Well, it's getting close. I am less than 2 months away from moving to Nicaragua. I have been starting to gather things that I will use over the next year. Someone asked me what I needed other than financial and prayer support. So, I decided it would be a good idea to compile a small list. If you have any of these things or know someone who does, please let me know. I have no budget, other than what is raised for me to live on to buy these things, and we definitely need them.
If you have any questions, send me an email at joey@amigosforchrist.org
We can also work out a tax-deductible receipt for all gifts.
Thanks everyone.
Merry Christmas.
Joey
Needs List
New packs of acoustic guitar strings (30 packs)
Any new/used sound equipment from mics and stands to cables and connectors
Beginner used acoustic guitars for guitar lessons. (up to 10 GUITARS)
9V batteries (10 batteries)
Friday, December 10, 2010
Thursday, November 18, 2010
This video says it all
Last week one of my best friends, Matt Giesler, shot a video for me to better articulate what my time in Nicaragua was like and what it's going to be. Please take 15 minutes to watch this video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WTvAPCuhTOk
Love Y'all.
Joey
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WTvAPCuhTOk
Love Y'all.
Joey
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Support info
I need to raise support for my first year in Nicaragua. My goal is $8,000, this will cover my total living expenses and flights for a full year. I will be home over the next few months working hard to pay towards this goal out of my own pocket but will still need a great amount of help.
In addition, I know the Lord will provide the money but please add me to your prayer list over the next year. Specifically you can pray,
That God would open and prepare the hearts of the short term American groups that will come down
That walls will be broken down between different denominations and walks of life in the villages we are planning "worship nights" in, so the body of Christ will worship and grow together as one in Nicaragua.
My support website is amigosforchrist.org/joeymcginn
More to come.
Joey
In addition, I know the Lord will provide the money but please add me to your prayer list over the next year. Specifically you can pray,
That God would open and prepare the hearts of the short term American groups that will come down
That walls will be broken down between different denominations and walks of life in the villages we are planning "worship nights" in, so the body of Christ will worship and grow together as one in Nicaragua.
My support website is amigosforchrist.org/joeymcginn
More to come.
Joey
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Moving to Nicaragua
My second to last post about Belkie and her sister receiving clean water was an answered prayer for me about my future with Amigos for Christ. Let me explain.
Back in January of this year while job hunting, I prayed very specifically for the Lord to open doors for me to lead worship again. All I knew is that the happiest and most fulfilled I had ever been was when I was actively involved in ministry, specifically, leading worship. So my prayer was simply, "Lord, please open these doors again."
Many of you know from reading this blog early on that my former roommate Jeremy Sutton had asked me to come down repeatedly through the years for a visit to see what Amigos for Christ was all about. Finally, my circumstances worked out that I could spend 4 months over the summer in Nicaragua working with Amigos for Christ, LEADING WORSHIP. When I started to fall in love with this place and it's people, I asked the Lord for something that would confirm within me that I was suppossed to take the open offer to move here and work with an amazing organization. That confirmation was the day Belkie and her sister received clean water. Not only was it what I prayed for, but it changed my life forever, as did many other things from my visit. What I experienced this summer, no one could ever have prepared me for. The only way I know how to express in writing is that my life changed forever. I came alive in a different way than I ever had before. This is not an overstatement. The Lord renewed in me a passion to see people hear, receive and be changed by the gospel. This friends, is what we were meant for, and after seeing it on a continual basis over the summer, I knew I wanted more.
This is the simplest way I know how to describe what happened to me. There are stories throughout this blog and that hopefully we will share in person one day that articulate this better but I am content for now by saying that the gospel is changing lives in Nicaragua, both for visiting Americans and Nicaraguans and I want to be here to continue to see it make this place flourish.
So with the treasure I found here, I'm selling what I have left and making this place my home for a while. As far as time goes, I am approaching this as I would a new employer. I have no plans to leave anytime soon. My encouragement for my supporters from this summer is to check out our website to create an awareness of what's going on here and what we do at amigosforchrist.org Also click on follow to the right to follow my blog for updates and read back a few entries to see what it was like for me this summer. The Lord is moving in Chinandega, Nicaragua and I just want to be here to see Him continue to change lives. I'm grateful He's allowing me to do that.
More to come.
Joey
Back in January of this year while job hunting, I prayed very specifically for the Lord to open doors for me to lead worship again. All I knew is that the happiest and most fulfilled I had ever been was when I was actively involved in ministry, specifically, leading worship. So my prayer was simply, "Lord, please open these doors again."
Many of you know from reading this blog early on that my former roommate Jeremy Sutton had asked me to come down repeatedly through the years for a visit to see what Amigos for Christ was all about. Finally, my circumstances worked out that I could spend 4 months over the summer in Nicaragua working with Amigos for Christ, LEADING WORSHIP. When I started to fall in love with this place and it's people, I asked the Lord for something that would confirm within me that I was suppossed to take the open offer to move here and work with an amazing organization. That confirmation was the day Belkie and her sister received clean water. Not only was it what I prayed for, but it changed my life forever, as did many other things from my visit. What I experienced this summer, no one could ever have prepared me for. The only way I know how to express in writing is that my life changed forever. I came alive in a different way than I ever had before. This is not an overstatement. The Lord renewed in me a passion to see people hear, receive and be changed by the gospel. This friends, is what we were meant for, and after seeing it on a continual basis over the summer, I knew I wanted more.
This is the simplest way I know how to describe what happened to me. There are stories throughout this blog and that hopefully we will share in person one day that articulate this better but I am content for now by saying that the gospel is changing lives in Nicaragua, both for visiting Americans and Nicaraguans and I want to be here to continue to see it make this place flourish.
So with the treasure I found here, I'm selling what I have left and making this place my home for a while. As far as time goes, I am approaching this as I would a new employer. I have no plans to leave anytime soon. My encouragement for my supporters from this summer is to check out our website to create an awareness of what's going on here and what we do at amigosforchrist.org Also click on follow to the right to follow my blog for updates and read back a few entries to see what it was like for me this summer. The Lord is moving in Chinandega, Nicaragua and I just want to be here to see Him continue to change lives. I'm grateful He's allowing me to do that.
More to come.
