When some people think of worship, they think of music, singing, and prayer.  But, worship is so much more.  When we come before the Lord in an attitude of Thanksgiving, for all that He is, and the sacrifice He has been for us, we worship.  With their whole heart, we come before God, praising Him, and bowing before Him as our King.  There is no one like Jesus!  During the worship, I invited Juan Carlos to come up, and I presented him with a flag and Swaziland, and also a T-shirt.  I had them put the shirt on, and then together, we talk to people the song that I have taught almost everywhere I go. "There's No One Like JESUS!"  Akekho ofana no Jesu.  Juan Carlos, did a great job.  I was wearing sunglasses in church because of the conjunctivitis.  I had.  So as the song began, someone brought sunglasses or Juan Carlos and my interpreter too.  Everyone was laughing and enjoying the worship.  And they did an amazing job singing the song.  Afterwards I preached.  I shared my testimony about how I became a Christian.  Then I talked about the new life that Jesus offers. I gave an invitation at the end of the service, and many people came for prayer.  I had the opportunity to pray for a couple people to receive Christ.  Others came to renew their commitment to Jesus.  What an amazing day. I was happy that Daniels family came to the service also.  God is good!

REMAR  NICARAGUA

Raining

like the

days of

NOAH!

Mission Nicaragua

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Short n' Sweet

Mission Nicaragua

August 30 - September 7

Leti   Joseph Francisco Arce Ubeda    Roberth Barrios    Daniel Mesa

Short n' Sweet

This is the 3rd trip to Nicaragua, however it is the first one that is a PEI journey.  On the prior trips I was a on a team from a different ministry. It is exciting to have a new PEI Mission in Nicaragua. Please pray for me as there are still many things that need to come together for this to be a success.

WHAT WILL I BE DOING?

  This mission is about being an encouragement to: my "son" Daniel, his family, extended family and the Christian band; ChristWay. (Daniel plays bass for the band.)  Prayer, Bible study, worship fellowship and outreach will fill the days that I am with them.  GOD is going to do amazing things.  Thank you for your prayers.  Due to a lack of internet access I can't make any promises about an online journal but I will try to do it.

Lord willing I will also get to connect with the folks from REMAR. It will be a blessing to see what they are doing there and  to see if there is some way PEI can partner with them as we have in three countries in Africa.  They are an amazing organiz-ation that is dedicated to serving others in Jesus' name around the world.

CBY Travel comes through for me again!

  When I asked Carlo at CBY for a miracle price on a ticket, I mentioned: "In the Spirit" you can find one.  I was so blessed when I got an email back from him with a price of nearly half off!  I was even more amazed that it was on SPIRIT Airlines.  I didn't know there was an airline by that name.  I will be flying out of REAGAN International in Washington, for the first time. 

  I will have a layover in Ft. Lauderdale and then fly to Managua getting in a little after midnight.  I am not look- ing forward to the heat in Nicaragua.  Praying that the humidity will not be bad.  The place I am staying has air conditioning as an option.  We'll see!

Welcome to the Online Journal for . . . . .

Project E.A.R.T.H. International

  I know many of you have begun to pray already.  Thank you so much!  Not knowing when you will see this, I will share with you some things you can pray about specifically on Monday, August 30.  Pray for smooth connections.  Pray that there will be no problems with me bringing Daniel's guitar.  Pray that I will have good conversations with people in the airport in Fort Lauderdale, during my layover there.  Please pray that no hurricanes,will cause delays on any of these flights.  Also pray, that there will be no problems connecting with Daniel and his family., when I arrive in Nicaragua.

  I will do my best to keep this updated while I am on this mission.  Be patient with me, as Internet access will be limited, and I don't know about uploading the photos.  I will do my best.  Please communicate with me using the guestbook.  During this time, I am asking you not to write e-mails, and especially no e-mails with any type of attachment.  This can complicate things for me, greatly.

NICARAGUA here I come!

