I returned from my trip to Nicaragua early Monday morning. I do not think I will ever be the same again. What an awesome experience!

One thing I learned was that the average Nica (the name for the Nicaraguan people) earns only $2 per day. Additionally, unemployment is currently hovering between 50 and 60%. There are simply no opportunities available to the common person. If you do not have a job with the government (or are a member of the opposing political party), you have to figure out a way to make your own income; which is what most people do simply to put food on the table.

These facts got me thinking about how much money and resources I waste on a daily basis. From sodas to electricity to leftovers, I probably throw away more in a week than the average Nica makes in 3 months. For example, last month I spent $40 on sodas (yes…I am addicted). This represents only $20 less than these people will EARN during that same time frame. It makes me wonder how I can justify spending so much on sodas when water would work just fine, and is actually better for me. Additionally, I typically keep my house at a comfortable 72 degrees during the summer. Most Nicas do not have A/C in their houses and survive just fine even when the temperature is above 100 degrees. I am not saying that I am going to live without A/C, it simply makes me wonder if I could raise that temperature up to 75 or so.

What about you? How much do you waste on a daily basis? Is there anything you could eliminate that would help your family financially?

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Matthew 6:34 – Don’t be anxious about tomorrow. God will take care of your tomorrow too. Live one day at a time.

I am going on my first mission trip at the end of March. For years now I have felt like this was something that the Lord wanted me to experience. I could hear His silent whispers and, finally, I could not ignore it any longer. He has been too good to me! I have been too blessed.

To be honest with you, I was completely terrified when I signed up.  Terrified of traveling to a 3rd world country, leaving my wife and two-year old at home to worry about me. Terrified of not being able to raise enough money to cover my expenses (I never realized just how expense it can be). Just plain terrified! Then I remembered something….

I do not worship a small God, so why should I have small dreams? If I am willing to limit the gifts given freely to me, do I really deserve to receive more? What if I could train my heart to give unconditionally and with love and compassion for all people? How many lives could a simple man touch in the limited time left to him?

With this in mind, I ask that you pray for me and my fellow team members as we prepare for a trip that I am sure will change our lives forever. I ask that you pray for our safety and that we are able to minister to those we come in contact with. Pray that our team is able to raise sufficient funds to cover such an enormous task in such a terrible economy. Pray that the Lord’s Will be done through us.

Over the next few weeks, I will be posting about our upcoming preparations. I will discuss the numerous issues, both financial and spiritual, that I have encountered as I prepare for this trip. Please consider subscribing to my feed and following along with me in this journey!

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