Our Family
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Saturday, May 12, 2012
The Lord is doing new things!
God has been moving and blessing us tremendously here in Nicaragua. These past few months have been amazing! Our days are getting more and more full the longer we are here. Every Tuesday we go to the prison and minister to a group of about 20 inmates. We see them growing each week and become closer to the Lord. They are memorizing scripture and some are helping with the singing and testifying about how God has changed their lives. Here in Matagalpa, the easy part is the preaching to them, but it is much more difficult to get there. We must go and try to find the bus. Sometimes they are packed full of people and only standing room remains. Then we get to the prison, go through security and have the service. Then it is the same to get back home. We must find a bus, oftentimes walking 10-20 minutes on dusty roads. And then another 3 blocks from the bus stop to our home. But the revival we feel in our hearts is worth every step we take! We arrive home very thirsty and sweaty but though the outward man perish, the inward man is renewed day by day!
There are a few new ministries that have begun this month. Every Saturday we have a children’s service in our home at 3pm. Some are neighborhood kids, but some are orphans right off the street. It is such a blessing to see them playing games, laughing and having fun. But then to see their little faces light up when we tell them that “Grande es la amor de Dios” (Great is the Love of God). This was a little song we learned at the first meeting but continues to be a favorite. We have teaching as well, for them to learn more of Christ. We have been averaging about 15 kids each Saturday and soon we will have to buy more chairs because it is growing so quickly. There is such joy in this home as God’s love is shared with these children.
Mark 9:36-37 And he took a child, and set him in the midst of them: and when he had taken him in his arms, he said unto them,
Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me.
At the end of each service, we feed the kids. Though some are black as can be with dirt, their little bellies are filled with food, and their lives shown love.
Another similar ministry is with the men on the street. We are averaging about 10 men a day that come to our front door and ask for food, or prayer. The need was there so we decided to try to gather them together for a bible teaching and prayer time. So we now have a service on Friday afternoons just for these men. This week one man was shaking and crying because the spirit came upon him so much. This particular man usually tries to change the subject whenever he feels conviction, but this week to watch God get ahold of him was amazing. The men were on their knees praying. It is such a sweet sound! We feed these men as well. But even after the service as they are eating, one man asked “Can we please continue to talk about the Lord, the food is good, but I want to hear more”. Another man told us just yesterday, “The door is always open here for us.” These are awesome testimonies to what God is doing here. We are humbled to be a part of it.
We have those ministries every week but there are many things that come up unexpected on a day to day basis. Going to pray for someone, or being invited to preach at a church or on the radio. God is always showing us more needs to meet, and opening more doors. We are so very blessed and happy in the work here.
We just wanted to share an update as to what God is doing in out lives here in Matagalpa, Nicaragua! We want to Thank you all very much for prayers and support! We continue to pray that God blesses you and the churches in the States.
With much Love,
Neil, Amanda, Nehemiah and Anabelle
There are a few new ministries that have begun this month. Every Saturday we have a children’s service in our home at 3pm. Some are neighborhood kids, but some are orphans right off the street. It is such a blessing to see them playing games, laughing and having fun. But then to see their little faces light up when we tell them that “Grande es la amor de Dios” (Great is the Love of God). This was a little song we learned at the first meeting but continues to be a favorite. We have teaching as well, for them to learn more of Christ. We have been averaging about 15 kids each Saturday and soon we will have to buy more chairs because it is growing so quickly. There is such joy in this home as God’s love is shared with these children.
Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me.
At the end of each service, we feed the kids. Though some are black as can be with dirt, their little bellies are filled with food, and their lives shown love.
Another similar ministry is with the men on the street. We are averaging about 10 men a day that come to our front door and ask for food, or prayer. The need was there so we decided to try to gather them together for a bible teaching and prayer time. So we now have a service on Friday afternoons just for these men. This week one man was shaking and crying because the spirit came upon him so much. This particular man usually tries to change the subject whenever he feels conviction, but this week to watch God get ahold of him was amazing. The men were on their knees praying. It is such a sweet sound! We feed these men as well. But even after the service as they are eating, one man asked “Can we please continue to talk about the Lord, the food is good, but I want to hear more”. Another man told us just yesterday, “The door is always open here for us.” These are awesome testimonies to what God is doing here. We are humbled to be a part of it.
We have those ministries every week but there are many things that come up unexpected on a day to day basis. Going to pray for someone, or being invited to preach at a church or on the radio. God is always showing us more needs to meet, and opening more doors. We are so very blessed and happy in the work here.
