Third Quarter Update - 2024

July:
Evangelism - Leaders encouraged weeks of fasting and prayer for the salvation of souls, and community leaders took turns leading each weekly activity. Pastor Adan's ministry began teaching material left to them, and biblical teachers are shared with children and young adults to encourage and support their spiritual growth. Pray for Pastor Santiago's wife's health to be restored and for each pastoral family as they take the Gospel to other communities.
Education - Each student is trained to be a proactive leader and to develop skills to open their own doors of opportunity; this grows the student's self-confidence and guides them to uplift those around them. Jessica is one such student. She is a nursing student who provides services free of charge at the hospital and schools in San Juan de Limay area. Many other students volunteer their time helping children read, write, and further their education.
Practical Needs - The mission team was welcomed by the Just One Opportunity communities of Nancital and Bacacan. Students, teachers, and community leaders guided tours and held a vigil to share the Gospel with the communities and mission team.

Mission Trip - 2024

Day 1 - When the team landed at Managua Airport in Nicaragua, their bags were confiscated. After a few hours of prayer, the luggage was returned, and the team continued to Sebaco, where the Just One Opportunity training center is located. The training center functions as a hub between the 25 villages being served by donations provided to Just One Opportunity; here, pastors, teachers, and college students receive training. The mission team was able to visit the new facility, which is currently under construction and will house university students while they participate in internships away from their villages. 

Day 2 - Nacital—The team worshiped and heard messages from the preachers and Roger. This served as a beautiful bonding opportunity between the mission team and residents of Nacital. Supplies were distributed between both churches of the Nacital region, as well as items just for the children. Las Avellanas is one of the most remote communities. This village has no running water or electricity, and the drive is very challenging. With your prayers, the Lord stayed with the mission team and saw them safely to the destination. 

Day 3 - College students traveled many hours to meet in Las Avellanas for a day filled with messages and wisdom from Roger and mission team member Jeff. Everyone enjoyed fun activities, food, and even time dedicated to the children of Las Avellanas. In the afternoon, Hurricane Beryl passed through; no one was hurt. That evening, the men on the mission team gathered with the locals for a Philippians Chapter 2 study group.

Day 4 - Preparations began for the evangelical community outreach event to be held later that day. This required many hours of improvement and set-up. Following such rigorous work, the team enjoyed time with the children, making Christian bracelets and reading from children's Bibles, then met with the pastors to discuss the plan and schedule for the evangelical community outreach event. Some of the mission team members played in the water with the children to further strengthen the bonds being created. Everyone had a great time. Later that evening, around 500 people gathered in Las Avellanas for the evangelical community outreach event; activities included preaching, singing, worshiping, eating, and more. Three mission trip members and pastors shared their testimonies and encouraged community members to come to Christ. In total, three people gave their lives to Jesus!

Day 5 - The day started with fun games with the children, and giving out the rest of the toys and donations for the community members. After packing up, the team drove to Las Pencas, where they could see, in person, the life-changing bridge Just One Opportunity built for the people living in the remote area. This bridge is the physical representation of the opportunities Just One Opportunity provides, bringing education, health, jobs, and the life-redeeming word of the Lord to the people living in remote villages of Nicaragua. ​

Second Quarter Update - 2024

June:
Evangelism - The ministries prayed and fasted for the success of the upcoming Mission Trip and the strength of the entire JOO family. Community leaders worked to improve the conditions to be adequate to receive the mission team; many community members became motivated to assist. Young couples receive weekly newspapers on getting married and serving God, while outdoor activities and united worship serve as a blessing for community members who do not know Christ receive the word. Seventeen Bibles were donated to the Nancital Ministry and distributed to families of new believers! Ministry leaders conducted united worship services in communities, at temples, and even by visiting homes to ensure the gospel reached everyone. Church leaders visited with widows and elderly community members, bringing them hope through the gospel and food donations.
Education - Students, supported by their parents, participated in the community improvement efforts to welcome the mission team and help the community leaders. Students continued attending training seminars to develop new skills and reinforce their education.
Practical Needs - A solar panel battery was donated to Teacher Aracely from Habra Vieja, allowing her to work on school plans from her home. Additional tools and products were brought into the communities for the mission team's arrival. 

May:
Evangelism - Seventeen Bibles were donated to the Nancital Ministry and distributed to families of new believers! Ministry leaders conducted united worship services in communities, at temples, and even by visiting homes to ensure the gospel reached everyone. Church leaders visited with widows and elderly community members, bringing them hope through the gospel and food donations.
Education - High school and university students continue their leadership seminars aimed at promoting community involvement. These students are transforming lives through volunteerism, such as literacy classes, tutoring those in need, and working to improve the community in many sustainable ways.
Practical Needs - Two solar panel batteries were donated to families who will benefit from light access to facilitate daily tasks.​

April:
Evangelism - Faith continues to spread throughout the remote Nicaraguan villages, as another 20 people gave their lives to Jesus, and 16 more were baptized.
Education - Leadership training continues as spiritual and vocational leaders share their stories to motivate students and encourage them to fight for their communities while following God’s direction. The newest students begin their educational journey, and others receive after-school tutoring so no student falls behind.
Practical Needs - Luz de Esperanza church, located in Tierra Negras but accessible to at least ten nearby villages, received donations to construct a new roof, allowing more people to come to know Jesus. With your donations, four fans were purchased for Shalom Ministries. The church is extremely hot and will now enable the congregation to worship more comfortably. In order to buy solar panels, a family sold enchiladas during school kit distributions and throughout their community; however, they requested assistance in purchasing the batteries needed to operate them. Now, two families have access to light with these new solar panels.

