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?
​
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.