  It's almost midnight, and I'm finishing up some last minute things before I go to bed.  A little more laundry to do, then I can finish packing.  Packing my carry-on is the last thing that I will wait and do that early in the morning.  I can't believe it's time to go, already.  Now I need your prayers for a successful journey.  Your prayers really make a difference.  We're in this together.This morning, they prayed for me at Shiloh, and it was exciting for me that they had the small children, come and pray for me as well.  A few of them prayed out loud, and it touched my heart.  As the prayers continued, I could feel such energy coming from those children who had their hands on me  praying.  I suggested in the future we should have the children, come and pray for people before they leave for their mission trips.

  When I spoke with Daniel, earlier online, he told me that everyone is excited for my arrival tomorrow night.  It will be great to see everyone again.  Please pray for me as I travel, because sometimes it causes many problems for me.  By 2 AM on Tuesday, I will be in Nicaragua, and I will rest easy when that part is over. .

Spirit Airlines a good experience!

  John Rush picked me up early on Monday morning, and we had an uneventful trip to Reagan international Airport.  John treated me to a nice meal at Bob Evans on the way.  It was great.  John's GPS really needs to be updated.  It did not understand some of the major highways, and we were on.

  Everyone at Spirit Airlines was very helpful.  I was quite early for my flight so I had to wait at the check-in counter about an hour and a half.  While I was waiting about 25 feet away was a lady who was very upset about having to pay for her bags.  She began to argue with the  Ticket agent.  Soon she began yelling at her.  Then the police came.  She began yelling at the police, the police put her in handcuffs are way.  Lesson learned: don't yell and swear at the police.  Will not go well with you.

  I had some wonderful conversations on the plane going to Fort Lauderdale.  I was so happy, John took me out to eat before my flight, because they serve no food on the plane were drinks, unless you want to pay a very high price.  When I got to Fort Lauderdale.  Everything went smoothly.  I had four hours before my flight to Nicaragua.  While I was sitting in the airport I called my mother.  We were talking, and I looked across the room, and I'm shocked to see my friend Ted sitting there.  It's a long story that I won't go into now, but Ted and his wife are doing

work in Nicaragua.  However, they are five hours from where I will be a nice new I wouldn't get see them.  So we had a great time in the airport, and we sat together on the plane.  There are so many other amazing things took place, but for now.  I'll leave it at that.  But it did end up spending the night with Daniel and me at Quinta Shalom.

  It was nearly 1 AM in Nicaragua ( 3 AM Eastern standard Time) Daniel and his family were waiting for me.  It was so exciting to see them again.  They drove me to where I was staying (about a 45 minute drive), and Ted was waiting for us there.  How he got there is another amazing story.  So when I returned to the United States, if you ask me for the details of what I didn't share here, I'll be happy to tell you the stories.  Our God is an awesome God.

Tedd Lodes & Pastor Chris at Quinta Shalom

An evening at ChristWay rehersal

When I was in high school my friend's parents would allow us to have our rehersals in their basement in the winter and their garage in the summer.  There is no say they would have agreed to us taking over their living room twice a week.  Though Daniel's family lives in a relatively small house the band is welcome to take over the living room and the loud music doesn't bother his Daniel's parents at all.  I had an amazing evening with them. They also provided a wonderful roasted chicken dinner for me.  I enjoyed the music and the time with Daniel's family.  We prayed together during a very hard thunderstorm before the band went home.  I can't believe how hard it rained.  In case you are wondering - YES, it's HOT here!.  The place where I am staying has an option for air conditioning and I will take that option.  I didn't sleep more than at hour last night because I was so hot - even with a fan blowing on me.  (Central air and I have become great friends this summer in the place I am blessed to live in PA).  Daniel's brother Denis will stay with me tonight.  They are taking turns so I am not here alone as I am the only one booked into this place.  I like staying here and the people who run Quinta Shalom are very nice.  Thanks for your prayers.

One big happy family!