Joey
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Surgical endeavors
A surgical team from Atlanta is here this week. 40 Nicaraguan women will receive OB-GYN related surgeries over the next 3 days, at no cost to them. The doctors were gracious enough to let some of us gown up and sit in on a few operations. One of the cooler things I've ever experienced.
The surgery I witnessed from the initial incision to the stitching up was a hysterectomy. Intense. Here's some pics.
That's an opened abdominal cavity behind me...
More to come.
Joey
The surgery I witnessed from the initial incision to the stitching up was a hysterectomy. Intense. Here's some pics.
That's an opened abdominal cavity behind me...
More to come.
Joey
Location:Chinandega
Friday, August 20, 2010
Como una fuenta
Watch these two short clips before reading below.
The shirtless child is Belkie. She and her younger sister showed up to the school in the village for a craft project we were doing with all the kids. The village is called 'El Chanco' and they have no water access for miles. Belkie and her sister Kristin walked up wearing only underwear and covered in dirt from head to toe. I spent the next hour and a half showing them how to do their crafts. Belkie continually looked up and smiled at me as she leaned on my side while working on our crafts. Towards the end, I noticed Belkie & Kristin eating glue leftover from the crafts. In broken Spanish I promised them real food if they would follow me back to the bus.
I have never been so broken for another person in my entire life. And I almost regret trying to post this because a few sentences will not do justice to describe how overwhelmed and taken I was by these two little girls.
The Lord is at work here. In these people and in all of the hearts of us visiting "gringos". I will never forget today and although a blog post does little justice for something like this, I had to share what God allowed me to experience.
We have recently drilled a well for El Chanco and as soon as the piping is finished, water will be available in the village for the first time. We took a group from
The village out there today to see the well, to see the hope that lies soon ahead. Most of them have never experienced running water, including Belkie and Kristin.
Right after Belkie and Kristin took their first showers ever, we all shared peanut butter and jelly sandwiches that I had packed for lunch.
....with their finished crafts...
Running water!
More to come.
Joey
The shirtless child is Belkie. She and her younger sister showed up to the school in the village for a craft project we were doing with all the kids. The village is called 'El Chanco' and they have no water access for miles. Belkie and her sister Kristin walked up wearing only underwear and covered in dirt from head to toe. I spent the next hour and a half showing them how to do their crafts. Belkie continually looked up and smiled at me as she leaned on my side while working on our crafts. Towards the end, I noticed Belkie & Kristin eating glue leftover from the crafts. In broken Spanish I promised them real food if they would follow me back to the bus.
I have never been so broken for another person in my entire life. And I almost regret trying to post this because a few sentences will not do justice to describe how overwhelmed and taken I was by these two little girls.
The Lord is at work here. In these people and in all of the hearts of us visiting "gringos". I will never forget today and although a blog post does little justice for something like this, I had to share what God allowed me to experience.
We have recently drilled a well for El Chanco and as soon as the piping is finished, water will be available in the village for the first time. We took a group from
The village out there today to see the well, to see the hope that lies soon ahead. Most of them have never experienced running water, including Belkie and Kristin.
Right after Belkie and Kristin took their first showers ever, we all shared peanut butter and jelly sandwiches that I had packed for lunch.
....with their finished crafts...
Running water!
More to come.
Joey
Location:El Chanco
Monday, August 16, 2010
Firecrappers
Home made fireworks that can be purchased from a dude in his living room are always better...
Location:Casa Blanca
Sunday, August 15, 2010
One Body of Christ
I've been practicing with a band that plays at a church in town. This Thursday, we will be hosting a community-wide worship service in the village of Villa Catalina. This is the first time any type of service or worship has been offered to multiple denominations and to people on different levels of their spiritual journey. We are preparing to make it a special event done with excellence.
Please pray Colossians 3:11-12 with us trusting that God will unite believers together.
Col 3:11-12 Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all. Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
There has been a vision from the Lord in many of our hearts that Villa Catalina would spiritually move forward together as a community, as one body of Christ.
Also, say a prayer for Zach Ivie. He's coming down tomorrow for 10 days and we're trusting the Lord for this to be an incredible trip for him.
I'll post pictures from the worship service soon after.
More soon,
Joey
Please pray Colossians 3:11-12 with us trusting that God will unite believers together.
Col 3:11-12 Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all. Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
There has been a vision from the Lord in many of our hearts that Villa Catalina would spiritually move forward together as a community, as one body of Christ.
Also, say a prayer for Zach Ivie. He's coming down tomorrow for 10 days and we're trusting the Lord for this to be an incredible trip for him.
I'll post pictures from the worship service soon after.
More soon,
Joey
Location:Chinandega
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Where's my poncho?
The Lord is allowing great things to happen in Nicaragua this summer. Many mission trip participants have given their lives to the Lord. The village of "El Chanco" will be receiving clean water for the first time from the latest well that our well team has drilled. Only 10 houses remain from our goal of 50. These houses will be new homes for people who used to live in the city dump. And when the common room of Casa Blanca floods, we make the most of it.
We have 2 more groups after this week who will come down for short term trips. One of these is a general surgery group. Expect updates from the O.R.
Love Y'all.
More to come,
Joey
Location:Casa Blanca
Monday, July 19, 2010
Pray
¨Casa Blanca¨ is hosting over 80 people this week. Three separate groups from Georgia, Indiana and California are all down for a week trip.
As I’ve posted previously, we are working to convince people to move out of the dump and start a healthier and more promising lifestyle.
The current residents of the dump hold on to security just like we all do. They are used to digging through trash all week to earn $5 just to survive. Literally, this barely allows them to survive.
Pray that this cycle will be broken by the power of the Lord. Sin is persistant. No matter how convincing we may try to be, or how hopeful a future outside of the slums may look, the sin of holding onto simple securities will keep families from moving out of the dump.
We are currently building 50 new houses and the families are ready to move in. We will start on 50 more when those are done in a few months. Pray for the families that will move into the next 50. Pray that the Lord would start moving in their hearts now and that they would be receive the truth of the gospel and start a life of hope and of promise.
As I’ve posted previously, we are working to convince people to move out of the dump and start a healthier and more promising lifestyle.
The current residents of the dump hold on to security just like we all do. They are used to digging through trash all week to earn $5 just to survive. Literally, this barely allows them to survive.