First Quarter Update - 2024

March:
Evangelism - Pastors continued entering new communities where the Gospel has never been heard, preaching outdoors. Three new followers were reached as they chose to give their lives to the Lord. Couples receive counseling to unite in marriage and Serve God.
Education - 232 young students across 24 communities received school kits, providing significant relief to parents who lacked the resources to meet this need. Through Servant Leadership training, students become more involved in their communities, inspire other students to follow suit, and create more confident, supportive individuals and future community leaders.
Practical Needs - Servant leadership carries over, supporting more than educational needs. Students support food distribution efforts for people experiencing homelessness.

February:
Evangelism - A Spiritual Formation Seminar was provided to young adults in our ministry, and two more people accepted the Lord and were baptized.
Education - High school and college students attend Servant Leadership and Practical Skills Development Seminars. As a result of their education, these students provide tutoring to adults learning how to read and write and primary school children needing assistance in overcoming difficulties in school.
Practical Needs - A family in need received the materials necessary to construct an outhouse, improving the sanitation and overall well-being of more community members.

January:
Evangelism - Sunday school remains the fundamental pillar in teaching the youngest community members the Gospel and providing a firm foundation for the rest of their lives; this month, we saw 18 young people give their lives to God. This strengthened the devotion and work of pastors and community leaders, providing them the faith to take the word of God into remote communities without churches to preach for the first time.
Education—Our efforts to educate community members continue to grow. We received nine requests for financial assistance, seven from high school students and two from university students. All prayed to further their education with the support of Just One Opportunity. Developing leadership, entrepreneurship, and personal skills are ways we support our current students.

2023 Update

Amidst the challenging context of Nicaragua, we are witnessing a remarkable surge in people turning to Jesus. Your support directly contributes to an investment in the education, sanitation and health, and the spiritual discovery and growth in 25 villages! Our college students are rising as leaders in their villages, creating ripples of positive change that resonate for generations to come, as we witnessed 15 students graduate 12 of whom are already employed and giving back to their communities. Not only are they pursuing higher education, but they are also giving back by teaching those who lack basic reading and writing skills. Your support has empowered them to be catalysts of education and empowerment, preparing individuals to transform their lives through literacy. 

Beyond education, we are investing in practical projects that address fundamental needs within these communities. From the construction of outhouses and sanitation initiatives to sponsoring Health Ambassadors, your contributions are directly improving the quality of life for many. Your partnership is a testament to the profound impact that can be achieved when individuals come together for a common purpose. We are humbled by your commitment and inspired by the transformations we are collectively bringing to fruition. As always, thank you for standing with us as we work tirelessly to bring lasting change to the lives of those in remote villages of Nicaragua.

We are excited to continue this journey together, with your support, making a world of difference and providing opportunities to break the cycle of poverty.  Join our mailing list and follow us on social media to discover what changes 2024 will bring to remote villages in Nicaragua.

2022 Update

For the last three months, we have done the following projects: 
1. Built a Road: During the rainy season many of our villages are impacted by their main pathway eroding. This makes it very difficult for teachers, students and many others to come and go. A community leader shared with Just One Opportunity the need to build a level path over one kilometer long. By improving this road, students, teachers and people from villages will have better access to schools, health clinics and markets. This community leader saw a need and we get to support the vision- The project is complete.
2. Clean Water project:  Just One Opportunity is working hard in remote villages of Nicaragua to provide clean water. Here are some pictures of a clean water project in one of the villages that we work with. The school and the entire community greatly benefited from this project. 
3. Food Distribution:  We provided over 30 thousand pounds of food to the most needed people. 
4. Community Service: Our students have over 1,850 hours of volunteering to make their village a better place to live. 

January Update 2022 - School Uniforms Distribution 

Partnering with remote communities and providing school uniforms and school supplies is one of the most simple ways to combat poverty. This past week, some families even walked for hours to receive this supplies for the upcoming school year. With your support, we were able to bless 176 students and about 40 more students to be blessed in February!   

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2021 Update 

Happy New Year  to you and your family. We are blessed to have your prayers and continued financial support. In spite of COVID 19, 2021 was an incredible year. We sponsored 6 pastors, provided over 120 hours of pastoral training, and 40 people gave their lives to Jesus. We provided over 250 hours of professional training for our students and community leaders, provided school uniforms, backpacks and shoes to 275 elementary school students, and sponsored 25 high school and 35 college students. We gave 40,000 pounds of food to more than 200 families in need. We built two houses, one for a pastor and one for a widow. This year we completed 45 different projects that improved the lives of remote villagers. Thank you, because of your partnership we accomplished so much. Together we are breaking the cycle of poverty in remote villages of Nicaragua. Your generous donation of any amount is always welcome. Please consider donating by clicking here.

