Barbara Christine Hall Rutledge - December 2, 1930 to August 27, 2010

Grandma Barbara, as many in Matagalpa and Jinotega called her, celebrated the last 8 years of her life in Nicaragua as a missionary serving in the gift of helps. Primarily she helped home school and care for the younger children of her oldest son's family. She also interceded for those the ministry was touching. Barbara lived in Nicaragua from 2002 until she passed away August 27, 2010.

As a child, teenager, and young lady she grew up in Seymour, Tennessee. She was known as Christine, her middle name, and affectionately called Kricket by her father, William Hall Sr. She married Joseph W. Rutledge in 1956 and gave birth to four children: Earl, Ellen, Lloyd and Fred.

Barbara and her husband Joe touched many lives in a variety of ways. In the first year of their marriage they were “tentmakers” in Elgin, Illinois, where Joe taught math in the public high school as they ministered in a Baptist mission in the city.  Afterwards, they served as dorm parents at Harrison-Chilhowee Academy in Seymour, Tennessee. Leaving Tennessee, they returned to Louisiana where Joe finished a third degree in engineering. Barbara and Joe both had previously finished masters degrees in Christian Education from Southwestern Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas.

The following years were filled with raising a family as Joe worked as an engineer and later Barbara returned to the university to be certified as a teacher for special needs children. During these 16 years both attended church and served faithfully in whatever manner they could. In 1975 Barbara and Joe realized a dream they had put aside many years before and the summer after Earl graduated from high school they took their first missionary journey to the island of Jamaica. The time spent there was short, but it opened their hearts once again to serve as carriers of God’s light to the nations and people that would never think of entering a church door. Joe’s job as an engineer allowed their light to shine as they lived with their family in Mandeville, Jamaica and later Valencia, Venezuela.       

When Barbara’s husband Joe passed away in 2002 she decided to move to Nicaragua and live with her oldest son. She served in their ministry as she taught and cared for their younger children. Although unable to speak and understand Spanish, this did not prevent her from showing the people that she loved God and that she loved them. In this silent yet powerful way she continued until her death impacting lives of those that came in contact with her.

August 27, 2010, at 10:25 PM, after a three month bout with illness, Barbara Christine Hall Rutledge walked through the valley of the shadow of death into the eternal glory with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She passed away in her sleep at the Hospital Metropolitano-Vivian Pelas, in Managua, Nicaragua.

Barbara Christine is survived by three children: Earl, Ellen and Lloyd; nine grandchildren: Marcus, Cheree, Sarah, John, Judah, Lance, Luke, Kelsy, Esperanza; and one great grand-child Katelynn.
Her testimony lives on.

Pray for My Mom, Barbara Hall Rutledge

Please believe together with us for the complete recuperation of health for my mom, Barbara.

The past 3 months she has dealt with several different health issues and is presently in the hospital in Managua because of low sodium, potassium and calcium and a major yeast infection that has spread through out her body.

All is improving well and early next week she should be out of the hospital.

Believe with us for restored proper levels of sodium, potassium and calcium; complete healing from the yeast infection; and protection of her vital organs, especially her kidney during this time of illness.

We know the healing power of God and believe it is part of our covenant blessing.

God is good.

Rutledge Report July 2010

The biggest and most exciting news for this quarter is the wedding of our daughter Cheree. On June 5^th, Cheree married Vicente Diaz, a young man from Matagalpa who now works in Estelí as a civil engineer. It was a very special day for all of us: a rewarding result of 24 years of sowing into Cheree’s life as her parents, and the last 10 years of investing in Vicente as his pastor and teacher. We would appreciate your prayers for God’s favor and direction for them as they start their future together. Cheree is finishing her final graphic design project and will graduate from the university the end of November.

Our home remains the focal point of our ministry, and we are thankful for the larger area we now have. It provides privacy for the family while still being adequate for overnight guests, English classes, counseling sessions, and meetings. We are finally proceeding in our desire to establish a regular prayer room where people come to pray and receive  prayer for special needs in their lives. We want to establish a “hot spot” where the presence of God is so strong that people are drawn to Him as Savior, Redeemer, Healer, Provider, El Shaddai,… We want them to leave changed by their encounter with Him and desirous to come back to enjoy His presence once again. Our prayer room will also serve as a training ground for those in our study groups, teaching them to pray more effectively for people in need.