Pray that this cycle will be broken by the power of the Lord. Sin is persistant. No matter how convincing we may try to be, or how hopeful a future outside of the slums may look, the sin of holding onto simple securities will keep families from moving out of the dump.
We are currently building 50 new houses and the families are ready to move in. We will start on 50 more when those are done in a few months. Pray for the families that will move into the next 50. Pray that the Lord would start moving in their hearts now and that they would be receive the truth of the gospel and start a life of hope and of promise.
Location:Chinandega
Friday, July 16, 2010
Serving His Poor
Nicaragua continues to surprise me.
In preparation for my trip, mentally I assumed that stepping off the plane into a 3rd world environment would be much like it was the last time I had done it several years before. My assumptions for this trip were turned upside down.
I have learned a more intense meaning of the last part of Colossians 3 where we are told to work as for the Lord and not for man, not seeking an earthly reward. And if we were to seek our earthly reward, we would receive it in full. Meaning, the short-lived gratification of working for men rather than God would come and go quickly with no lasting satisfaction. A thank you comes and goes in seconds, but wholeness in the Lord is what we were created for.
It becomes natural in our minds, for example, to dig a trench for a water line or mix cement for the foundation of a house and expect and seek gratitude from those directly receiving our efforts. We find that happens very rarely here. We are quickly brought to moments of examination after long days of work in the hot sun, laboring for those in need, with sometimes no thanks or pats on the back. Was I working hard and diligently in the Nicaraguan sun all day for the Lord that he would be pleased with my efforts to love those in need by meeting their basic needs, or, was I seeking special thanks from the soon to be residents of the house we were building? The Lord does provide relationships and conversations from those who are truly grateful for your time and efforts. What I have found for me is that He does it just enough for me to continually be in a place where I have to seek Him for what really will fill my cup. Ha… Just as He designed it. Regardless of how our efforts are received by those in need, we are called to love and serve and give to them either way. This is why Paul told the Colossians not to put their efforts and work directed towards peers, but directed towards heaven. Paul knew very well what service and giving of himself with no thanks or immediate reward was like. He also knew that if we worked to please and be lifted high for our efforts, we would be working for earthly rewards and nothing eternal. We would be left empty. Working for the Lord is what satisfies us. His design always brings us back to Him, back to His feet, seeking Him as our reward.
He is our reward for righteousness. We need not to be looking for blessings in the form of money, security, health, and prosperity. Rather, Him blessing us with Himself. It is, Him satisfying our hearts in Him. This friends is what we were created for. This is what fills our hearts to the brim and overflows to those around us. Him. His very presence in our lives is the only blessing we should be seeking. The rest of what we need will be taken care of.
Seek the Lord because you love Him, not because you expect or need something.
We are not there, so we pray for Him to bring us there.
Pray Colossians 3:23-25 for us. He is teaching us to depend on Him. We need to be reminded daily who we are working for, and as verse 24 says, who we are really serving. Him.
More to come
Joey
In preparation for my trip, mentally I assumed that stepping off the plane into a 3rd world environment would be much like it was the last time I had done it several years before. My assumptions for this trip were turned upside down.
I have learned a more intense meaning of the last part of Colossians 3 where we are told to work as for the Lord and not for man, not seeking an earthly reward. And if we were to seek our earthly reward, we would receive it in full. Meaning, the short-lived gratification of working for men rather than God would come and go quickly with no lasting satisfaction. A thank you comes and goes in seconds, but wholeness in the Lord is what we were created for.
It becomes natural in our minds, for example, to dig a trench for a water line or mix cement for the foundation of a house and expect and seek gratitude from those directly receiving our efforts. We find that happens very rarely here. We are quickly brought to moments of examination after long days of work in the hot sun, laboring for those in need, with sometimes no thanks or pats on the back. Was I working hard and diligently in the Nicaraguan sun all day for the Lord that he would be pleased with my efforts to love those in need by meeting their basic needs, or, was I seeking special thanks from the soon to be residents of the house we were building? The Lord does provide relationships and conversations from those who are truly grateful for your time and efforts. What I have found for me is that He does it just enough for me to continually be in a place where I have to seek Him for what really will fill my cup. Ha… Just as He designed it. Regardless of how our efforts are received by those in need, we are called to love and serve and give to them either way. This is why Paul told the Colossians not to put their efforts and work directed towards peers, but directed towards heaven. Paul knew very well what service and giving of himself with no thanks or immediate reward was like. He also knew that if we worked to please and be lifted high for our efforts, we would be working for earthly rewards and nothing eternal. We would be left empty. Working for the Lord is what satisfies us. His design always brings us back to Him, back to His feet, seeking Him as our reward.
He is our reward for righteousness. We need not to be looking for blessings in the form of money, security, health, and prosperity. Rather, Him blessing us with Himself. It is, Him satisfying our hearts in Him. This friends is what we were created for. This is what fills our hearts to the brim and overflows to those around us. Him. His very presence in our lives is the only blessing we should be seeking. The rest of what we need will be taken care of.
Seek the Lord because you love Him, not because you expect or need something.
We are not there, so we pray for Him to bring us there.
Pray Colossians 3:23-25 for us. He is teaching us to depend on Him. We need to be reminded daily who we are working for, and as verse 24 says, who we are really serving. Him.
More to come
Joey
Location:Chinandega
Friday, July 2, 2010
This lifevest doesn't fit...
We just got home from a rediculous venture. This type of thing is begging for lawsuits in the States. They don't even know what that is down here so if you pay a guide $10, they'll take you to a canyon to float/tube down it no matter how high the water is.
Yours truly couldn't fit in a lifevest so when the tiny Nicaraguan man helped me down the last ledge and ancle deep into the class 3 rapid and said, "¿peude nadar?"....I said, yes, I can swim! And before I could realize what had happened I found myself gasping for air as I was floating down white water rapids, feet first with my stomach to the sky. It was after this quick zip through the water that I demanded an innertube. Yes, an innertube. I didn't want to float down the WHITE WATER RAPIDS without a raft or lifevest so I was given an innertube...an innertube for class 3 rapids! (it was incredible)
A four hour guided trip turned into five and a half because the water was so high. We were continually getting out of the water and hiking along the sides to avoid rapids that looked like they should have been featured in the olympics.