October 2021  Update

Baptism

Marriage Counseling

Community outreach

Our nurse students helping with COVID patient.

Working with teachers to prevent COVID at schools

Students caring for elders

Virtual pastors training

Students washing their hands to prevent COVID

One of our students cooking for an elder woman

Our students providing food for an elder woman

Computer class for our students

Our students are making bracelets

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Summer 2021 Update

​Over the summer months the villages have experienced difficulties but also see great leaders emerge. The pastors and other church leaders expressed a desire to learn to better assist their congregation by learning how to develop a vision for the church, and to become more efficient at community outreach. August through October they will participate in an online training that was developed by pastors in the United States. They are already feeling better equipped in supporting their congregation with the training manuals they take back to their churches and villages.

Teachers and parents have had a difficult time combating the Corona-virus. Your meaningful donation of $50, or amount of your choosing, will continue to assist them in purchasing masks, cleansing gels, and bars of soap to help keep the children and community healthy. There is also a risk of contaminated water, therefore storage containers are purchased to keep the water safe for daily washing.
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In 2019 Rafaela, a Just One Opportunity sponsored college student, recognized her family was struggling to afford food and found employment at a local family farm. After only 4 months of hard work and saving money she was able to purchase one small female pig. Since then she has acquired 10 large and 5 small pigs, 1 cow, and over 40 chickens. Rafaela will graduate this year with a degree in Accounting and Finance, then plans to own a cattle ranch where she will produce meat to be sold in the big city and provide jobs for the members of her village.

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June 2021 Update

​We pray that you and your family are doing well. We are partnering with a local church to build a pastoral house for Pastor Juan and his family. For over two years they lived with another family. This new space will help the pastor and his family spend time with one another and to continue ministering to the community. We treasure our pastors and spiritual leaders as they are vital to our mission.
 
With your support, we continue to make a lasting impact for Christ in remote villages of Nicaragua through Evangelism, Education and Practical Needs. There is still time to be a part of this project. We have about 30% left to do. Will you consider helping us finish this house for the pastor and his family? Give here: https://www.justoneopportunity.org/donate.html
As always, everything we do aligns with our mission to break the cycle of poverty in remote villages of Nicaragua through the practical expression of Christ’s love.
Take a look at these two progress pictures taken just a couple days ago. Can you see all the stones they had to remove JUST to make the foundation? The community has really come together to make this possible through a lot of hard work!:
 

Pastor Juan and his family at the elementary school where his kids go to school

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May 2021 Update

Evangelism: Just One Opportunity works closely with five pastors in remote villages of Nicaragua; they recently shared health problems and discouragement in their congregations. Despite these challenges, they continued their discipleship and training for families and church leaders. Mentorship to the young, marriage counseling, and baptisms continued as well as community outreach. Please continue to pray for the pastors, their families, and the community. ​

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Education: Our education sponsorship has grown to 60 students, 37 of which are in college, the rest being in high school. In addition to providing support for college and high school education, we provide them the opportunity to improve their writing, computer, and professional development skills through after-school programs. In our Training Center students have the opportunity to remain engaged in different activities such as making handmade bracelets, the students are then in charge of promoting and selling the bracelets to help in supporting their basic needs.

Practical Needs: During dry seasons the communities in remote Nicaragua experience difficulty in growing crops. Just One Opportunity works closely with local pastors to identify families in need of food. At the beginning of the month, we provided food and supplies for 100 families between two villages. They were extremely grateful for our support.

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April 2021 Update

​Thank you for Supporting Glenda’s Opportunity
Preview YouTube video Just One Opportunity - Roger shares a story of a student. 
https://youtu.be/mbSklv6otas
          Upcoming Opportunities

• Water Well Repair: the structure is broken leaving the pump destroyed. Repair is roughly $3000.
• The Pastoral House: a Pastor and his family have been living in their church. Windows and doors will complete the home being built for them. $2000

                      Glenda Delgadillo’s Dream
Glenda Delgadillo has had significant challenges in the pursuit of her education. As a Nicaraguan living in the poorest Spanish-speaking country in the world, and within a rural area where only 1 in 5 students finish the 6th grade, Glenda grew up in a place with very few opportunities and little hope. Glenda also had a child at a very early age and is a single mom in a place that has the highest teen pregnancy rate in all of Latin America. Her parents never went to school. Her father, 70-year-old, works all day on the farm to make less than $5 a day in an effort to support his family. No matter how hard or how many hours a day he works on the farm, it will be impossible for her father to support Glenda’s college education alone. Despite all of this, Glenda knows that the Lord is greater than all of these challenges.
Glenda loves Jesus and she is actively involved in her church. Her favorite passage of the Bible is Mathew 8:23-27 where Jesus calms the storm.
Her mother, 58-year-old Miriam Orozco, wants Glenda to have better opportunities than what she had and knows one of the only ways out of extreme poverty is for Glenda to receive a college education. Glenda is the only one, of five siblings, who has had the opportunity to complete high school and pursue higher education.
Glenda said, “The Lord has been my helper. Just One Opportunity has been the best blessing from the Lord. Without the financial support from Just One Opportunity, today, I would not be in my third year of college studying to be a pharmacist.”
Glenda has shared with us, that because of her skills that she has learned in college, she now is working as an assistant pharmacist in her community. Glenda’s life has been changed forever. She has worked hard and has faced many difficult challenges because she is not only a college student, but she is also a single mother who works hard, each day, to change not only her life but the life of her family.
Glenda is very grateful to receive your support and wants to thank each of her supporters who are making real impacts on the people who are living in the remote villages of Nicaragua; helping them build up their lives so they can share God's love and make impacts on their communities. We thank you.
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March 2021 Update 