Part of our calling is to minister to ministers, and teach those who will in turn teach others, so we are pleased to have two single women missionaries as part of our regular Sunday morning English fellowship. Earl recently started condensing his English teaching into 250-400 words and posting it in his English and Spanish blogs. Visit A Look in the Mirror. Our Sunday evening service is in Spanish, and we are encouraged by a recent increase in attendance. Pray for the discipleship process to bring changes to their everyday lives.

We also are glad to co-labor with Young Life. Three of their leadership couples and one from our Sunday evening study completed our recent eight week marriage course. We finished with a 24 hour marriage encounter in Matagalpa. The time included fun dynamics, Christian fellowship, practical teachings, delicious food, and a special night away in a hotel. Due to desire on the couples’ parts, we continue meeting to teach and expand on topics they have requested.

Bev coordinated a pastor’s wives retreat which included ladies from both Matagalpa and Jinotega. Thanks to First Assembly in Fort Meade, FL, each one received a small gift to encourage her that God does see her efforts and rewards His servants. Each was also pampered with a manicure, pedicure, facial, or a new hair style. They returned to their husbands and churches not only spiritually uplifted, but also emotionally strengthened and physically blessed.

We give thanks for the funds that subsidized the cost of these events. We know the investment of your donations will bring forth much fruit.

Bev frequently counsels and prays with ladies that are experiencing difficult emotional and relational problems. The exercise class that she attends has spurred many new ladies coming to seek prayer. God will use you everywhere that you are open to being a channel of His love.

Judah recently graduated from home school and scored very high on his SAT. We are very proud of him. Before pursuing a university career in Mechanical Engineering, he will spend ten months with 24/7, a Leadership/missions program in Mexico City.

John successfully completed his first year at JBU with a 3.85 GPA. We enjoy having him home for the summer. We are grateful for the scholarships and grants that cover the majority of his expenses and we continue believing God for complete payment of his schooling. Presently he still needs two student loans.

Prayer needs:

• Successful discipleship and growth 
• Protection and health
• Increased provision for schooling and travel
• A volunteer to help with home schooling
• Influence in the city

Pray for Grandma Rutledge, our wonderful helper for home school and with the younger children. She is still fighting repeated health problems, this time related to her colon.

May God richly bless you for your donations and prayers which are so vital to our ministry.

Thanks again!

 

The Rutledges

Camping - Lance

Camping gives me an opportunity to do two things I enjoy: hiking in nearby mountains and spending time with friends. 

Hiking is one of my hobbies; I like the challenge, the adventure and excitement of an unclimbed mountain. Another thing I enjoy about hiking is that it gives me a change of scenery, from concrete streets to dirt and rocks, from buildings to hills and trees. Just think of all the hiking you have to do to find a place to set camp that fulfills all your purposes. Such as a nice view, plenty of firewood and level ground.

Camping is a good way to spend time with your friends. With no one to tell you to behave a certain way, getting out into the wild changes something. You can be yourself and so can they. While sitting by a campfire, one also shares thoughts ideas, experiences and stories. Camping makes for good fellowship.

I enjoy other things when I go camping, but hiking and fellowship are the ones I enjoy most. What do you enjoy most about camping?

March 2010

Friends and family,

Thank you for your continued prayers and financial support. God has truly blessed us through you! In the past several months many things have happened; here are a few of them.

Earl started December with a writing streak. In 21 days he wrote the first drafts of 34 Advent devotionals with prayers based on scripture readings and representative symbols that we as a family have selected, designed, and revised over the past several years. He condensed each thought into 130 words to allow each devotional to be read in approximately one minute. Enjoy them on Thoughts and Reflections, starting at New Life with Advent. Earl plans to revise, rewrite, translate, and record them for a Christmas radio emphasis this year.


In December we also visited a local coffee farm and taught on family unity and the value of the man and the woman. God’s love was proclaimed to more than 50 adults plus numerous children through teachings and interactive dynamics; the day ended by eating a meal with the plantation owner, Veronica. We are planning a follow-up teaching soon.