Remind me to tell you more when I see you and we are eating cheese dip together sometime in the near future. This is the most rediculous thing I have ever done.
Not only was this an adventurous trip, but a beautiful one. Did I mention the river was at the bottom of a canyon? There were a few relaxing spots along the way. This was one of them
Everyone had to/(got to) jump off a cliff about 15 feet above the water. We walked up and around a rapid that was too rough to ride and had to jump back in here.
Yeah.
There were many parts of th canyon where the river narrowed to less than 10 feet wide. Keep in mind, this is a stock photo from a Nica travel website. Again, we weren't in rafts, we were in tubes...
I may have swam down this one. I don't know, it's all a blur right now.
All 30 of us made it back safely with just a few minor scratches. What a day.
More to come
Joey
Yours truly couldn't fit in a lifevest so when the tiny Nicaraguan man helped me down the last ledge and ancle deep into the class 3 rapid and said, "¿peude nadar?"....I said, yes, I can swim! And before I could realize what had happened I found myself gasping for air as I was floating down white water rapids, feet first with my stomach to the sky. It was after this quick zip through the water that I demanded an innertube. Yes, an innertube. I didn't want to float down the WHITE WATER RAPIDS without a raft or lifevest so I was given an innertube...an innertube for class 3 rapids! (it was incredible)
A four hour guided trip turned into five and a half because the water was so high. We were continually getting out of the water and hiking along the sides to avoid rapids that looked like they should have been featured in the olympics.
Remind me to tell you more when I see you and we are eating cheese dip together sometime in the near future. This is the most rediculous thing I have ever done.
Not only was this an adventurous trip, but a beautiful one. Did I mention the river was at the bottom of a canyon? There were a few relaxing spots along the way. This was one of them
Everyone had to/(got to) jump off a cliff about 15 feet above the water. We walked up and around a rapid that was too rough to ride and had to jump back in here.
Yeah.
There were many parts of th canyon where the river narrowed to less than 10 feet wide. Keep in mind, this is a stock photo from a Nica travel website. Again, we weren't in rafts, we were in tubes...
I may have swam down this one. I don't know, it's all a blur right now.
All 30 of us made it back safely with just a few minor scratches. What a day.
More to come
Joey
Location:Somoto Canyon
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Medical Day
A medical team from Dalton, Ga has been in Chinandega all week providing free diagnosis, healthcare, and medicines for different villages around the city.
Today, they were in Villa Catalina. In support of the healthcare and sicknesses, we have a prayer room for all who come through the health clinic's doors. Each patient is given a number in the morning and must wait in line until their numbers are called. In some cases this takes all day. They are asked general questions about why they are seeking healthcare to find out the problems. After they finish screening, they are seen by a M.D. or a dentist depending on the problem, then they are given medicine from the pharmacy.
I was able to witness a tooth pulling as well as stitching of a wound. The minute and a half that the dentist pulled on the young girls tooth with pliers might have been the longest of my life. That's something you only get to witness from a spectators view in a third world country...or if you are a dentist...and after today...I know I don't want to be a one.
After each person recieves medical attention, they are offered prayer. If they want prayer, about 95% did, they come into the prayer room which is where I was all day.
I felt the overwhelming joy of the Lord being there. We asked if they had specific needs and there was incredible vulnerability.
One specific thing the Lord put on my heart that I prayed for every person was that they would delight themselves in Him, and through that that He would give them the desires of their hearts. (Psalms 37:4). Villa Catalina thrives with community and life and joy because it's residents are all people who used to live in a dump. What the Lord desires more than their health and homes is that they would seek satisfsction in Him! I received great clarity after praying for a few folks that what they needed was to be filled and overjoyed with the Lord. A simple concept can be crucial for healing a wide array of problems.
Pray that as the people of Villa Catalina look back on today that they would first and foremost remember the love of the Lord; that everything we did today would plant a seed in their heads and hearts that they are valued and cherished by the one who created them.
Buford Presbyterian and Wake Forest are finishing up their week tomorrow. Worship this week has been incredible, as we have prayed it would be. We teach the groups a new song each week and sing it every night and it becomes the theme for their week. This week it was,
Change me, break and rearrange me
Come and make me holy
Just like you
Change me, cleanse the self that drains me
Make me in your mercy,
Make me new
Change me Lord
I don't want to sin, be my cure
Make my life look just like yours
Change me, change me my Lord
Our reward for deeds and faithfulness is not wealth, health or earthly prosperity, our reward is Him! Pray that the Lord would change and break and rearrange all of our hearts to be satisfied in Him alone.
Father, may we look to you to be our reward for everything. You created us, You know us and in You alone we are satisfied. Grant us your grace to be filled with and and to be content in, You.
On another note,
Brad finally got to leave today. Spirit Air isn't on strike anymore.
This is him with Iris right before he left.
More to come.
Joey
Today, they were in Villa Catalina. In support of the healthcare and sicknesses, we have a prayer room for all who come through the health clinic's doors. Each patient is given a number in the morning and must wait in line until their numbers are called. In some cases this takes all day. They are asked general questions about why they are seeking healthcare to find out the problems. After they finish screening, they are seen by a M.D. or a dentist depending on the problem, then they are given medicine from the pharmacy.
I was able to witness a tooth pulling as well as stitching of a wound. The minute and a half that the dentist pulled on the young girls tooth with pliers might have been the longest of my life. That's something you only get to witness from a spectators view in a third world country...or if you are a dentist...and after today...I know I don't want to be a one.
After each person recieves medical attention, they are offered prayer. If they want prayer, about 95% did, they come into the prayer room which is where I was all day.
I felt the overwhelming joy of the Lord being there. We asked if they had specific needs and there was incredible vulnerability.
One specific thing the Lord put on my heart that I prayed for every person was that they would delight themselves in Him, and through that that He would give them the desires of their hearts. (Psalms 37:4). Villa Catalina thrives with community and life and joy because it's residents are all people who used to live in a dump. What the Lord desires more than their health and homes is that they would seek satisfsction in Him! I received great clarity after praying for a few folks that what they needed was to be filled and overjoyed with the Lord. A simple concept can be crucial for healing a wide array of problems.