The Aunts, Uncles and Cousins just keep coming!  Extended family . . . . . .

  The anointing of GOD is on the MEZA home. I feel the power and presence the moment I set foot on the property. The Meza's have opened there home to family, friends, neighbors and all you will come.  It's a safe place for young folks to gather and have fellowship.  It's ok to be who you are and know that if you are happy, they will be happy with you. If you have a problem, they will listen and pray for you.  If you don't know JESUS, you will hear about HIM while you are there.  The aunts, uncles, and cousins just keep coming.  The extending family is too big to count.  The laughter, smiles, and hugs flow like a river in this place.  I imagine JESUS looking at this and being so happy to see HIS love, grace and compassion being shared in this way.

  I lost count of how many people were here tonight, but the photo to the right is less that 1/3 of them.  Daniel's mother (in purple) laughs as we prepare for Mancho to cut his cake. It was an amazing experience. I was asked to pray a blessing on Mancho an then we enjoyed the cake!  It was the best cake I have had since last year when I was here.

As always on our web-pages, when you see a row of small photos you can click on a photo to see a larger version with a caption or roll your mouse over the photo to see the caption.

EARLIER IN THE DAY ~ After ChristWay rehersal on Monday night Denis (Daniel's brother) stayed at the Quinta with me.  He only speaks a little English and I only speak a little Spanish so it was interesting.  I showed him how I design the web-page, and we watched some of the videos from the mission to AFRICA.  While I did some other work he played games on my IPAD. They came to pick us up early in the afternoon and we went to the Meza's to prepare for Mancho's celebration. I got to spend time with Daniel's dad, cousin (who speaks English) and several other family members.  Daniel's uncle (who has the taxi we are using for transport), was going to the hospital to see what they can do for a problem he is having with his eyes.  Well, I guess you can see I now have the same problem.

There's an elephant in my eye!

My first night staying alone at the Quinta turned out to be very interesting.  My eyes were bothering me when they dropped me off but I had no idea that this would keep me up most of the night.  Both eyes were hurting me but the pressure in my left eye felt like there was an elephant in my eye!  WOW!  Thursday morning it was really looking bad.  It's a good thing there wasn't a firm plan for Thursday because along with the eye problem was a fever and some dizziness so, even though I didn't want to do it - I spent the day in a dark room in bed.  Late Thursday afternoon Daniel and his mom and dad came.  His uncle (who had the same problem) shared the drops with me that he is using for his eyes.  Daniel stayed with me and and I cooked dinner for his family.  When they returned they brought some beans and rice and some roasted meat.  I made spaghetti with meat sauce and we had a good time of fellowship.  It has been raining a lot here these days.  Daniel and his cousin Kevin will spend the night at the Quita and in the morning we will go to the mall. Daniel needs a haircut!   We will have lunch there also.

It's rare for me to lose a day to sickness on a mission trip but I am glad I took the time to rest today.  It was also a great time for me to be alone with GOD and spend some time listening to HIM.  Being still is not a strong point with me but, I am learning.

Daniel's mother is spoiling me! ~  Before the party for our friend Mancho tonight, Daniel's mother called me to the kitchen for this amazing meal.  A roasted chicken, salad, tortias and diet coke!  WOW!  She is spoiling me. Yolanda is always looking out for the needs of others.  She is the "mom" of the whole neighborhood.  She loves people.  She is always smiling, and always ready to do something to bring joy to someone else. 

  Tonight for the party she also organiazed the games and everyone had a great time. I have never seen them all laughing so hard.  It was a very happy time for all who were there.

   No matter what we are doing, JESUS is always a part of it.  Whether we are in the car, sitting at home or walking together, JESUS is a part of it. We sing together, pray together, and share the amazing things that GOD has done and is doing in our lives.  When friends come around, JESUS is a part of what is going on. When there is fun and games - JESUS is at the center of our fellowship and HE is lifted up and glorified.  All we have, and all we are is because of HIM.  Every moment of my time here in Nicaragua if filled with JESUS.  Lives are being touched and changed. The encouragement I came to bring is taking place. I am so humbled and blessed be- cause I am being encouraged as much as those I came to encourge! .

