Sunday, July 13, 2014

Living Grace Update Jan-June 2014

Newsletter for June 2014

This is a recap of the first 6 months of Living Grace Ministry.  It’s hard to believe that it has been 6 months already.  God has been so busy putting this ministry together and orchestrating His plan.  We have done our best to be obedient and follow Him, as well as, try not to get in His way!  All Glory and Honor goes to Him for Who He is and for furthering His Kingdom!

January:            God revealed the plan for an actual ministry born out of the classes and mentoring opportunities that He had begun here in León over the past few years.  This new journey was officially named Living Grace Ministry. 

                        A house was made available for the Ministry to work from.  A lot of prayer was said over the landlord and negotiations, and God moved in a mighty way for the perfect place and His perfect choice in a leasing situation.  This all took place within weeks, not months like was anticipated. (Watch for the update for Living Grace House, coming soon.)

                        God provided the volunteer services of a ‘consultant’ (whom He placed in the right place at the right time) to get the vision on paper in an appropriate way to communicate the purpose of the mission.  Introductory documents were sent to key people for prayer and support.

February:            Vickie and Sofia (teenage, part-time housekeeper) moved into ‘Living Grace House’ on Feb 17th!  We started addressing the beginning of a mountain of details to prepare the house for ministry.  (EVERYTHING needed to be touched in one way or another.)

                        Support to transform the ministry house began to pour in.  Material items began to be available.  (Even a sewing machine was delivered from the states!)  Furniture and appliances (some new and some used) for the house were starting to be purchased.

                        English Bible Study Group officially began weekly classes and carried on throughout all of the renovations.  (We had been meeting for devotions and prayer time until we moved into the house.)  Classes were held 3 times per week.

                        Many friends and acquaintances stopped by to welcome us here, learn about the ministry, give encouragement, to receive prayer and share about Jesus.

March:            Laborers began work on the house.  All walls (and most ceilings) inside and outside needed repair and prep for painting.  Plumbing issues were addressed and electrical work was begun. 

                        A missionary friend moved in for a couple of months.  We met many more of our neighbors.  The mother of our landlord passed away.

                        English classes were added twice a week.  And we had many visitors come by to learn more about the Ministry and to ask for prayer.

                        One of the rooms was prepared for a sweet translator friend who lives in Estelí and travels often to work in León throughout the year, and will be able to take advantage of God’s hospitality here at Living Grace House.

April:            Renovation work on the house continued daily for the most part of the month.  (quite a challenge in a third world country)

                        Vickie visited the States for 4 weeks to share the vision of Living Grace Ministry.  During that time, there were many earthquakes in this part of Nicaragua.  It was a difficult time for everyone.  Many businesses suffered, schools were closed for up to 6 weeks, and people were very frightened.  The government declared the cities on the Westside of the country to be in emergency status for weeks.  It was a difficult time to be away from the Ministry.

May:            Vickie returned to Nica on May 8th.  A trip to PriceSmart (like Sam’s Club) helped to stock up on things needed at the house for the next few months.

The kitchen was renovated!  (What an undertaking!!!)  A used stove and used refrigerator were installed.  The smaller details of work throughout the house were completed.

                        A group of Pastors used the Ministry House for classes taught by a Korean missionary from Costa Rica.  (how’s that for international ministry!!)

                        Bible Study classes continued three times a week, English classes continued twice a week.  People continued to stop in for talks and prayer.

June:            The last day of the renovation was June 7th!  Halleluah!  (In all, there were 8 different workmen, approx 800 man hours, 70 gallons of paint/ primer/ varnish, 140+ yards of fabric, 4 ceiling fans and 25 light fixtures, 2 kitchen sinks and 84sf of ceramic countertops were installed.  God had provided all we needed to get the house into as good of shape as possible.

Sewing Classes were started on June 10th.   The Workroom is a wonderful blessing to the house!

Another missionary friend, Jalisa, moved in to one of the guest rooms for a season.

We welcomed a new part-time housekeeper, Regina, to take Sofia’s place.

It has been a very busy 6 months!  God has been so faithful in His direction and provision.  There have been many ups and downs, tears and joy, challenges and blessings.  Through it all we see His hand at work and want more than anything to remain obedient. 

All of the above details are just part of our Praise list.  Here are a few more Praises:
v Redeeming relationship with God the Father, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit
v Opportunities to serve and minister here in León
v Provision of the ministry house and all material blessings to make it work
v Teachers and Students interested and called to the classes
v Prayer partners and Support partners to lift up the ministry
v Network of ministries and missionaries in León to work with and encourage

Here are a few Prayer Requests to keep in mind for us:
v Protection from earthquakes, floods and mosquitoes (it’s the rainy season)
v Discernment in adding classes and scheduling the use of the ministry house
v Health and safety for all staff, volunteers, students and guests
v Continued financial provision to keep running month to month
v Resources for the sewing classes and Sources for marketing the goods
v Response of all who are called by God to be a part, in everyway, with the ministry
v Health and safety for Celina Undernehr, 2 week intern from FBCR serving in July
v Smart decisions for all regarding time management, health (spiritual & physical)
v Always watchful for opportunities to share the Gospel in anyway possible
v Blessings over the many ‘team members’ who support us in prayer and finances


If you would like more information about the ministry, please contact Vickie at vickiejocline@yahoo.com.  You can also follow us on Vickie’s blog:  vickiemir.blogspot.com

Donations may be made:
Ø  by mail or in person at FBC Rogers Church, 3364 W Pleasant Grove Rd, Rogers AR 72758 
Ø  on-line at fbcrogers.org. 
Be sure to note the donation is for Vickie Cline at Living Grace Ministry. 
(You will receive a tax report at the end of the year)



Be sure to watch for the update on Living Grace House, coming soon!  There will be lots of pictures to share!


¡Dios le Bendiga!
Vickie




“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.”  1 Peter 4:10

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