by Randi Fair, Graduation Trip Participant
“Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.”
-Ephesians 4:15-16
This past month we were given the opportunity to visit our brothers and sisters in Nicaragua. I was most moved by how the body of Christ exists all over the world. No matter where we are from, the Word of God can penetrate our hearts and unify us to his body, the Church. We were allowed to participate in the building up of his church at New Hope school, where the staff was already pouring out their lives to equip the graduates for a future in both education and their personal walk with the Lord.
The graduates’ stories of perseverance and hard work were moving, but the way they encourage and build up one another is only possible because of the work of the gospel in each of them. When we are known and loved by our Savior, we are free to be generous and serve our families, neighbors, and communities. My prayer for each of the graduates is the same prayer Christ prays for his church – that they (and we) would continue to speak the truth in love, grow in maturity and knowledge of our Savior, and that he would provide more than they or we could ever imagine!
Would you join me in lifting up our brothers and sisters this month?
NASHLY CRISTINA GONZALEZ PEÑA
From Nashly:
It was the most wonderful experience. Something that will always stay in my heart is how I got the chance to know more about God. My goal is to be a nurse or a P.E teacher.
How You Can Pray:
1) Pray for my spiritual growth
2) For me to have a successful future
3) Please always keep me in your prayers!
ROBERTO BENJAMIN GARCIA
From Roberto:
My experience here was awesome because I got to know good people. My goal is to be able to go to the university and choose my career. I am considering agronomy and automotive repair. I love these two careers.
How You Can Pray:
1) For me to have good health
2) Pray for my economic situation
3) Pray that I will be successful
LUIS SANTIAGO LOPEZ MENDIETA
From Luis (Santiago):
I had a really great experience at this school. I got to know more about the Word of God and it also helped me to be more popular with others. My goal is to study agricultural engineering because I love vegetation and the environment.
How You Can Pray:
1) For my new life in the university
2) Please be praying for my family
3) Pray I fall in love with the Word of God
DONALD NARVAEZ GONZALEZ
From Donald:
I loved the experience I had here. I got to know more about God and made new friends. My goal is to go to the university and study a career.
How You Can Pray:
1) Please pray that God protects my family
2) I ask for blessings for my family
3) Pray for blessing and protection for the school
VIRGINIA ESTEBAN
From Virginia:
I am very excited about my graduation. I will keep every spiritual value, memory, and friend in my heart. I will never forget New Hope School. I will remember all the good words that taught me how to be a better person and how to improve my spiritual life through God’s Word. My goal is to be able to finish my degree and to have a good job to be able to make my family proud. I would love to have my own house and family. All I want is to have success.
How You Can Pray:
1) That I will not walk away from God
2) Protection from any evil that will want to destroy my dreams
3) Not to feel alone or sad but to be strong in the Lord and what He has for me
DAVID ISAI CASTRO CERDA
From David:
I am 15 and love playing basketball. I also love playing piano and guitar. I had a beautiful experience at New Hope and have been here since 7th grade. It has been so good because I learned Christian values through the Word of God that everyone shared with me. I have good friends and there are special people who are now part of my life. At first, I didn’t like the school but through my time there I realized it was the best place and my best decision ever. I felt comfortable. It is a wonderful place. My goal is to study industrial engineering. I would love to help my family when I finish my degree. I want to be a good person who helps others.
How You Can Pray:
1) Pray for my brother who is going through a hard time
2) For my family’s unity and communication to be restored
3) Please ask God to give me guidance
FABIAN ENRIQUE ARTEAGA
From Fabian:
My experience at New Hope School was great, even though I only studied there for three years. The most wonderful thing is the school has Christian roots. I loved that because I heard about the Word of God all the time. When I first started, there were only a few students in my classroom. That was good for me because it helped me learn better. I also found that some of my old friends attended the school, too. My goals are very ambitious and significant. But before these things, I want to seek God first. I want to be a successful guy.
How You Can Pray:
1) Pray that I will not forget about God at all
2) For God to give me strength to face hard times
3) Please pray for the health of my family and for them to stay strong
4) Knowledge from God to be able to be a good student at the university