 

Raining

like the

days of

NOAH!

Rain is nothing new.  We've had some pretty hard storms in PA over the summer but when it rains here the streets are flooded and you can't really see where you are going.  We also have pot holes in PA but there are holes here that are literally knee deep!  If you hit one of those holes, your whole wheel will fit down in there and I can't imagine doing that at 25 or 30 mph!  It was quite an experience getting to the mall today!

  In the USA it's Labor Day

weekend and that means it

is time for the Jerry Lewis

Labor Day Telethon.  Here

in Managua they are also

having a telethon for child-

ren with cancer. We saw a

few pretty funny acts on the

stage at the mall. PEI made

a contribution to help the

kids who have cancer. 

  As you can see Daniel is

getting a much needed haircut.  Kevin and I enjoyed our time

waiting for him.  They served us some soda while we were

waiting and I experimented taking pictures of us in a giant

mirror there.  I liked this one.  It looks like an AD for Canon

cameras or something.  We ate lunch at the mall and I got a

pair of sunglasses to help me with the problem I am having

with my eyes.  They really helped.

Today I had the opportunity to meet with the Director of REMAR NICARAGUA - Juan Carlos.  What a blessing it was to be able to connect with him and find that he has been waiting for my visit.  Daniel made arrange- ments for us to meet. The mother of one the guys in ChristWay is working with REMAR.  Juan Carlos was happy to hear about the work PEI is doing and our relationship with REMAR in Africa.  Now he says PEI has a home in Nicaragua also.  I look forward to establishing a relationship here.

Saturday, Juan Carlo has offered to pick me up and take me around to see some of the work REMAR is doing here.  He has also ask-

ed me to preach at church on Sunday and invited ChristWay to play for worship.  Though some of the band is unable to play because they are leading worship at their church, Richard (drummer) and Adrian (guitar player) will help with the worship on Sunday.

ChristWay meets Shiloh Praise Band on video

Although Pastor Brett and the Shiloh Praise Band were not able to come to Nicaragua in person to meet with ChristWay to encourage them and talk about worship, they were willing to take time to make a video and share their hearts with them.  It was exciting for me to be able to edit the video and share it during one of our times together.  The band had just finished their rehersal when we got there.  The band has been working through some struggles and it was a blessing for them to know that there are so many people praying for them in the USA.  The video had quite an impact on them.

  After the Shiloh Praise Band video, I took them on a journey via video to Boito, KENYA to show them what happens when you are faced with conditons you don't anticipate.  When it seems that people are not listening or don't care about what you are there to do. In that video are many lessons.  The greatest one for me is to remember who I am there to worship and to not allow the circumstances or faces to control whether I will worship GOD and continue to minister even when it appears that no one is listening.  There were some who were listening that day. And some who made life changing decisions!  A group of those students ran next to us for nearly two miles after the concert.  It was an amazing time.

  When the video was over I spent about 45 minutes meeting with ChristWay to discuss the struggle they face.  Then we prayed.  As you look at the pictures, their faces and body language speak of the inner struggles they are facing.  So, we must continue to pray for them as they work to resolve these things.  Our GOD is an awesome GOD!.

Juan Carlos gives us an inside look at  . . . . . .

REMAR  NICARAGUA

Before I came to Nicaragua this time, you were praying that I would be able to make contact with REMAR.  Well, prayers are being answered!  I told (my son) Daniel I wanted to meet the people from REMAR and he was faithful to follow through. This is just a beginning.  Now that we have met, we will see what GOD has in mind for the future.  PEI has made a don-ation to help REMAR with their work here and we will contin-

ue to partner with them in NICARAGUA.  You might be wondering if this is going to mean more trips to NICARAGUA?  GOD has the answer to that question.  I am willing - are you? Let's pray and see what happens!

