This August, our New Hope 10-year anniversary celebrations and 10-for-10 focus moves from East Africa to Central America. Nicaragua is the largest country in Central America and is slightly bigger in area than New York State. It is also one of the poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere, with great opportunities to share the love of Christ with people who have both physical and spiritual needs.
We have partnered with a dynamic local ministry called Familia Avance Nicaragua, located in the northern mountainous region of the country, supporting a school and church plant. It is reported that 35% of the children here do not attend school. Our new team leaders on this project, Pastor Porfirio and Blance Jalepa, have a deep understanding of the spiritual and practical needs of the community.
We are excited about this project, not only because of the great need and potential in the area, but also because of the proximity of this work to our friends and supporters in the United States.
Our 10 for 10 partnership goal is to raise $5000 for 50 students to attend school, which provides a uniform and school supplies for these young men and women to hear about the love of Jesus and further their education.