John arrived December 18^th, the same day Cheree finished her university classes in Managua. We were able to enjoy Christmas vacations as family in Jinotega. Part of our Christmas celebration included sharing the Advent tree and wreath with our English students. In a new, unique and fun way, the gospel of Jesus was presented. Christmas family time also included visits to Selva Negra and San Juan del Sur. While in San Juan del Sur Earl ministered to a man experiencing many personal struggles, as his visit there was during the last days of his brother’s life. He needed encouragement and a reminder that the only true God sent the Savior whose name is Jesus… Pray for Alberto to continue his search and that he may find the true peace only Jesus Christ can give.

The second weekend of January started a busy ten days; we divided our family into different ministry groups for various activities. Cheree and John translated for a PRMI seminar at La Fuente while Earl taught and translated at two Young Life Leadership Camps. John returned to JBU and Cheree and Judah participated in Bethel Church’s Supernatural Ministry School in Managua. In Jinotega, Bev, Lance and Luke united with Young Life to distribute Christmas toys and clothes in a poor barrio. All groups experienced awesome ministry testimonies of God’s healing love touching many lives.

We continue to provide counsel and spiritual oversight for the pastors and leaders at Iglesia La Fuente. In November, after nine years in the same location, they had to change buildings. The new location is 45 percent smaller, but much nicer in appearance. We continue praying that God would provide them their own property and building, and for understanding of God’s ways as they continue forward.

English classes resumed the 17^th of January. Six to twelve students come three days a week for an hour of class. Some students are expressing interest in our Sunday morning English Bible study. One day Connie, a young lady who travels to Jinotega four hours on the bus for Saturday classes at the university, passed by to inquire about a chance to practice her English; she now stays for our English worship time on Sunday mornings. We are praying for more students to participate in that time or join our Spanish Bible study on Sunday evenings.

Seven couples attended our first Valentine’s Day activity in Jinotega. Of those couples, three of them are not practicing Christians and two of them want to participate in a marriage study group. We are excited about this new opportunity.

We recently moved to a larger house that will be much better for Earl’s mom’s comfort, health, and mobilization (no steps and we now have a yard). It will also allow a front room to be dedicated to prayer, counseling and ministry. We are thankful for the provision to pay the increased rent, but continue praying for even more income for other new activities.



After an extended courtship, Cheree will marry Vicente Diaz on June 5, so wedding plans and preparations are also part of our current activities. Vicente is a civil engineer and a fine Christian man. He works in Esteli, another one of our target cities.




Prayer requests:
· Continued provision and protection – we are thankful for the blessing God always provides. We never want to take it for granted.
· Health – especially Earl’s mom, Barbara. She has had frequent bladder infections that have affected her kidneys.
· New ministry in Jinotega as we relate with our English students and develop new relationships with married couples. We are also increasing our ministry in counseling, inner healing and prayer for the sick.
· Maintaining links with people with our change of houses to a new location in the city.
· Continued forward movement and growth at Iglesia La Fuente, encouragement and patience for Pastors Raul and Olivia Castro, and the ability to obtain their own church building.
· Our children as they continue growing in independence and life purpose.

Thank you very much for your prayer and financial support. God has been very good to us.

Grace and Peace,

Earl and Beverly Rutledge

Iglesia La Fuente Moved Across the Street

Iglesia La Fuente MOVED. God is up to something when He moves you from a big building to a smaller one.

Here are some pictures on Cheree's FB. 

 

This is the new location. It is exactly in front of the previous one.

What Can Coffee Plants Teach Us About Families?

Several weeks ago the owner of a local coffee farm asked us to organize a seminar on family relationships for her farm workers. Bev and I talked through ideas and decided to focus on three main thoughts: we all need each other; there are good and pleasant things [gold] in all of us; and we must take care of our family.

Saturday, December 5th was the agreed upon date, so we started the afternoon with a ride in a pick-up and made the 1.8 mile trip up and over the mountain in 25 minutes. It is close to Jinotega, but the conditions of the road and the steep inclination increases travel time.

The Lopez family is concerned for the total well being of their farm workers. They have built 2 school buildings and continue improving conditions for their temporary workers [approximately 500] that come to harvest the coffee cherries. This interest resulted in our visit to share with the fifty permanent workers of the farm.