Pray that as the people of Villa Catalina look back on today that they would first and foremost remember the love of the Lord; that everything we did today would plant a seed in their heads and hearts that they are valued and cherished by the one who created them.
Buford Presbyterian and Wake Forest are finishing up their week tomorrow. Worship this week has been incredible, as we have prayed it would be. We teach the groups a new song each week and sing it every night and it becomes the theme for their week. This week it was,
Change me, break and rearrange me
Come and make me holy
Just like you
Change me, cleanse the self that drains me
Make me in your mercy,
Make me new
Change me Lord
I don't want to sin, be my cure
Make my life look just like yours
Change me, change me my Lord
Our reward for deeds and faithfulness is not wealth, health or earthly prosperity, our reward is Him! Pray that the Lord would change and break and rearrange all of our hearts to be satisfied in Him alone.
Father, may we look to you to be our reward for everything. You created us, You know us and in You alone we are satisfied. Grant us your grace to be filled with and and to be content in, You.
On another note,
Brad finally got to leave today. Spirit Air isn't on strike anymore.
This is him with Iris right before he left.
More to come.
Joey
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Groove is in the Heart
New group, Business as usual.
We have a large group coming down this week. Wake Forest and Buford Pres. will bring about 70 people to the Amigos house. Pray that they would surrender fully to God's purpose for them this week. Collosians 3 is what I have been continually praying for the groups. It's a good guide if you're following and praying along with everyone this summer.
Brad George and Lance Black came down last week to visit me. We stayed at the beach the second night they were here at Playa Roca. $20 covered all three of us. It was one of the most beautiful beaches I've ever been to. Because Spirit airlines went on strike, Brad has yet to make it back.
He'll be coming home in a couple of days
Here's a few more photos.
The first is the soccer/basketball court in Villa Catalina. Most days in the Villa there are pickup soccer games with the Nicaraguans and Americans.
The second is a woman named Sida who runs a store out of her home in Villa Catalina. It's much like a convenience store, just very third world, in her living room, amongst the makeshift baby crib. We visit her everytime we go to the Villa. We usually sit in her front yard on rocking chairs drinking cokes (in bottles).
Here she is painting one of the girls fingernails.
The last is Kelly Fitzgerald and I. She is on staff full time with Amigos.
More to come
Joey
We have a large group coming down this week. Wake Forest and Buford Pres. will bring about 70 people to the Amigos house. Pray that they would surrender fully to God's purpose for them this week. Collosians 3 is what I have been continually praying for the groups. It's a good guide if you're following and praying along with everyone this summer.
Brad George and Lance Black came down last week to visit me. We stayed at the beach the second night they were here at Playa Roca. $20 covered all three of us. It was one of the most beautiful beaches I've ever been to. Because Spirit airlines went on strike, Brad has yet to make it back.
He'll be coming home in a couple of days
Here's a few more photos.
The first is the soccer/basketball court in Villa Catalina. Most days in the Villa there are pickup soccer games with the Nicaraguans and Americans.
The second is a woman named Sida who runs a store out of her home in Villa Catalina. It's much like a convenience store, just very third world, in her living room, amongst the makeshift baby crib. We visit her everytime we go to the Villa. We usually sit in her front yard on rocking chairs drinking cokes (in bottles).
Here she is painting one of the girls fingernails.
The last is Kelly Fitzgerald and I. She is on staff full time with Amigos.
More to come
Joey
Location:Chinandega
Monday, May 31, 2010
Overflow
The desire to help another human being is not enough.
Some are naturally inclined to help those in need. For a period of time, this can be exchanged for the ultimate purpose for meeting people’s basic needs.
Jesus used meeting people’s basic needs to show His love which ultimately opened doors for Him to meet spiritual needs as well. His ministry was filled with miracles.
We are innately selfish. The most selfless, kind-hearted individual doesn’t have enough stamina to love others in and of themselves over a period of time. 1 John 4:19, “We love because he first loved us”. We are only capable of loving one another because we have first been touched by his love and we use that as our example and standard.
There is a great need where I am. Most families live on less than $2 a day. The majority of initial reactions to seeing extreme poverty are selfless. We want to help immediately. The problem is that the simple desire to help someone is not enough. The Lord desires us to see peoples needs spiritually as much as we do physically. Matthew 9:36, “When He saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.”
I’m trying to understand what it means to meet peoples needs outside of myself. Coming to an understanding of Christ’s love overflowing from my heart is key. Biblically, we should care for those in need because Christ cared for us in our deepest hour of need. What the world sees as Christ like behavior in our lives should be directly related with Him being the complete satisfaction of our hearts. If He alone fills our cups, they will overflow to those around us, just as He intended. Because He loved us first, we are now enabled to do the same.
Some are naturally inclined to help those in need. For a period of time, this can be exchanged for the ultimate purpose for meeting people’s basic needs.
Jesus used meeting people’s basic needs to show His love which ultimately opened doors for Him to meet spiritual needs as well. His ministry was filled with miracles.
We are innately selfish. The most selfless, kind-hearted individual doesn’t have enough stamina to love others in and of themselves over a period of time. 1 John 4:19, “We love because he first loved us”. We are only capable of loving one another because we have first been touched by his love and we use that as our example and standard.
There is a great need where I am. Most families live on less than $2 a day. The majority of initial reactions to seeing extreme poverty are selfless. We want to help immediately. The problem is that the simple desire to help someone is not enough. The Lord desires us to see peoples needs spiritually as much as we do physically. Matthew 9:36, “When He saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.”
I’m trying to understand what it means to meet peoples needs outside of myself. Coming to an understanding of Christ’s love overflowing from my heart is key. Biblically, we should care for those in need because Christ cared for us in our deepest hour of need. What the world sees as Christ like behavior in our lives should be directly related with Him being the complete satisfaction of our hearts. If He alone fills our cups, they will overflow to those around us, just as He intended. Because He loved us first, we are now enabled to do the same.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
We have fun
...what most of our bus rides are like.
We had a 90s dance party when Purdue and Ga Tech were here. There were many great costumes, but the Oregon Trail quartet took the cake. They also brought a mattress outside while it was pouring rain and made everyone watch them "ford the river" with it.
