February 2009 update

7:59 PM

Resident Girls

Since January there are seven girls in residence ranging in age from 10 to 17 years.  All were excited to start classes in the new school year starting the first week in February.   Pray that they will be diligent in classes and homework and that they will form good relationships.  During their holidays (December and January) they have been diligent learning to braid (weave) bracelets and key chains.  They have begun to market these and use the proceeds to buy more craft materials.  Each girl also earns a bit of pocket money for the articles they make.

Volunteer Team

Eight volunteers spent two weeks ( January 21 – February 4) in Nicaragua. Most were from Manitoba (Aaron Barkman, Jerry Penner, Janette Brandt, Lawrence & Naomi Dueck, Charles & Luella Brandt) and Clifford Manning came from B.C.

The group put the roof on the new construction at CINAG and a roof on a church in Los Castillos. They did a lot of painting (dormitory, classroom building, and security bars) and some welding.  See pictures. Building relationships with the resident girls was a highlight for each one.

Unfortunately Charles Brandt had an accident the first day while doing the roofing.  A gust of wind caused him to fall off the roof.  By God’s wonderful intervention his fall was not very serious although initially it looked pretty bad.  After four days in the hospital he was released in good condition.  He was unable to continue work but did come back to Diriamba to celebrate his birthday and have a wonderful send-off.

Construction Project

Construction on the addition to the dining hall began in November.  This will provide two rooms and sitting area for volunteers, a classroom and a clinic/library.  By mid-February the floors will be in and all the cement work will be done.  The next group of volunteers arriving February 17^th will paint, put in the ceiling and finish the plumbing.

Assembly Meeting

The members of CINAG met for their annual meeting February 7.  Eight new members were accepted from five different churches.  There are now eight churches represented in the membership.  Reports were given to bring the members up-to-date of the development of the programs.  The members approved the continuation of the resident program, kindergarten and grade one classes for children of the community and the Life Skills program for 30 children at risk from the community around CINAG.  They approved new initiatives.  First, to continue a pilot project started last year of teaching classes on morality in the largest high school in Diriamba.  Classes will focus on grades 7 – 9.  A program will also be developed for adolescents from the community around CINAG.  The program will emphasize teaching scriptural principles for making good choices in life and learning vocational skills.

A new member was elected to the position of secretary of the board.  This position was left vacant when the former secretary left to Costa Rica for work.  Two members-at-large were also appointed to the board.  CINAG is now more prepared to face the challenges of ministry.

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