We started with a couple songs  and a dynamic of forming groups based on the parts needed to complete a body. Each person was given one of six parts and had to find five others with the pieces they lacked; united the puzzle was whole. We  need each other and are crippled when we are missing a leg or an arm. The same is true with our family relationships. Everybody has something to offer to make the family complete.

We also taught that the external appearance does not determine worth. It just so happened that the pretty flowered bag that everybody chose as their favorite was full of trash. The other two plain brown paper bags held something of value: a pearl [godly character] or a knife [God given talents]. We all have talents and the chance to develop godly character. So does everyone else. Let’s not overlook the blessing of God in others just because their external appearance is not attractive to us.

Finally, we made a comparison between the coffee plant and the family. Newly germinated plants are kept in a nursery and need careful attention, just as babies and children require special and frequent care.

Once the plant reaches 6-12 months it can be transplanted to one of the fields on the plantation. Although the plant is strong, it still needs to be watched and protected as it continues to grow. The tree needs 3-5 years before it produces fruit. Those years for a coffee plant were compared to the adolescent years. Our teens still need godly parental guidance and love as they  become more independent, ensuring a healthy future and the fulfillment of their destiny.

After the years of growth and maturing, the plant enters the productive years and bares fruit in abundance; as adults we marry and  have children. Our relationships must still be nurtured. We must care for our spouse and our children; they need our love, care and concern. With proper care, the coffee tree can produce for 25-30 years. The cutting of unnecessary limbs and two or three radical prunings gives new life and increases productivity. Likewise, in our lives there are distractions that take us away from the more important needs of family, wife, husband and children. We must eliminate them in order for the family to remain strong.

As the plant advances in years it can still be productive if given individual attention. Our grandparents and the elderly have much to offer if we will just take the time to stop, help them, and listen to their years of understanding and experience.

The constant care and year long maintenance of coffee plants serve as an excellent example to teach us that we need to provide planned, continual care for our families.

We closed with a blessing for the community, the farm, the workers, the families, men, women, youth, teenagers and children. We are thankful for people like the Lopez family that are concerned for the integral well-being of their community and workers.

The evening ended with a beautiful sunset, a fine meal and enjoyable conversation, a very tired little girl, and a slow ride back down the dark hill in a light rain. God has truly blessed us.

You can look at a few other pictures on Facebook [click here].  

Thank you for being a part of what we do in Nicaragua.

Thanksgiving 2009 – It’s been a blessed year

We rejoice and give thanks every day, but what a wonderful national tradition to take a special day to count our blessings and recognize the awesome provision of God in our lives. Nicaragua has many holidays and celebrates many things, but there is no day of Thanksgiving to God among them. We are privileged as a family to thank and glorify Him and receive His joy as we bring His kingdom to the hurting lives around us. It has been a good year, a reflection of the goodness of our God and His faithfulness.

We are so thankful for the participation of so many of you working with us through your offerings and prayers. We could not do what we do without your support. Thank you for being instruments of God’s provision for us and all those we help here.

A brief overview for those who are new on our mailing list: In July of 2008 we passed the direction of La Fuente, the church we pioneered in Matagalpa, to Pastor Raul Castro and the leadership we discipled and established there. This past year the walk of transition has continued. The leadership has made good decisions as Earl maintained a strong mentoring relationship with Pastor Raul giving counsel and guidance as needed. Presently, La Fuente is needing to rent a different location, and is praying for funds to purchase a permanent location; please pray for them.  It is very rewarding to see continued growth and maturity in the lives of the people as they reach out to touch others. They have internalized the message, “Freely you have received, freely give.”

In October 2008 we moved to Jinotega, the second of five targeted cities, to start a new ministry. Our first endeavor began with Earl teaching English classes to meet new people and establish friendships while helping them in a practical way. Some of these students now attend our small English fellowship on Sunday mornings or one of our Spanish Bible studies. Others have sought our counsel or asked us to pray for specific needs in their lives. God is working, and we give Him thanks.

The recognized gift of teaching in Earl’s life has opened new doors of opportunity and influence, allowing ministry to a wide range of people, from other pastors to coffee farm workers; a bank manager and poor country folk; Young Life leaders, Youth with a Mission disciples, and people on the street; school teachers and hurricane victims.