We climbed another volcano today. The walk down is very steep at about a 45 degree slope. It's hard to walk down because the surface is tiny bits of rock and people actually end up sliding and running down.
My shoe broke on the climb up. A quick sidenote: me ad Jeremy play a lot of blackjack in our spare time. So naturally we played through a deck on top of the volcano. If I won, I got his right shoe and he got my busted one for the walk down. If he won, I would have to wear the same shirt for a week.
I won.
Another group got in late last night. Please pray specifically that they would embrace the love of Christ and be open to be changed from the inside out. We've had 3 incredible groups come through already. It's tough to wave goodbye to people that you've become close with only after a week and immediately greet a fresh group the next day. It has been ultimately rewarding to see the Lord work in the lives of the people that come down. There is a level of vulnerability that seems to be unlocked in a sense. When people are taken out of their comfort zones and put in an unfamiliar place it is a welcoming atmosphere for God to
Change people. It's incredible to watch, and it's also been incredible seeing it in my own life.
I will be coming home in a week, for a week, for Jay Dillards wedding. I cannot wait to eat whatever American fast food is in the airport.
More to come
Joey
Location:Chinandega
Monday, May 24, 2010
Paging Dr. Howser
Our latest Iguana, Dr. Doogie Howser escaped. I'm in the process of finding another one.
Third time's a charm.
Third time's a charm.
Location:Chinandega
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Tired
We went on an adventure last night, 50 of us camped on top of an active volcano. I'll let the pictures do the rest of the talking.
I'm tired.
Gearing up for our hike after our 1.5 hour ride up a 4x4 trail.
Up the side of the volcano. Note how small the people in this pic are. BIG hill.
I'm pretty happy about the climb.
Our camp was located right below the crater...sulfuric smoke constantly coming out of it.
Sunset.
I'm tired.
Gearing up for our hike after our 1.5 hour ride up a 4x4 trail.
Up the side of the volcano. Note how small the people in this pic are. BIG hill.
I'm pretty happy about the climb.
Our camp was located right below the crater...sulfuric smoke constantly coming out of it.
Sunset.
Location:Telica Volcano
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Dr. Howser
The first group to come down, consisting of Purdue and Mizzou students, is almost done. Purdue will stay for another week, and another group will join them on Sunday.
We visited the Chinandega dump on Monday. Over 300 families have been moved from there to a village called Villa Catalina which Amigos started. Still, there are over 300 families living at the dump as a way of life. They collect 100 pounds of metal for $5 and that gets them by for a week. Amigos has plenty of room left in the Villa for families to continue to move out, but it is hard for them to see the long term benefits of doing so. It would require them to adapt to a whole new way of life. Pray for the families to be courageous to move out of the dump.
Our first Iguana is no more. After I found out that we couldn't keep him as a pet, I sold him to a Nicaraguan man who took him home for food. We have since then, found an "Iguana Verde" that is not instinctually malicious like the first kind we had. His name is Dr. Doogie Howser. I'll keep you informed.
It is hot. 91 degrees today with a heat index of 107. That means that it may as well be 107. I am adjusting to the heat pretty well though. I was sick for a day and half because of dehydration. Drinking 2 gallons of water a day apparently is not enough for my big frame down here. I am now trying to drink around 3 gallons a day.
Lastly, all the kids in the Villa, call me "Gordo". This is because, well, I'm fat. They all run up and play with my stomach like a punching bag. They just don't see too many well fed Gringos down here.
More to come.
Joey
Families looking through the dump for cans and scrap metal.
At Villa Catalina
Group Devo time.
We visited the Chinandega dump on Monday. Over 300 families have been moved from there to a village called Villa Catalina which Amigos started. Still, there are over 300 families living at the dump as a way of life. They collect 100 pounds of metal for $5 and that gets them by for a week. Amigos has plenty of room left in the Villa for families to continue to move out, but it is hard for them to see the long term benefits of doing so. It would require them to adapt to a whole new way of life. Pray for the families to be courageous to move out of the dump.
Our first Iguana is no more. After I found out that we couldn't keep him as a pet, I sold him to a Nicaraguan man who took him home for food. We have since then, found an "Iguana Verde" that is not instinctually malicious like the first kind we had. His name is Dr. Doogie Howser. I'll keep you informed.
It is hot. 91 degrees today with a heat index of 107. That means that it may as well be 107. I am adjusting to the heat pretty well though. I was sick for a day and half because of dehydration. Drinking 2 gallons of water a day apparently is not enough for my big frame down here. I am now trying to drink around 3 gallons a day.
Lastly, all the kids in the Villa, call me "Gordo". This is because, well, I'm fat. They all run up and play with my stomach like a punching bag. They just don't see too many well fed Gringos down here.
More to come.
Joey
Families looking through the dump for cans and scrap metal.
At Villa Catalina
Group Devo time.
Location:Chinandega
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Muy Caliente
I Made it to my new home safely. Showering before bed and after I wake up will be a part of my daily routine, as it is very hot here with no air conditioning.
Last night was my first night here and me and some of the other amigos staff had an interesting time with our new pet and friend Mr. Feeny. He is a 3ft long iguana that I bought on the way home from the airport. He almost escaped, we almost got tail whipped, and after capturing him again, we made a home for him only to find out we have to release him because it is illegal to keep them as pets.... Apparently it's too dangerous.
The first group comes in this Saturday. Until then, we'll be preparing the Amigos house for their arrival. Pray that God would prepare our hearts and theirs for the week ahead.
Love Yall
Joey
-posted from iPhone
Last night was my first night here and me and some of the other amigos staff had an interesting time with our new pet and friend Mr. Feeny. He is a 3ft long iguana that I bought on the way home from the airport. He almost escaped, we almost got tail whipped, and after capturing him again, we made a home for him only to find out we have to release him because it is illegal to keep them as pets.... Apparently it's too dangerous.
The first group comes in this Saturday. Until then, we'll be preparing the Amigos house for their arrival. Pray that God would prepare our hearts and theirs for the week ahead.
