Canadian Lutherans participate in Nicaraguan outreach

Rev. Mark Koehler teaches a Bible Study class in Nicaragua.

NICARAGUA – From January 10-17, twenty-six members of a number of Ontario congregations took part in a short-term mission trip to Nicaragua. Participants stayed in Leon, and came from Redeemer Lutheran (Waterloo), St. Paul’s Lutheran (Elmira), Pilgrim Lutheran (Hamilton), Christ our King Lutheran (Mississauga), Grace Lutheran (Oshawa), and Historic St. Paul’s (Kitchener).

Each morning, eight participants would depart at 7:00 a.m. for Cartonera, where they would assist in leveling the floor and laying ceramic tile at San Paulo Lutheran Church.

The remaining members split up to help lead Vacation Bible Schools in four different locations along with the local pastor (or vicar) and deaconess. Approximately 1000 children attended the four VBS programs, with about 300 attending in Telica, 350 in Leon, 150 in Cartonera, and 200 in Marononal.

In addition to ministry to children, three Lutheran Church–Canada pastors on the trip delivered adult Bible classes during the first half of each morning. Rev. Robert Krestick (Redeemer, Waterloo) had between 80 and 100 adults in attendance at class in Telica, Rev. Richard Frey (St. Paul’s, Elmira) had 40-50 adults at Leon, and Rev. Mark Koehler (Pilgrim, Hamilton) had 40 in Cartonera.

On the afternoon of January 15, team members distributed food hampers to families at each of the four locations where Vacation Bible schools were held, with a total or 210 food hampers distributed.

On January 16, the Canadians were privileged to worship with the members of St. Paul’s in Telica, who were celebrating a confirmation that day. That evening, the Canadians hosted a celebration dinners with all the pastors, deaconesses, translators, and supporters at their hotel in Leon.

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