This Easter season as we focus on the power of the
resurrection spirit of Jesus Christ over sin and suffering and the promise of a new, restored life that is found only in Him, my heart is with the friends and community partners of Compassion Creates Change™ in Nicaragua where Holy Week is being recognized in a very different way. Since last Thursday, Nicaragua has been shaken by three earthquakes that ranged on a scale between 5.1 and 6.7, along with numerous aftershocks. These occurred in the central part of the country to the north and south of the capital city of Managua.

The Nicaraguan President, Daniel Ortega, has issued a national "red alert," instructing nationals to sleep outdoors to avoid the risk of further tremors and crumbing structures during the night. "According to Pastor Maria Ponce, strategic national partner of Compassion Creates Change™, "the people of this nation have gone four nights without sleep and we are in the streets, since the earthquakes are strong and it is not safe to sleep in our homes." "We are exhausted and very nervous," she continues, "but we are trusting God who will have victory over the situation in which we are living."

Relief efforts are underway and will continue in the months to come. Resources are being focused on the evacuation of hundreds of families that were most severely impacted. Compassion Creates Change™ will be on the front lines of some of that ministry, once we can ascertain the best ways to come alongside the relief and development response. 

The Managua-based team and partners of Compassion Creates Change™ are safe and eager to resume the community health, nutrition screening, and child development ministries that serve hundreds of children and families each month. Two Compassion Creates Change™ mission teams from Nevada are also scheduled to assist several villages with relief and recovery in the coming months.

Right now, we can take part in the Easter story together - God can use our response to bring hope, healing and restoration to those in need in Nicaragua. Please partner with us and make a financial gift to this important work today. Thank you for keeping the nation of Nicaragua and Compassion Creates Change™ in your prayers.