Serving in Matiguas

When I first came to Nicaragua this past summer, I was told we would be visiting a prison and a drug rehab center. Knowing Nicaragua was a third world country, for whatever reason I still pictured in my mind what an American prison and drug rehab center would look like. The reality of these places here in Nicaragua is that instead of there being a large building with a roof, there is a large area fenced in, and inside the fenced in area are a few small structures that would not even be considered an established organization in the United States. When we visited the Matiguas rehab center yesterday, I decided to take some pictures to give everyone a little better understanding of what things look like. 

We brought with us a few bags of rice and beans and are hoping to bring more on our next few visits. They are always appreciative of our support and our desire to spend time with them. I was a able to sit down with a young man, 21 years old, named Hector and talk a little of his life and experience. Hector was born on the atlantic coast of Nicaragua (where English is commonly spoken) and has traveled a good deal with his family. He's been to several different countries and even lived in Europe for three years. He is fluent in both English and Spanish and is apparently an intelligent man. After being at the rehab center for four months he spoke of his desire not to leave because of his fear of returning to the same habits of drug use he had developed beforehand. I was a little shocked to hear that a person who had seen the world would be satisfied with his position of living in a shack and bathing in the river. There is a deep reality to the struggle of drug use among these people that I cannot explain or understand, but I am encouraged to see people with a desire to change and a contentment in a simple life with Jesus. I hope and pray that our visits continue to help encourage lives and that people like Hector may feel more freedom in their future as they develop their relationship with the Lord.

A big thanks to those who support this ministry, allowing us to serve a people in need. Specific donations to the Matiguas rehab center or other forms of ministry here in Nicaragua can be made through the donation link on the right side of the page or through the Laurel Church of Christ. Anyone is welcome to email me with thoughts or questions, ike2307@hotmail.com. God bless!

 Most sleep in these three little cobachas built of sticks and tarp.

 This little basin is where clothes and dishes are washed

 the kitchen for the 80+ people who are served food

 In Nicaragua, when there is not a nearby dump, trash is usually burned. They have dug giant holes for a place to burn their trash. I can't tell you which is worse, the smell of burnt trash or when it's littered everywhere, but there is a good combination of both all around the country.

 This is the new bunk house that was just built, able to keep about 25 people.

This is the nicest of the three outhouses they have available to those undergoing rehab. Yes, even the four women living there have to endure the 13 degree slant as they rest their head against the tin side of the pooper. I can't say whether there's toilet paper available, but I doubt it.