Thank you for your partnership with Just One Opportunity. You are helping us break the cycle of poverty in remote villages of Nicaragua through the practical expression of Christ Love. 
Evangelism: 

• ​We are closely working with the pastors to share the Gospel in remote villages of Nicaragua. In March we baptized some of the new believers.
• With the support of the pastors, we are providing leadership training for the leaders of the churches.​

​Practical Needs:

• We provided a family with some hens so that they have eggs to provide food for their family.
• Just one opportunity built a bridge in 2015. This bridge has been a big blessing for thousands of people from the most remote villages.  In March we did a maintenance repairs to ensure the bridge stay in perfect condition.
• We continue to work with the villages to improve the sanitation condition of their community. The families who need an outhouse, they are required to build their own hole and we provide the technical labor and materials to ensure the outhouse is build properly.

 Education:

• Today we have 35 college students and 25 high school students in our program. Some of them are graduating from college.

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February 2021 Update

Practical Needs Outreach: School Uniform Distribution
With your generous support we had the opportunity to donate 203 uniforms, shoes, and backpacks as well as over 1,000 notebooks, pens, and pencils to the students in remote villages of Nicaragua. Thank you!

January 21 2021 Update

Education: 
Jazmina Sequeira Graduates College on January 21, 2021.  She received a degree as an Industrial Engineer.  She is immensely grateful ​for the unconditional support she received from the Just One Opportunity family throughout her professional training. She is proud to become a part of the Just One Opportunity team and hopes to inspire other young people.

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January 16 2021 Update

Practical needs outreach.  Nicaragua was devastated by recent hurricanes.  The villages you help us minister to were impacted by the loss of this season's crops.  With your support Just One Opportunity was able to deliver food for 150 families.  Families received about $20 in food each composed of 15 pounds or rice, 10 pounds of beans and oil.  There are 300 other families who desperately need food this month to meet their basic needs.  We will be able to meet the needs of 50 families this month with some needed support.  Very grateful to be in this with you. 

October 2020 Update

These are some picture of the house that we are building for a widow. Maritza Padilla. Pastors, parents and students are working together to get this project done.  We also built 10 sanitation systems and are working on a pastoral home under our practical needs focus. 

Sponsored Students Give Back in a Powerful way.  September 2020

Student Initiatives:  September 2020

Your sponsored students often generate ideas and enthusiasm to find ways to be proactive and help their communities out of poverty.  Just One Opportunity was glad to provide support and materials for this Nicaraguan initiative making crafts and learning skills to generate additional income for their communities, meeting practical needs and having fun doing it. 

Opportunity To Make A Huge Difference

Aug 23 2020.  Please consider this practical needs opportunity to make a difference in the life of a recent widow in Nicaragua.   Details follow.   "On June 15, my husband was working in a mine and on his way back to the house, the chain on the motorcycle he was driving was damaged.  He stopped by a side of the road at a repair shop to test the chain to make sure it was working properly.  While repairing it, the motorcycle took off with him and he was smashed against a wall. After hours of trying to figure out how to get him to the doctor and being so far away from medical care, by the time we got him to the hospital there was not much the doctors could do.  At first, I was questioning why God would take my husband. Anubal loved the Lord and his family. He worked long hours in the mine to provide for our family.  Just this year, we were in the process of building our first house.  Now without my husband, I cannot provide the basic needs and a safe home for my three kids.  I want to work to provide for my three kids, but in the village where I live, there is not any source of jobs.  Men either work in the farm or go to a mine nearby to work.  My three kids have been asking me, “Mommy, what is going to happen to us?  Our Daddy is not here, how are we going to have food?”  So far some of the neighbors have been so compassionate with helping us with food.  I am praying and asking God to help me to finish my house so that my children have a safe place to sleep.  The picture above is the house that I have today, and it is wide open and very unsafe for my kids especially during the night because we do not have electricity and it is extremely dark.

Upon investigation we discovered it would take $1,500 to help her finish the house.  After praying and seeking the Lord, we want to set a goal to reach $3,500 to give to her and her family to help cover the cost of her home and any additional unforeseen needs.  May we be the hands and feet of Christ Jesus and provide for our brothers and sisters in need.  Any donation is tax deductible. Please write your support to Just One Opportunity and we will make sure the support goes straight to this family.  Thank you so much.

