Help Katrick get to Nicaragua!

For the past two years Kat Stevens has been part of a missions team who has traveled to the community of Santa Martha, located in the mountains of Northern Nicaragua.  The team consists of a group of people from three different churches, who desire to serve Christ ~ Westside Church, Omaha, Nebraska; Providence Road Church, Miami, Florida; and Crossroads Christian Church, Corona, California.
(Jonathan Dodd pictured top row 2nd from the left; Jose Abella, to the right of Jonathan; Jorje Vega Soto pictured bottom row on the far right; Jesse Crowley not pictured)
               
Jonathan Dodd, Missions Pastor of Westside Church in Omaha, has led the last five mission trips to Santa Martha.  His main contact and friend, Jorje Vega Soto, owns the coffee bean farm in Santa Martha, which provides jobs to most of the people in the community.  With Jorje's connections and help the team has been able to serve to Santa Martha community for glory of Jesus Christ in many personal ways.  

The water used by the people of Santa Martha comes from a stream that is contaminated with all kinds of diseases, and even animal feces.  The people were uneducated about how drinking the water affected them.  Many people in Santa Martha suffer from diseases due to parasites and worms in their stomachs. There are also many who deal with respiration problems from the heavy smoke of the stoves.

There is a water project in process to bring running water to every home in Santa Martha.  A rain catching and filtration system has already been established at the school, and piping continues to the three nearest households.  Solar panels have been set up at the school to provide electricity. Also at the school, a stove and oven that meet safety codes have been built. These provide a clean, efficient, and healthy way for children and women to learn to cook.
In November 2014, a new garden was established at the kitchen on the farm, where women are taught how to grow new types of vegetables and fruits.  They are blessed with beautiful fertile land in Santa Martha, but there is a lack in education on how abundantly they can use it.

The mission team has developed relationships with the teachers and students at the school. All of the students in Santa Martha are invited to attend vacation bible school presented by the mission team.  Even children who have previously dropped out of school come back for the event. The teachers give the team complete creative control for the week.  Teachers and students have made decisions for  Christ through this opportunity. 
The students love music. In November of 2014, the team started a music program in order to teach them the gospel. The teachers like the program so much, they have continued with the instruments. More students are encouraged to stay in school because of their love for music.
 
A Pastoral Training Program has been started by Jose Abella and Jesse Crowley of Providence Road Church.  Spiritual leaders of all denominations gather together ~ Catholic and Protestant ~ to learn the truth of the Gospel, which is that grace and salvation are gifted by faith in Lord Jesus Christ and Him alone; not by works, ritual, or any kind of idol.   The leaders being mentored are pictured below.

August 22nd, 2015, Kat Stevens and Patrick Duvall will be heading back to Santa Martha, to continue this ministry, and to share the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  They are planning a music camp for the teachers and students, and look forward to what God has in store for them. Together, they must to raise $3,000. They honorably appreciate any financial gift in this endeavor.

Kat and Patrick Thank you for your prayers, and your gracious hearts.  

And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.”   ~ Mark 16:15

To the Glory of Christ Jesus alone <3