Unto the least of these...
October 2021
There he was again, leaning on his undersized crutches between the cars at the intersection. He was one of many hundreds of beggars we had seen in Managua over the past months. Like many of them, Jorge had staked out a spot at an intersection where he would stand everyday as the cars went by. With so many people begging, you can imagine what a drive across the city is like. At almost every red light you will be petitioned by some very needy soul. Some are young girls, still teenagers, carrying their babies as they go from car to car asking for help. Others have a squeegee and a bottle of water and begin cleaning your windshield as soon as you stop, it doesn't matter that it was just cleaned by someone else 3 minutes ago at the previous stop light. They work quickly as they don't have a lot of time to finish their job and come to your window with their hand outstretched, hoping for a few córdobas.
Jorge Luis
Over the months, I had somehow gotten to know Jorge, and considered him my friend. I was pretty sure he wasn't an alcoholic, like so many of the beggars, because he was obviously a hard worker. In spite of his handicap he would be there rain or shine, putting in long hours in the hot sun or rain every day. At first I just gave him a few coins I had laying around in the truck, but as time went by, I would look forward to seeing him and try to have something more substantial ready for him. If the light was green and the traffic heavy, it would be impossible to stop and I would just tap my horn to say "Hi" and let him know I would catch him the next time. He would smile and wave even though I knew he felt bad about missing me.
Severe infection
After being out of the country for an extended period of time, I wondered if Jorge would still be there when we returned. Sure enough, there he was, leaning on his crutches. As I prepared to stop, the light turned green and I knew it would not be possible to give him something this time. I considered just dropping it on the street as I drove by but quickly decided against it, as I could imagine him being run over trying to collect the small gift.
I decided to pull off the road and go find Jorge on foot. It took some time to change lanes and find a safe place to pull off. As I got out to walk back to the I was surprised to see Jorge hobbling towards me on his crutches. We finally had a chance to talk and I learned that he had problems with his hip and leg. There was an open sore on his foot and he needed an operation that would not be covered by the government health system. He was trying to save up money to buy medicine and looking forward to seeing a doctor who had promised to help him. He told me that a long day on the street begging would bring in about $4. Before parting we were able to pray together and I promised to see how we could help.
The next time I saw him, it was clear that Jorge's foot was not getting better. This time Nancy was with and we stopped and discussed the various options for care available to him. We were able provide enough financial support to help get him off the street for a while and allow his foot to heal. Most importantly, we were able to pray with Jorge and we learned he has a strong faith knowing that Jesus is always taking care of him.
I wish I could tell you how the story ends, but it is still unfolding, please join us in praying for Jorge's healing and that God will give us wisdom to know how and who we should help when faced with so much need. It is because of your generous support that we are able to reach out to people like Jorge. Together with you, we eagerly desire to hear the words of Jesus:
Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundations of the the world: for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me. Matthew 25: 34-36
Melanie's Mission
Covid has made it more difficult for everyone, including missionaries. Many of the dental trips to remote villages that Melanie was to be a part of have not been able to take place. She has still been a big help to us as we prepare to move and has plans to work with the young children along the Caribbean coast when we move there later this month.
Read her latest story, "How would You treat Jesus" on her blog at MelaniesMission.MiracleAir.org
Prayer Requests & Praises
We praise God for:
Positive contacts with the government as we continue to seek permission to operate.
A house in Pearl Lagoon that we have rented. We will be moving in later this month.
Being able to collect some of our personal belongings that were stored at the Verbo Mission in Puerto Cabezas over the past year and a half.
Please pray for:
Our move to Pearl Lagoon later this month as we work to establish an airbase on the Caribbean coast.
Our missionary partners:
Keith & Jennifer LaRoy and their two children who have just left Canada to begin language training in Costa Rica. Watch their latest video newsletter
Andrew Hosford who is finishing his flight instructor training and working on fundraising. View Andrew's newsletters here
The rollout of our new accounting system that enables us to track donations and expenses for our growing organization.
Thank you, once again, to each one of you who love and care for us. We are honored to be working with you in God’s mission field.
Nancy & Norman Hansen
Project Managers & Founders
(509) 540-3141 Voicemail & WhatsApp
Then He will answer them, saying, 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the east of these, you did not do it to Me.' Matthew 26:45
Pledge Allegiance to the Lamb
Like us, you are probably watching world events unfold around us and realize that we are closer than ever to seeing the return of Jesus. Let's all recommit our lives in service to Jesus and "Pledge Allegiance to the Lamb." Video credit: Fountainview Academy