It's time for Worship!

It's time for Worship!

REMAR ~ Managua, Nicaragua

REMAR

Rebuilding Lives!

  Understanding the Ministry of REMAR is not an easy.  In many ways, they are like the Salvation Army.  But they do so much more.  They are like a big family.  The love they show for everyone is so very genuine.  I can't thank God enough for allowing me all the opportunities I have had to get to know these people.

  When Juan Carlos picked me up for church this morning, I didn't know what to expect.  One of the most amazing things about Juan Carlos is how punctual, he is.  When he says he is going to pick you up at a particular time, you can count on it.  In this culture.  It's not like that.

  I thought they would be having church, where we went yesterday to see some of the work, they are doing.  But, the service was near where Daniel and his family live in Managua.  When we arrived, there were many people in the street and making their way into the building.  I saw several trucks with the REMAR logo, and a few other vehicles from their organization.  When we got inside the place was nearly full.  Juan Carlos led me to the back of the church and into an office where I could pray and be silent before the service.  They even had air conditioning, in that office.

  Although Daniels band had been invited to play for the worship, I thought they wouldn't be there, because several of them are in the worship team at their church.  But Richard and Adrian were there, and Daniel joined them after the service at his church.  Our time of worship was amazing.  The presence of God in that service was so powerful at times, I couldn't even stand up.  What a blessing to be able to worship with them.

Time for a little Sunday afternoon siesta!

  Daniel's family came over for a brief visit after church, then it was time for a "little" Siesta.  During my time here in Nicaragua.  I haven't been sleeping too well.  I'm looking forward to sleeping in my own bed again.  After a little rest.  I began packing my things and preparing for my final day of ministry in Nicaragua.  Daniel spent the afternoon at church, and came over to spend the night.  I peeled some potatoes and made french fries and fried chicken for dinner.  I knew Daniel would be hungry when he arrived.  And he was!  He enjoyed the chicken and the french fries.

  We talked during dinner about some of the struggles Daniel is facing.  I can't go into detail here, but I'm asking you to pray for him as he is facing some decisions that are rare difficult for him.  We took time to pray about these things, and I know, it helped a lot.  Daniel and his friends are all dealing with the same issues.  Some of this, relates to the struggles I mentioned, when I was meeting with the band.  It's so frustrating to know about these problems and not be able to intervene.  At times, I want to take on the role of God.  We must be very careful that we remember our struggle is not against flesh and blood.  It is against principalities and powers and spiritual wickedness in the heavenly realms.

  Tomorrow, while Daniel is at the University, I will finish packing, and prepare for the special time of celebration, we will have tomorrow night.  It will be a great time.  We will be celebrating everyone's birthday.  Though I don't quite understand, why God is leading me to have a birthday celebration for everyone, I know that he is going to use that time in the lives of everyone..

A moment of reflection

This is the spot where so many visits have taken place.  We've talked about so many things here.  We laughed, sang songs, prayed, and shared many testimonies while sitting in the chairs.  As I think about all the God has done, I can only thank Him.  We have seen God work in so many ways.  To some, it wouldn't seem like much.  But to the people who have experienced it, it means everything.  It reminds me of the story of the little boy on the beach.  There had been a terrible storm.  Many starfish had washed up on the beach.  They were going to die.  The little boy began picking up the starfish, one by one and throwing them back into the sea.  Many lives were saved.  His father asked him what you doing?  You can't save all those starfish, so what difference does it make?  The little boy picked up another starfish, and he replied: it makes a difference to this one!  That's what this journey is about.God sent me here, to encourage individuals.  So, that is what I've done.  And those individuals are thankful.

