January 2012 Newsletter

7:17 AM

Praise for the year of instruction that the children and adolescents have received. Programs at CINAG are at recess during December and January school vacation and will resume in February, Lord willing. Pray that God would provide for these children and adolescents during this time.

Pray for the director and staff as they begin planning for the 2012 programs.

Praise for Areuuf, a single young woman from Switzerland who volunteers at CINAG. She has been helping cook for the nutrition program and works with the adolescents in gardening. Areuuf is a missionary with LatinLink, a British missions agency.

Pray for families that have disintegrated. Recently, Federico & Perla separated and the oldest child (Holman) dropped out of high school to care for his siblings while his mother works.

Pray for individuals investigating a project designed to prevent further erosion of properties in the community adjacent to CINAG. Good contacts have been made with the municipality and other politicians. Curbing of two streets has been prioritized for February. Pray that this project will become a reality, before the next rainy season begins in May.

Pray for adolescents who are tempted to enter the sex trade because of a lack of financial resources at home. Pray especially that adolescents who have been in CINAG programs would choose a positive moral lifestyle.

Pray as Lester & Darlene and Zach & Karla make plans for their involvement in February and March. Pray that God will direct those considering volunteering during February and March.

Pray for the CINAG Board and staff as they make plans for next year, explore possibilities of funding with other organizations and seek to recruit volunteers to minister to the children.

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December 2011 Newsletter

5:52 PM

1. Praise that the elections were basically peaceful. Daniel Ortega and the Sandinista party received more than 60% of the vote. Pray that they will govern with integrity and justice.

2. Pray that the children and adolescents of CINAG will do well on their final exams and continue on to the next grade. Classes end in the first week of December and they will be on school holidays until February.

3. Praise for the visit from an NGO from Spain. They have supported some of the programs of CINAG (nutrition, scholarships) and have been investigating other possibilities. Pray that their decision will be favourable to expand into other needed programs at CINAG.

4. Praise for emergency assistance that came in for people evacuated due to rains and damage to their property. CINAG personnel is investigating what can be done to avoid similar problems next year. Pray that the government and aid agencies will be able to work together to develop a viable project.

5. Pray for families that have disintegrated. F & P separated recently. The oldest child (Holman) dropped out of high school to care for his siblings while his mother works.

6. Pray for adolescents that are tempted to enter the sex trade because of a lack of financial resources at home. Pray especially that the adolescents that have been in CINAG programs would choose a positive moral lifestyle.

7. Pray for the year-end activities (Christmas celebrations) before the children are on holidays until February. Pray that there will be adequate funds for good celebrations.

8. Pray for Lester & Darlene and Zach & Karla as they make plans for their involvement in February and March.

9. Pray as the CINAG Board and staff make plans for next year, explore possibilities of funding with other organizations and seek to recruit volunteers to minister to the children.

— submitted by Elizabeth Vado, translated by Lester Olfert

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Testimonies

7:29 PM

Girl’s Testimony:

I am 9 years old and in grade two. I have five siblings including a twin brother. We live with our mother who works to help us go to school. I have a 90% average in school. I really like sports so I enjoy the sports court at CINAG. I like the teaching at CINAG, especially the Bible classes with the illustrated Bible, the memory work and “sword drills.” My behavior has improved thanks to the counselor. I thank everyone who makes this Center possible. We are happy because here we receive love, support and food. This is our ‘nest’ where we can freely play with our friends.

“Harvey’s” Story

Harvey* is seven years, brother to a ten year-old sister. He lives in the community adjacent to CINAG. He has been a participant in the ‘life-skills” program for several years. He was given special psychological attention because of aggressive compulsive behaviour, seclusion, tantrums, and learning difficulties.

His physical development has been normal. However he has grown up in a dysfunctional home, his parents separating when he was two. He seldom has contact with his father, who fails to give any economic support for the children. His mother works all day so after school his older sister takes care of him. He seems to resent this arrangement. The economic situation of the family is difficult because the single mother has to provide for food, clothing and education with her salary alone.

With the cooperation of his mother, and CINAG teachers, Harvey has responded positively to the counselling sessions and exercises. He has developed intellectually, has stabilized emotionally and his behaviour has improved.

His mother says she has seen radical changes in a short time; in his behaviour, having good relationships with his friends, schoolmates and neighbours, taking responsibility at home and being obedient. His grades and conduct at school have improved. The mother has expressed gratitude for the help that CINAG has given her. She said, “I needed help to know how to treat him and I received it with all the CINAG is, because as mothers we need help to know how to treat our children and so we do not mistreat them.”

Now when we talk with Harvey, he is happy, energetic and with a positive attitude and countenance.

This is just one example of how CINAG helps in the development and growth of children and adolescents at risk.
Submitted by Lic. Ximena Valverde (CINAG Psychologist)

* name changed to protect privacy.

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November 2011 Newsletter

7:16 PM

In October the community around CINAG was adversely affected by the tropical storms. Many of the neighbours living on the hillside adjacent to CINAG were evacuated by the government due to the heavy runoff and erosion. There was extensive damage, and at least one house collapsed. This created an opportunity and challenge for the staff at CINAG. Thirty-two evacuees were temporarily housed in the dorm. Due to this emergency even more children were included in the nutrition program subsidized by NATRAS (Youth Working to Serve.) That is when we put out the call to many of you for help to buy grains, warm clothing and blankets. Like God‟s people do in times of crisis, you responded generously. Thank you to all who gave and the many who prayed.