The Good News of salvation is for all people. (See Earl’s blog http://alcanzarelmundo.blogspot.com for a report with pictures of his recent trip to Bluefields on the Atlantic Coast to help two communities affected by Hurricane Ida.)

Our family is doing well and continues to mature. In December, Cheree will finish the classroom part of her university studies here in Nicaragua and she also works with the church in the area of Graphic Design. John, a freshman, is studying Business at John Brown University in Siloam Springs, Arkansas.  Judah is finishing his high school courses and plans to attend a discipleship school before starting his university studies in Mechanical Engineering. Lance and Luke are advancing with their high school studies along with sports, art, and music interests. The house princesses, Kelsy and Esperanza, bring joy and beauty to our hearts. Finally, Earl’s mom maintains her participation as she helps home-schools the girls. 

One tremendous blessing we experienced this year was the help of two young ladies in the area of home-schooling our boys. Jessica Bailey and Cherith VonBerg greatly lightened Bev’s load, enabling her to join Earl more in the ministry and also teach and counsel women. Jessica returned to the States the end of August; Cherith’s time with us has just come to an end. We will greatly miss her. Pray that others would be interested in investing in Nicaragua by ministering to us in this area. 

Also, pray for increased monthly support so we can rent a larger house with family privacy and ministry space. We pray you will experience God’s provision and joy as you reflect on giving Him thanks this year.

Thanks again for your faithful monthly support and prayers. 

Blessings and peace

Earl and Beverly; Cheree, John, Judah, Lance, Luke, Kelsy and Esperanza; and Barbara

Mailing address:

Earl and Beverly Rutledge

2011 W. Marshall Ave.

Longview, TX 75604

For donations write checks to:

World Outreach Fellowship.

Note: for Nicaragua Missions-Rutledge

Travels to Bluefields, Tasba Pauni and Karawala

November 12-17 I flew to Bluefields with Judah and Cherith VonBerg to spend the weekend with my friend Pastor Ed Jaentschke. It was an awesome time; 8 years was much too long of a gap since my last trip. If the opportunity ever presents itself, you must experience the intriguing beauty and culture of Bluefields. You can check out other pictures of Bluefields at:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=176474&id=666028857&l=dfb6200124

While in Bluefields we visited two communities that Hurricane Ida affected: Tasba Pauni and Karawala.  Due to the loss of crops, hunger is the primary concern.

Saturday we took a boat to Tasba Pauni. Since it’s actually on the Caribbean Coast instead of on the river, it received the harder hit of the two villages; poorly constructed houses and a double pass of the storm resulted in greater damage. Driftwood, trash and debris had been gathered in piles across the beach as the locals cleaned up and began repairing or rebuilding their houses. Other pictures can be seen at:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=176480&id=666028857&l=f7dfc8ee0c

Monday’s six hour adventure of a sometimes very bumpy boat ride took us to Karawala. The much neater and better organized village was less affected than Tasba Pauni.  Look at other pictures at:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=176568&id=666028857&l=e4b3597c2c

Please pray for Bluefields and Pastor Ed and his wife Ligia of Iglesia Verbo as they work with people in the city and outlaying villages. The need is great and obviously many physical needs exist, but transformation of thought and philosophy must be the principle focus. Without a true renewing of the mind there will never be a lasting improvement in quality of life and living conditions.

Grace and peace.

Update, July 2009

Dear Friends,
God is so good! He is faithful and true, and we thank you for being like Him, faithful in your gifts,support, and prayers although we haven’t gotten out a newsletter for months and we know that some of you have been affected by the economic crisis. We pray that each of you will continue to experience His faithfulness and provision when all around seems to be crumbling, for He is our Rock, our Anchor in the storm,and an ever present Help in time of trouble. So much has been happening here, but we will only touch the highlights.

La Fuente Celebrates their First Nicaraguan Pastor - In May we welcomed the visit of Russell Craft and Murrey Rabenhorst from our Stateside covering church. They came specifically to join us in the joyful ordination our new pastor of La Fuente, Raul Castro. It was especially exciting for us. Raul and his wife, Olivia, were our first acquaintances when we moved to Matagalpa eleven years ago, and were the 2nd and 3rd people we were privileged to lead to Christ. The transition of leadership has taken longer than we had envisioned, but all is going well; the church has even added several families during this time. Earl continues in a strong mentoring relationship with Raul, and teaching the School of Ministry classes one night a week, but other than that, our involvement is down to sporadic visits once or twice a month.

