Nicaragua Update!

Well, I attended my first team meeting last Sunday. There are 12 of us on our team and we are only 3 weeks away from our travels!! We spent a lot of time talking about what we will be doing while there. I am so very excited and nervous at the same time. Looks like we will spend two days at the dump feeding children and other days will be spent on the base at the school. I am working on learning some spanish worship songs and can't wait to teach them some of ours! We are planning fun rhythm and dance games along with bringing PRESENTS! Here's the cool part... We are each going to check a suitcase full of goodies for the kids! We had 300 deflated soccer balls donated and tons of toothbrushes and toothpaste. We are asking anyone to donate any of the items below towards this cause if they'd like. These kids have little or nothing at all and we just can't wait to bring a smile on their face. If you'd like to help out with any of the items please email me and let me know. I can come get them from you and most can be purchased at the dollar store.

• fingernail polish
• wiffle balls/bats
• compact mirrors
• hard candy
• balloons
• paddleballs
• bubbles
• glitter
• tshirts
• baseball hats
• frisbees
• suckers
• wrist bands
• silly bands

I'm Going To Nicaragua...

I am truly humbled and blessed to say that this year I will have the honor of taking my very first mission trip to Nicaragua! Our Nicaragua missions group from my church will be building a home, feeding children and ministering in different areas while we are there. I believe that God has shown me how I can contribute directly to this effort and help fulfill His commission to go in to all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. Mark 16:15

In Nicaragua 48% of the population live below the poverty line. Nicaragua shares the dubious distinction with Haiti of being the poorest country in the western hemisphere. Mission trips like ours are vital to the recovery of their economy, the health of the people and the cause of Christ in this part of the world. You can read more about our hosts mission work, World Missions Outreach - HERE.

I am spreading the word to ask for your help in 3 areas. First and foremost I ask you to pray for the success of this trip. It's not automatic just because we show up. We've already begun planning construction, gathering the materials we will need, getting my passport, shots, etc...and frankly, unless the Lord is directing these efforts, I would just as soon stay home anyway. Your prayers are extremely important.

Next, I am asking for your financial support if you can do it. Some part of me cringes to ask for money, but on the other hand, I truly believe that the Lord is directing this project and your money will be planted into good soil that will return a harvest of souls and lives healed. My travel costs are $1300. Your gift is tax deductible! You can click HERE to make a payment to LifeGate Church (please specify - ABI SHAFFER missions) or you can mail a check made payable to LGC to PO BOX 1599, Villa Rica, GA 30180.

Third, stay up to date on the news of our trip!! Follow my blog as I'll be posting stories and pics as we prepare and while we are there. He is sending His love through you to Nicaragua as you pray and give what you can give. Thank you so much for being a part of my life - what an honor to call you friends and family.

- Abi Shaffer
770-699-6001
mylifegatechurch.com

Nicaragua & World Mission Outreach FACTS:

• There are almost 180 families that LIVE in the La Chureca dump. They live there to find metal scraps to sell to make money or just to find food to survive.
• World Missions Outreach is successfully feeding 16,000 children EVERY WEEK! My heart is overwhelmed at all that this mission is doing and I am anxious to help in any way.

TRIP DETAILS:

• Travel dates: March 19th - 26th, 2011
• Price breakdown: $100 by February 1st for room and board deposit // $743 for final airline payment by February 17th // final amount due March 1st - $457
• Our Mission Efforts:
  - feeding programs
  - La Chureca outreach / feeding program at the dump
  - Local school
  - Women's prison ministry
  - Construction projects on the base