April Graduation

We are excited to share a success story that you made happen through your generosity.  One of our sponsored students successfully graduated University and is prepared to join the workforce.  This is an incredible accomplishment on her part and you made it possible.  Here is her graduation and words of appreciation for your support.

I feel happy and grateful to God and all those who helped me to fulfill one more goal in my life since without the support I would not have achieved it. The sacrifice of my parents was worth it, now it is my turn to look after them, I feel very excited, I longed for the day to see myself become a professional, it was not easy or impossible, as long as we put love to what we do we will have good results. I really appreciate your guidance, your time dedicated to each one of us.    May God bless you and each of the sponsors who help many young people achieve their goals. Blessings!

January 2020 School supply distribution

September 2019 Highlight Report

We are excited to highlight some of our exemplary college students at Just One Opportunity.  One of our methods to break the cycle of poverty in Nicaragua is through education, and we are seeing the benefit of our investment and the nearly complete circle on this return on investment. We support our students through primary and secondary school and university. Our desire is that our students become productive members in their communities and help their communities break out of poverty. In this report, we highlight three exemplary Just One Opportunity students and want to help find them careers. If you have ideas on how to provide employment for our graduates, we will be excited to hear from you.

My name is Mayling Zenelia Matamoros Meza. I am studying to be a nurse.  I am in my third year of nursing school.  I thank the entire Just One Opportunity team for supporting my education because without your help I would not have undertaken my dream. My experience as a nursing student has been broad. I have learned to relate to different types of people with different health problems, which have developed my skills as a health professional. My experience has been through practices in primary and secondary care in hospitals and community centers.  I have developed skills such as: how to screen patients and take blood samples, administer intravenous medications, control vital signs, and conduct vaccinations.

​My Name is Walkiria Tamara Delgadillo. I am studying Pharmacy and I am in fourth year of school in the American University in Managua.  My experience as a pharmacy student has developed in me the ability to serve people.  This kind of service work includes the preparation of medications, vaccinations, and also anti-inflammatory ointments for minor or severe blows. The medical practicals in the community centers have helped me to be comprehensive and attentive to the needs that arise every day in the people of my community. I hope to continue gaining knowledge to continue to provide my service to the people who need it.

My name is Ruth Nohemí Orozco Matamoro. I am in my third year, studying Business Administration in the University of Leon.  University life is a completely new stage for me, and coupled with a transition stage to the world of adulthood this period has been an opportunity to discover myself, learn new skills and realize how much I am in love with my career. My experience at the university has helped me to set my mission and vision as a student. At first thinking about the future was an overwhelming topic for me, something I tried to avoid, but now I feel more prepared to deal with challenges, no longer as a girl but as a professional.  

July 2019 Activity Report

1. Evangelism:  The Bacaan church has remained stable, however the leaders are working hard to evangelize their community continuously, in Albellanas the pastor is working with Santiago on activities for children, in the nancital church this month two people reconciled thanks to an evangelistic campaign and two members were married.  Our four sponsored Pastors are working in synch to encourage the JOOP students and community members. 
2. Education:
 Secondary and University Education:
We are working with grammar and writing with our students.   We are excited to work on a new activity with the students to reach out to widows that will be implemented in the communities in the near future.  
Primary Education:
The Teachers are implementing reading and dictation lessons to improve writing in children from 4 to 6.  We using a short story book, Pinocchio.  

Letter from JOOP Field Director Ana Julia

Just One Opportunity October 24 2018
 
This is a current report from Just One Opportunity Nicaraguan Field Director Ms Ana-Julia Orrozco on how the political situation in Nicaragua has affected our mission.
 
In times past, Nicaragua has been listed as one of the safest countries in Central America.  Described as developing at a controlled through tourism, projects and innovations of its young people.  However this year 2018 has taken a horrific turn affecting our entire population. This crisis began in mid-April of 2018, leaving as a consequence hundreds of deaths, private companies closed, thousands of unemployed who have resorted to leaving the country.   The crisis has affected our economy and also our physical security in every way.  There has been so much insecurity in the country that most universities and schools decided to close indefinitely.  Students who attended class did so with fear and had to go through barricades with armed people.  Because of these challenges attendance dropped significantly.
 
As leader in the organization, my team and I have been analyzing the situation and looking for a local economic partner since we are looking for additional opportunities to raise funds within our country, to improve conditions in the areas we minister.  We have been hindered in this endeavor due to the political situation that has occurred over the last 6 months.
 
Impact in the area of ​​evangelism
 
The churches have been in constant prayer for the stability of the country since this situation has left people afraid to go out into the streets.  People have not been regularly attending churches, and the work of evangelism was stagnant for a while because the pastors could not move.  However their activities within their communities have continued despite fears.  Our pastors are motivated by the love that God has placed in their heart towards their people to evangelize and are very grateful for the help that the organization is providing them in HIS daily work within the Churches.
 
Impairment in primary education.
 
One of the problems that was experienced in the schools was the loss of the
school snack, since the barricades prevented the passage of the trucks that moved the children's food, leaving them hungry.  During the height of the crisis months, children attended classes without breakfast because parents could not move from their communities due to danger and also due to high food prices.  Presently the school snack is arriving at schools but in fewer portions since the economic crisis has affected our country in such a way that it cannot manage to supply the whole country.
 
