December 21st and 22nd 2013, in the Community of Rioja, Cacaulí, the Fifth children’s camp in the North District of Nicaragua was held. The camp’s theme was “Connecting a New Generation”. A total of 500 people attended the event, 144 children currently in the Nazarene Child-sponsorship program, 106 adults plus another 250 children and young people. These attendants came from the communities and missions that are served by both rural New Hope and the Second Blessing Nazarene Churches.
The children were brought from their communities to the celebration sites on 2 pickups and a truck; others arrived on bicycles, donkeys, horses and some walked.
They had devotional time, with Scripture readings, songs and testimonies of teens who participated in previous camps, including the moving testimony of a young lady who had abandoned her family and nearly lived on the streets, but through these activities the church has welcomed and helped her.
During this event videos were shown and we had discussions about exploitation, neglect and abuse of children with the purpose of raising awareness and educate people. Children also made presentations choreographed with the message of salvation.
As recreation, they had Bible competitions among other sporting activities, giving a cheerful touch to this activity.
CHILDREN’S TESTIMONIES
- Rosa Maria Diaz (sponsored child from Las Palancas Community). “I thank my pastor and my church leaders for this wonderful event. I don’t have to go to other places to get gifts. “
- Francis Muñoz (Hermanos Martinez Community). “I’m so happy. I have enjoyed the camp twice. I went to the bus stop early in the morning to ensure a place on the truck so that I could come to my camp. “
- Gustavo Bustamante (12 years old, Hermanos Martínez Community). “I’ve been attending the Church of the Nazarene for 1 year. Participating in this camp has been my greatest joy. I have received surprises and a beautiful gift. “
PARENT’S TESTIMONIES
- Nolbia Balladares (Las Palancas Community.) “I am very grateful to see our children have many healthy ways of having fun in church. As a mother of two children, I am very proud. “
- Carlos Emilio Alfaro (La Carbonera.) “I’m very happy. For the first time I am participating in this beautiful event because I’ve only been attending church for a few months, but the Church of the Nazarene has impressed me with the way our children are treated.”
Sister. Mercedez Viscay, coordinator of the event said: ” First of all, I thank God for allowing me the privilege of working in His work even though 2013 was a very challenging year for me because I had to face Diabetes; but still I can say, “Up to here the LORD has helped me”. I want to thank Brother Carlos Saenz and his team for their support. I want to thank Sister Susy Juarez and her family. I also want to thank all the CA-4 field personnel, especially brother Marvin Rivas and his wife, the Field Strategy Coordinator and the person in charge of finance.
As a Pastor, I thank the District Superintendent in the North Nicaragua District, who is my husband, for his support, advice and guidance. ”
She also thanked her children and family, Pastor Greg McNichols and his church NEW START and Pastor Troy McNichols and his church NEW LIFE, both from Ohio, USA, for supporting this event.
Data provided by Rev. Denis Espinoza, Nicaragua North District Superintendent.