A few more hours to make a difference

  Almost everything is packed.  Only a few hours left to make a difference in the lives of those, I'm here to serve.  So, I'm spending some time showing Daniel how to design the webpage.  He wants to make  a webpage with the band.  He likes this program I use, and I think it would work well for them.  While we were working on the webpage, I lost track of time.  Daniels uncle has arrived to take us to his house.  He's early.  We called the owner of the place I'm staying, so that I can settle up a bill before leaving.  She came right over and we took care of that.  Now we are leaving for Daniel's house, where we will gather the family and go to the restaurant where we will celebrate everyone's birthday.  Hopefully we can dodge the rain on the way.  It has been raining like cats and dogs here in Nicaragua, several times a day.  I can't believe how much rain we've had.  And it really rains hard.

 

Daniel

Yolanda

Christian

Denisito

Moises

Kevin

Denis

Manuel

Denisa

a special evening at . . . .

GOD knew about their birthdays!

Though I didn't understand the significance of celebrating their birthdays  . . . . . .

  To borrow a phrase from the hit television series: "The A Team", "I love it when a plan comes together.", it really describes how I felt when I heard the testimonies of everyone, after dinner this evening.  I didn't know what took place on or around the time of everyone's birthday, but God did.  For several of the people, their birthday was not a happy time for a variety of reasons.  So tonight, was an amazing way for God to show his love for each one.  It's a very happy time for all of us!  There were many testimonies after dinner, about what God has done during this mission.  I was so touched by each testimony.  Though I knew that God was doing things in each person's life, I never imagined how important my mission was to them.  When we do what God tells us to do, great things happen.  We don't have to know the details, and I do my best never to ask God why He wants me to do something.

   During dinner, I kept thinking about my Shiloh Community Fellowship "family" back in the USA.  Without them, and their willingness to sacrifice out of obedience to God, this wouldn't be happening.  God has used them to supply the total cost of this trip.  Everything that was done happened, because they gave.  I am so humbled, by this experience, and the great love, they have shown not only to me, but the people of Nicaragua.  This night, will be remembered for a long time.  The people around us in the restaurant heard us, glorifying God with our testimonies.  I think they stayed in the restaurant much longer than they had planned, so they could hear all of it.

La Finca is owned and operated by Christians.  Each time I have come to this restaurant, I have felt like I am eating in my home.  They take such good care of us, and the food is the best.  They pay attention to every detail.  And they don't rush us, along with dinner.  This is the fourth time I've had the pleasure of doing business with his brother in Christ.  I was so blessed tonight, when he dropped by our table to greet us.  He is a very humble, caring Christian who has worked hard to create this place where families can come and enjoy the food and a relaxing atmosphere.

Daniel and his extended family were so blessed by this evening.  I can't thank you enough for your prayers, and support that made this possible.  As we left the restaurant and went our separate ways.  There were a few tears.  The time has been so short, and it went by too quickly.

Daniel returned with me to spend the night at the quinta.  Tomorrow will be a difficult day for all of us.  We don't know when we will see each other again.  We are trusting God, as we continue to do, what is called us to do.  Please continue to pray for Daniel, his family, the band, and the Ministry, He has for all of them.

S P I R I T

Leaving Nicaragua in the  . .

Daniel and his family brought me to the airport.  We were quite early so we had the opportunity to visit for a while before I left.I think that makes it a little easier for all of us to say goodbye.  So we shared a snack, and talked for a while.  Then we said our goodbyes, and I went through security.  Everything went smoothly.  I was nervous about what would happen in Fort Lauderdale, because there was very little time between flights, and I had to clear customs, re-check my bags, and get to the gate,  in less than an hour.  That would take a miracle of God.  Well, I made my flight, but only because it was waiting for passengers from several other flights. Thank God!when I arrived in Washington D.C., John Rush was there waiting 

for me.  I was happy to see him. It was a long day.  We left for the airport about 9 a.m. and I arrived in Washington at 10:30 p.m.  Then we still had the drive to Quarryville where I picked up my car at 1;30 a.m. and drove home.  I got home about 2:15 a.m.  You'd think I would go right to bed but, I stayed up and answered some emails and wrote others before going to bed about 5:30 a.m.