In the month of July JOOP carried out a feeding project supplying the families of the Albellanas community, which is the community that suffers from having the least economic resources.  Thanks to the organization the families were able to withstand the food crisis that was ongoing at that time.
 
Impairments in secondary education
 
In this case, the biggest issue was in transportation to the schools due to the barricades.   Buses could not reliably transport students for fear of being burned. Parents were afraid to send their children because of the danger, since most attacks were on young students.  This led to a temporary school closure and as consequence a delay in presenting school material and lower grades on average. 
 
As a leader in the organization I have been motivated by the students who show their initiative to develop personally and in their education.  They are driven to improve their grades and in spite of their challenges.
 
 
Impact on University Education
 
One of the most affected areas has been on the university students, since they are mobilized to other cities to champion for more educational benefits.   The following crisis, pushed some universities to close temporarily, and those that continued to operate did not do so regularly.   Public transportation was also challenging due to barricades and parents were not always wiling to send their children to classes.  
There is still no stability in the country, and the situation left an increase in transportation expenses in many cases the students only have the help that Just One Opportunity offers them.
 
Impact on Practical Needs
 
Many of the communities have suffered from shortages of food, instability in work , and can not cover basic human needs.  Our country is deteriorating, and the quality of life is degrading while costs continue to rise people are leaving in search for
opportunities to provide for their families with what is necessary.  There are few people available to help the needy and Just One Opportunity has been overseeing attempts to help their practical needs through training and projects within remote communities within Nicaragua.  During the political crisis many families were left without food and so we implemented a project to provide food for the community of Albellanas and also helped in the construction of a latrine in the home of two older men with limited resources and ability to move. 

Letter From Pastors to JOOP Supporters

Just One Opportunity  October 24, 2018
Please receive our fraternal greetings from the 5 pastors of different churches you support.  We thank you for letting us be part of your ministry and may the peace of God continue to be a blessing to all of you who are part of this team.
 
Dear brothers, we thank you for all the financial benefits that we have received from you to do our ministry.   We are field pastors who do missions, that is, we preach in places where the gospel is almost unreached, and by the political situation in which we are living in the country the poverty increased more in the urban areas where our churches are located.   By the power of Christ, we live by faith.
 
For this reason it is that we as pastoral leaders ask that you continue to support us.  We expect 2019 will be very challenging both spiritually and materially.  Currently, the economy of our country has decreased more than 3% and your help to us allows us to purchase the tools needed to reinforce our evangelism efforts. 
 
We thank you always for your good will and your financial help encourages us in our commitment to our ministry.
 
In Christ,
 
1. Rafael Padilla
2. Santiago Zelaya
3. Rosario Jarquin
4. Emeritus Reyes
5. Juan Abarca
 

Letter From Teachers to JOOP Supporters 

Just One Opportunity.  24 October 2018
Letter from sponsored teachers to Just One Opportunity Supporters:
Please receive our warm greetings and sincere wishes for your continued blessing in the Lord.  We want to take advantage of this occasion to present ourselves to you.  We are a team of 12 teachers, 5 preschool and 7 multi-grade primary school teachers from different community schools.  We want to express our thanks to you, the supporters of Just One Opportunity and let you know we have been working with new strategies and initiatives and in the reinforcement of our teaching mission.  One of our initiatives is to provide monthly curriculum and planning support to students who have greater difficulties in their learning. 
 
Because of our impact in the lives of our students we urge Just One Opportunity board members and supporters to continue to provide the monthly support you provide us.  We won’t hide how critical this current year 2018 was to us due to the sociopolitical situation facing our country.  The crisis has affected us directly and has touched the entire Nicaraguan population.   To put it clearly, in 2019 without your support it will be very difficult for us to continue to provide school reinforcement to our most challenged students.
 
Why so critical?  As a teacher we believe that when we bring up our challenged students we improve the pace of learning for the whole class.  Your financial support empowers us to successfully complete the school year and helps us in our school expenses.
 
We hope to hear that you will continue to support this important work.  We say goodbye but not without first wishing you success in your work.
 
With much appreciation signed,
 
1. Karla Patricia Altamirano Rayo               7. Fidelina Orozco
2. Janeth Hernández Ruiz                            8. Emiliano Vilchez
3. Lilliam Matamoros                                    9.Elsa Altamirano
4. Aracelys Padilla                                         10.Mary Cruz Mayorga
5. Meyling Sáenz                                           11.Sayda Obando
6. Fatima Treminio                                        12.Anielka Altamirano
 

Nicaragua Crisis: How it affects JOOP

July 2018.  Many in America don't know about the crisis in Nicaragua.  A search on the internet will give you an idea on how difficult the situation is there right now.  The situation in Nicaragua has left thousands of families without nothing and living in fear. In the middle of hardship and uncertainty in Nicaragua, some people are trying hard to continue with life.   Just One Opportunity's mission continues in Nicaragua however the situation on the ground makes it difficult to reach the villages we serve and we had to cancel a planned trip this July.  In Sebaco, the location of our training center there is fighting and recurring violence is within blocks of the center.  Although some of our efforts have been challenged, we have not given up hope and expect to deliver supplies and continue the full education and steady support to local churches as soon as we are able.  
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 Just one opportunity continues to work hard to provide food and help the people also produce their own food.  In Abellanas we have seen some of our previous efforts pay off as the community has worked together to come up with their own solution to their problems. 