Misión para Alcanzar el Mundo (our registered mission name in Nicaragua) - We also sent out our first family as missionaries. Armin and Helen Santamaria, one of our elder couples, have moved to Chile to finish raising support and to prepare for ministering in the Ukraine. We are excited that Nicaraguans are capturing the vision of the Great Commission to reach the world with the Good News of salvation.

Judah and Lance visit the Miskito Indians - Judah (17) and Lance (15) had a spontaneous opportunity to join a team from Mexico on a trip to the Coco River on the border of Nicaragua and Honduras. After a 15 minute scramble to gather their stuff for a 4 day foray into the jungle, they piled onto a heap of supplies and equipment in the back of a pickup and headed out into the drizzling night. The long and arduous journey to the Miskito villages included 6 hours on pothole roads and 12 hours of travel by motorized dugout canoe (each way). The team was able to share the gospel message along with giving food and supplies to the people.

Impact Week/Pastor’s Wives Retreat - In addition to the Mexican “Coco River” team, there were also visiting Nicaragua a ladies ministry team, a youth team, and a men’s team making a total of 60 people from Mexico, the U.S., and England, each impacting lives in different events in various cities. Bev participated in a 3 day Pastor’s wives’ retreat, taking 14 ladies from Jinotega, Matagalpa, and San Isidrio. She was also involved in city events in Matagalpa and Esteli. Lance translated for the youth team who worked a baseball clinic, visited schools, and participated in events in the Masatepe area. We praise God for the many lives that were touched by this great team.

John, ministering in China - Our son John left for China on June 19. He spent 2 weeks working with a local church in Hong Kong, and is now part of a team teaching English to a Muslim people group in western China. He will return to the YWAM Puerto Rico base in August long enough to gather his things and then travel to Arkansas to start a degree in Marketing and International Business at John Brown University. We praise God for scholarships for his studies and we continue to trust Him for complete provision for John’s four years of university studies.

Jucuapa Ministry to Elementary schools - After months of preparation and fund raising, Cheree and the youth of La Fuente, led by youth leaders Vicente Diaz and Melba Gamez, realized a 2 day outreach to Jucuapa, a rural community south of Matagalpa. Due to the gifts of many people, principally Nicaraguans, they were able to distribute a packet of school supplies, including a Spanish textbook, to 190 children in 6 different schools. They were also able to pray for each of the students and teachers, and others that were around. Thanks to all those who were involved in this project. The next follow-up visit to these schools is programmed for the end of August.

Jinotega Ministry - We have finally been able to focus more on our new city these past two months. We have a small English group meeting on Sunday mornings and a study group in Spanish on Sunday evenings. Three of those coming have been away from the Lord for a time and now desire to get their lives back on the right path, so it is a good beginning.

English Classes, Friendship Evangelism - Actually our first thrust in Jinotega began in January with Earl teaching English classes. We have 8-10 steady students who come 3 times a week. When they surprised us with a small celebration on our 27th wedding anniversary, we felt our purpose was being accomplished, that of establishing friendships while helping them in a practical area in their lives. We believe more doors of opportunity and influence are being opened in this area.

Home School Help - We welcome the help of 2 college-age girls this summer. Since we got so far behind on our home schooling schedule, Jessica and Cherith have been extremely helpful in overseeing most of the children’s studies, freeing me up to write letters, organize items still in boxes, and start a ladies’ Bible study. They are also connecting with our English students, learning Spanish, being involved in our meetings, and seeing what missionary life really entails. Anybody interested in coming next summer?

We Appreciate You - Thanks again for your prayers and support, co-laboring with us for the harvest in Nicaragua.

Blessings,
Earl and Bev Rutledge

Spring 2009

Dear Friends and Family,

It’s been awhile since our last update. Our physical move to Jinotega took place in October, but we have been back and forth between Matagalpa and Jinotega ever since, facilitating the transition with the church, La Fuente, the leaders and the people, and our family. The 21-mile-but-hour-long ride over the pot-hole after pot-hole, curvy mountain road is now very familiar. Thank you so much for your continued support and prayer without any details about what’s happening in our lives and the ministry.

