Pastor Alfonso's wife Cony and daughter Meyling were frequently on site and were great encouragers to everyone. Missionary Jim Eckhardt was very helpful in preparing for the team's arrival.

This year's project was different than previous years. It was a two story church building (Iglesia Jesuchristo es el Camino in Managua) for which the congregation had already built the first story. We joined their work in progress and had a good time of fellowship working alongside them.

One big challenge was getting heavy materials (mortar, concrete, blocks) upstairs before the stairs were completed. Vernon rigged a pulley system which saved us much time and weary legs. During the six days of work - block walls, concrete earthquake rings and columns, steel posts, rafters, and sheeting were built or applied. The work was hard and the days were warm (some hot) but the arrival of the Eskimo ice cream man every morning and afternoon provided much welcome refreshment. May dreamsicles always be with us!! We were thankful that there were no injuries.

Pastor Alfonso, Cony, and Meyling surprised us with a celebration our last day that included a good time of food, music, and fellowship. Harmony, humor, and substantive discussions reigned on the church site and in the dorm at night. We believe that God's hand was evident in bringing this diverse group together to help our Nicaraguan siblings in Christ accomplish what He has called them to do.

William, a lay leader in Pastor Alfonso's church, has a vision for a job training center. Pastor Alfonso is very supportive of this idea. Discussions were held with the leader of a Christian NGO that is operating near Managua, who is very open to helping in the training of leaders for this endeavor. Jim Eckhardt will be presenting this for discussion to the Nicaragua junta soon.

Submitted by Kent Peterson

Medical Team Report # 16

USA team members:
Support Staff: Cynthia Terry, Ellen Rabbitt Karstensen, Marcy Keup, RoseAnne Browne
Medical Staff: Ardys Noreen, David Taylor, Hannah Peterson, Kimberly Moss, Theresa Hewitt

Wisconsin Wesleyan churches represented were Eau Claire, Mukwonago, and Spooner. Of the 9 medical team members, 3 were first-timers.

Nicaraguan team members:
Five medical students and two college students who served as translators, Dr. Arauz, pastors, missionary Julie Eckhardt

By conducting public health clinics, the medical teams provide a community outreach opportunity for the churches where the clinics are located. USA and Nicaraguan team members work together in ministering to the church congregations and people from the surrounding community in an effort to bring people to Christ, and help grow physically and spiritually health churches. Church folk have stated that the fact that the teams keep coming back are a great encouragement to them, and for many, the teams provide the only health education and medical care they receive.

Six days of clinics were held in six different church sites: Iglesia Rosa de Saron (Los Laureles), Iglesia Jesucristo es el Camino (Pastor Alfonso's church in Managua), Iglesia de Ciudad Sandino (Managua), Iglesia Amigos del Rey II (Malacatoya), Iglesia Amigos del Rey III (Tipitapa), Iglesia Mi Buen Pastor en la Concha (Masaya). Hundreds of people were treated each day with consults that included medication and health education. Nicaraguan church members assisted at each clinic by organizing and operating the clinics, and preparing a noon meal for the clinic workers.

Future teams can be assisted by donations of eyeglasses, children's and adult toothbrushes, and funds for Bibles and medicine.

Dates for the next medical team are September 9-17, 2009. Team application and information can be accessed at http://www.magnifisites.com/nicaragua/ In 2010, medical teams are expected to be scheduled for February and August.

Submitted by Hannah Peterson
February 23, 2009