This initiative began with a family who we have helped to buy a water pump to do irrigation to grow crops as part of the practical needs part of our mission. Domingo, the head of the family is a man who is not giving up and he is doing everything possible to provide for his family and the community. Domingo just harvested a successful melon harvest and distributed it to Abellanas to help ease hunger in his community.  Just One Opportunity is committed to fight the cycle of poverty continues to help families like Domingo. Just one opportunity continue to it's best in the support we provide to pastors, teachers, students and in practical needs.

Please continue to pray for Nicaragua to stop the unrest and for healing in this beautiful country.

Internship Update from Nicaragua

One Month in Nicaragua
By Laura Allen
April 5, 2018
        
This past month has been an amazing experience. I definitely had a one of a kind opportunity to serve here in Sebaco. I am so thankful for the time I was able to spend here. Also, I was able to spend time with some of the most amazing people anyone could ever meet. My primary purpose in coming was to do daily devotionals with and teach English to Ana Julia and Jazmina. I ended up doing that and more. The daily devotionals and English classes were joined by a JOOP student, named Glenda. So our daily routine consisted of the four of us girls. However, our daily routine was often subject to change. We usually had one or two additional people, and sometimes as many as ten or more. I also attended a few Just One Opportunity meetings, for the pastors and teachers.

Here is a summary of the things we did and how they went:

1.  Daily devotionals, we used the Gospel Centered Life, created by Serge. Ana Julia, Jazmina, and Glenda used the Spanish version and I used the English version. We would also read an additional Psalm and pray together. I think the material was clear and the time was well spent. A few days Jazmina and Glenda were gone and Ana and I were able to go even deeper, talking about our walks with God. It was definitely a good opportunity for growth together as women in ministry.
2. English class with Ana Julia, Jazmina, and Glenda. We focused primarily on conversational English. We covered all the basics such as greetings, personal introductions, question, simple sentences, ect. They definitely all have the desire to learn English, but in Sebaco most people are not exposed to English. So it is very difficult to learn. In the reading exercises they did very well comprehending English. However, natural speed and pronunciation are still very difficult for them.
3. English class with the Just One Opportunity Students. The most memorable class was one, about a week after I arrived. We had been doing daily classes just the 4 of us for 7 days so I was expecting the class to be that size. During breakfast, I remember looking out the door and thinking, wow there are a lot of people out by the mango tree. However, those people turned out to be the students for that day. We had over 10 extra students. I think it went very well. It was great getting to know the Just One Opportunity Students better. The following Monday we had a similarly sized class. That also went very well. I was surprised by how much English some of the students know. Many of them practice frequently and know English words, but do not have the opportunity to practice, in order to really become fluent. I was very impressed by the younger students who came as well. A few girls were under 14 years old, but they were able to keep up with the class and did very well.
4. Meeting with the Pastors. I did not understand all of this, because it was in Spanish. However, I really liked how it was structured. The Pastors all gave an update about their congregations, needs, and struggles. They also discussed new ideas to help with the problems and better serve their community.
5. The meeting with the teachers. This was also a very good meeting. The teachers all gave updates about their schools and students. They also shared songs and activities they use with their students. I think they are a great group of teachers. They are all very passionate about teaching.
   
   

Possible Ways to Improve:

• The training center has many copies of the Spanish New Testament Bible with Psalms, but I think they need complete Spanish Bibles.
• The computer training would be easier if there were more laptops, many of the students have to share during the training.
• The University students only go to school on either Saturdays or Sundays. So if it were possible to seminars or intensive courses at some points during the year, I think it would give them a leg up academically. Also, computer programs, such as Roseta Stone could be offered to students who want to learn English.
  
  

The American Nicaraguan School in Managua, holds the English Language Proficiency Test (ELPT). If students pass that test, they could study or work internationally very easily. In Summary, I think there is a way to provide Just One Opportunity students with more options than what the Nicaraguan Universities are offering. 

I am sad to leave Nicaragua! I am so thankful for the time I was able to spend here. I will miss Ana Julia and Jazmina and all the students! I hope to return to Nicaragua again soon. I will be praying for the Just One Opportunity ministry in Nicaragua. I had such a great time experiencing the culture and teaching and just living with these brothers and sisters in Christ!

Thank you so much,
Laura Allen

2017 Year end Update

We are truly thankful to each of you for making 2017 a year like no other for Just
One Opportunity. Lives are being transformed, thanks to the generosity and
compassion of friends like you!
As we look to 2018, our impact can be even greater. The Lord has given us a big
vision, and we are trusting that he will provide everything needed to impact the
lives of many more people in the remote villages of Nicaragua.