Love Yall
Joey
-posted from iPhone
Location:Chinandega, Nicaragua
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Goodbye Bham
Otey's on Tuesday was a huge success. I think everyone I know in Birmingham was there, what a great night. We raised over $800 as well. I can't show my gratitude enough for the friends I have. You all are truly one of a kind. Tonight I'll pack up my car and drive to Ft. lauderdale, Fl to spend mothers day with my mom. Then after the weekend, Ill be flying out of Ft. Lauderdale next Tuesday to arrive in Managua, Nicaragua shortly after lunchtime on Tuesday. This will be followed up by a 2 hour taxi ride to Chinandega which will be my home for the summer. My next update will be from there.
In the coming week pray for the short term groups coming down each week, that the Lord would prepare their hearts to experience incredible things while in Chinandega.
For safe travel, and that I don't die of a heat stroke.
Love y'all
Joey
I'm gonna miss these guys
In the coming week pray for the short term groups coming down each week, that the Lord would prepare their hearts to experience incredible things while in Chinandega.
For safe travel, and that I don't die of a heat stroke.
Love y'all
Joey
I'm gonna miss these guys
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Cuatro de Mayo
Otey's in Crestline Village is holding a Pre-Cinco de Mayo party, "Cuatro de Mayo", and proceeds will go towards my trip. Matthew Mayfield will be playing a concert. There will be a $10 suggested donation for the show. You'll also be entered in a drawing for 1 of 4 $25 Otey's gift Certificates. May 4th. Starts at 8pm.
Spread the word
See you there.
Joey
Spread the word
See you there.
Joey
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Counting Down
15 days until I leave Alabama and only 20 days until I'm in Nicaragua!
Thank you so much to those who have given and please continue to pray for me. If you want something on your fridge as a reminder, send me an email. joeymcginn@gmail.com
Also, there is a benefit being held for my trip Tuesday night May 4th. Details will come soon.
Joey
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Preparing for Nicaragua
There have been many things lately that I've had to do to prepare to leave the country for several months.
My heart has been overwhelmed by the grace of our father. Godly perspective on my circumstances is such a beautiful thing that I'm forced to say it and describe it in a poetic tone. To simply say that God has been good to me doesn't do it. Rather, he's opened my heart to understand and appreciate hardships, dead ends, and moments of confusion to be monumental preparation for what's ahead; Nicaragua.
I do know that our "conforming to the image of His son..." (Rom 8:29), or sanctification, is a continuous process and we will never see the full effects of that until heaven, but the Lord in his grace and love has brought to fruition many things for me in the last several months.
The Lord has been preparing me for this trip long before I knew I would go, or even consider going. I usually say these things because I know they are true because they are biblical. Now I am able to say it with full confidence as I understand and have answers for so many "why Father ?" prayers that I have prayed over the last year.
It is biblical that our hardships are essential for our future placement and growth.
Perspective is key to understand and find joy in the midst of frustrating circumstances. This whole thing was never promised to be easy! But, He did promise us complete satisfaction. I pray for God to grant us biblical and Godly perspective in the tough times. There is joy and peace and contentment in all arenas of life, the good and the tough times. Ephesians 4:13 might be one of the most popular verses, but most of the time that it's quoted it's out of context. Read the two verses before you get to verse 13....
Paul says, " I know what it is to have plenty and I know what it is to have nothing... I will be content with both....I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
Biblical joy is not always jumping and clapping and smiles and high fives, but a solid rock foundation of truth of the gospel that holds strong when the world fails us and crumbles all around us. Whether we have plenty or none at all, our hope is not in this world! And being content in any if these scenarios is what the Lord desires for us. Pray for that enduring joy and satisfaction!
Thanks to those who already have spread the word around about financial help for my trip. Keep it up.
Love y'all.
Joey
www.amigosstore.org/joeymcginn.html
My heart has been overwhelmed by the grace of our father. Godly perspective on my circumstances is such a beautiful thing that I'm forced to say it and describe it in a poetic tone. To simply say that God has been good to me doesn't do it. Rather, he's opened my heart to understand and appreciate hardships, dead ends, and moments of confusion to be monumental preparation for what's ahead; Nicaragua.
I do know that our "conforming to the image of His son..." (Rom 8:29), or sanctification, is a continuous process and we will never see the full effects of that until heaven, but the Lord in his grace and love has brought to fruition many things for me in the last several months.
The Lord has been preparing me for this trip long before I knew I would go, or even consider going. I usually say these things because I know they are true because they are biblical. Now I am able to say it with full confidence as I understand and have answers for so many "why Father ?" prayers that I have prayed over the last year.
It is biblical that our hardships are essential for our future placement and growth.
Perspective is key to understand and find joy in the midst of frustrating circumstances. This whole thing was never promised to be easy! But, He did promise us complete satisfaction. I pray for God to grant us biblical and Godly perspective in the tough times. There is joy and peace and contentment in all arenas of life, the good and the tough times. Ephesians 4:13 might be one of the most popular verses, but most of the time that it's quoted it's out of context. Read the two verses before you get to verse 13....
Paul says, " I know what it is to have plenty and I know what it is to have nothing... I will be content with both....I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
Biblical joy is not always jumping and clapping and smiles and high fives, but a solid rock foundation of truth of the gospel that holds strong when the world fails us and crumbles all around us. Whether we have plenty or none at all, our hope is not in this world! And being content in any if these scenarios is what the Lord desires for us. Pray for that enduring joy and satisfaction!
Thanks to those who already have spread the word around about financial help for my trip. Keep it up.
Love y'all.
Joey
www.amigosstore.org/joeymcginn.html
Monday, March 22, 2010
Update
Thank you so much for the financial support so far. I am 1/3 of the way to my goal!
Please pray with me that the Lord would continue to provide.
Many of you have let me know that you are following my journey here, and you do not have to follow the blog through a gmail account to read, as you all know. So, please spread the word and pass around the link.
www.amigosstore.org/joeymcginn.html
Joey
Please pray with me that the Lord would continue to provide.
Many of you have let me know that you are following my journey here, and you do not have to follow the blog through a gmail account to read, as you all know. So, please spread the word and pass around the link.
www.amigosstore.org/joeymcginn.html
Joey
Sunday, March 14, 2010
All about Amigos
Please check out this video about Amigos for Christ, the group I am going to Nicaragua with.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2mpPLS38054&feature=youtube_gdata
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2mpPLS38054&feature=youtube_gdata
Why Nicaragua?
