Luke & Ellen's
Nica Update

March 2010

Trip Down Memory Lane
As we mentioned in our December newsletter, God gave us the opportunity over Christmas break to visit Bolivia, where Ellen grew up as a missionary kid. It was really fun to see Ellen's old houses and school, eat at her family's favorite restaurants, visit with long time friends, and relive memories. It was also special for Luke to be able to understand more about Ellen's childhood. We are truly thankful for the time in Bolivia, where we also got to celebrate our first anniversary. Although it was nostalgic for Ellen, we are both glad we are where we are, serving where God has us in Nicaragua.

Spiritual Growth in Our Youth
It has been so awesome to see God moving in the hearts of our youth! During NCA's Spiritual Emphasis Day at the end of January, many kids came forward for prayer and personal renewal. A week later Youth Group had a Worship Night, which was focused on praising God. We also had a time for the youth to share testimonies of how God had been speaking to them! How wonderful it was to be in the presence of God at a youth service like that. It was also really powerful to see what the Lord was doing in the kids' hearts as many came forward to share with their peers.
We have continued to see fruit in the Youth Group nights that have followed. Thank you for your prayers for our youth as they continue to seek Christ and for us as we invest in their lives. Below is the theme verse of Spiritual Emphasis Day this year.

Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him. - Psalm 34:8

NCA Festival 2010 - Haiti Fundraiser
This year all of the proceeds that were raised from the NCA Festival were sent to a Christian school in Haiti for earthquake relief efforts! It was really neat to see all of our NCA families participating by donating prizes, giving their time, selling baked goods, and many other ways all for a cause that was outside of our school. It was very full and fun day. Ellen and another teacher sang together during the entertainment portion of the day. While Ellen was helping with preschool games Luke was manning the ever popular festival jail! And to start it all off in the morning, we ran the 3K race together!

Ellen's Pre-K students
Ellen continues to enjoy teaching Preschool level 2. They are a fun bunch this year...13 girls and 3 boys! She has kids from Canada, USA, Nicaragua, and Korea. This class loves stories, getting dirty on the playground, and learning new songs.
They also get excited about memorizing Bible verses! One week Ellen was so blessed by each of them reciting these truths: "Lord God who rules over all, who is like you? Lord, you are mighty. You are faithful in everything you do." - Psalm 89:8
On a recent Friday morning, Luke came in and made waffles for the class. The letter of the week was "W" and one of the vocabulary words we learned was "waffle". Many of the kids had never tried waffles before. It was a fun experience for all to eat Mr. Rose's yummy waffles!

Prayer and Praise
* Praise that the youth group kids are desiring after God and the things of Him!
* Pray for our daily and long-term decisions to be guided by Christ.
* Pray for the teachers at our school, specifically for unity and joy.

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. - Hebrews 12:2