Our first priority has always been to honor the Lord by pursuing the vision He has
put in front of us – to end the cycle of poverty for thousands of people across
Nicaragua.
I know you will agree that the best way to change this cycle is to focus on the
children. They are the future, and will be the ones that move out and change the
trajectory of their families for generations to come.

During these final days of 2017, we are asking for your help to:

 Support 8 Pastors to continue sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ.
 Change the lives of 53 students by sending them to school.
 Support 8 Teachers to provide a quality education across twelve villages.
We still have more than 80 percent of our budget to raise. We serve a big God,
and are trusting in His timing to provide everything needed.
Please consider giving a year-end donation.

A donation of any amount is truly appreciated. If you would like to give online,
please know that a portion of your donation will go toward credit card processing
fees. If you would like 100% of your donation to go to the ministry, please
consider donating by check.
Make checks payable to: Just One Opportunity
Give Now

Send to: 708 Kings Grant Court
​Virginia Beach, VA 23452

Thank you! And may the joy and peace of this season be with you and your
families. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Yours in Christ,
Roger Orozco
Director Just One Opportunity

August 2017 Update

Click here for Our August 2017 Update

Evangelism:

• 13 people gave their lives to Jesus during our mission trip in July.
• Pastors received biblical training every month.
• Our 36 students were mentored once a month by a pastor in the Training Center.

Education:

•  Five teachers sponsored by Just One Opportunity received training on how to work with parents and how to involve them in the education of their children.
• Our sponsored students are all doing well in school and receiving Computer and English classes once a month.
• The five sponsored teachers are working together with the college and high school students to tutor the elementary aged students.
• A gifted teacher from Virginia Beach visited Nicaragua in July to train teachers from the villages.
• We anticipate 50 applicants to enter the program in 2018.

Practical Needs:

• Through our partnership with Bridges to Prosperity, a bridge is being completed-- over 3,000 people will directly benefit from it.
• Two outhouses were built in Abellanas one for the church and one for the community
• Over 150 solar lights were distributed in the villages where there is no electricity
• 100 flashlights were given to the villages so that they can use them to go to church during the night

February 2017 Update: ​
Click here for Our February 2017 Monthly  Update.

Evangelism:

• Six couples met last month to receive marriage counseling. They are studying the book, "Five Love Languages" taught by a couple who has been doing this for 12 years. 
• The pastors met at the training center and were taught about working as a team and encouraging believers within their congregation to spread the Gospel in other villages.  
• The 36 students are being discipled once a month by a pastor in the training center.

​Education: 

• Five teachers sponsored by Just One Opportunity received training about how to work with parents and how to involve them in the education of their children
• Our students are starting a new school year. 13 college students and 23 high school are enrolled this year.
• The five teachers sponsored by Just One Opportunity are working together with the college and high school students to tutor the elementary aged students.
• The 36 students that we sponsor are receiving English classes once a month.

Practical Needs: 

• Lunch and the cost of transportation was provide for the pastors, teachers, and students to attend training at Just One Opportunity’s training center
• We are in the process of creating the design to build a bridge.

January 2017 Update:  
​Click here for Our January 2017 Monthly Update.

Evangelism: On January 14 we meet with the pastors from the twelve villages we serve and created a plan to reach out to other villages and disciple leaders to spread the Gospel.  We planned events for the entire year for pastors, elders, and married couples.  We brainstormed and asked: How do we disciple and raise leaders within the church?  What does it mean to serve in God’s Kingdom?  How can we more effectively share the Gospel in remote villages without churches?
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Education:  We encouraged our high school students and their parents and we shared about trusting God with everything we have and the importance of being thankful towards God for the opportunity to receive an education.  We uplifted our sponsored teachers and recommitted our supportive role as they strive to provide a quality education to the elementary children.  

On January 13, we were at the school where Roger Orozco attended. We provided 120 uniforms to elementary school students who live in extreme poverty. Their parents are often unable to afford a school uniform which prevents a child from attending school. The students received a uniform, pair of shoes, backpack, five notebooks and pencils. About 300 people attended this event and the local representatives were extremely thankful for the support you provided.

Practical Needs:  During our first mission trip of 2017, we distributed 400 toothpastes and brushes.  We brought tools for Henry to help us repair and improve the school in Albellanas and in the community.  We met with a group of engineers who are working with Just One Opportunity to build a bridge across a main section of a river. This is the same river that Roger crossed as a child to get to sch

2016 Year End News Letter

October 29 Meeting

On October 29th we launched a meeting with prayer and with Bible reading done by pastor Santiago who also gave us some thoughts.  We continued in worship with pastor Rafael and proceeded to explain our strategic plan for 2017.  This was a well coordinated plan and we explained the various points and also discussed several of the points and learned some of their opinions on the matter.  It was apparent that we have full transparency with the local church and they have interest in working in the ministry with us and gave us both encouragement in work as well as in personal matters. 

October Update

Nicaragua July 2016 Missions Trip

On July 23-July30, several men from Virginia went to Avellanas to replace the roof on the church in the village.  Praise the Lord that He was with us!  We were a part of Kingdom work and made connections with Nicaraguans.