Amigos will host over 600 short term missionaries this summer. They will come from all over the U.S. and are mixed high school and college groups that stay for a week at a time. Looking over the schedule, I spent some time praying for Purdue College, who is the first group of the summer.
After reading the statistics of the Nicaraguan people's daily lives, it became clear to me why this many people come down each summer to serve and help.
2.1 million people (40%) live in houses made from scrap material
2.7 million people (50%) live in overcrowded conditions
Health
477,000 children (33%) suffer from chronic malnutrition
2.7 million people (50%) do not have access to essential medicines
There are only 3 doctors for every 8,000 people.
Jesus fed the 5,000 because they were hungry!
He didn't hand them a bible verse and tell them that God should be their daily bread.
Meeting peoples basic needs as an opportunity to love and show the love of Christ is a biblical concept. You will find it all throughout Jesus' ministry. "What we have done to the least of these, we have done to Jesus."
(Matthew 25, go read it, it's there).
So we have a calling to give to and serve the poor regardless of what they believe or how we are treated in return, not seeking an earthly reward but working for our father in heaven. "For whom much has been given, much is required..." Luke 12:48. We are the "much has been given". We have been given Resources, and talents that the Lord calls and "requires" us to use for his name! And what happens when we use our resources that have been given to us to help meet the needs of brothers and sisters? The doors have opened...why would we ever do such a thing? : they might ask. Becuase his love controls and compels us! 2 Cor. 5:14.
I am not going to just go to Nicaragua because it's a mission trip and it will be good for me and for some Nicaraguans. The Lord has called me to give what I have for this period of time to further his kingdom and his purposes. Please pray with me this week for Purdue college and the rest of the groups coming down that the Lord would start now, today, to prepare their hearts to give and serve relentlessly seeking a heavenly reward.
Please spread the word. Our faithfullness in prayer is crucial.
Joey
After reading the statistics of the Nicaraguan people's daily lives, it became clear to me why this many people come down each summer to serve and help.
2.1 million people (40%) live in houses made from scrap material
2.7 million people (50%) live in overcrowded conditions
Health
477,000 children (33%) suffer from chronic malnutrition
2.7 million people (50%) do not have access to essential medicines
There are only 3 doctors for every 8,000 people.
Jesus fed the 5,000 because they were hungry!
He didn't hand them a bible verse and tell them that God should be their daily bread.
Meeting peoples basic needs as an opportunity to love and show the love of Christ is a biblical concept. You will find it all throughout Jesus' ministry. "What we have done to the least of these, we have done to Jesus."
(Matthew 25, go read it, it's there).
So we have a calling to give to and serve the poor regardless of what they believe or how we are treated in return, not seeking an earthly reward but working for our father in heaven. "For whom much has been given, much is required..." Luke 12:48. We are the "much has been given". We have been given Resources, and talents that the Lord calls and "requires" us to use for his name! And what happens when we use our resources that have been given to us to help meet the needs of brothers and sisters? The doors have opened...why would we ever do such a thing? : they might ask. Becuase his love controls and compels us! 2 Cor. 5:14.
I am not going to just go to Nicaragua because it's a mission trip and it will be good for me and for some Nicaraguans. The Lord has called me to give what I have for this period of time to further his kingdom and his purposes. Please pray with me this week for Purdue college and the rest of the groups coming down that the Lord would start now, today, to prepare their hearts to give and serve relentlessly seeking a heavenly reward.
Please spread the word. Our faithfullness in prayer is crucial.
Joey
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Dates Confirmed
May 11th-August 26th!
My passport is being renewed this week and my first flight is being booked.
The wheels have started turning!
I have set up a budget for myself that will allow me to contribute a substantial portion of the trips expenses out of my own pocket, but I still need your help
Amigos has set up a giving website for me.
For many friends, I will not send an actual support letter, but if you feel led to give it can be done through this link.
http://www.amigosstore.org/joeymcginn.html
All donations done through this site are tax deductible.
Please pass the link around.
My passport is being renewed this week and my first flight is being booked.
The wheels have started turning!
I have set up a budget for myself that will allow me to contribute a substantial portion of the trips expenses out of my own pocket, but I still need your help
Amigos has set up a giving website for me.
For many friends, I will not send an actual support letter, but if you feel led to give it can be done through this link.
http://www.amigosstore.org/joeymcginn.html
All donations done through this site are tax deductible.
Please pass the link around.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Nicaragua '10
About 9 months ago, I was offered an opportunity to come to Nicaragua for the summer and work with the minstry, Amigos for Christ.
I have prayed frequently that my decision of whether or not to spend the summer in Nicaragua would not be influenced by circumstances. There are many things that need to happen in the next 2 months for this trip to be possible and the thought of it all has at times become overwhelming.
It is by his grace that Ive been brought this far and that will continue to carry me. So my approach has not been how can it work if I do go, but does He want me to go? He does.
There are many details such as what I will be doing specifically, the organization that I am going through, etc.... Which I'll write about soon.
For now, the journey has started with confirmation.
I am extremely excited for this opportunity and have been brought to my knees in pleading before the Lord for his desire for me to stay or to go. Through this, He has shown me much about himself and consequently much about myself as well. He has been preparing me for this trip over the last year.
So please pray with me now that God would continue to open my heart to be prepared for this summer. There are still many things I know that God wants me to learn before I go that will equip me while I'm there.
More Soon.
Joey
I have prayed frequently that my decision of whether or not to spend the summer in Nicaragua would not be influenced by circumstances. There are many things that need to happen in the next 2 months for this trip to be possible and the thought of it all has at times become overwhelming.
It is by his grace that Ive been brought this far and that will continue to carry me. So my approach has not been how can it work if I do go, but does He want me to go? He does.
There are many details such as what I will be doing specifically, the organization that I am going through, etc.... Which I'll write about soon.
For now, the journey has started with confirmation.
I am extremely excited for this opportunity and have been brought to my knees in pleading before the Lord for his desire for me to stay or to go. Through this, He has shown me much about himself and consequently much about myself as well. He has been preparing me for this trip over the last year.
So please pray with me now that God would continue to open my heart to be prepared for this summer. There are still many things I know that God wants me to learn before I go that will equip me while I'm there.
More Soon.
Joey
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