We just wanted to share an update as to what God is doing in out lives here in Matagalpa, Nicaragua! We want to Thank you all very much for prayers and support! We continue to pray that God blesses you and the churches in the States.
With much Love,
Neil, Amanda, Nehemiah and Anabelle
Monday, April 2, 2012
March update 2012
We had such a great visit back to United States! We appreciate all our family and friends welcoming us into their homes and churches. When we returned back to Nicaragua the ministry has been even more wonderful than ever! We really have been revived and renewed on our trip back home and God has opened many new doors for us to minister.
Upon arriving home we found a few obstacles that we had to overcome the first few hours. We had no electric the first two days then the second day a pipe in our street had broken therefore we lost water also. This is nothing to a lot of the Nicaraguans that live here but for us it was a little challenging. We ate dinner by candlelight and the kids enjoyed it. A few days later we had to return to the airport and found a city shut down by rioters. The Pan America Highway was completely shutoff to vehicles. We spoke to several men who said we couldn’t get through because they where shooting at the police. Needless to say we found ourselves driving through rivers and farming roads trying to find away around. The Lord kept us from any danger and we returned home safely. Only a normal day in Nicaragua.
One of the new opportunities is going into the High schools. Prayer and bible reading has been banned from many public schools, but here in Matagalpa, we were invited into the class. The teacher stopped everything and the students listened as we gave forth the gospel message right in the high school classrooms. It is an amazing opportunity! We are very excited about this new door of ministry that has been opened up. Also the prison ministry has grown and we now have permission to go every Tuesday for the next several months to speak to both men and women. Between working with the people in the street, churches, prison, and now schools we have become very busy. It is wonderful and humbling to have such opportunities.
When we were in the United States, we had asked a few churches to pray for us. One specific prayer was that the orphans in the streets would trust us more, so that we could help them more and begin to build relationships with them. Although some people here think we are crazy for inviting them into our home, and feeding them, that is a prayer answered. Lately we have had up to 15 orphans a day coming into our house. Therefore we purchased 100 lbs of rice, 100 lbs of beans. This went very quickly! Later in support we were sent more money and we went and bought clothes, different sizes, but mostly for boys. This week alone we have gave new clothes to about eight boys, and one girl. We also bought shoes for four of those boys. Girls are much sweeter and easier to care for, but honestly there is so much more need here to help the boys. They range from five years old, to fifteen. One little boy who is about nine, we seen sleeping on the street, on a cardboard box. Sometimes the need here is overwhelming, but we are so thankful for the prayers and support that is given. These boys come to our house and we fix them rice, beans, and other treats. Today it was corn that they were very excited about. But through all the wrestling, fighting, eating, and playing, there is a sudden reverence that comes when we mention Christ. They know who is giving them food. They know who gives them life itself. It is Christ! We are only vessels. So in all that is done in Nicaragua, or there in the USA, may God receive glory and praise!
Christ came to be like us, so that we could be like Him. Zac Poonen
One of the new opportunities is going into the High schools. Prayer and bible reading has been banned from many public schools, but here in Matagalpa, we were invited into the class. The teacher stopped everything and the students listened as we gave forth the gospel message right in the high school classrooms. It is an amazing opportunity! We are very excited about this new door of ministry that has been opened up. Also the prison ministry has grown and we now have permission to go every Tuesday for the next several months to speak to both men and women. Between working with the people in the street, churches, prison, and now schools we have become very busy. It is wonderful and humbling to have such opportunities.
When we were in the United States, we had asked a few churches to pray for us. One specific prayer was that the orphans in the streets would trust us more, so that we could help them more and begin to build relationships with them. Although some people here think we are crazy for inviting them into our home, and feeding them, that is a prayer answered. Lately we have had up to 15 orphans a day coming into our house. Therefore we purchased 100 lbs of rice, 100 lbs of beans. This went very quickly! Later in support we were sent more money and we went and bought clothes, different sizes, but mostly for boys. This week alone we have gave new clothes to about eight boys, and one girl. We also bought shoes for four of those boys. Girls are much sweeter and easier to care for, but honestly there is so much more need here to help the boys. They range from five years old, to fifteen. One little boy who is about nine, we seen sleeping on the street, on a cardboard box. Sometimes the need here is overwhelming, but we are so thankful for the prayers and support that is given. These boys come to our house and we fix them rice, beans, and other treats. Today it was corn that they were very excited about. But through all the wrestling, fighting, eating, and playing, there is a sudden reverence that comes when we mention Christ. They know who is giving them food. They know who gives them life itself. It is Christ! We are only vessels. So in all that is done in Nicaragua, or there in the USA, may God receive glory and praise!