There is no formal volunteer work team this year; however there are individuals that will come in February and March to do community work, reconstruction, maintenance, and help with the children‟s programs as well. The children are always all around us, so the interaction happens naturally. What a joy to see the development of character and behaviour in them. CINAG is actively involved in changing lives, one child at a time. Here‟s a testimony of a girl in the program, which we recently received.

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November 2011 Prayer Items

4:54 PM

1. Pray for the general elections in Nicaragua that will be held on Sunday, November 6.

2. Heavy rains have caused a lot of damage in October. Forty-three inches of rain fell in ten days in Managua and Carazo departments. Pray that families will receive some assistance for their lost crops and other material possessions.

3. Praise God for the Emergency assistance approved by ACTION Canada. A little more than $1,000 was made available for immediate assistance to families surrounding CINAG. Six families were given refuge in the CINAG dormitory.

4. The conditions described above usually cause colds. Pray for healing for the sick children and adolescents of the programs.

5. Praise God for his faithfulness in providing for the needs of CINAG’s ministry.

6. Praise God for the friends of CINAG that provided assistance to those affected by the rains.

7. November is the last full month of programs at CINAG. Many children missed school classes because of the rains, so CINAG is giving extra help to students that are struggling to finish well. Pray that teachers will be able to effectively prepare students for their final exams.

8. Pray as the staff plans for year-end activities in December.

9. Zachari and Karla were married October 22. Pray as they adjust to married life. Pray that God will guide them in their plans for this winter, plans which may include a month in Nicaragua.

10. Pray as Lester and Darlene make plans for this winter.

Submitted by Elizabeth Vado. Translated by Lester Olfert

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September 2011 Prayer Items

6:10 PM

1. PRAISE for the positive response from NATRAS (a mission from Spain) in continuing work with CINAG. Last year, they provided funding for a nutrition program at CINAG for ten malnourished children from the community.

2. Continue to PRAY for the alcoholic fathers of some of the children and adolescents in the CINAG program.

3. It has become more difficult to financially meet all the government demands and regulations for keeping the status of CINAG as an NGO (Non-government agency). PRAY as the Board explores an alternative model for the ministry ‘Children at Risk’.

4. PRAY for the leaders of the Fraternity of Mennonite Churches and CINAG, as they develop an Agreement of Understanding for joined work in CINAG and other ministry.

5. PRAY that the programs for children and youth may finish strong during this last trimester of the year. There are 35 children and 25 youth in these programs.

6. PRAISE for the success of Liliam’s baking class of five teenage girls and one mother. They are learning to bake and sell their product, which helps their financial situation.

7. PRAY for the CINAG Board. May God give them wisdom as they deal with some difficult issues for the future of the ministry.

8. PRAY for the elections of Nicaragua to be held in November.

9. PRAY for direction, as Lester and Darlene consider involvement in Nicaragua during the winter. The health of Darlene’s younger sister is a big concern at this time.

10. PRAY for Zachari as he and Karla make plans for their wedding on October 22 and consider what God would have them do this winter.

Thank you for the great prayer support.

Submitted by Elizabeth V, translated by Lester O

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August 2011 Prayer Items

6:55 PM

1. PRAY for the alcoholic fathers of some of the children and adolescents that are in the programs of CINAG.

2. Lately there has been a wave of prostitution in the province of Carazo. PRAY that God would give wisdom to the churches to know how they can help in this situation.

3. The CINAG director’s mother (Adela Sandoval de Vado) is to have surgery soon. It has been delayed since the beginning of August.

4.  PRAY for God’s guidance in the Nicaraguan elections for president and members of parliament, to be held November 6.

5.  PRAY for the CINAG board. May God give them wisdom and a greater interest for the ministry.

6.  PRAY for the project being planned to build a retaining wall in the community. This will prevent erosion & mudslides and give greater stability to houses being built on the hillside next to CINAG.
PRAY that the government of Diriamba and the province of Carazo will assist with materials.

7. PRAY that the economy of Nicaragua will improve. PRAY that God would supply the economic needs of CINAG through the generosity of local people and from abroad.

8.  PRAY that God would direct Lester & Darlene as they consider involvement in Nicaragua during the winter months.

9. PRAY for Zachari Hein and he & Karla make plans for their wedding on October 22 and consider what God would have them do this winter.

Thank you for praying each day. We know that the fervent prayers of the righteous are effective.

(submitted by Elizabath Vado, translated by Lester Olfert)

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July 2011 Prayer Items

6:55 PM

1. PRAY for the mid-year assembly meeting of the CINAG membership to be held July 30. Pray for staff and the board as they report to the membership and present the financial challenges facing CINAG. Pray that there will be a good response from members. 

2. PRAISE for the visit of Wilbert and Hilda Friesen along with their oldest son Dale and his family. Their ministry was well received by staff and children.

3. PRAY for Elizabeth’s mother Adela who is scheduled for surgery the first week of August.

4. PRAY for new projects that are being considered. These projects are outreach to the community and church next to CINAG. PRAY that contacts being made with Diriamba city officials will be positively received so that support from abroad can also be obtained. Without support from the officials the community projects cannot go ahead.

5. PRAY that God will continue to motivate and use the staff and volunteers of CINAG to minister to the needs of children and adolescents.

6. PRAY for God’s guidance in elections for President of Nicaragua to be held in November. PRAY that candidates the parties put forth will be honourable people with a sincere interest in the well-being of Nicaragua.

7. NATRAS (an organization from Spain) that supported CINAG with a nutrition program last year has ceased its operations in Nicaragua. This is a disappointment to the staff at CINAG as they can no longer provide nutrition for children that were identified as mal-nourished. NATRAS is considering continued support. PRAY God’s direction for them as they consider possibilities.

(submitted by Elizabeth Vado, translated by Lester Olfert)

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