For those who did not receive the update on our tour to the States, it was an awesome two months of family time and traveling with many “firsts.” It was also a healthy beginning in our children’s understanding that there are cultural differences between Nicaragua and the U.S. and they have inherited a mix of the two as Third Culture Kids. We were super blessed with the renewing of old friendships and the making of new acquaintances, and we were amazed by God’s mighty provision in so many areas and details. Thank you to all who made this dream trip a possibility!

During December and January, while we got acquainted with our new city, we also spent some great closure time as a family, knowing that family life will never be the same. Cheree, who did not get to travel to the States with us, was home for vacation, but is now once again situated in Managua. She started her senior year in Graphic Design last week.

With all the recent stateside experiences to build on, we felt John was much better prepared to now pursue life outside of Nicaragua. He left last week to Puerto Rico to participate in a six month Discipleship Training and mission trip with Youth with a Mission before he starts in the fall as a freshman business major at John Brown University in Siloam Springs, Arkansas. Pray for him as he faces the challenges of living in another culture, which is much different than a vacation visit, and pray also for abundant provision. We thank God that he has received a sizeable academic scholarship, but there is still a lot left to cover.

John's send-off last week was a blessing to all of us as it confirmed the impact our family has had on those in La Fuente. The parents expressed appreciation for John's example and the aspiration for their children to be like him. The youth also voiced their gratitude for John's role model and their desire that their parents would be more like us; they also thanked us for helping them even as we have helped our own children. Several comments to that effect were a wonderful encouragement that we have left a well-started work in Matagalpa. We trust that it will continue to flourish under the new pastor, Raul Castro, who was actually our 2nd convert 10 years ago. Our first fruit is now producing fruit. God is good! Let the harvest cycle continue, and may the Lord of the Harvest send more laborers, for the fields are ripe and ready.

We are now in the final stages of our transition. The church is doing well. The people have accepted our "in and out" status of supervision and counsel instead of being the ever-present "pastors" and have transferred their commitment to the remaining elders, especially Raul and Olivia, who are now the primary leaders. We are looking forward to finally being able to concentrate on developing our present new contacts in Jinotega.

We have overcome some taxing challenges in our new location. I can count on one hand the number of times the garbage has passed by (Oct. to Feb. -- you can imagine the fly population and some of the other problems that has generated). The plumbing is not up to par -- I can't let any water go down the kitchen sink. The creative solution to "no clothes line" has been solved with the result of needing to stand on a chair or ladder to hang out the clothes. I have just been blessed with clothespins that work, which makes it a much easier task, and the rainy season has ended for now, so hurray for dry clothes. The neighborhood has apparently been using our driveway entrance doors as the local soccer goal for quite some time. We have established better parameters of how many times a day and at what hours we will throw a ball back over the gate, but a sudden WHACK can still startle, and frequent WHACKS make it hard to concentrate and seriously tests one’s patience. Driving skills have improved out of necessity as the clearance to enter our driveway with the van is tight. Backing out with the side mirrors folded in was a real challenge at first.

The upside is that our house is the nicest (painted cement walls, windows, a ceiling, and a ceramic floor) and largest we found for a good rental price. We have a front room for private counseling and small meetings. We live on a safe block for the children to play outside with their new friends from the neighborhood. We live 2 blocks from the market and the grocery store. The smaller town (60,000) leads to quicker attention at the bank, telephone office, and stores. The people are friendly and helpful; we've already made friends and have met several people who need Jesus. The great thing is that they seem to recognize that we have something they need. People we don’t know have heard we are here and have come to our house to seek us out for counsel and prayer. We are a light in this “City of Fog,” as Jinotega is called, to penetrate the darkness and let the glory of the Lord shine forth.

Thank you for your prayers and support. They are very much appreciated. One last prayer request is for provision of new (used) instruments and a projector, since we left La Fuente fully furnished.

Remember to shine today in your workplace, your neighborhood, and your city. Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. Isaiah 60:1

Blessings and peace,
Earl and Bev Rutledge