Christ came to be like us, so that we could be like Him. Zac Poonen
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Pray
Pray so God can get the greatest glory. Don't stop praying. A life without prayer is powerless. A church without prayer is dead. So pray, keep praying until He comes and may we be Holy. Oh that we may hate sin. Oh, that we might pray. Pray all night and all day. Oh that we would love to pray!
Historically, when things get tough for christains, we fourish, we grow. our devotion gets deeper. Look at our persecuted brethren in other lands. Chinese people are being saved daily by the thousands. Revivals are happening in countries where they do not have religous freedoms. We say were praying for revival... but in times of plent revival usually does not happen. Men do not feel they need God. But let God apply some pressure and revival breaks out. REVIVE US O LORD! Whatever the cost may be and let us PRAY!
Historically, when things get tough for christains, we fourish, we grow. our devotion gets deeper. Look at our persecuted brethren in other lands. Chinese people are being saved daily by the thousands. Revivals are happening in countries where they do not have religous freedoms. We say were praying for revival... but in times of plent revival usually does not happen. Men do not feel they need God. But let God apply some pressure and revival breaks out. REVIVE US O LORD! Whatever the cost may be and let us PRAY!
Monday, July 18, 2011
God's work
I'm so thankful for my husband. I was just sitting here thinking... i dont know how many men would have stood with me thru cancer. He was always there praying for me. He would leave to go home and take a shower and relax and I HATE being alone, so I would call and he would be right back there at the hospital. There were times when we spent more time in that hospital then at home. It was soo hard, especially being away from our precious little ones. Oh, Thank God he healed me. I could have died. I had three blood transfusions, 35 weeks of chemo and 5 different infections at one time. But He is God, and He is a healer!! God broke us during that time, but I'm so thankful! Neil has been preaching for a while but on August 1st of 2010 was finally ordained by Pastor Ray Napier. He prayed over us to do mission work, pastor, and evangelize. In November Neil stood in Kenya and the group seen over 400 souls saved. One year exactly from the day he was ordained we will be making the biggest step of our lives, moving to Nicaragua and doing full time mission work there. I'ts exactly everything that we have ever desired. The Bible says "Delight thyself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart".
Look what God has done in such a short time... going from hospital to mission work. What a mighty God we serve!! In no way at all am I trying to glory in this. To God be ALL the glory!! And may the lamb that was slain receive the glory for his suffering! Please pray for us, In just two weeks we will be leaving for the mission field, we are so excited to see all that the Lord will do in Nicaragua, but we desire your prayers. We learned through the cancer how important it is to lean on the Lord most of all, but also our brothers and sisters in the Lord to support us and lift us up to God. We love you and Thank the Lord for your support. God Bless you!!
Look what God has done in such a short time... going from hospital to mission work. What a mighty God we serve!! In no way at all am I trying to glory in this. To God be ALL the glory!! And may the lamb that was slain receive the glory for his suffering! Please pray for us, In just two weeks we will be leaving for the mission field, we are so excited to see all that the Lord will do in Nicaragua, but we desire your prayers. We learned through the cancer how important it is to lean on the Lord most of all, but also our brothers and sisters in the Lord to support us and lift us up to God. We love you and Thank the Lord for your support. God Bless you!!
Friday, July 1, 2011
What is the Normal Christian Life??
We decided to name our blog The Simpson's Normal Christian Life, but what exactly is a normal christian life? The apostle Paul gives us his own definition of the Christian life in Galatians 2:20. "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me." Here he is not stating something special or peculiar- a high level of Christianity. He is, we believe, presenting God's normal for a Christian, which can be summarized in this verse.
God makes it quite clear in his Word that he has only one answer to every human need- his son, Jesus Christ. This is our whole reasoning for all that we say, do, think, how we spend our money, where we vacation, absolutly everything in our life is determined by His Holy Word and the direction of our Savior. Extra-ordinary things happen in a Christian's life but then again we have average family outings and fun times with the kids. Its a Normal Christian Life but amazing things always take place. I would love to share with you some of our adventures! I hope you enjoy our new blog!!
God makes it quite clear in his Word that he has only one answer to every human need- his son, Jesus Christ. This is our whole reasoning for all that we say, do, think, how we spend our money, where we vacation, absolutly everything in our life is determined by His Holy Word and the direction of our Savior. Extra-ordinary things happen in a Christian's life but then again we have average family outings and fun times with the kids. Its a Normal Christian Life but amazing things always take place. I would love to share with you some of our adventures! I hope you enjoy our new blog!!
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